States Evaluating Professional Licenses; Is The CPA At Risk?

A number of state governments have recently begun to introduce bills aimed at addressing their involvement in the issuance of professional licenses. Proposed changes include lowering requirements that are viewed to be burdensome or unnecessary, and/or potentially eliminating the requirement for a license altogether. In West Virginia, for instance, a bill introduced last year would eliminate the requirement for state licenses provided the worker discloses to the consumer that they’re practicing without the license.

Proponents for the changes include the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which believe in a consumer’s right to be able to choose with whom they do business. ALEC also argues that the cost of training and education required to obtain many state licenses prohibits individuals from establishing businesses.

In response to the potential threat to their professions, and in expectation that more states will follow, a number of national associations like the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, along with several architectural and engineering associations, have formed the Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing (ARPL) to promote the practice of maintaining high professional licensing standards issued by the individual states.

ARPL advocates that by requiring a license, consumers can be assured of the quality of service that will be performed. The group argues that since the public generally lacks the industry knowledge required to properly perform due diligence on a vendor, professional licenses are an efficient way to vet practitioners and help avoid expensive litigation if something turns out badly.

ARPL also claims that there should be distinctions made between complex, technical professions and trade and vocational occupations when considering changes in state laws, and that a broad brush approach to reform is ill-advised.

You’ve heard our thoughts… We’d like to hear yours

The Schneider Downs Our Thoughts On blog exists to create a dialogue on issues that are important to organizations and individuals. While we enjoy sharing our ideas and insights, we’re especially interested in what you may have to say. If you have a question or a comment about this article – or any article from the Our Thoughts On blog – we hope you’ll share it with us. After all, a dialogue is an exchange of ideas, and we’d like to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

Material discussed is meant for informational purposes only, and it is not to be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, this information should be relied upon when coordinated with individual professional advice.

© 2023 Schneider Downs. All rights-reserved. All content on this site is property of Schneider Downs unless otherwise noted and should not be used without written permission.

our thoughts on
Planning Considerations for Business Transitions
What Would You Say You Do Here?
How Your Age Shapes Your Exit Plan
Considering an Exit of Your Business? Start Planning Now
IRS Issues New 1099 Forms for 2020
Register to receive our weekly newsletter with our most recent columns and insights.
Have a question? Ask us!

We’d love to hear from you. Drop us a note, and we’ll respond to you as quickly as possible.

Ask us
contact us
Pittsburgh

This site uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best user experience. Cookies assist in navigation, analyzing traffic and in our marketing efforts as described in our Privacy Policy.

×