CLEARinghouse Chats - Virtual Collaboration for the Regulatory Community

CLEARinghouse Chats are a valued member benefit, offering CLEAR members a space to collaborate, stay connected, and engage in timely and relevant regulatory discussions.

This Chat session will focus on Rural Regulation: Balancing Public Safety, Practitioner Safety, Access, and Workforce Realities in Underserved Areas.

In many jurisdictions, regulatory bodies are grappling with how to uphold public protection while addressing workforce shortages and access challenges in rural communities. Licensees in these areas often face unique pressures, including professional isolation, broader scopes of practice, and limited resources, along with personal safety considerations that may arise from working alone, traveling long distances, or practicing in higher-risk environments. At the same time, regulators must consider how policies, enforcement approaches, and licensure pathways impact both the safety of the public and the well-being of practitioners. This chat will explore how agencies are navigating these tensions, what innovative approaches are emerging, and how regulatory frameworks can better support safe and sustainable practice in rural settings.

This Chat session will consider questions to encourage member conversation:

• What unique risks or safety considerations arise in rural practice settings, and how should regulators respond to them?
• How can regulators balance their public protection mandate with the need to ensure access to licensed professionals in underserved areas?
• In what ways do current licensure requirements or disciplinary processes disproportionately impact rural practitioners?
• What role should regulators play in addressing workforce shortages or supporting recruitment and retention in rural areas?
• Are there examples of regulatory flexibility (e.g., scope of practice, telepractice, supervision models) that have improved outcomes in rural communities?  

We’ll invite open discussion and sharing among the group. Breakout rooms are moderated by members of CLEAR's Regulatory Agency Administration committee. Participants are encouraged to turn on webcams/microphones and share information about what is happening in your jurisdictions. Please join us to share your experiences and questions about rural regulation.