Advertise on podcast: Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation

Unlicensed practice poses significant risks to consumers and presents regulators with the challenge of identifying activity that often occurs outside the regulated system. This conversation with Wendy Moir, CEO of Ontario's Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA), explores how regulators can use complaints, data, partnerships, and risk-based approaches to identify and respond to unlicensed activity, while also recognizing the important role of consumer education in preventing harm. The discussion highlights how enforcement and education can work together: enforcement can identify emerging issues and inform public education, while increased consumer awareness can generate valuable intelligence and help identify problems earlier. The conversation also considers the challenges of measuring deterrence, adapting to changing digital information environments, and making license verification easy for the public. Ultimately, the episode offers practical lessons for regulators seeking to strengthen consumer protection by connecting enforcement, education, and proactive oversight. Transcript

Technology modernization is about more than replacing outdated systems. It requires agencies to examine long-standing processes, engage the people who use those processes every day, and focus on how technology can improve both the employee and customer experience. In this episode, Line Dempsey speaks with Liz Searock of the Oklahoma Department of Labor and Connie Pearson of Tyler Technologies about Oklahoma's journey from disconnected databases, spreadsheets, paper files, and manual workarounds toward a more modern licensing operation. They discuss the challenges of legacy systems, the importance of employee buy-in and vendor partnership, and why successful modernization means rethinking existing processes rather than simply recreating them in a new system. Transcript

This episode previews two keynote presentations at the 2026 CLEAR Annual Educational Conference. Host Line Dempsey first speaks with keynote speaker Jay Chaudhary about his concept of "regulatory abundance"—the idea that effective regulation requires continually balancing public protection with access, innovation, affordability, and opportunity. Drawing on his experience in legal aid and behavioral health leadership, Chaudhary discusses the importance of recognizing the trade-offs inherent in every regulatory decision, considering both visible and invisible harms, and designing regulatory systems that are practical while maintaining meaningful safeguards. The episode then features plenary speaker Jillian Morenz, who explores how leaders can navigate high-stakes conversations more effectively. She explains why people often default to silence or confrontation under pressure, shares common communication pitfalls, and emphasizes the role of psychological safety and practical communication skills in building stronger teams and higher-performing organizations. Together, the conversations offer listeners a preview of two conference sessions focused on rethinking regulation and strengthening leadership through better communication. Transcript

The UK's Professional Standards Authority (PSA) has introduced a new single set of standards that will be used to assess both professional regulators and accredited registers, replacing separate frameworks with a unified set of expectations. In this episode, host Line Dempsey speaks with Graham Mockler, Director of Regulation and Accreditation at the PSA, about the rationale behind this significant change and what it means for the future of regulatory oversight. They discuss the shift toward outcomes-focused regulation; the growing emphasis on governance, risk management, and organizational culture; and the importance of greater consistency across regulatory systems for strengthening public protection and public confidence. The conversation also explores the practical challenges of implementation, the role of collaboration in addressing regulatory gaps, and the measures that will determine whether the new framework achieves its intended impact. Transcript

In this episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation, host Line Dempsey speaks with Tamara Richter and Carin Plischke about what major regulatory reform looks like in practice. Drawing from their organizations’ experiences with legislative change, multi-profession regulation, governance restructuring, and large-scale organizational transformation, they discuss the realities of implementing change amid political pressure and uncertainty. The conversation explores change fatigue, communication strategies, public trust, evolving governance models, and the challenges of integrating new professions and organizational cultures. They also share candid reflections on lessons learned, what they would do differently, and practical advice for regulators preparing for significant change of their own. Transcript

In this episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation, host Line Dempsey speaks with Jennifer Garrett and Richard Woolf about what happens when regulators step outside traditional channels to better understand how the public perceives professional regulation. Drawing on Jennifer’s direct outreach to civic groups and Rich’s national perception data, the conversation reveals a significant awareness gap. Most individuals have little to no understanding of regulatory boards or their role in public protection. Yet, once informed, public support for regulation is strong. The discussion explores how this disconnect impacts recruitment for board service, highlights the importance of effective onboarding and training for public members, and underscores the need for regulators to communicate more clearly and consistently about their role. From leveraging community networks and social media to empowering current board members as ambassadors, the episode offers practical insights for strengthening public engagement, improving recruitment pipelines, and building more resilient regulatory systems. Transcript

Episode 100 of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation revisits one of the podcast’s most enduring questions: what does it mean to be a good regulator? Bringing together a diverse panel of global regulatory leaders, this milestone episode reflects on how the role has evolved amid rapid technological change, shifting public expectations, and increasing political and social pressures. From the growing need for agility and proactive oversight to the central importance of trust, transparency, and communication, the conversation explores the complex trade-offs regulators must navigate today. Panelists share insights on balancing public protection with broader public interest, embracing collaboration and continuous learning, and maintaining focus on mission in an increasingly noisy and scrutinized environment. The episode ultimately highlights that, while perfection may be unattainable, effective regulation is grounded in integrity, adaptability, and a clear commitment to serving the public. Transcript

In this second installment of our awards series, host Line Dempsey continues highlighting CLEAR’s 2025 award recipients and their impact on public protection. Cindy Reinhardt of the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations shares how her team’s investigation into the Return to Nature funeral home uncovered egregious misconduct, led to criminal charges and emergency regulatory action, and prompted legislative reforms that strengthened oversight statewide. The episode also features leaders from the Utah Department of Commerce, whose collaborative work to modernize behavioral health licensure and establish a forward-looking framework for AI in mental health expanded access while reinforcing consumer safeguards. Together, these conversations reflect regulatory excellence in action and the power of collaboration to drive meaningful reform. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode99_awards2025-2_031026_transcript.pdf

During CLEAR’s recent midyear business meetings in Nashville, we conducted our annual environmental scan, asking committee members to share the top trends, challenges, and policy developments they’re seeing across jurisdictions. These environmental scans are consistently cited as one of the most valuable aspects of CLEAR’s committee work, offering early insight into emerging issues and practical approaches from colleagues around the globe. In this episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation, we highlight key themes from this year’s discussions, including the expanding role of artificial intelligence in testing and fraud prevention, legislative and executive pressures on regulatory operations, labor mobility initiatives, internationally trained practitioner pathways, sunrise and sunset review trends, scope of practice expansion, neutrality legislation affecting professional regulation, and evolving approaches to delegation and public protection. Join us as we share insights from regulators and policy leaders across multiple jurisdictions, connecting CLEAR members to the conversations shaping professional regulation in 2026 and beyond. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode98_Environmental_Scan_021726_transcript.pdf

In this episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation, host Line Dempsey explores the newly released CLEAR Principles for Ethical and Effective AI in Professional Regulation with working group members Paul Byrne, Kelly Parker, and Candice Alder. The discussion examines why CLEAR stepped forward to develop a shared, principle-based framework for artificial intelligence at a time of rapid technological change and fragmented global adoption. Centered on three core commitments—professional competence, human-centered ethics, and trust through oversight—the conversation highlights the importance of maintaining human accountability, safeguarding public trust, and ensuring transparency as AI tools are integrated into regulatory work. From practical applications like administrative triage and document verification to deeper questions of explainability, informed consent, and governance, the episode offers regulators a thoughtful roadmap for adopting AI responsibly while preserving the integrity and authority of professional regulation. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode97_AI_principles_011326_transcript.pdf In keeping with the topic, this episode summary was developed with the assistance of artificial intelligence and reviewed by CLEAR staff to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with the values of professional regulation.

In this episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation, host Line Dempsey sits down with two of CLEAR’s 2025 award recipients whose work demonstrates the power of innovation and dedication in public protection. Camile Lindsay from the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation shares how the CORE modernization project is transforming licensing across the state—streamlining processes, improving transparency, and keeping the human experience at the center. Then, Utah’s Kelsey Hammack discusses her investigative work uncovering widespread consumer harm in the solar industry, resulting in restitution, enforcement action, and landmark legislative reforms. Together, these conversations highlight regulatory excellence in action and the profound impact it can have on both consumers and licensees. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode96_awards2025-1_120925_transcript.pdf

In this episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation, host Line Dempsey is joined by exam security leaders Wally Dalrymple (ETS), Roddy Meade (Prometric), and Harry Samit (Pearson VUE) to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of licensure exam integrity. The guests discuss how testing organizations are combating cheating through layered security—from 360° room scans and AI-assisted proctoring to undercover investigations and data forensics. They examine both the human and technical dimensions of exam fraud, including organized cheating rings, proxy testing, and emerging threats like deepfakes and generative AI. Together, they share how collaboration, education, and deterrence strategies are essential in maintaining public trust and protecting the pathways into licensed professions. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode95_exam_security_integrity_111125_transcript.pdf

In this episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation, host Line Dempsey speaks with Stuart Wilkinson, Chief Consumer Officer at Ontario’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), about practical approaches to consumer engagement in regulation. Stuart explains how FSRA amplifies the consumer voice through research and a consumer advisory panel, ensuring that consumer experiences with regulated services inform regulatory priorities. He shares examples of how this work has shaped FSRA’s operations, from developing a vulnerability framework to integrating consumer insights into supervision plans. The discussion also addresses common challenges regulators face when engaging the public and why listening to consumers is essential to protecting the public interest. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode94_consumer_engagement_101425_transcript.pdf

In this episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR Conversation, host Line Dempsey continues CLEAR’s Telling Our Story series with board members Mark Steinagel, Jessica Kallipolites, and Shilo Tooze. Together, they reflect on their first encounters with CLEAR, the connections that drew them into committee and board service, and the lasting impact of conference learnings on their regulatory work. The discussion highlights themes of compassion in regulation, the importance of trust with the public, and the value of adapting to change. With stories of practical policy shifts, professional growth, and organizational improvement, the conversation illustrates how CLEAR fosters collaboration and equips regulators to meet emerging challenges while shaping the future of regulatory excellence. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode93_AEC_Impact_Story_090925_transcript.pdf

The August episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR Conversation focuses on the upcoming CLEAR Annual Educational Conference, taking place in Chicago, Illinois. Camile Lindsay, Director of the Division of Financial and Professional Regulation in Illinois, shares key findings from the state’s CLIMB Task Force report, which addresses unnecessary licensure barriers—especially for justice-involved individuals and professions like hair braiding. She outlines IDFPR’s proactive reforms, including system modernization, community engagement, and legislative initiatives. Then, keynote speaker and economist Jeff Korzenik offers a compelling preview of his upcoming talk on labor force participation, second-chance hiring, and what the U.S. can learn from countries like Japan in addressing workforce shortages. Together, these conversations highlight how licensing bodies can balance public protection with inclusive policies that foster opportunity and economic resilience. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode92_AEC_preview_081225_transcript.pdf