On behalf of our member companies that make NJBIA the largest, most impactful association representing job creators in New Jersey, we thank you for the opportunity to offer comments on the operation of professional boards within the Division of Consumer Affairs and the impact on our state’s economy.
Since 2022, NJBIA and a coalition of groups representing the licensed community have engaged with the Division and communicated the systemic challenges professionals face when dealing with the Division. Of particular concern are the continued delays in processing licenses and adjudicating complaints, the lack of training and familiarity of board staff with the professions they support, and the dismal experience with outdated or inefficient IT systems. These pain points do not reflect well on a Division that sees significant revenue through the payment of professional licensure fees. These realities also play a significant role in the ability of job creators to fill critical positions, as prospective licensees who cannot obtain their licenses in an appropriate timeframe turn to other employment opportunities. This is particularly concerning for industries with significant workforce shortages such as healthcare and social work.
As this Legislature continues to establish laws to protect New Jersey residents from unscrupulous actors by creating licensing standards and empowering the Division to promulgate rules and enforce the law, it is imperative that the Legislature have a keen understanding of the Division’s operational and enforcement capacity, key factors for ensuring public safety.
With this hearing, we are encouraged by the Legislature’s inquiries into the operations of the professional boards with the Division and the concerns that NJBIA and other stakeholders representing the licensed community have raised. It is important to obtain the Division’s perspective on this very real and palpable issue for the licensed community. Additionally, we hope that the Division can share its analysis of board operations and metrics, and the strategies that are employed to address delays in license processing and complaint adjudication. To our knowledge, this information is currently not shared with stakeholders, including the Legislature, and could inform next steps on how to resolve the concerns raised by the licensed community.
NJBIA thanks you all for consideration of our perspective on this matter. Please feel free to email me at aford@njbia.org should you have any questions.
