Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation

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

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

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 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 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

In this bonus episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation, host Line Dempsey continues the conversation with Ken Anderson, CIO of the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, and Christy Williams, General Manager of Tyler Technologies’ Arkansas unit. Building on the previous episode’s discussion of digital transformation, this follow-up explores strategies for interagency collaboration, innovations in data sharing, and test cases for applying artificial intelligence to licensing and inspection processes. The conversation also features practical advice for new regulatory leaders and a shared vision of a paperless, efficient future. With Arkansas setting an example in digital modernization, the conversation offers both inspiration and practical insights for jurisdictions seeking to evolve their regulatory systems. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_bonus_episode_Tyler_digital2_072225_transcript.pdf

In this episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation, host Line Dempsey continues CLEAR’s “Telling Our Story” series with a conversation about the power of connection, community, and global engagement. CLEAR board members Kym Ayscough, Jennifer Garrett, and Michael Carpenter reflect on their personal journeys with CLEAR—from first encounters to board service—and the value they’ve gained through international perspectives, peer networks, and shared learning around regulatory challenges and opportunities. They discuss how CLEAR fosters regulatory excellence, supports professional development at every career stage, and builds a welcoming space for collaboration and mentorship across borders and professions. Their stories highlight how CLEAR is more than an organization—it’s a global regulatory network. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode90_CLEAR_Global_Network_Story_061025_transcript.pdf

In this episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation, Line Dempsey chats with experts in regulatory administration to highlight some of the key skills needed to effectively provide staff support to regulatory boards and councils. Sara Chambers, Lise Betteridge, and Priya Bhatia discuss the difference between the role of the regulator and the role of the professional association, the distinction between staff’s responsibility for operations and the board’s responsibility for policy, development of a strategic mindset, the importance of transparency in decision-making, the collaborative leadership model, effective communication and presentation skills, and the unique aspects and challenges of staffing a regulatory board. These themes and learnings are part of CLEAR’s “Skills for the Regulatory Administrator – Staffing a Board” program. Visit CLEAR’s website for more information about the course and to register for the June offering. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode88_Skills_Administrator_040825_transcript.pdf

In this episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation, host Line Dempsey speaks with Brian Tobias, Director of the Colorado Office of Policy, Research and Regulatory Reform, and Katie O'Donnell, Director of Communications and Public Engagement for the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. They explore Colorado’s sunrise review process through the case study of funeral service professionals and discuss how the state navigated media scrutiny following tragic events in Penrose, Colorado. The conversation highlights best practices for evaluating the need for professional regulation, responding to media coverage, engaging stakeholders to maintain public trust, and educating licensees and the public about regulatory changes. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode86_Sunrise_Media_021125_transcript.pdf

The 2024 CLEAR Awards were presented in Baltimore during CLEAR's Annual Educational Conference. Our podcast host had the chance to sit down with the recipients and hear about the accomplishments and initiatives they were nominated for. In this part 2 episode, hear from Sharon Oliver, recipient of the Regulatory Excellence Individual Award, and John Pugsley, recipient of the CLEAR Service Award for Lifetime Achievement. Listen to their insights from experience as they pursue regulatory excellence. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode84_CLEAR_Awards2_121024_transcript.pdf

This month's conversation continues the theme of telling CLEAR's story. CLEAR members Paul Byrne and Micah Matthews talk about their CLEAR journeys, how their CLEAR learnings and connections make them better regulators, reflections on regulatory excellence, the greatest challenges to regulators in achieving that excellence, and how we can take CLEAR's story forward to support the new generation of regulatory leaders. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode82_CLEAR_Regulatory_Excellence_Story_100824_transcript.pdf

Get a sneak peek of the plenary sessions at CLEAR's upcoming Annual Educational Conference. Beth Z., your "nerdy best friend," talks about the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence: how you can prepare for AI discussions, why people in the regulatory community are concerned about AI, and what regulators should get excited about with AI. Then, Jayde Fuller shares some of Ahpra's experience with the creation of Indigenous decision-making committees: why it's critically important to embed anti-racist practice in regulatory processes, how to move beyond performative anti-racism, and feedback Ahpra has received from the Indigenous communities and healthcare practitioners. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode80_AEC_plenary_preview_081324_transcript.pdf

Gordon Giddings, Jeremy Beach, and Fisayo Aruleba share research they conducted to ask, "Do Medical Licensing Questions on Health Conditions Pose a Barrier to Physicians Seeking Treatment?" Their research focused on approaches to asking about physician health, sought evidence about whether those questions can act as a barrier to individuals seeking treatment, and explored how those barriers could be mitigated by asking questions in a different way so as to reduce the stigma. Hear some highlights from the studies they reviewed, conclusions they drew, and recommendations for finding a balance between ensuring safe care while not being an impediment to professionals' care-seeking. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode78_Application_Barrier_Care-seeking_061124_transcript.pdf