NC West Virginia News

Economics research from West Virginia University (WVU) has been instrumental in the adoption of the Universal Professional and Occupational Licensing Act in West Virginia. This law permits licensed professionals from other states to relocate to West Virginia without the need to recertify their qualifications. Governor Patrick Morrisey signed Senate Bill 458 on April 7.

Alicia Plemmons, assistant professor at the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics, expressed that the new act would alleviate labor shortages by facilitating the hiring process for businesses and providing job opportunities for job seekers. Plemmons stated, "Veterinarians, teachers, doctors, and most other professionals licensed by other states no longer have to recomplete burdensome education and training requirements to come work here."

The team at the WVU Knee Regulatory Research Center has gathered data on professional licensing, analyzing the variations across states and the impact that different requirements have on quality outcomes. This data was used when state lawmakers consulted the Center in April 2024, at which point WVU provided resources for evaluating the recognition of out-of-state licenses.

"Universal recognition places experienced, qualified workers into job openings quickly," Plemmons added. "It makes it easier for skilled workers to move with their families to West Virginia, and it helps military families stay together by removing barriers to work for military spouses."

Almost all licensed professions will qualify for universal recognition under this new legislation, although exceptions include lawyers and real estate appraisers due to separate regulatory jurisdictions. To qualify for licensing recognition, professionals need to demonstrate that they have been licensed in another state for at least a year, are in good standing in that state, and have no criminal or adverse licensing history. Licensees must also meet education, examination, experience, or clinical supervision requirements from their original state and pay applicable state fees.

Researchers from the Knee Center highlighted West Virginia's declining and aging population, noting the urgent need to address workforce shortages, especially in healthcare. "Most of the people who are already in West Virginia are leaving the workforce, not entering it," said Kihwan Bae, a Knee Center research associate. Allowing out-of-state health care professionals to practice more easily could help with these shortages.

The research also suggests that universal licensing recognition could boost state tax revenue and increase workforce inflow by 11 workers per 100,000 residents annually. "Our research shows that universal licensing recognition has benefitted workers and consumers in other states that have adopted it," Plemmons said. "We're glad that we could provide legislators with helpful data to consider and craft this legislation."

Joshua Hall, Milan Puskar Dean of the Chambers College, commented, "The Knee Regulatory Research Center’s efforts to educate policymakers on the prevalence and effects of state-level regulations is a great example of how our outreach centers serve our land-grant mission."