Be careful with broad-brush approach to occupational licensing reform

“States need to cut licensing red tape permanently” (Point of View, Sept. 9) describes a push to weaken occupational licensing nationally. However, proponents failed to acknowledge the daily and invaluable contributions of licensed professionals to Oklahomans.

Efforts to weaken licensing, however well-intentioned, make no distinction for highly complex, technical professions. This is a critical distinction that broad-brush proposals like those referenced in the article fail to make — and puts thousands of lives at risk in Oklahoma and elsewhere.

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