Purpose of the Report
The audit was performed to determine if there is a continued need for the board and if its termination date should be extended. The board is set to sunset on June 30, 2026, and will have one year from that date to conclude its administrative operations.
Report Conclusions
The board served the public’s interest by conducting meetings in an effective manner, actively amending regulations, and generally issuing new licenses in compliance with statutes and regulations. The audit also found areas for improvement. Renewal licenses were not consistently issued in compliance with state law. Courtesy licensees did not routinely comply with monthly reporting requirements. Board related investigations were not conducted in a timely manner and fees did not cover the cost of regulating the profession. Additionally, board vacancies were not filled in a timely manner. In accordance with AS 08.03.010(c)(18), the board is scheduled to terminate on June 30, 2026. We recommend that the legislature extend the board’s termination date five years to June 30, 2031, which is less than the eight-year maximum allowed by statute. The reduced extension reflects the need for more routine oversight to ensure corrective action is taken to address deficiencies.
Findings and Recommendations
- The Office of the Governor, Boards and Commissions director should work with the board to identify potential applicants to fill board vacancies and take steps to ensure qualified applicants are appointed in a timely manner.
- The board chair and the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing’s (DCBPL) director should work together to ensure renewal applicants comply with continuing education regulations or seek a regulatory change if deemed necessary.
- Board members should review investigative cases in a timely manner.
- DCBPL’s director should ensure courtesy licensees comply with monthly reporting requirements.
- DCBPL’s director should ensure the board’s fees cover the cost of regulating the profession.