Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation

Technology modernization is about more than replacing outdated systems. It requires agencies to examine long-standing processes, engage the people who use those processes every day, and focus on how technology can improve both the employee and customer experience. In this episode, Line Dempsey speaks with Liz Searock of the Oklahoma Department of Labor and Connie Pearson of Tyler Technologies about Oklahoma's journey from disconnected databases, spreadsheets, paper files, and manual workarounds toward a more modern licensing operation. They discuss the challenges of legacy systems, the importance of employee buy-in and vendor partnership, and why successful modernization means rethinking existing processes rather than simply recreating them in a new system. Transcript

This episode previews two keynote presentations at the 2026 CLEAR Annual Educational Conference. Host Line Dempsey first speaks with keynote speaker Jay Chaudhary about his concept of "regulatory abundance"—the idea that effective regulation requires continually balancing public protection with access, innovation, affordability, and opportunity. Drawing on his experience in legal aid and behavioral health leadership, Chaudhary discusses the importance of recognizing the trade-offs inherent in every regulatory decision, considering both visible and invisible harms, and designing regulatory systems that are practical while maintaining meaningful safeguards. The episode then features plenary speaker Jillian Morenz, who explores how leaders can navigate high-stakes conversations more effectively. She explains why people often default to silence or confrontation under pressure, shares common communication pitfalls, and emphasizes the role of psychological safety and practical communication skills in building stronger teams and higher-performing organizations. Together, the conversations offer listeners a preview of two conference sessions focused on rethinking regulation and strengthening leadership through better communication. Transcript

The UK's Professional Standards Authority (PSA) has introduced a new single set of standards that will be used to assess both professional regulators and accredited registers, replacing separate frameworks with a unified set of expectations. In this episode, host Line Dempsey speaks with Graham Mockler, Director of Regulation and Accreditation at the PSA, about the rationale behind this significant change and what it means for the future of regulatory oversight. They discuss the shift toward outcomes-focused regulation; the growing emphasis on governance, risk management, and organizational culture; and the importance of greater consistency across regulatory systems for strengthening public protection and public confidence. The conversation also explores the practical challenges of implementation, the role of collaboration in addressing regulatory gaps, and the measures that will determine whether the new framework achieves its intended impact. Transcript

In this episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation, host Line Dempsey speaks with Tamara Richter and Carin Plischke about what major regulatory reform looks like in practice. Drawing from their organizations’ experiences with legislative change, multi-profession regulation, governance restructuring, and large-scale organizational transformation, they discuss the realities of implementing change amid political pressure and uncertainty. The conversation explores change fatigue, communication strategies, public trust, evolving governance models, and the challenges of integrating new professions and organizational cultures. They also share candid reflections on lessons learned, what they would do differently, and practical advice for regulators preparing for significant change of their own. Transcript

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

Episode 100 of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation revisits one of the podcast’s most enduring questions: what does it mean to be a good regulator? Bringing together a diverse panel of global regulatory leaders, this milestone episode reflects on how the role has evolved amid rapid technological change, shifting public expectations, and increasing political and social pressures. From the growing need for agility and proactive oversight to the central importance of trust, transparency, and communication, the conversation explores the complex trade-offs regulators must navigate today. Panelists share insights on balancing public protection with broader public interest, embracing collaboration and continuous learning, and maintaining focus on mission in an increasingly noisy and scrutinized environment. The episode ultimately highlights that, while perfection may be unattainable, effective regulation is grounded in integrity, adaptability, and a clear commitment to serving the public. 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

During CLEAR’s recent midyear business meetings in Nashville, we conducted our annual environmental scan, asking committee members to share the top trends, challenges, and policy developments they’re seeing across jurisdictions. These environmental scans are consistently cited as one of the most valuable aspects of CLEAR’s committee work, offering early insight into emerging issues and practical approaches from colleagues around the globe. In this episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation, we highlight key themes from this year’s discussions, including the expanding role of artificial intelligence in testing and fraud prevention, legislative and executive pressures on regulatory operations, labor mobility initiatives, internationally trained practitioner pathways, sunrise and sunset review trends, scope of practice expansion, neutrality legislation affecting professional regulation, and evolving approaches to delegation and public protection. Join us as we share insights from regulators and policy leaders across multiple jurisdictions, connecting CLEAR members to the conversations shaping professional regulation in 2026 and beyond. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode98_Environmental_Scan_021726_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 sits down with two of CLEAR’s 2025 award recipients whose work demonstrates the power of innovation and dedication in public protection. Camile Lindsay from the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation shares how the CORE modernization project is transforming licensing across the state—streamlining processes, improving transparency, and keeping the human experience at the center. Then, Utah’s Kelsey Hammack discusses her investigative work uncovering widespread consumer harm in the solar industry, resulting in restitution, enforcement action, and landmark legislative reforms. Together, these conversations highlight regulatory excellence in action and the profound impact it can have on both consumers and licensees. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode96_awards2025-1_120925_transcript.pdf

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 speaks with Stuart Wilkinson, Chief Consumer Officer at Ontario’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), about practical approaches to consumer engagement in regulation. Stuart explains how FSRA amplifies the consumer voice through research and a consumer advisory panel, ensuring that consumer experiences with regulated services inform regulatory priorities. He shares examples of how this work has shaped FSRA’s operations, from developing a vulnerability framework to integrating consumer insights into supervision plans. The discussion also addresses common challenges regulators face when engaging the public and why listening to consumers is essential to protecting the public interest. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode94_consumer_engagement_101425_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

The August episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR Conversation focuses on the upcoming CLEAR Annual Educational Conference, taking place in Chicago, Illinois. Camile Lindsay, Director of the Division of Financial and Professional Regulation in Illinois, shares key findings from the state’s CLIMB Task Force report, which addresses unnecessary licensure barriers—especially for justice-involved individuals and professions like hair braiding. She outlines IDFPR’s proactive reforms, including system modernization, community engagement, and legislative initiatives. Then, keynote speaker and economist Jeff Korzenik offers a compelling preview of his upcoming talk on labor force participation, second-chance hiring, and what the U.S. can learn from countries like Japan in addressing workforce shortages. Together, these conversations highlight how licensing bodies can balance public protection with inclusive policies that foster opportunity and economic resilience. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode92_AEC_preview_081225_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 kicks off a two-part series in partnership with CLEAR’s 2024-25 Premier Partner, Tyler Technologies. Joined by Ken Anderson, CIO of the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, and Christy Williams, General Manager for Tyler’s Arkansas unit, the conversation explores how Arkansas is harnessing technology to streamline regulatory processes, enhance public engagement, and modernize professional licensure frameworks. Topics include digital transformation across multiple licensing entities, balancing accessibility for different generations of users, measurable gains in efficiency and cost savings, and how flexible digital platforms support both consumer protection and economic mobility. This episode offers a close-up look at how smart regulatory technology can drive meaningful change for agencies, licensees, and the broader public. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode91_Tyler_digital_070825_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

How can regulators ensure ethical practice when technologies—and their risks—are constantly evolving? Researchers Dr. Tracey Adams and Dr. Kate Leslie discuss the intersection of professional ethics and technological innovation with host Line Dempsey. From the ambiguities of artificial intelligence to the pressure of rapid implementation, the discussion highlights how regulators are addressing practitioner uncertainty; the limits of regulatory reach; and why proactive guidance encouraging reflective, risk-aware practice is more important than ever. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode89_ethical_tech_051325_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

During CLEAR’s recent midyear business meetings, we conducted an environmental scan and asked our committee members about the top trends or issues they’re seeing in professional regulation or in their jurisdictions. Committee members often comment that these environmental scans are the most valuable part of CLEAR’s committee meetings. In this episode of Regulation Matters: a CLEAR conversation, we highlight some of the issues and trends mentioned during these environmental scans in order to share this benefit more widely, connecting more members with the committees’ activities and discussions. Transcript: http://clearweb.drivehq.com/podcast_transcripts/CLEAR_podcast_episode87_Environmental_Scan_031125_transcript.pdf