Some health care professionals concerned with PA licensing system

Some health care professionals are voicing concern over Pennsylvania's new multimillion-dollar licensing system, saying it's inefficient and it's creating barriers when it comes to hiring licensed professionals like nurses.

The state uses the system to issue licenses for 255 professions across the state including everything from barbers to nurses.

The system was rolled out in 2016 to help streamline the licensing process. A spokesperson for the Department of State said the system helps make the online application for licenses more user friendly, eliminates the use of paper records, and helps maintain privacy and security.

But some said instead of increasing efficiency, it's taking an exorbitant and an unacceptable amount of time for professionals to acquire licenses through the system

According to the Director of Nursing Education at the Hershey Medical Center Fallon Hughes, the delay in the licensure process and length of time it’s taking for new graduate nurses, as well as registered nurses transferring to Pennsylvania from out of state, is creating barriers when it comes to hiring nurses.

"As we continue to expand here at this organization, we need more and more nurses each year; so, we are concerned with the long-term impact of continued delays with the licensure process," Hughes said.

So far, the system has cost tax payers about $10 million, but officials with the Department of State said at this point it’s impossible to speculate when the system will be running optimally.

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