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.

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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.

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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