State Senator Jarrett Coleman | Pennsylvania
State Senator Jarrett Coleman | Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania professionals who have made minor mistakes will now have the opportunity to clear their disciplinary records, thanks to a bill introduced by Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-16) that was recently signed into law. The new legislation, known as Act 65 of 2023, expands the authority of the commissioner of the Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs to clear a professional's disciplinary record.
Sen. Coleman emphasized the importance of giving professionals a second chance, stating, "This law recognizes we're all human and all make mistakes, but one minor error doesn't have to define a professional for his or her entire career. Punishing a professional for a lifetime for a minor mistake can hamper a person's career without benefiting our society."
Under the previous law, the bureau commissioner could only expunge a disciplinary record for two specific reasons. The first reason was if the infraction was due to a failure to complete continuing education requirements. The second reason was if the discipline was related to practicing for six months or less on a lapsed or expired license, registration, certificate, or permit. However, minor infractions could remain on a professional's disciplinary record for life.
The new law now enables the commissioner to clear more professionals' records if the disciplinary incidents meet specific criteria. Sen. Coleman explained, "This new law will continue to hold accountable repeat offenders while offering a fresh start to people who make a minor mistake. The law protects the public against repeat offenders without excessively punishing someone who made a clerical error years ago."
Senate Bill 910, which later became Act 65 of 2023, received unanimous approval from both the Senate and the House before being signed into law by the governor on December 14th. The law is set to take effect in 60 days.
For more information about Sen. Jarrett Coleman, residents can visit his website at www.SenatorColeman.com, follow him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SenatorJarrettColeman, and sign up for email newsletters at www.SenatorColeman.com/eNewsletters.
Contact:
Leo Knepper
Click this link to access more information: https://senatorcoleman.com/2023/12/21/coleman-measure-giving-professionals-a-second-chance-now-law/
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