“Compulsive modernization is the insatiable desire to change and grow.”
— Samuel Wilson
THE HISTORY AND EVOLUTION of medical regulation around the globe has varied tremendously as humanity has gotten more interconnected by enhanced communication and transportation capabilities. The original processes of medical regulation in Atlantic Canada are varied and inconsistent -in need of modernization. In “Models in Professional Regulation: Choices for Atlantic Canada” Louise Sweatman presents the current state of affairs and possible models for modernization of Atlantic Canadian medical regulation. Will this lead to real change?
In “Increasing Access to a Diverse Mental Health Workforce through Emergency Reciprocity Licensure” Ann Nguyen and colleagues review the rapid change and growth of tele-mental health care in New Jersey by the program during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative was very successful in diversifying the tele-mental health workforce and better matching patients' preferred language with that of the provider. What's next? Will the insatiable desire to change and grow allow for regulations that adopt such care more permanently?
Scott and Olivia Metzger authored “A Shift Left: Revised Regulations for Opioid Prescribing in New Jersey”. The straightforward process they present to modernize controlled substance prescribing and monitoring was recently adopted by their state to decrease risks of developing OUD and OD deaths. Early follow up indicates some success. Will this lead be a process that other states can adopt with similar success?
Each article represents the insatiable desire to change and grow—tremendous innovation and motivation for modernization of medical regulation to improve patient access, care, and outcomes. Can we keep up the momentum?
