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State Agency Fast Facts:
The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) oversees the regulation of credential holders, professional and industry standards, and safe construction of public and private buildings. It covers a multitude of industries, everything from licensing healthcare professionals to inspecting carnival rides.
DSPS licenses and regulates more than 200 different types of credentials and provides administrative services to nearly 100 boards, councils and advisory committees.
DSPS’ 2021-23 budget is set at over $120 million and has a total of 242 employees.
Did you know?
Did you know that DSPS is also home to Wisconsin’s Enhanced Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (ePDMP), a tool to help combat the ongoing prescription drug abuse epidemic in Wisconsin. By providing valuable information about monitored prescription drugs that are dispensed in the state, it aids healthcare professionals in their prescribing and dispensing decisions. The program also helps pharmacies, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, and public health officials to work together to reduce the misuse, abuse and diversion of monitored prescription drugs.
Reform History:
Under Governor Walker’s administration, DSPS conducted a comprehensive study on occupational licenses regulated in Wisconsin. The report included recommendations for the elimination and reform of 28 unnecessary occupational licenses.
Close Call…
In the last budget, Governor Evers proposed recreating the Construction Contractor Registration program to require contractors to be registered before performing services for customers. This would have resulted in more red tape for hardworking men and women in the trades and potentially higher costs for their customers.
Keep an Eye on:
As DSPS continues its slow transition from paper records to an electronic filing system, keep an eye on the agency’s ability – or inability – to properly review and efficiently approve the licensure applications so many Wisconsinites rely on. The current backlog has and continues to contribute to a staffing crisis in the state’s healthcare system.
IRG Wants to Know:
If you were in charge for a day, what reforms would you make to the UW? Email Alex Ignatowski, IRG’s Director of State Budget and Government Reform, at [email protected].