Paradoxes of Professional Regulation: In Search of Regulatory Principles

Occupational licensure, which dates back to the medieval period, is still present today, with 22% of American workers required to hold licenses to do their jobs. Michael J. Trebilcock's book Paradoxes of Professional Regulation examines five case studies of the regulation of diverse professions, highlighting the tensions influencing the regulatory landscape and offering practical lessons for bringing greater coherence to the way in which professions are regulated.

Format: Hardback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2022
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Occupational licensure, which encompasses the regulation of various professions, has a historical lineage dating back to the medieval era. Although the guilds responsible for this regulatory function have long since dissolved, professional regulation remains an ongoing practice. In the United States alone, approximately 22 percent of American workers are required to possess licenses in order to perform their jobs. While established professions have established regulatory frameworks, the case studies presented in Paradoxes of Professional Regulation delve into diverse professions, highlighting instances of inadequate services and the significant risks they pose to consumers' physical, mental, emotional, financial, or legal well-being.

Michael J. Trebilcock, in his examination of five case studies, delves into the regulation of diverse professions such as alternative medicine, mental health care provision, financial planning, immigration consulting, and legal services. The book highlights the paradoxical nature of professional regulation, where the same professions are subjected to vastly different approaches in different jurisdictions. Through a comparative analysis, Paradoxes of Professional Regulation aims to establish regulatory principles for the future, fostering greater coherence in the regulation of professions. By addressing the underlying tensions influencing the regulatory landscape, the book offers practical insights for improving the regulation of industries to safeguard the interests of consumers and promote the integrity of the profession.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 234 x 150 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487543044