By Kelly Parker, Sr. Director of External Affairs and Government Relations, CE Broker by Propelus
The year of 2024 was a pivotal year for continuing education (CE) modernization efforts.
Across the country, state regulatory agencies are adopting innovative solutions to replace legacy systems and eliminate clunky, time-consuming processes that create backlogs and inefficiencies. More and more, these agencies are not only modernizing internal operations but also enhancing the professional user experience by offering improved digital government services. Professionals, in turn, are demanding a centralized, digital solution that allows them to easily and quickly manage their state or multi-state CE requirements, along with other certification needs.
This is more than just a trend—it’s a transformation. Both state and national initiatives are growing, all calling for streamlined, digital solutions for CE management that work for everyone.
But modernizing CE isn’t just about rolling out a new licensing system. It’s about creating a smoother, smarter, and more constituent-centric experience. And 2024 proved to be a transformative year, with several states leading the charge in revolutionizing CE management.
Meeting the Demand
Both government agencies and professional industries are prioritizing digital modernization to meet the rising demand for seamless, user-centric services. In early 2024, the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) emphasized this need, identifying legacy system modernization and digital government services as key objectives for state CIOs. Modernizing CE management has become an integral part of this shift, enabling regulatory boards to streamline workflows, improve digital accessibility, and enhance constituent experience strategies to better support professionals navigating their total licensure journey.
These efforts are not just about improving processes—they address broader challenges such as workforce shortages and the increasing complexity of managing compliance. By modernizing CE processes, states can expedite renewals for qualified professionals, reduce administrative backlogs, enhance transparency and ultimately ensure greater public protection.
In 2024, states such as Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Texas have become leaders in CE modernization, delivering measurable results while paving the way for a more efficient regulatory future. Their initiatives highlight how technology-driven innovation can improve services, increase internal efficiencies, and build safer, more resilient communities.
Georgia: In late 2023, the Georgia Secretary of State’s (SOS) specially appointed commission was tasked with developing legislative recommendations to streamline the licensure process, with a particular focus on reducing barriers and administrative burdens. One of the commission’s key recommendations was for all licensure boards under the SOS’s authority that require CE for renewal, to modernize their CE processes.
This initiative gained further momentum when the Georgia General Assembly took up the issue. Representative Dale Washburn introduced House Bill 1096, which would mandate the SOS to modernize CE management. The bill aims to optimize internal processes while also enhancing digital services for Georgia’s constituents. HB 1096 quickly gained majority support in both legislative chambers, with broad consensus that it represented sound public policy.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has publicly endorsed both the bill and the broader push for CE modernization, signaling his strong commitment to improving the efficiency and accessibility of state services.
The issue remains a hot topic in Georgia, continuing to generate significant discussion. Recently, it resurfaced several times during meetings of Georgia’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Professional Licensure. Supporters of CE modernization testified, highlighting the substantial benefits for both the Department and the state’s licensed professionals.
Ultimately, the Georgia Secretary of State is committed to modernizing CE processes through a single solution that integrates seamlessly with the state’s new licensure system. This modernization will streamline processes across 41 licensure boards and enhance digital services for over 452,000 professionals in Georgia.
Pennsylvania: In 2024, we closely followed Pennsylvania’s proactive efforts to enhance digital CE processes, in line with Governor Josh Shapiro and his administration’s commitment to transforming state government to better serve Pennsylvanians. Senator Judy Ward, a nurse and legislator, introduced Senate Bill 1242, the Continuing Education Enhancement Act. The bill quickly gained bipartisan support, with over 10 legislative sponsors backing efforts to modernize, simplify, and streamline professional compliance.
At the same time, the Pennsylvania Department of State initiated the search for a new end-to-end licensure solution, emphasizing the importance of a more advanced approach to CE management. With more than 800,000 licensed professionals across 30 boards, Pennsylvania recognizes the critical need to optimize its licensing processes. By embracing a digital-first strategy, the state aims to significantly improve administrative efficiency, enhance user-centric services, and bolster public safety.
Texas: Texas, one of the largest states in the U.S. both in size and economic impact, often leads the way in regulatory practices. In 2024, the Texas Medical Board, which oversees more than 170,000 licensed professionals—including 102,000 physicians—took a significant step by joining over a dozen other medical licensure boards nationwide in setting a modernized standard for CE management.
Similarly, the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), which regulates approximately 77,000 mental health professionals, made proactive strides to incorporate CE modernization into its strategic goals. As part of its FY 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, BHEC prioritized the development of a streamlined online system for tracking and reporting CE. This initiative aims to eliminate manual audits, replacing them with a more efficient system designed to benefit both regulatory authorities and licensed professionals alike.
Indiana: In 2024, the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA), with support from its Modernization Task Force, announced plans to introduce a unified, digital approach to CE management across departments in 2025. This initiative is a key part of Indiana’s broader efforts to modernize state government services, demonstrating the state’s commitment to cutting through red tape and simplifying CE management for today’s professionals.
Each initiative outlined here is more than a policy—it’s a step toward a smarter, more streamlined government experience that puts professional constituents first.
The Benefits of a Unified CE Solution
Today’s professionals expect more. They want digital-first, on-demand services that integrate seamlessly into their lives—not ones that add complexity or take up more of their time. And regulatory bodies? They’re ready to cut through the red tape and simplify the process. Modernizing CE management isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have for states that want to meet these demands head-on.
Imagine a unified CE solution that operates seamlessly across states and professions. It’s not just about streamlining processes; it’s about creating a solution that benefits everyone—from professionals and public agencies to the communities they serve. A universal CE management system across states and professions offers the following:
- Increased Digital Accessibility: A centralized, digital CE management system allows professionals to complete and track their CE requirements online, making compliance more straightforward and accessible, especially for rural stakeholders.
- Enhanced Constituent Experiences: Professionals expect a seamless, intuitive experience with government agencies. By modernizing CE management, state boards can provide user-friendly, on-demand services that save time and reduce the administrative burden for both professionals and board staff.
- Mitigating Workforce Shortages: In sectors like healthcare, a more efficient CE process enables professionals to remain compliant with less disruption to their work schedules, ensuring continuity of care in communities in need.
Supporting Portability
CE modernization isn’t just today’s solution; it’s the answer to tomorrow’s demands. With a mobile workforce and a growing population, professionals need fast, straightforward access to licensure for new opportunities across state lines.
That’s why in 2024, we strengthened our collaboration with the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Commission (IMLCC) to launch a new compact compliance verification connection. Additionally, we recently introduced a new Credentials Tracker, enabling professionals to easily store and manage all of their licenses and certifications, in one convenient digital location. As professionals seek licensure across multiple states—whether through traditional methods or alternative pathways like compact licensure—we are committed to providing the digital tools they need to succeed and remain compliant.
Future Outlook for 2025
The future is promising for CE modernization initiatives, and the shift toward digital government services is only gaining momentum. By partnering with state regulatory agencies, state and national associations, licensure compacts, and supporting legislative initiatives, CE Broker is helping shape a future where CE management is simpler, more efficient, and more user-friendly than ever before.
A recent report from the National Council of State Legislatures (NCSL) highlights that in 2025, state legislatures will continue to prioritize healthcare workforce issues. As professional communities expand through new profession types, micro-credentials, or alternative pathways for foreign-trained professionals, CE Broker will be there to support state regulatory boards. We are committed to partnering with them to ensure public protection and strengthen our communities.
This isn’t just about upgrading technology; it’s about transforming the entire licensing experience. By modernizing CE, states are better equipped to meet the needs of an evolving workforce, ensuring professionals have the tools they need to stay compliant and continue serving their communities without interruption.
Join the transformation with CE Broker by Propelus—empowering regulatory leaders to create processes that propel the professional workforce.