History of the Bureau
The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs was established in 1963
as part of the Department of State to provide administrative, logistical and
legal support services to professional and occupational licensing boards and
commissions.
Professional licensing protects the health and safety of the public
from fraudulent and unethical practitioners. There are 29 licensing boards and
commissions, each with their own statute governing their powers and functions.
The boards and commissions also promulgate regulations to further govern their
respective professions.
The boards and commissions each comprise between seven and seventeen members,
including professionals in those fields and public members who represent the
public at-large. Members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the
Senate.
The Commissioner of the Bureau is a voting member of all boards and
commissions under the Department's jurisdiction, except the State Board of
Certified Real Estate Appraisers and the Navigation Commission for the Delaware
River and its Navigable Tributaries. Both of these are served by the Secretary
of the Commonwealth or a designee.
The Department provides these boards and commissions with legal, technical
and administrative support to conduct written practical licensure examinations;
review and verify education and experience of candidates for licensure; certify
providers of education; receive and investigate public complaints; conduct
periodic facility inspections; prosecute, adjudicate, fine and sanction
violators; administer licensure programs, revise standards for licensure to keep
pace with changes in the professions and advise the legislature on proposed
statutory changes.
The Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation provides the boards and
commissions with facility inspection and law enforcement capabilities. It
maintains regional offices in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Scranton.