Regulation in the Professions in the Twenty-First Century : Questions, Problems, Opportunities, and Responsibilities

The work of professionals such as physicians, lawyers, engineers, teachers, and accountants is central to modern life. The systems of regulation that were developed to safeguard public interests and ensure safe and effective professional practice evolved in the twentieth century, before current challenges such as the growth of artificial intelligence, the impact of climate change, the ubiquity of misinformation, or corporatization of professional work rose to prominence. Today, the complexity of professional work has increased significantly, yet regulation to ensure safe and effective practice has not kept pace. Professions depend upon public trust to ensure professionals can do their work – when regulatory systems designed to protect the public are not well-aligned with societal needs and interests, faith in professionals and their work will be compromised. Regulators of professional work have an essential and unique role to play, not only in maintaining standards of safe and effective professional practice, but also by ensuring that trust in expertise, scientific evidence, and professional work is maintained. This book explores options and alternatives for professional regulators to serve both the public and their professions in reinforcing the value of professional expertise in the current age.