The state Senate passed a bill that would require physicians, engineers, accountants and others who hold a license, certificate or registration from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs to report arrests or professional disciplinary sanctions against them within 30 days. The bill would also set guidelines for the bureau in suspending and revoking licenses.

Under SB 354, if such an incident is not reported within 30 days, the licensing board could take disciplinary action.

The proposed law provides a mechanism by which a licensing board or licensing commission can temporarily suspend a license, certificate or registration without a hearing if the board determines the person is an “immediate and clear danger to the public health and safety.”