California is the most heavily regulated state in the country. According to the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, the Golden State has 420,434 regulatory restrictions which is more than double the national average. Idaho has just 31,497 restrictions, and other states with powerful economic engines like Texas have 274,469. So, it seems ironic that certain critically important sectors in California that impact the well-being, health and quality of life for millions of seniors are grossly unchecked and mis-regulated. Despite lawmakers’ fondness for regulations, they have left crucial industries that care for vulnerable seniors unchecked and largely uncontrolled. My husband, who has owned and operated salons for nearly 30 years, pointed out that California’s Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC) appears to have more rigorous rules and regulations for nail technicians than it does for board-and-care (B&C) owners or privately owned hospice companies. Apparently, the BBC became especially rigorous in regulating nail technicians after a pedicure client once acquired a nasty infection. Yet, the State holds no equal scrutiny for those who provide housing or palliative services for California’s aging population.
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