| Press Release |
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| November 19, 2003 |
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New Internet directory offers “one-stop” access to information on state-issued licenses and permits
(Salem) From accountants to x-ray machines, the State of Oregon issues more than a thousand different kinds of licenses, permits, certifications, and registrations. They document everything from professional qualifications to authorization to drive a car or hunt mountain goats. And now it’s a lot easier to find out how to get one for any given business or activity, thanks to a comprehensive database on the Web at www.oregon.gov/lic/.
The database was created by the Department of Consumer & Business Services (DCBS) as part of Governor Ted Kulongoski’s initiative to streamline business regulatory processes and improve customer service in government.
“We issue licenses and permits because the legislature has determined over the years that there is a need to protect consumers, workers, businesses, and the environment through regulation of certain activities and occupations,” Governor Kulongoski said. “But the licensing system can be confusing. Our new database will help people find what they need - whether they want to go into business or just get a fishing license.”
The database allows users to search alphabetically or by keyword, state agency, or category. Each entry contains a description of the license or permit and information about fees, requirements, related rules and laws, application procedures, and contact information for the agency that issues the license or permit. Many license entries include downloadable application forms, and in some cases agencies have links available to allow users to search for specific current license or permit holders.
“This database is an important resource for people or businesses who want to apply for a license or permit, or for those who need to know what standards are required of existing license-holders,” Kulongoski said. “But it’s also an important resource for me and for state agencies as we review the state’s business regulatory and customer service activities. Having all of this information available in one, searchable format helps us do a better job of evaluating what we regulate and making sure those regulations meet the public’s needs.”
The site also includes a user-survey on each search-results page, designed to get feedback on how well the database works and anything database managers can do to make it easier to use. Although fully functional, final entries to the database are still being made. Visitors to the site who cannot find a particular license are urged to complete the user-survey to help managers track down any that may have been overlooked.
“We know of no other state that combines information on all types of licenses and permits with the ability to search databases of license holders,” said DCBS Director Cory Streisinger, the governor’s point-person on regulatory streamlining. “But we’re not stopping here. Now that the database is up and running, we want to expand the number of licenses and permits that you can actually apply for and pay for online, instead of downloading and sending in paper forms or visiting a state office.”
Web users can reach the database either by using the www.oregon.gov/lic/ address, or by using the database link on the state’s regulatory streamlining home page, streamline.oregon.gov.
Contact:
Mary Ellen Glynn 503.378.6496
Marian Hammond 503.378.6169
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