In anticipation of long-term manned space missions -- several of which are penciled-in to Mars, Jupiter and Alpha Centauri in the next few decades -- government authorities are considering the possibility of requiring licensing for off-planet healthcare workers. The Interplanetary License (IPL) would permit physicians, nurses and rehabilitation therapists to practice aboard spacecraft, both during the voyage and also on the destination planet. Healthcare workers would be trained and tested in the unique requirements of medical procedures in a zero-gravity environment and prepared for the effects of physical changes due to space-time relativity. The proposed regulation does not cover conflict resolution should the licensing standards of the destination planets' inhabitants differ from Earthling standards. Nor does it cover insurance issues stemming from treatment of non-human life forms. In other words, Happy April Fools' Day. You may not be ready to practice on another planet, but in case you want to travel on this one, we've got rewarding travel nurse and therapist jobs across the US. You can also read more about nurse licensing and state boards here (on Earth). [+]

If you want to practice in the state of Colorado - You need to and act on this important information prior to April 1st Colorado is now one of about six U.S. states requiring the registration and licensing of surgical technologists and surgical assistants. The new law, effective April 1, 2011, will help ensure hospitals and surgery centers do not inadvertently hire surgical technologists with a criminal background or with a history of jeopardizing patient safety. Additionally, the legislation will allow employers to share information with other potential healthcare employers concerning impaired work function, drug diversion, patient abuse and violent crimes. The legislation is significant, said State Representatives Debbie Benefield and Sara Gagliardi, drafters of the new law. "Our bill will require surgical technicians to be registered with the state before working with patients. Employers must verify with the state that a prospective employee's [surgical technologists and technicians, surg assistants] registration is in good standing before he/she can start working in an operating room. Additionally, if a surgical technologist or assistant is fired or disciplined, the employer must report this information to the state within two weeks," lawmakers told DenverPost.com when drafting their bill. If you have [+]