621. Is Professional Licensing a Racket?

This Freakonomics Radio Book Club episode interviews law professor Rebecca Allensworth about her book, "The Licensing Racket," focusing on the problems with professional licensing boards in the US. The discussion covers the boards' self-regulation, ineptitude in handling disciplinary actions (illustrated by the case of Dr. Michael LaPaglia), and the exclusion of qualified individuals due to excessive licensing requirements. Allensworth argues that many professions are over-licensed, increasing costs and limiting access, particularly impacting those with criminal records or from disadvantaged backgrounds. She proposes solutions like increased government oversight and a shift away from self-regulated boards to improve the system's effectiveness and fairness.