Georgia Launches GOALS Licensing System Amid Challenges

News Summary

Georgia has introduced a new online professional licensing system, GOALS, intending to streamline the licensing process for residents. While the system aims to issue licenses in 15 days, many residents report significant delays. The system’s implementation has prompted joint investigations from state officials to address the widespread complaints about slow processing times. Additionally, a Blue-Ribbon Committee has been formed to evaluate the challenges posed by GOALS and recommend improvements. Despite the issues, some data suggests that a majority of applications are being processed within a reasonable timeframe.

Atlanta, Georgia – Georgia has recently rolled out a new online professional licensing system known as GOALS (Georgia Online Application and Licensing System), aimed at making the process of obtaining and renewing professional licenses simpler and faster for nearly 500,000 residents. The initiative intends to significantly reduce the time taken to issue new licenses from almost two months to just 15 days and promises that renewing existing licenses can be completed in as little as five minutes. However, the implementation of GOALS has encountered notable challenges.

Matthew Tyser, the Deputy Secretary of State, explained that this digital platform replaces the previous paper-based licensing process, aligning with modern expectations for efficiency. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger underscored the importance of an expedited licensing system, asserting that it would enable residents to secure employment more promptly, which is crucial for Georgia’s workforce, especially given the recent economic shifts.

Since the introduction of GOALS, there has been a notable increase in professional licenses issued; Georgia has reported a 12% growth this year alone, translating to 60,000 new licenses processed. Despite these promising statistics, many users have reported delays and issues that contradict the system’s intended benefits.

One of the users, Chelsea Buffalino, a cosmetologist, expressed disappointment after her application took six months to process, far exceeding the promised maximum of 15 business days. Complaints like Buffalino’s have led to increased scrutiny of the new system.

In response to the ongoing issues, Georgia’s Lt. Governor Burt Jones and House Speaker Jon Burns have initiated a joint investigation focused on the complications arising from the GOALS licensing system. This investigation was sparked by numerous constituent complaints about slow turnaround times, impacting various professions, including physical therapists, contractors, and cosmetologists.

Several newly graduated physical therapists are reportedly still facing hurdles in acquiring their licenses due to the ongoing delays attributed to GOALS. Lt. Governor Jones remarked on the seriousness of these slowdowns, emphasizing that such delays hinder professionals from engaging in work and earning a living. In light of this, state leaders have reached out to Secretary Raffensperger, urging improvements to the licensing process to alleviate these troublesome blocks.

To further investigate and address the underlying issues causing the delays, a Blue-Ribbon Committee has been established. This entity will evaluate the current licensing challenges and propose actionable recommendations to enhance efficiency and improve customer service within the licensing framework.

Gabriel Sterling, the Chief Operating Officer of the Georgia Secretary of State’s office, stated that the goal of the GOALS system is to enhance transparency for applicants. However, old laws complicating the licensing process have been identified as a significant hurdle, prompting discussions to potentially update these regulations. Efforts are also underway to refine the licensing process to minimize subjective decision-making and hasten approval times.

In addition to addressing systemic issues, some applicants have reported finding it difficult to obtain necessary personal identification numbers (PINs) and experience delays in receiving responses when contacting state boards. On a more positive note, data indicates that approximately 80% of complete applications are being processed into licenses within a timeframe of 17 to 28 days, suggesting that despite the challenges, some aspects of the system are functioning effectively.

In light of the challenges faced, the Georgia Secretary of State’s office has received increased funding to bolster staffing and improve processing efficiency in the future. These steps reflect an ongoing commitment to enhancing the professional licensing system in Georgia, despite the growing pains associated with the introduction of the new GOALS system.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• WSB TV: Georgia’s New Licensing System
• The Georgia Virtue: Licensing Board Problems
• Georgia Recorder: Goals for 2025
• Wikipedia: Professional Licensing
• 11 Alive: State Leaders Investigate Licensing Board
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Professional Licensing