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Revolving account to fund BPL operations
Members of the CNMI Board of Professional Licensing discuss financial matters last Thursday at the Commonwealth Health Care Corp. BPL currently has a revolving account that will help it remain operational for the year. (MARC A. VENUS)
Despite its budget fiscal year 2020 being zeroed out, the CNMI board that grants licenses for certain professionals to do work in the Commonwealth will still be able to function normally.
During yesterday’s meeting of the Board of Professional Licensing, executive director Esther Fleming reported that BPL was able to reserve the needed funding through its revolving funds account. At the end of fiscal year 2019 last Sept. 30, 2019, the board’s remaining funds amounted to roughly $90,700, she said.
Citing a report of the Department of Finance, Fleming said it had about $150,000 in its revolving account in fiscal year 2019. Minus $60,000 in total expenditures, that left BPL with $90,000.
For fiscal year 2020, with its regular funding appropriation being zeroed out, most of the operational expenses will be shared between BPL and the Health Care Professions Licensing Board.
She clarified that staff will be paid and that the revolving fund will continue to help the office operate.
In addition, Fleming informed the board that she intends to have the office’s computer systems and data programs updated. This opportunity will also allow those who are licensed to have easier access to the office, as these changes may help in making the office more accessible and allow licensees to apply for other offered services.
