The Nevada Department of Business and Industry is backing an independent review of the Nevada Private Investigators Licensing Board, saying transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public confidence in the state's occupational licensing system.
"The safety of Nevadans is a top priority," said Dr. Kristopher Sanchez, director of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry. "Whenever questions arise regarding the administration of laws designed to protect the public, we believe those concerns deserve to be fully examined. We welcome an independent review of the Board's operations and offer our full support for any legislative or administrative efforts to identify the facts and implement appropriate solutions."
The department said some of the issues involve questions about how Nevada law should be interpreted. Where statutory ambiguity exists, it said, it is ultimately up to the Nevada Legislature to clarify legislative intent and establish clear policy direction.
The concerns surrounding the Private Investigators Licensing Board were discussed during a public meeting of the Legislative Commission while the board was seeking approval of a proposed regulation. The department said that the process highlights the importance of oversight and transparency. It also said an executive branch oversight mechanism with clearly defined authority to review governance, compliance, and operational performance could help identify systemic issues before legislative intervention is needed.
The department said it has previously supported efforts to modernize oversight of Nevada's occupational licensing boards and believes the current situation, along with financial stability concerns involving several boards, demonstrates the need for greater accountability, standardized governance practices and regular operational reviews.
Under current law, consumer and licensee complaints involving Title 54 occupational licensing boards are referred to the Office of Nevada Boards, Commissions and Councils Standards. The department said the office's authority is primarily limited to facilitating mediation and communication among the parties and does not include directing operational changes, requiring corrective action, or intervening in the governance of independent boards.
"Our focus is on ensuring Nevada has the strongest possible regulatory system—one that protects the public, provides clear accountability, and gives boards the tools and oversight they need to fulfill their mission effectively. We look forward to working collaboratively with the Legislature, the Board, and all stakeholders to achieve that goal,” said Dr. Sanchez.
