Final answer:
Licensee professionals are most concerned with the law regarding the acquisition and maintenance of occupational licenses. These licenses are essential for establishing quality in various industries but also represent significant barriers to industry entry, affecting competition and consumer choice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The law that is most concerning to licensee professionals is the requirement to obtain and maintain valid occupational licenses. These licenses, which indicate that a worker has completed specific education or passed certain exams, are critical in professions such as medicine, engineering, teaching, and law, among others. They serve as a crucial tool to establish quality in the labor market and protect public safety by ensuring that professionals meet certain standards. However, these licenses also create barriers to entry, potentially limiting competition and affecting consumer choice and price.
In addition to license requirements for well-known professions like doctors and lawyers, many other roles require licensure, including barbers, embalmers, dietitians, and massage therapists. Some occupations require licenses only in certain states. For instance, a state license is necessary to be a field archaeologist in Minnesota or a bait retailer in North Dakota. A 2013 study from the University of Chicago highlighted that about 29% of U.S. workers have jobs that mandate occupational licenses, showcasing their widespread impact.