Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

Which agency is NOT considered a licensing agency?

1. The State Department of Social Services

2. A county licensing agency

3. A private childcare organization

4. The California Department of Education

The correct answer is: A private childcare organization

The correct response identifies a private childcare organization as not being a licensing agency. Licensing agencies are typically governmental bodies or departments that have the authority to issue licenses, enforce regulations, and ensure compliance within a specific professional or service sector. A private childcare organization operates independently and may provide childcare services, but it does not have governmental authority to license or regulate childcare providers. Instead, such organizations may adhere to licensing standards set by government agencies but do not function as licensing authorities themselves. In contrast, the other options include entities like the State Department of Social Services, which oversees various welfare programs, including childcare licensing; a county licensing agency, which specifically manages the licensing for local facilities; and the California Department of Education, which may be involved in educational regulations, including licensing for educational and childcare programs. Each of these agencies has the statutory authority to regulate and license certain professions or services, highlighting their roles as licensing agencies.