(a) The Joint Committee on Government Organization shall refer the completed application of the professional or occupational group or organization to the Performance Evaluation and Research Division of the Office of the Legislative Auditor.

(b) The Performance Evaluation and Research Division of the Office of the Legislative Auditor shall conduct an analysis and evaluation of the application. The analysis and evaluation shall be based upon the criteria listed in subsection (c) of this section. The Performance Evaluation and Research Division of the Office of the Legislative Auditor shall submit a report, and such supporting materials as may be required, to the Joint Standing Committee on Government Organization, as set out in this section.

(c) For an application proposing the regulation of an unregulated professional or occupational group or organization, the report shall include evaluation, analysis and findings as to:

(1) Whether the unregulated practice of the occupation or profession clearly harms or endangers the health, safety or welfare of the public, and whether the potential for the harm is easily recognizable and not remote or dependent upon tenuous argument;

(2) Whether the practice of the profession or occupation requires specialized skill or training which is readily measurable or quantifiable so that examination or training requirements would reasonably assure initial and continuing professional or occupational competence;

(3) Whether the public can be adequately protected by other means in a more cost-effective manner; and

(4) Whether the professional or occupational group or organization should be regulated as proposed in the application.

(d) For an application proposing the establishment, revision or expansion of the scope of practice of a regulated profession or occupation, the report shall include the evaluation, analysis and findings as set forth in subsection (c) of this section inasmuch as applicable, and a clear recommendation as to whether the scope of practice should be established, revised or expanded as proposed in the application.

(e) For an application received after December 1, and on or before June 1, the Performance Evaluation and Research Division of the Office of the Legislative Auditor shall present a report to the Joint Committee on Government Organization by December 31 of that year.

(f) For an application received after June 1 and on or before December 1, the Performance Evaluation and Research Division of the Office of the Legislative Auditor shall present a report to the Joint Committee on Government Organization by June 30 of the next year.