PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IN THE STATE REGULATION OF PROFESSIONS AND INDUSTRIES. SUCH REGULATION FALLS WITHIN THE DOMAIN OF STATE OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSING DEPARTMENTS. AT PRESENT, 29 STATES PROVIDE FOR CONSUMER REPRESENTATION ON DEPARTMENTAL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, AND THERE IS INCREASED PRESSURE ON THE OTHER STATES TO DO SO ALSO. IN MARYLAND SUCH CONSUMER REPRESENTATION IS PROVIDED FOR BY LEGISLATION. BECAUSE THE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS APPOINTED TO REGULATE THE PROFESSIONS AND INDUSTRIES OFTEN ARE COMPRISED OF INDUSTRY AND PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES, THE ACTIVE AND INFORMED PARTICIPATION OF THE CONSUMER REPRESENTATIVE IS NECESSARY TO PREVENT INTERESTED PERSONS FROM ENGAGING IN SELF-REGULATION WHICH FAILS TO REFLECT THE PUBLIC INTEREST ADEQUATELY. THE CONSUMER COUNCIL STUDY INDICATES THAT THE 34 BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS EXAMINED ENGAGE IN REGULATION WHICH PROMOTES VESTED AND SPECIAL INTERESTS AT THE EXPENSE OF THE PUBLIC INTEREST. THE MEMBERS TEND TO BE NONASSERTIVE, POSSESSING LITTLE UNDERSTANDING OF THE REGULATORY PROCESS AND ITS ECONOMIC IMPACT ON THE CITIZENS OF MARYLAND. CURRENT MARYLAND STATE PROFESSIONAL AND INDUSTRY LICENSING AND REGULATORY PRACTICES ARE DISCUSSED AND COMPARED WITH THOSE OF OTHER STATES. THE COUNCIL'S RECOMMENDATIONS ESSENTIALLY ADVOCATE GREATER CARE IN THE APPOINTMENT OF CONSUMER REPRESENTATIVES AND OTHER BOARD MEMBERS AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MEANS FOR INFORMING BOARD MEMBERS AND THE PUBLIC. THE QUESTIONNAIRE USED TO POLL BOARD MEMBERS CONCERNING THEIR ACTIVITIES IS FURNISHED. (MPK)