The Board of Professional Licensing (BPL) and the Health Care Professions Licensing Board (HCPLB) are independent regulatory agencies on the CNMI Government administered under the Executive Branch.  Each board was established by law giving them the power and authority to license and regulate 14 disciplines under BPL and 32 professions under HCPLB.  Both Boards are tasked to protect the public of the Northern Mariana Islands by enforcing regulations that restrict professional practice to individuals who have demonstrated competency by having specific credentials in educations, examinations, and practical experiences.