CHAPTER 59. LICENSURE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MILITARY TRAINING

§3651. Licensure for individuals with military training and experience; licensure by endorsement for military spouses; temporary license; expedited process

            A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a professional or occupational licensing board shall issue a license, certification, or registration to a military-trained applicant to allow the applicant to lawfully practice the applicant's occupation in this state if, upon application to the board, the applicant satisfies all of the following conditions:

            (1) Has completed a military program of training, been awarded a military occupational specialty, and performed in that specialty at a level that is substantially equivalent to or exceeds the educational, examination, experience and other requirements for licensure, certification, or registration of the professional or occupational licensing board for which the applicant is seeking licensure, certification, or registration in this state, provided the applicant has otherwise met all of the minimum requirements for licensure, certification, or registration of the licensing board.

            (2) Has engaged in the active practice of the occupation for which the person is seeking a license, certification, or permit from the board.

            (3) Has not been disciplined in any jurisdiction for an act that would have constituted grounds for refusal, suspension, or revocation of a license to practice that occupation in this state at the time the act was committed.

            B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a professional or occupational licensing board shall issue a license, certification, or registration to a military-trained applicant to allow the applicant to lawfully practice an occupation in this state if, upon application to a professional or occupational licensing board, the applicant holds a current license, certification, or registration from another jurisdiction and that jurisdiction's requirements for licensure, certification, or registration are substantially equivalent to or exceed the requirements for licensure, certification, or registration in this state.

            C. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a professional or occupational licensing board shall issue a license, certification, or registration to a military spouse to allow the military spouse to lawfully practice the military spouse's occupation in this state, if, upon application to a professional or occupational licensing board, the military spouse satisfies all of the following conditions:

            (1) Holds a current license, certification, or registration from another jurisdiction, and that jurisdiction's requirement for licensure, certification, or registration are substantially equivalent to or exceed the requirements for licensure, certification, or registration in this state.

            (2) Can demonstrate competency in the occupation through methods as determined by the board, such as having completed continuing education units or having had recent experience.

            (3) Has not been disciplined in any jurisdiction for an act that would have constituted grounds for refusal, suspension, or revocation of a license to practice that occupation in this state at the time the act was committed.

            (4) Is in good standing and has not been disciplined by the agency that issued the license, certification, or permit.

            D. A professional or occupational licensing board shall issue a temporary practice permit to a military-trained applicant or military spouse licensed, certified, or registered in another jurisdiction while the military-trained applicant or military spouse is satisfying the requirements for licensure under the provisions of this Section, if that jurisdiction has licensure, certification, or registration standards substantially equivalent to the standards for licensure, certification, or registration of a professional or occupational licensing board in this state. The military-trained applicant or military spouse may practice under the temporary permit until a license, certification, or registration is granted or until a notice to deny a license, certification, or registration is issued in accordance with rules that shall be promulgated by the applicable professional or occupational licensing board. Each professional and occupational licensing board shall adopt rules in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act for the issuance of a temporary practice permit and such rules shall ensure the public health and safety.

            E. An individual possessing a temporary practice permit under the provisions of this Section shall receive priority processing of their application for license, certification, or registration, in accordance with rules that shall be promulgated by the applicable professional or occupational licensing board.

            F. A professional or occupational licensing board shall adopt rules in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act necessary to implement the provisions of this Section.

            G. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to prohibit a military-trained applicant or military spouse from proceeding under the existing licensure, certification, or registration requirements established by a professional or occupational licensing board in this state.

            H. For the purposes of this Section, "professional or occupational licensing board" shall mean any state agency, board, commission, or substantially similar entity, involved in the licensing, certification, or registration of any regulated profession or occupation within the state of Louisiana.

            I. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any applicant receiving a dishonorable discharge or a military spouse whose spouse received a dishonorable discharge.

            J. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to a license issued and regulated under the authority of the judicial branch of government.

            Acts 2012, No. 276, §1; Acts 2016, No. 616, §1.