Automatic licensure for active duty service members, returning military veterans, and spouse
Arkansas Code § 14-236-107
(a) As used in this subpart:
(1) “Automatic licensure” means granting the occupational licensure without an individual having met occupational licensure requirements provided:
- (A) Under the Arkansas Code; or
- (B) By other provisions in this part;
(2) “Uniformed service member” means an:
- (A) Active or reserve component member of the:
(i) United States Air Force;
(ii) United States Army;
(iii) United States Coast Guard;
- (iv) United States Marine Corps;
- (v) United States Navy;
- (vi) United States Space Force; or
- (vii) National Guard;
- (B) Active component member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps; or
- (C) Active or reserve component member of the United States Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service; and
- (3) “Uniformed service veteran” means a former member of the United States uniformed services discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
(b) This subpart applies to:
- (1) A uniformed service member stationed in the State of Arkansas;
- (2) A uniformed service veteran who resides in or establishes residency in the State of Arkansas; and
(3) The spouse of subdivision (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section including a uniformed service member who is:
- (A) Assigned a tour of duty that excludes the spouse from accompanying the uniformed service member and the spouse relocates to Arkansas; or
(B) Killed or succumbs to his or her injuries or illness in the line of duty if the spouse establishes residency in Arkansas.
- (c) Automatic licensure shall be granted to persons listed in subsection (b) of this section if the person:
- (1) Is a holder in good standing of occupational licensure with similar scope of practice issued by another state, territory, or district of the United States; and
(2) Pays the licensure fee.
- (d) Relevant and applicable uniformed service education, training, national certification, or service-issued credential shall be accepted toward initial licensure.
- (e) A license expiration date shall be extended for a deployed uniformed service member or spouse for one hundred eighty (180) days following the date of the uniformed service member’s return from deployment.
- (f) A uniformed service member or spouse shall be exempt from continuing education requirements for one hundred eighty (180) days following the date of the uniformed service member’s return from deployment.
- (g) Any uniformed service member or spouse exercising the exemption shall provide evidence of completion of continuing education before renewal or grant of a subsequent license.