(a) Applicability. This section applies to:

1. (1) A uniformed service member stationed in the State of Arkansas;
2. (2) A uniformed service veteran who resides in or establishes residency in the State of Arkansas; and

3. (3) The spouse of subdivisions (a)(1) or (2) of this section, including a:

   1. (A) Uniformed service member who is assigned a tour of duty that excludes the spouse from accompanying the uniformed service member and the spouse relocates to Arkansas; or
   2. (B) Uniformed service member who is killed or succumbs to his or her injuries or illness in the line of duty if the spouse establishes residency in Arkansas.

(b) Automatic licensure. Automatic licensure shall be granted to persons listed in subsection (a) of this section if the person:

1. (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. (2) Pays the licensure fee.

(d) Expiration dates and continuing education.

1. (1) 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.
2. (2) A uniformed service member or spouse shall be exempt from continuing education requirements in this part for one hundred eighty (180) days following the date of the uniformed service member's return from deployment.
3. (3) 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.