Rule 430-13-.02. Licensure By Endorsement: Federal Service

The Board will consider applications by Endorsement for military spouses and transitioning service members as defined in O.C.G.A. § 43-1-34 (2017) subject to the following:

1. (a) As used in this rule, the following terms shall mean:

   1. 1. "Military" means the United States armed forces, including the National Guard.
   2. 2. "Military spouse" means a spouse of a service member or transitioning service member.
   3. 3. "Service member" means an active or reserve member of the armed forces, including the National Guard.
   4. 4. "Transitioning service member" means a member of the military on active duty status or on separation leave who is within 24 months of retirement or 12 months of separation.

2. (b) A military spouse or transitioning service member may qualify for a license or certificate of registration by endorsement where the applicant:

   1. 1. Holds a license in good standing from another state for which the training, experience, and testing substantially meet or exceed the requirements to obtain a license as an Optometrist in Georgia;
   2. 2. Has submitted to the Board a verification of licensure from the appropriate licensing agency referenced in number one (1.) above showing that the applicant's active license is in good standing in that state;
   3. 3. Has submitted documentation satisfactory to the Board which verifies the applicant's status as a military spouse or transitioning service member as defined in O.C.G.A. § 43-1-34;
   4. 4. Has submitted a completed application for licensure by endorsement on a form approved by the Board and has paid the required fee; and
   5. 5. Has taken and passed the Georgia Jurisprudence (Laws and Rules) Examination of the Georgia State Board of Optometry.
3. (c) Effective July 1, 2017, military spouses and transitioning service members may qualify for expedited processing of the license application by showing that the applicant is a military spouse or transitioning service member and that the applicant has paid the fee and meets the requirements for a license under the laws and rules for the type of license for which the applicant has applied.

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-34, 43-30-5(2016).

History. Original Rule entitled "Licensure by Endorsement: Federal Service" adopted F. Nov. 26, 1996; eff. Dec. 16, 1996.

Amended: F. Aug. 24, 2017; eff. Sept. 13, 2017.