1. (a) For the purposes of this section, the definitions in Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 55 are hereby adopted by reference.
2. (b) This section applies to all licenses issued by the Department of State Health Services (department) under authority granted by the applicable chapter of the Texas Health and Safety Code or Texas Occupations Code.

3. (c) Notwithstanding any other rule, a military spouse may engage in a business or occupation as if licensed in the State of Texas without obtaining the applicable license in Texas, if the spouse:

   1. (1) is currently licensed in good standing by another jurisdiction that has licensing requirements substantially equivalent to the requirements of a license in this state;
   2. (2) notifies the department of the spouse's intent to practice in this state;
   3. (3) submits to the department proof of the spouse's residency in this state and a copy of the spouse's military identification card; and

   4. (4) receives from the department a verification letter that:

      1. (A) the department has verified the spouse's license in the other jurisdiction; and
      2. (B) the spouse is authorized to engage in the business or occupation in accordance with the Texas Statutes and rules for that business or occupation.

4. (d) To receive a verification letter, the military spouse must submit:

   1. (1) a request to the department for recognition, on a form prescribed by the department;
   2. (2) proof of residency in this state;
   3. (3) a copy of the military spouse's identification card; and
   4. (4) proof the military service member is stationed at a military installation in Texas.
5. (e) Upon verification from the licensing jurisdiction of the military spouse's license and if the license is substantially equivalent to a Texas license, the department shall issue a verification letter recognizing the licensure as the equivalent license in this state.
6. (f) The verification letter will expire three years from date of issuance or when the military service member is no longer stationed at a military installation in Texas, whichever comes first. The verification letter may not be renewed.
7. (g) The military spouse shall comply with all applicable laws, rules, and standards of this state, including applicable Texas Health and Safety Code or Texas Occupations Code Chapters and all relevant Texas Administrative Code provisions.

8. (h) The department may revoke the verification letter at its discretion. Basis for revocation include:

   1. (1) the military spouse fails to comply with subsection (g) of this section; or
   2. (2) the military spouse's license required under subsection (c)(1) of this section expires or is suspended or revoked in another jurisdiction.

Source Note:The provisions of this §1.81 adopted to be effective December 5, 2019, 44 TexReg 7395.