14 CAR § 21-1506. Automatic licensure for active duty service members, returning military veterans, and spouse

(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.