Military, spouses, occupational licensing boards, date revised by which rules must be adopted, timeframe extended for which a temporary permit to practice is effective, Sec. 31-1-6 am'd.
Impact
One of the primary impacts of SB80 is the extension of the time frame for temporary permits granted to military spouses, which increases from 180 days to 360 days, allowing them more time to fulfill any remaining requirements for permanent licensure. This bill eliminates certain exemptions previously enjoyed by health professional licensure boards, thereby standardizing procedures across various fields. By enabling faster integration into the workforce, the legislation is expected to result in greater job stability and economic contributions from military families who may otherwise struggle to gain employment during relocation.
Summary
SB80, known as the Military Family Jobs Opportunity Act, aims to revise the guidelines existing in Alabama for occupational licensing boards concerning the licensure of military spouses. The bill mandates that these boards adopt specific rules to allow military spouses to obtain licensure or certification more rapidly, particularly if they hold licenses from other states that are substantially equivalent to Alabama's requirements. This is a significant step in recognizing the challenges faced by military families as they relocate frequently due to service commitments.
Conclusion
Ultimately, SB80 reflects Alabama's commitment to supporting military families by fostering a more accessible licensing environment. The legislation is designed to ease transition issues for spouses of service members and is anticipated to promote both employment opportunities and the economic wellbeing of military families in the state.
Contention
Debates surrounding SB80 focus on the balance between maintaining stringent safety standards in licensure while providing leniency for military families. Supporters argue that the bill empowers military spouses, who often face obstacles in maintaining their professional careers when moving across state lines. Critics, however, raise concerns about the need to ensure adequate vetting and oversight in the licensure process. There's a fear that speeding up the process may compromise the integrity or quality of the services provided by these licensed professionals, especially in sensitive fields such as healthcare.
Same As
Military, spouses, occupational licensing boards, date revised by which rules must be adopted, timeframe extended for which a temporary permit to practice is effective, Sec. 31-1-6 am'd.
Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing, created within the Department of Labor; oversight provided to professional or occupational licensing boards.
Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing within the Department of Workforce; created as centralized entity for providing leadership, support, and oversight to certain boards.
Massage Therapy Licensing Board temporarily under Board of Nursing; authorize Executive Director of the Board of Nursing, or designee to perform certain functions; define and provide for emergency order; clarify status of practice with a temporary permit; provide for annual meeting; require a majority vote to discipline licensee; provide further for the qualifications for licensing and the contents of an application; outcall massage therapy services and inspections of massage therapy establishments; to authorize the board, by rule, to establish and collect reasonable fees; to provide further for investigations, discipline, and fingerprinting of licensees and applicants for licensing; and to provide further for massage therapy schools.
Off-label medical treatment; adverse action by occupational licensing board because of recommendation, prohibited; patient informed consent, required; cause of action, provided
Contract Review Permanent Legislative Oversight Committee, review of personal or professional services contracts, limitation that funds be issued on a state warrant removed, occupational and professional licensing boards included as state entities