Maryland Senate Bill SB78

Maryland 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23

Caption

Health Occupations - Service Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses - Temporary Licensure, Certification, Registration, and Permitting

Impact

The bill significantly alters the current licensing landscape for health professions by requiring that applications from service members and veterans be processed within a designated timeframe of 15 business days, provided they fulfill the required criteria. Furthermore, it makes provisions for health occupations boards to assign advisors to assist applicants, which is intended to improve accessibility and support for military families. This initiative is anticipated to enhance job opportunities and help mitigate employment gaps for those transitioning back into civilian life.

Summary

Senate Bill 78 aims to streamline the licensure, certification, registration, and permitting processes for service members, veterans, and military spouses within the healthcare sector. The bill mandates that health occupations boards in Maryland expedite the issuance of temporary licenses to those who meet specific prerequisites, thereby facilitating faster integration into the workforce for individuals with military backgrounds. This approach is designed to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by this demographic, including frequent relocations and service-related barriers to timely licensure.

Contention

While the bill garners support for promoting quicker access to essential health occupations for service members and their families, it may also face scrutiny regarding its implementation. Notable points of contention include the adequacy of current training and experience verification processes and whether expedited pathways might compromise the rigorous standards necessary for health licensure. Some stakeholders could express concerns about maintaining professional integrity in health occupations while accommodating the expedited nature of the process.

Regulatory changes

By mandating expedited processes and significant involvement from health occupations boards, Senate Bill 78 implicates modifications in existing state regulations governing licensure for health professionals. The bill not only fosters a more inclusive environment for service members and their families but also emphasizes the importance of targeted communication by requiring the Department of Health to maintain clear and accessible information about licensure processes on its website.