PROVISIONAL LICENSE.

(a) The department may issue a provisional license to an applicant currently licensed in another jurisdiction who seeks a license in this state and who:

(1) has been licensed in good standing in the profession for which the person seeks the license for at least two years in another jurisdiction, including a foreign country, that has requirements substantially equivalent to the requirements of this chapter; and

(2) has passed a national or other examination recognized by the department relating to the practice of that profession.

(b) A provisional license is valid until the date the department approves or denies the provisional license holder's application. The department shall issue a license to the provisional license holder if:

(1) the provisional license holder is eligible to hold a license under this chapter; or

(2) the provisional license holder passes the part of the examination that relates to the applicant's knowledge and understanding of the laws and rules relating to the practice of the profession in this state and:

(A) the department verifies that the provisional license holder meets the education and experience requirements for the license; and

(B) the provisional license holder satisfies any other license requirements.

(c) The department must approve or deny a provisional license holder's application for a license not later than the 180th day after the date the provisional license is issued. The department may extend the 180-day period if the results of an examination have not been received by the department before the end of that period.