ALTERNATIVE LICENSING FOR MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS, MILITARY VETERANS, AND MILITARY SPOUSES.

(a) A state agency that issues a license shall issue the license to an applicant who is a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse and:

(1) holds a current license issued by another state that is similar in scope of practice to the license in this state and is in good standing with that state's licensing authority; or

(2) within the five years preceding the application date held the license in this state.

(b) The executive director of a state agency may waive any prerequisite to obtaining a license for an applicant described by Subsection (a) after reviewing the applicant's credentials.

(b-1) On receipt by a state agency of an application for a license in accordance with this section, the agency shall promptly issue a provisional license to the applicant while the agency processes the application or issue the license for which the applicant applied. A provisional license issued under this subsection expires on the earlier of:

(1) the date the agency approves or denies the provisional license holder's application for the license; or

(2) the 180th day after the date the provisional license is issued.

(c) In addition to the rules adopted under Subsection (a), a state agency that issues a license may adopt rules that would establish alternate methods for a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse to demonstrate competency to meet the requirements for obtaining the license, including receiving appropriate credit for training, education, and clinical and professional experience.

(d) A state agency that issues a license that has a residency requirement for license eligibility may not adopt rules requiring documentation for an applicant who is a military service member, military veteran, or military spouse to establish residency for purposes of this section.