AB 1976 Summary

• Requires healing arts boards in the Department of Consumer Affairs and the State Department of Public Health to accept military education, training, and practical experience toward licensure or certification requirements, unless the board determines such experience is not substantially equivalent to its standards.

• Mandates that by July 1, 2014, schools seeking accreditation or approval by these boards must have procedures in place to accept military education and experience toward completion of educational programs qualifying applicants for licensure or certification.

• Requires each board and the State Department of Public Health to determine by January 1, 2014, whether regulations are necessary to implement these provisions; if not necessary, they must submit a written explanation to the Governor and Legislature.

• Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide technical assistance to boards and the State Department of Public Health in complying with these requirements, including determining substantial equivalency and obtaining funding.

• Requires the Director of Consumer Affairs and State Department of Public Health to submit a progress report to the Governor and Legislature by January 1, 2016, on board compliance with these provisions.