CA AB186

Establishes temporary licensure process for military spouses of active duty service members assigned to California, allowing them to practice specified professions while applying for expedited permanent licenses.

Eligible professions include registered nurse, vocational nurse, psychiatric technician, speech-language pathologist, audiologist, veterinarian, and all licenses issued by the Medical Board of California and Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists.

Applicants must hold a current, active, unrestricted license in another U.S. jurisdiction, provide proof of marriage or domestic partnership with an active duty Armed Forces member, and submit verification that their original license is in good standing.

Temporary licenses expire 12 months after issuance, upon issuance of an expedited permanent license, or upon denial of the expedited application, whichever occurs first.

Applicants for engineering and geology licenses must pass California-specific examinations; boards may conduct criminal background checks and immediately terminate temporary licenses for failure to meet requirements or provision of inaccurate information.