UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Defense – State Liaison Dale Vande Hey South Central Regional State Liaison (AR, LA, NM, OK, TX Defense – State Liaison Office dale.m.vandehey.civ@mail.mil; 571-236-7833
DoD – State Liaison Function Established by the USD(P&R) in 2004 Mission is to: Alleviate barriers as a result of military life Harmonize differences in state and federal laws Have covered a wide range of state issues: Family law, education, occupational licensure and employment support, consumer protection, voting, health policy, National Guard support and the state judicial system Issues are reviewed annually to bring most significant to states Accomplish mission through “ERA” with state policymakers Educate about the issues, build Relationships, and Assist when asked We don’t lobby – no ‘grass roots’ campaigning for specific bills
Regional Staff Martin Dempsey Jim Rickel Harold Cooney Mark San Souci Thomas Hinton Senior State Liaison Laurie Crehan Kevin Bruch Dale Vande Hey Eric Sherman
Licensure Initiatives Status Encouraged states to accept four options for transitioning Service members: 47 accept military training, education and experience towards licensure 40 allow RC members to maintain licenses while on active duty 34 accept military training, education and experience towards academic degree 21 endorse license received on active duty 1 of 4 All 4 Options 2 of 4 3 of 4 Encouraged states to accept three options for military spouse license portability: 43 provide temporary licensing for spouses who cannot qualify for endorsement 40 make endorsement of existing licenses available and attainable 31 expedite the process of getting a license 1 of 3 All 3 Options 2 of 3
2018 Spouse Licensure Initiatives Working with the University of Minnesota on evaluation of implementation of previous policy changes Request follow-up by legislatures on actions taken by boards Considering coverage of both spouse and transitioning Service member provisions Military spouse teacher certification Largely not impacted by previous license portability initiative State status: 17 states existing/enacted policy Licensing Compacts recognizing separating Service members and military spouses Compacts for nursing, psychology, emergency medical services, physical therapy
Benefits of Licensure Compacts Compacts are public contracts approved by states in law Provisions developed by the proponents of the occupation Establishes consistent language Establishes an oversight commission Licensures compacts can create: Common understanding of standards Mechanism for states to share authority and responsibility Simplified portability of licenses Privilege to practice and multi-state arrangements for temporary practices Tele-practices opportunities
Benefits for Military Spouses Physical Therapy License Compact: “Home state” defined as home of record, permanent change of station location or state of current residence. Privilege to practice provision allows military spouse to work in any member state with an unencumbered license in the home state and: Pay any applicable state fees for the privilege to practice Fulfill any jurisprudence requirements for the state Nurse Licensure Compact: “Home state” defined as legal residence Similar privilege to practice provision Military spouses have flexibility through Military Spouse Residence Relief Act
Other Compacts of Interest REPLICA – Emergency Management Services Compact Establishes consistent licensing requirements Special provisions for military Facilitates endorsement of unencumbered licenses Supports transitioning Service members obtaining certification PSYPACT – Psychological Interjurisdictional Compact Supports tele-practice Important for access to care Assists military spouse psychologists maintain clients
www.USA4MilitaryFamilies.dod.mil