RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 568 (HB 716) 2024 Regular Session Owen
New law provides for the Welcome Home Act.
New law provides definitions for "board', "occupational license", "other state" or "another
state", and "scope of practice".
New law provides that notwithstanding any other law, a board shall issue an occupational
license or certification to a person upon application, if all the following apply:
(1) The applicant holds a current and valid occupational license or certification in
another state in a lawful occupation with a similar scope of practice, as determined
by the board in this state.
(2) The applicant has held the occupational license or certification in the other state for
at least one year.
(3) The other state required the applicant to pass an examination, or to meet education,
training, or experience standards.
(4) The other state holds the applicant in good standing.
(5) The applicant does not have a disqualifying criminal record as determined by the
board in this state under state law.
(6) The applicant does not have a disciplinary action or investigation pending in another
state. If the applicant has a disciplinary action or investigation pending, the board in
this state shall not issue or deny an occupational license or certification to the person
until the disciplinary action or investigation is resolved or the person otherwise meets
the criteria for an occupational license or certification in this state to the satisfaction
of the board in this state.
(7) The applicant pays all applicable fees in this state.
(8) The applicant lives in this state and provides proof of residency.
New law provides that if another state issued the applicant a certification, but this state
requires an occupational license to work, the board in this state shall issue an occupational
license to the applicant if the applicant otherwise satisfies new law.
New law provides that notwithstanding any provision of existing law to the contrary, the La.
State Board of Medical Examiners and the La. Board of Veterinary Medicine shall issue a
conditional license or certification, pending normal licensure, to an applicant who otherwise
satisfies new law.
New law provides that the La. State Board of Dentistry may require an applicant for dental
licensure to successfully complete an initial clinical licensure examination in a jurisdiction
that includes a hand skills assessment.
New law provides that a license issued under new law may contain the statement: "licensed
by Endorsement, R.S. 37:51 et seq."
New law provides for the methods for which an applicant can prove residency in this state.
New law provides that a board may require an applicant to pass a jurisprudential examination
specific to relevant state laws that regulate the occupation or certification.
New law provides that the Horticulture Commission may require applicants to pass all or part
of an examination as may be necessary to demonstrate competence regarding La.-specific
flora and La.-specific environmental issues.
New law provides that if an examination is required for licensure or certification pursuant
to existing law, applicants may be required to take and pass all or part of the examination as
may be necessary to demonstrate competence regarding La. specific flora, fauna, or
environmental issues.
New law provides that a board shall provide an applicant with a written decision regarding
his application within 60 days after receiving a complete application.
New law provides that an applicant may appeal a board's decision to a court of general
jurisdiction. An applicant may appeal any of the following:
(1) The board's denial of an occupational license or certification.
(2) The board's determination of the occupation or certification.
(3) The board's determination of the similarity of the scope of practice of the
occupational license or certification issued.
New law provides that a person who obtains an occupational license or certification pursuant
to new law is subject to the laws regulating the occupation in this state and the jurisdiction
of the board in this state.
New law does not apply to an occupation regulated by the state supreme court, a peace
officer defined by existing law, or to water or wastewater operator licenses.
New law provides that nothing in new law shall be construed to prohibit a person from
applying for an occupational license or certification under another statute or rule in state law.
New law provides that an occupational license or certification issued pursuant to new law
is valid only in this state. It does not make the person eligible to work in another state under
an interstate compact or reciprocity agreement unless otherwise provided in law.
New law provides that nothing in new law shall be construed to prevent this state from
entering into a licensing compact, professional national mobility agreement, or reciprocity
agreement with another state, foreign province, foreign country, international organization,
or other entity. Further provides that a person may apply for licensure pursuant to new law
or may apply for licensure pursuant to the terms of the applicable licensing compact,
professional national mobility agreement, or reciprocity agreement.
New law states that nothing in new law shall be construed to prevent this state from
recognizing occupational credentials issued by a private certification organization, foreign
province, foreign country, international organization, or other entity.
New law states that nothing in new law shall be construed to require a private certification
organization to grant or deny private certification to any individual.
Effective August 1, 2024.
(Adds R.S. 37:51-59)