Easing Licensure Barriers for Military Families

The frequent moves necessitated by uniformed service pose employment and lifestyle challenges for military families. These economic pressures are exacerbated when military spouses require state-based licenses or certificates to practice their chosen profession. Although all states have taken some action to facilitate licensure transfers based on military moves, the imperatives of national security implicated by military recruiting and retention demand a more comprehensive solution to employment barriers facing military households. Recent legal developments at the federal level create opportunities for military families to seek both professional license portability and reimbursement for certain re-licensing expenses. This Commentary reviews the new mechanisms under federal law to improve employment opportunities for military families working in professional fields, with an emphasis on special considerations for practitioners of various healthcare disciplines.