Amends TCA Title 4; Title 62, Chapter 76 and Title 63, Chapter 1.

This bill requires a licensing authority to issue a license to a Tennessee resident who holds a professional license from another state, including a healthcare professional license, if: <br /> <br /> (1) The person's out-of-state license is current and valid within a similar scope of practice as determined by the licensing authority in this state; <br /> <br /> (2) The person has held the out-of-state license for at least one year prior to the date of application for a license in this state; <br /> <br /> (3) The licensing authority in the other state required the person to pass an examination, or to meet education, training, or experience standards; <br /> <br /> (4) The person previously passed the examination required for the license, if required by the other state; <br /> <br /> (5) The person has not had a license revoked and has not voluntarily surrendered a license in any other state while under investigation for unprofessional conduct; <br /> <br /> (6) The person has not been disciplined by another licensing authority. If another jurisdiction has taken disciplinary action against the person, the licensing authority must determine if the cause for the action was corrected and the matter resolved. If the matter has not been resolved by that jurisdiction, the licensing authority may suspend the application process or deny the license until the matter is resolved; <br /> <br /> (7) The person does not have an investigation pending before another licensing authority in another state. If an applicant has an investigation pending relative to the license sought, the licensing authority may suspend the application process or deny the license until the investigation is resolved; <br /> <br /> (8) The person pays all applicable fees; and <br /> <br /> (9) The person does not have a disqualifying criminal history as determined by the licensing authority. <br /> <br /> Except as provided above, a licensing authority that administers an examination on laws of this state as part of its license application requirement may require an applicant to take and pass an examination specific to the laws of this state. <br /> <br /> A person who is licensed pursuant to this bill will be subject to the laws regulating the person's practice in this state and subject to the licensing authority's jurisdiction.<br /> <br /> This bill states that it does not prevent a licensing authority from entering into a reciprocity agreement with another state or jurisdiction. Any reciprocity agreement established with another state or jurisdiction will supersede this bill. Similarly, this bill states that it does not prevent a licensing authority from entering into an interstate compact with other states or jurisdictions. Any interstate compact established with another state or jurisdiction will supersede this bill.<br />