SECTION 810.10. Recognition of Out-of-State License of Military Spouse

(a) For the purposes of this section only, the definitions found in Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 55 are hereby adopted by reference.

(b) Notwithstanding any other rule, a military spouse may practice as a sex offender treatment provider as if licensed in the State of Texas without obtaining the applicable license in Texas, if the military spouse:

(1) is currently licensed in good standing by another jurisdiction that has licensing requirements substantially similar to the requirements of a license in this state;

(2) notifies the council of the military spouse's intent to practice in Texas; and

(3) receives from the council a verification letter that states:

(A) the council has verified the military spouse's license in the other jurisdiction; and

(B) the military spouse is authorized to engage as a sex offender treatment provider in accordance with Texas Occupations Code, §55.0041.

(c) To request a verification letter, the following must be submitted to the council:

(1) a request for recognition to practice as a sex offender treatment provider on a form prescribed by the council;

(2) verification from the licensing jurisdiction the military spouse is currently licensed in good standing;

(3) a copy of the military spouse's military identification card;

(4) proof of military spouse's residency in this state; and

(5) proof the military service member to whom the military spouse is married is stationed at a military installation in Texas.

(d) Upon receipt and verification of the information required by subsection (c) of this section and documentation showing the other jurisdiction's license requirements are substantially equivalent to those for a Texas license, the council shall issue a verification letter:

(1) verifying the other jurisdiction's license as the equivalent of a license issued by the council; and

(2) authorizing the military spouse to practice in Texas in accordance with Texas Occupations Code, §55.0041.

(e) The authorization of the military spouse to practice in Texas ends on the earliest date one of the following conditions occurs:

(1) three years from date of issuance of the council's verification letter;

(2) expiration, suspension, or revocation by another jurisdiction of the military spouse's license;

(3) the date the military service member to whom the military spouse is married is no longer stationed at a military installation in Texas; or

(4) the date of a final divorce decree concerning the military spouse and military service member.

(f) The verification letter may not be renewed.

(g) The military spouse shall comply with all applicable laws, rules, and standards of this State, including applicable Texas Health and Safety Code Chapters, Texas Occupation Code Chapters, and all relevant Texas Administrative Code provisions.

(h) The council may rescind the verification letter at its discretion, including the military spouse failing to comply with subsection (g) of this section.

Source Note: The provisions of this §810.10 adopted to be effective December 11, 2019, 44 TexReg 7713