Out-of-State Licensure Act-AR Residents

Act 457 (SB90) of 2023 provides as follows for the occupational licensure of an out-of-state
licensee who “has established a residence in this state”:1

17-7-104. Automatic occupational licensure.
(a) If the individual does not have a disqualifying criminal offense under § 17-3-102 or any
additional state law relating to the occupational licensure and does not have a complaint,
allegation, or investigation pending for his or her occupational activity, an occupational licensing
entity shall grant automatic occupational licensure to engage in an occupation or a profession to
an individual who is:
(1) The holder in good standing for one (1) year of an occupational licensure with similar
scope of practice issued by another state, territory, or district of the United States; or
(2) An individual who worked:
(A) In another state, territory, or district of the United States that does not use an
occupational licensure to regulate an occupation or profession but is regulated by occupational
licensure in this state; and
(B) At least three (3) years in the occupation.
(b) An individual who is granted automatic occupational licensure under this subchapter shall meet
all other occupational licensure requirements for a resident of this state and all renewal
requirements of the occupational licensure, including without limitation a criminal background
check and continuing education hours.
(c)(1) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section, an occupational licensing entity may
require an applicant to pass an examination specific to relevant state laws that regulate the
occupation or profession.
(2) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section, an occupational licensing entity
shall require an applicant to furnish a bond, financial statement, or proof of insurance coverage if
required by state law.
(d) An occupational licensing entity may waive the requirements of subdivision (c)(1) of this
section if the occupational licensing entity finds that:
(1) The combination of the applicant’s education, training, and experience is a sufficient
substitute for the requirement; and
(2) A waiver of the requirement will not harm public health, safety, or welfare.

1 Arkansas Code § 17-7-103.