Idaho § 67-9409 - Universal licensure

§ 67-9409. Universal licensure

(1) A licensing authority shall establish a procedure for the issuance of licensure to a person who:

(a) Possesses current, valid, and unrestricted licensure in another state, district, or territory of the United States; and

(b) Demonstrates competency in the profession or occupation through methods determined by the licensing board or commission.

(2) Each applicant for universal licensure under this section must apply to the applicable licensing authority for relevant licensure. An applicant under this section shall be subject to the laws regulating the person’s practice in Idaho and is subject to the applicable licensing authority’s jurisdiction. For purposes of this section, the term "licensure" means a license, certificate, registration, permit, or other authorization to practice a profession or occupation.

(3) To determine whether an applicant for universal licensure who possesses the licensure requirements established in subsection (1) of this section is otherwise qualified for licensure under Idaho law, a licensing authority shall require an applicant to complete an application, submit supporting materials, and undergo the same background checks as required of other applicants for licensure.

(4) In addition to the requirements set forth in this section, if it administers an examination as part of the application requirements, a licensing authority may require an applicant to take and pass all or a portion of such examination as may be necessary to demonstrate competence to practice in Idaho. A licensing authority shall not establish a jurisprudence examination to demonstrate competence to practice in Idaho.

(5) An applicant for universal licensure shall pay the same licensing fees as required for applicants under the standard licensing process and shall be subject to all applicable requirements related to maintaining licensure as established by the licensing authority.

(6) A licensing authority may, at its discretion, compare the authorized scope of practice in the state, or states, where the applicant currently holds licensure to the authorized scope of practice in Idaho. If such licensing authority determines that the authorized scope of practice in Idaho is broader than the scope of practice authorized in the state, or states, where the applicant currently holds licensure, such licensing authority may, instead of issuing a denial on the basis of the difference in scope of practice, issue a limited license to such applicant pending completion of the additional education, training, and any other requirements determined necessary by the licensing authority. A limited license issued under this section shall restrict the applicant’s practice in Idaho to the scope of practice authorized in the state where the applicant holds prior licensure until such time that the applicant satisfies the education, training, or other requirements deemed necessary by the licensing authority for a limited period of time necessary for an applicant to meet the qualifications for a full license.

(7) This section shall not restrict a person who is a member of a profession or occupation covered by an applicable interstate licensure compact or applicable reciprocity agreement from seeking licensure pursuant to this section. In such a situation, a person may apply for universal licensure under this section or may apply for licensure pursuant to the terms of the applicable licensure compact or reciprocity agreement. A licensing authority may promulgate applicable rules if necessary to implement the provisions of this section.

(8) A licensing authority shall not establish additional methods of demonstrating competency to qualify for universal licensure beyond the requirements to qualify under the standard licensing process.

[67-9409, added 2020, ch. 175, sec. 1, p. 504; am. 2023, ch. 124, sec. 2, p. 357.]