Baker-Polito Administration Files Legislation to
Further Support Military Families Transferring to Massachusetts
BOSTON -
Today, the Baker-Polito Administration filed legislation to improve the
occupational licensing process for certain professions for military families
transferring to Massachusetts. The legislation would help facilitate license
portability for military families transferring to military installations in
Massachusetts by entering the Commonwealth into a series of interstate
licensure compacts and other agreements.
“This legislation will help the Commonwealth further improve and
streamline the process for military families who are looking to transfer their
professional licenses to Massachusetts,” said Governor Charlie Baker.
“Our administration is committed to helping these military families
successfully resettle in the Commonwealth, and these steps will ensure that
military families who are making Massachusetts their new home will have an
easier time in keeping their professional licenses and maintaining that source
of income.”
“Massachusetts has a long history of supporting the many military
veterans and their families here who have made difficult sacrifices during their
service,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “That support includes
prioritizing professional licenses for incoming families, and this bill removes
additional barriers to household stability and civilian careers for those
transferring to military installations in the Commonwealth.”
The legislation would implement recommendations made by the
Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL), formerly the Division of Professional
Licensure, in accordance with Executive Order 593, signed by Governor Baker in
February 2021. The Executive Order directed the DOL to study interstate
compacts and similar agreements relative to licensure for professions licensed
by five boards under DOL’s purview. The professions covered by this order were
identified by the Air Force and Department of Defense and include physical
therapists (and physical therapy assistants); accountants; engineers;
psychologists; and barbers and cosmetologists.
Upon implementation of this bill, Massachusetts will be able to
participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, the Physical Therapy Compact, and
the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT). The participation in
these compacts allows qualified practitioners from member states to obtain the
ability to practice in Massachusetts via a streamlined process, which reduces
regulatory burdens for these professionals while also enhancing access to care
for the consumer. In turn, Massachusetts licensees would also benefit from the
ability to practice in other states that are part of the compacts.
“Behind each of the Commonwealth’s six military installations are
dedicated men and women serving their nation and providing for their families,”
said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “These
military installations drive significant economic activity, and by simplifying
the process of transferring professional licenses, we can increase our support
for military families relocating to Massachusetts by making it easier for those
family members holding professional licenses to continue their careers.”
“The DOL continues to prioritize professional licenses for
military personnel and their spouses and is committed to improving the licensee
experience,” said Division of Occupational Licensure Commissioner
Layla D’Emilia. “The addition of interstate compacts, streamlined DOL web
resources for military-connected applicants, and appointment of dedicated staff
to support these applicants helps to further ease the process for military
family relocating to Massachusetts.”
“This effort reflects the mission and effectiveness of the
Commonwealth’s Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force (MASS-TF) in
protecting and strengthening our military installations,” said John Beatty,
Executive Director of the MASS-TF. “Led by the Governor’s team, we have
worked across the Baker-Polito Administration and with our state legislators,
installation leaders, our Mass National Guard, and directly with the Department
of Defense, the Air Force, and Army to ensure we arrived at the right
initiative that will ensure Massachusetts remains a welcoming place for service
members and their families.”
This bill seeks to build on previously enacted laws, including
Valor Act I (2012) and Valor Act II (2014), that assist and support military
families returning from active duty, or relocating to Massachusetts.
The Commonwealth remains a leader in professional licensure,
ensuring that licensees receive proper training to practice in their field
safely and competently. This legislation to join interstate compacts will not
only assist the military community and licensees, but the citizens of the
Commonwealth will have increased access to the best healthcare available.
