Licensure: Bill in General Assembly would ease transition for military

North Carolina prides itself on being a military friendly state. A measure now making its way through the General Assembly could go a long way toward making that statement even more true.

A bill sponsored by state Sen. Louis Pate of Mount Olive, among others, would ease professional licensure requirements for military personnel and their spouses who are moving here from other states.

Senate Bill 8 would allow for a temporary practice permit to be issued to these service men and women and their wives and husbands, making it easier for them to practice their professions sooner. The temporary permit would give them a chance to pursue their careers they have already acquired a license for in another state while they are awaiting full licensure here.

Pate called it the right thing to do, and we fully agree.

Members of the military are often among the most highly trained and motivated people entering the workforce, and North Carolina needs them. Allowing a military man or woman or their spouse to quickly become able to practice their profession here is simply good business.

Serving their country in the military comes with a great cost to these people. Moving from one installation to another is a difficult transition. The licensure bill would make it less of a burden.

Published in Editorials on February 14, 2017 11:09 AM