Senator Jean Stanfield’s legislation supporting the efforts of military spouses to return to work in licensed professions, including nursing and teaching, was approved by the Senate today.

Senator Jean Stanfield’s legislation supporting the efforts of military spouses to return to work in licensed professions, including nursing and teaching, was approved by the Senate today. (Pixabay)

“Nurses and teachers with certification from other states who relocate with their military spouses will be able to return to the work they love with less stress and aggravation,” said Stanfield (R-8).

“Considering the sacrifices made by military families, these courtesies are hard earned and well deserved, and the well-documented shortages of nurses and teachers make this legislation more poignant,” Stanfield noted.

The bill (S-1104) would extend the duration of courtesy certifications and require licensing/certification boards – including the State Board of Examiners, the New Jersey Board of Nursing, and others – to establish an expedited licensing process for the issuance of temporary courtesy licenses.

“This sensible bill would allow increased flexibility for licensing boards in the state to allow qualified individuals to continue to practice their professions as long as their military-serving spouses are stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst or other New Jersey military sites,” said Stanfield.

Stanfield’s bill extends the life of courtesy nursing certificates for the life of the license providing the military spouse resides in the state and complies with continuing education requirements and other stipulations.

The initial extension for teaching certificates would increase from 180 days to four years.

For all other licensed professionals – ranging from landscape architects to hairdressers – the bill permits the extension of the courtesy license indefinitely provided all related responsibilities are met.