(1) The department shall provide a method by which honorably discharged veterans may apply for licensure. The method must include:

(a) To the fullest extent possible, credit toward the requirements for licensure for military training and education received and completed during service in the United States Armed Forces if the military training or education is substantially similar to the training or education required for licensure.

(b) Identification of overlaps and gaps between the requirements for licensure and the military training or education received and completed by the veteran, and subsequent notification to the veteran of the overlaps and gaps.

(c) Assistance in identifying programs that offer training and education needed to meet the requirements for licensure.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, beginning October 1, 2017, and annually thereafter, the department is directed to prepare and submit a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. In addition to any other information that the Legislature may require, the report must include statistics and relevant information which detail:

(a) The number of applicants who identified themselves as veterans.

(b) The number of veterans whose application for a license was approved.

(c) The number of veterans whose application for a license was denied, including the reasons for denial.

(d) Data on the application processing times for veterans.

(e) The department’s efforts to assist veterans in identifying programs that offer training and education needed to meet the requirements for licensure.

(f) The department’s identification of the most common overlaps and gaps between the requirements for licensure and the military training and education received and completed by the veterans.

(g) Recommendations on ways to improve the department’s ability to meet the needs of veterans which would effectively address the challenges that veterans face when separating from military service and seeking a license for a profession or occupation regulated by the department pursuant to this chapter.

History.—s. 7, ch. 2016-242.