Sandoval orders licensing reciprocity by state boards for military spouses

CARSON CITY – Gov. Brian Sandoval signed an executive order Monday that requires state boards and commissions to provide reciprocity for military spouses seeking licenses in Nevada.

“Our state government is comprised of a number of professional licensing boards and commissions which have a direct impact on the lives of military spouses,” said Sandoval in a statement. “Military spouses move from state to state far more often than the general population and Nevada is committed to doing everything we can to make their transition easier.”

Under the order, “every state” board and commission created under Nevada law would be required to give military spouses licenses “as long as the requirements” for licensing in their current states are “substantially equivalent” to Nevada requirements.

The order consequently would apply not only to real estate agents, barbers and cosmetologists, but even to doctors, nurses and lawyers.

Representatives of the medical and nursing boards, and the State Bar of Nevada were not available for comment late Monday.

In his order, Sandoval said if an executive director or chairman of a professional licensing board believes laws now prohibit granting license reciprocity, then he or she must prepare in writing proposals to change laws to make it possible.

Sandoval’s wife, Kathleen, said she was asked by first lady Michelle Obama to take steps to assist military spouses.

“The men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their families give selflessly of themselves in service of this nation and I am proud that Brian is working to support military spouses in this way,” said Kathleen Sandoval in a statement.

Nevada National Guard Adjutant Gen. William Burks said the order will make Nevada a leader in its treatment of members of the armed forces and their families.

Under the order, professional licensing boards also must provide for temporary or provisional licenses allowing a military spouse to practice while fulfilling requirements to practice in Nevada or awaiting for verification documents.

In the order, Sandoval cited his authority under the state constitution that the “supreme executive power” in Nevada rests with the governor.

Both the governor’s staff and legislative administrators said in December that governors can issue executive orders on anything as long as they do not violate state law.

Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.