Military Personnel & Military Spouses/Domestic Partners

Licensees

Waiver of Active Duty Military License Renewal Requirements

The RCB waives renewal requirements for military personnel when they are called to active duty. Renewal requirements waived may include renewal fees, continuing education requirements, and other requirements as determined by the RCB.

To qualify for a waiver, the licensee must:

  • Possess a current and valid license when called to active duty; and
  • Provide written documentation substantiating the call to active duty, such as military orders.

“Called to active duty” includes licensees in all branches of the military who, on a temporary basis, travel to remote locations to engage in activity relating to a war, national emergency, or other military operation.

Licensees may request either a “Military Active Renewal Waiver” or a “Military Inactive Renewal Waiver.”

  • If granted a Military Active Renewal Waiver, the licensee may not engage in the practice of respiratory care outside of the military.
  • If granted a Military Inactive Renewal Waiver, the licensee may not engage in the practice of respiratory therapy in any setting.

Renewal requirements are waived only for the period during which the licensee is serving in the temporary assignment at the remote location. The licensee must notify the RCB within 60 days of receiving notice of a discharge date.

Pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 114.3, private practice is prohibited under the waiver. A licensee may not return to private practice until the renewal requirements required by the RCB have been met.

To request a waiver, complete either the “Military Active Renewal Waiver” or “Military Inactive Renewal Waiver” transaction through BreEZe Online Services.

For help with these transactions, please review the following guides:

Applicants

Professional License Portability and State Registration for Servicemembers and their Spouses

The federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) authorizes service members or their spouses who currently hold a valid license in good standing in another state, district, or territory to practice in California within the same profession or vocation if they relocate to California because of military orders.

For individuals who wish to practice in California under the terms of the SCRA, please visit:

Professional License Portability and State Registration for Servicemembers and their Spouses.

Expedited Application Process

Military Personnel

The RCB expedites the licensure process for an applicant who is currently serving as an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States or who previously served and was honorably discharged.

To request expedited processing, the applicant must provide evidence showing that the applicant:

  • Is an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States; or
  • Previously served as an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States and was honorably discharged.

Pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 115.4, expedited processing does not mean a license must be issued. It means the application process must be accelerated.

Expedited Application Process

Military Spouses / Domestic Partners

The RCB expedites the licensure process for spouses and domestic partners of active duty military personnel.

To request expedited processing, the applicant must:

  • Provide evidence that the applicant is married to, in a domestic partnership with, or in another legal union with an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is assigned to a duty station in California under official orders; and
  • Hold a current respiratory care license in another state, district, or territory of the United States.

Pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 115.5, expedited processing does not mean a license must be issued. It means the application process must be accelerated for eligible spouses and domestic partners of active duty military personnel.

Expedited Licensure Application Processing

Service Members Enrolled in SkillBridge

Beginning July 1, 2024, boards and bureaus under the Department of Consumer Affairs must expedite licensure application processing for service members currently enrolled in the U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge Program.

Service members seeking licensure in California must provide documentation of enrollment, such as an official letter from the commanding officer. Failure to provide proper documentation may result in application processing delays.

Applicants must still meet all board licensing requirements.

For more information on licensing resources available to service members, visit: www.dca.ca.gov/military.

Waiver of Education Requirements for Military Experience and Training

Pursuant to California Code of Regulations section 1399.330(3), the RCB may waive the education requirements if an applicant for licensure has:

  • Completed a minimum of a one-year approved respiratory care program;
  • Practiced respiratory care while serving in the U.S. military for a minimum of two years, full time, within the four years immediately preceding filing an application for licensure in California; and
  • Received military verification that the applicant is in “good standing” as it pertains to past or current employment.

An applicant must provide sufficient documentary evidence to establish, to the satisfaction of the RCB, that all requirements have been met.

Questions About Military Pathways and Waivers

If you have questions about military renewal waivers, expedited application processing, SkillBridge, education waivers based on military training and experience, or military spouse pathways, you may contact the Respiratory Care Board using the form below.