(a) The executive director of the Texas Medical Board must authorize a qualified military spouse to engage in the practice of acupuncture in Texas without obtaining a license in accordance with §55.0041(a), Texas Occupations Code. This authorization to practice is valid during the time the military service member to whom the military spouse is married is stationed at a military installation in Texas, but not to exceed three years.
(b) In order to receive authorization to practice the military spouse must:
  (1) hold an active acupuncture license in another state, territory, Canadian province, or country that:
    (A) has licensing requirements that are determined by the board to be substantially equivalent to the requirements for licensure in Texas; and
    (B) is not subject to any restriction, disciplinary order, probation, or investigation; and
  (2) notify the board of the military spouse's intent to practice in Texas on a form prescribed by the board; and
  (3) submit proof of the military spouse's residency in this state, a copy of the spouse's military identification card, and proof of the military member's status as an active duty military service member as defined by §437.001(1), Texas Government Code (relating to Definitions).
(c) While authorized to practice acupuncture in Texas, the military spouse shall comply with all other laws and regulations applicable to the practice of acupuncture in Texas.
(d) Once the board receives the form containing notice of a military spouse's intent to practice in Texas, the board will verify whether the military spouse's license in another state, territory, Canadian province, or country is active and in good standing. Additionally, the board will determine whether the licensing requirements in that jurisdiction are substantially equivalent to the requirements for licensure in Texas.

Source Note: The provisions of this §183.27 adopted to be effective November 17, 2019, 44 TexReg 6881