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MAINE OFFICE OF LICENSING & REGISTRATION
35 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0035

For Immediate Release
 April 28, 2004

Governor Signs Legislation to Help Maine Military Personnel
Retain Professional and Occupational Licenses

Contact: Lee Umphrey (207) 287-2531
  David Bragdon (207) 624-8525

Augusta, Maine: Governor John E. Baldacci today signed into law legislation authorizing Maine agencies and licensing boards to waive or defer continuing education requirements for military personnel who hold professional or occupational licenses. The legislation is intended to ease the transition back to civilian life of returning military personnel and ensure that no one on active duty loses a license because they were unable to comply with continuing education requirements.

“Maine servicemen and women come from every profession and walk of life. Many hold professional and occupation licenses issued by the state. This legislation gives each state agency and licensing board the authority to waive or defer continuing education requirements for active duty military personnel. It’s one more step that the state of Maine can take to make the transition back to civilian life as easy as possible,” Governor Baldacci said.

The resolve, LD 1959, gives state agencies and state licensing boards the option to waive or defer all or portions of continuing education requirements for returning members of the reserves or armed forces. The bill applies to individuals who were licensed or registered in a profession or occupation in Maine before being called to active duty under an order to support an operational mission during a period of war declared by the Congress of the United States or a period of national emergency declared by the President or Congress for a period of more than 30 days.

The bill requires professional and occupational boards that utilize this authority to report their decisions to the Joint Standing Committee on Business, Research and Economic Development by December 1, 2005. The Act is repealed October 5, 2005.

“We’re immensely proud of the service our military men and women are rendering overseas. They’ve been separated from families and had to put their personal lives and professional careers on hold, while they respond to the call to duty. They should not have the added concern of worrying whether their livelihood will be disrupted when they return because they were unable to comply with continuing education requirements. We look forward to their safe return and want to do everything we can to make the return a smooth one,” the Governor stated.

A list of occupations and professions licensed by the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation’s Office of Licensing and Regulation can be found on the department’s Web site at http://www.state.me.us/pfr/olr/list.htm. Information on other state licensees can be found at http://www.maine.gov/portal/business/professions.html

The Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation regulates numerous professions, occupations, and entities. It strives to encourage sound ethical business practices through high quality and efficient regulation to protect the citizens of the state.

Last Updated: May 24, 2011