SACRAMENTO - North State Assemblyman and Chief Republican Whip Dan Logue announced that his bill to help veterans with prior medical training get fast tracked into healthcare professions passed unanimously out of the Assembly Business and Professions Committee today. AB 1976 is sponsored by the California State Rural Health Association and has received support from a broad array of veterans groups and professional associations.

"This bill is going to help fast track veterans with prior medical training into the healthcare workforce in rural areas," said Logue. "I am glad to see support from both sides of the aisle on this important issue."

AB 1976 would break down barriers facing returning veterans, by requiring state entities that license healthcare professionals to establish policies that recognize the education, training, and practical experience of a veteran applicant. It would also require these entities to work with the college programs they accredit to ensure that the colleges have procedures in place so that veteran applicants are not forced to retake classes they have already completed at a military institute, and so that veterans are able to quickly complete the additional coursework necessary for licensure.

"Veterans deserve to have their prior education recognized, and rural areas will benefit when their homecoming veterans are able to quickly move into the healthcare workforce," Logue added. "We are working with a large group of stakeholders to ensure that colleges develop procedures to make this happen as soon as possible."

AB 1976 will have its second hearing before the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee next Tuesday.

Assemblyman Logue represents the 3rd Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the communities of Butte, Lassen, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sierra and Yuba.