Logue introduces veterans job bill

Assemblyman Dan Logue introduced a bill this week that would help veterans with prior medical training to be fast-tracked into health care professions.

AB 213 would require state agencies that license health care professionals to establish policies that recognize the education, training, and practical experience of a veteran applicant.

It would also require these agencies 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.

"Many rural areas of California have a large population of veterans, and the object of this bill is to fast-track those who already have medical training from the military into civilian health care jobs," Logue, R-Loma Rica, said in a statement.

"Rural areas will benefit when their homecoming veterans get the recognition they deserve and receive credit for their prior education," Logue said.

"This bill is especially important due to the large lack of medical professionals throughout California, which will only be more important as Obamacare will mean there are more individuals who will need to see healthcare professionals," he said.

The bill is scheduled to go before the Assembly Business and Professions Committee in March.