Code of Massachusetts Regulations
259 CMR - BOARD OF REGISTRATION OF ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Title 259 CMR 2.00 - General Provisions
Section 2.02 - Licensing Process

Universal Citation: 259 MA Code of Regs 259.2

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

(1) Foreign Educated Applicants Seeking Licensure.

(a) Applicants for licensure who have completed a program that is located in a foreign jurisdiction (i.e., NOT a state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico) that is not accredited or approved by an entity acceptable to the Board shall be required to:
1. follow the application procedure set forth in 259 CMR 2.02 except for 259 CMR 2.02(2)(a)1.a. and d. and;

2. meet the following additional requirements for licensure:
a. credentials must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service approved by the Board;

b. achieve a passing score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Test of Written English (TWE); and,

c. provide satisfactory evidence to the Board that he/she is authorized to practice his/her specific discipline without restriction in the jurisdiction in which the post secondary institution from which the applicant has graduated is located or in the jurisdiction in which the applicant is a citizen.

(b) The Board, in its discretion and for good cause shown, may waive any or all requirements set forth in 259 CMR 2.02(1)(a)2.a. through c.

(2) Applicants Seeking Licensure by Examination.

(a) Applicants seeking licensure in Massachusetts in an allied health profession, who have not previously been issued a license by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in that same profession may apply for licensure by examination. An applicant shall:
1. Submit to the Board:
a. proof that he/she has satisfactorily completed an accredited/approved educational program for the applicant's specific discipline;

b. a fully completed application with the required documentation;

c. the required fee for application and licensure;

d. an official transcript indicating successful completion of all academic and field work requirements, graduation date and degree conferred. Until the official transcript is available, an alternate form approved by the school registrar and carrying the official school seal will be accepted; and

e. other materials as may be required by the Board.

2. Obtain from the Board:
a. M.G.L .c. 112 §§ 23A through 23Q;

b.259 CMR 1.00 through 5.00; and

c. the current Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics for the applicant's specific discipline;

(b) Applicants for licensure in the areas of Occupational Therapy and Athletic Training who have recently completed their professional education may apply for temporary license privileges by completing the requirements listed in 259 CMR 2.02(a)1. and 2. and submitting a request to the Board for temporary licensure.
1. A temporary license holder is required to practice under the SUPERVISION of a supervisor in that discipline. The supervisor must co-sign all documentation until the applicant receives an unrestricted license.

2. Applicants must take and pass the qualifying examination for their profession within a reasonable period of time.
a. If the profession's qualifying examination is given only on certain, limited dates, the applicant is required to take the next scheduled examination.

b. If the test is given on an ongoing basis, the applicant must take and pass the examination within 120 days of being granted a temporary license.

3. A passing examination score will result in the issuance of an unrestricted license to the applicant. Upon receipt of notice of licensure, an applicant may practice without supervision.

4. The Board may rescind the temporary license and require the applicant to cease practice immediately if the applicant:
a. does not take the next scheduled examination; or

b. does not pass the next scheduled examination; or

c. does not pass the examination within 120 days if the examination is offered on an ongoing basis.

5. Applicants may apply for an extension of their temporary license. Such extension shall not be unreasonably withheld by the Board. An Applicant with an extended temporary license must take and pass the qualifying examination for her/his profession within the period of time described in 259 CMR 2.02(2)(c)2.

6. An applicant may be granted a second extension of temporary licensure at the Board's discretion. Applicants granted a second extension may practice only under the DIRECT SUPERVISION of a supervisor licensed in that discipline.

7. The Board may not issue more than two extensions of temporary licensure to an applicant.

(c) When an application for licensure by examination is approved by the Board, the applicant will be issued a license. Upon receipt of notice of licensure, an applicant may practice his/her specific discipline.

(3) Applicants Seeking Licensure by Endorsement:

(a) Individuals who hold a current license in good standing in an allied health profession issued by another jurisdiction which is a state or territory of the United States, District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico may apply for licensure in that same profession by endorsement. An applicant shall:
1. submit to the Board:
a. fully completed application with the required documentation;

b. the required fee for application and licensure;

c. an official transcript indicating successful completion of all academic and field work requirements, graduation date and degree conferred from an accredited/approved educational program;

d. satisfactory evidence of successful completion of the examination required by the Board for the applicant's specific discipline; and

e. official documentation of a current license in good standing issued by another jurisdiction which is a state or territory of the United States, District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;

2. Obtain from the Board:
a. M.G.L. c. 112, §§ 23A through 23Q;

b.259 CMR 1.00 through 5.00; and

c. the current Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics for the applicant's specific discipline.

(b) When an application for licensure by endorsement is approved by the Board, the applicant will be issued a license. Upon receipt of notice of licensure, an applicant may practice his specific discipline in Massachusetts.

(4) Applicants Seeking Licensure Who Have Achieved a Passing Score on the Licensure Examination, Including Applicants from States Without Licensure Statutes.

(a) Individuals who have passed the examination required for their discipline, but who are not currently licensed in another jurisdiction, may apply for licensure by fulfilling the requirements set out in 259 CMR 2.02(3)(a)1. and 2., except 2.02(3)(a)1.e. and submitting satisfactory evidence of successful completion of the examination required by the Board for the applicant's specific discipline.

(b) When an application for licensure under 259 CMR 2.02(4) is approved by the Board, the applicant will be issued a license. Upon receipt of notice of licensure, an applicant may practice his/her specific discipline in Massachusetts.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Massachusetts may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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