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Panel OKs bill to let military medical training be converted to civilian credentials at Kentucky colleges
Summary
The committee passed House Bill 303 (as amended), which lets Kentucky colleges and universities evaluate military medical training, award credit and require only gap coursework so veterans and service members can qualify for civilian medical licensure or certification.
The House Standing Committee on Health Services approved House Bill 303, a measure to simplify the transition for service members with military medical training to civilian medical credentials in Kentucky. The committee adopted a last‑minute committee substitute that broadened eligible institutions beyond KCTCS to include any accredited state college or university.
Representative Steve Bratcher, sponsor of HB 303, said the bill directs colleges and universities to identify military training relevant to civilian health credentials, convert applicable training to academic credit and identify specific gap courses a candidate must take to meet licensure or certification requirements. Bratcher told the committee the approach is voluntary for institutions; it is intended to shorten retraining for qualified veterans and service members without changing licensure exam requirements.
Committee members asked practical questions: Representative Marzion asked whether universities supported the expansion; Bratcher said participation is optional and institutions wishing to participate can do so. Representative Dodson, who has prior military medical training, asked whether credentials such as ARRT (radiography) would be sufficient; Bratcher said credentialing boards set final requirements and the institutions would bridge the candidate to meet board standards, but candidates still must sit for required licensing exams.
Representative Fleming asked how military personnel would be informed of the program; Bratcher pointed to existing military "skill‑bridge" programs and recommended coordinating with the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Labor and other organizations that support veterans to publicize opportunities.
The adopted committee substitute clarified that any accredited state institution — including the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville — may participate in the bridging process rather than limiting the program to KCTCS. The sponsor said the substitute also addressed KCTCS concerns about implementation costs.
The committee voted to pass HB 303 as amended; the chair reported unanimous support and that the bill should move to the House floor.
Ending — who spoke: Representative Steve Bratcher sponsored HB 303. Committee members who questioned the bill included Representatives Marzion, Dodson and Fleming. Chair Mosher presided.
