To amend sections 4729.12, 4729.13, 4729.15, 4731.36, 4743.04, 5902.02, 5903.03, 5903.10, 5903.11, 5903.12, 5903.121, 5907.01, and 5907.04 and to enact sections 3333.164, 3345.42, 3345.43, 3345.44, 3345.46, 5903.01, 5903.04, and 5903.05 of the Revised Code to require state institutions of higher education to award credit for military training, and to make other changes regarding state support and benefits for veterans and their spouses.

Section 1.  That sections 4729.12, 4729.13, 4729.15, 4731.36, 4743.04, 5902.02, 5903.03, 5903.10, 5903.11, 5903.12, 5903.121, 5907.01, and 5907.04 be amended and sections 3333.164, 3345.42, 3345.43, 3345.44, 3345.46, 5903.01, 5903.04, and 5903.05 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec. 3333.164. (A) As used in this section, "state institution of higher education" has the same meaning as in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code.

(B) Not later than December 31, 2014, the chancellor of the Ohio board of regents shall do all of the following with regard to the awarding of college credit for military training, experience, and coursework:

(1) Develop a set of standards and procedures for state institutions of higher education to utilize in the granting of college credit for military training, experience, and coursework;

(2) Create a military articulation and transfer assurance guide for college credit that is earned through military training, experience, and coursework. The chancellor shall use the current articulation and transfer policy adopted pursuant to section 3333.16 of the Revised Code as a model in developing this guide.

(3) Create a web site that contains information related to the awarding of college credit for military training, experience, and coursework. The web site shall include both of the following:

(a) Standardized resources that address frequently asked questions regarding the awarding of such credit and related issues.

(b) A statewide database that shows how specified military training, experience, and coursework translates to college credit.

(4) Develop a statewide training program that prepares faculty and staff of state institutions of higher education to evaluate various military training, experience, and coursework and to award appropriate equivalent credit. The training program shall incorporate the best practices of awarding credit for military experiences, including both the recommendations of the American council on education and the standards developed by the council for adult and experiential learning.

(C) Beginning on July 1, 2015, state institutions of higher education shall ensure that appropriate equivalent credit is awarded for military training, experience, and coursework that meet the standards developed by the chancellor pursuant to this section.

Sec. 3345.42.  Not later than December 31, 2014, the board of trustees of each state institution of higher education, as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, shall do both of the following:

(A) Designate at least one person employed by the institution to serve as the contact person for veterans affairs. This person shall assist and advise veterans on issues related to earning college credit for military training, experience, and coursework.

(B) Adopt a policy regarding the support and assistance the institution will provide to veterans.

The chancellor of the Ohio board of regents shall provide guidance to state institutions of higher education in their compliance with this section, including the recommendation of standardized policies on support and assistance to veterans.

Sec. 3345.43. (A) Not later than December 31, 2014, and continuing thereafter, each state institution of higher education, as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, shall provide a student who is either a veteran or a service member with priority for course registration.

(B) As used in this section:

(1) "Service member" means a person who is serving in the armed forces of the United States.

(2) "Veteran" means any person who has completed service in the armed forces, including the national guard of any state or a reserve component of the armed forces, and who has been discharged under honorable conditions from the armed forces or who has been transferred to the reserve with evidence of satisfactory service.

Sec. 3345.44. Not later than December 31, 2014, the board of trustees or managing authority of each state institution of higher education, as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, shall establish an appeals procedure for students who are veterans for resolving disputes regarding the awarding of college credit for military experience.

Sec. 3345.46. (A) On or after December 31, 2014, no state institution of higher education, as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, shall charge a student who is a veteran or a service member any fee for the evaluation of, transcription of, or application for college credit for military experience.

(B) As used in this section:

(1) "Service member" means a person who is serving in the armed forces of the United States.

(2) "Veteran" means any person who has completed service in the armed forces, including the national guard of any state or a reserve component of the armed forces, and who has been discharged under honorable conditions from the armed forces or who has been transferred to the reserve with evidence of satisfactory service.

Sec. 4729.12.  An identification card issued by the state board of pharmacy under section 4729.08 of the Revised Code entitles the individual to whom it is issued to practice as a pharmacist or as a pharmacy intern in this state until the next annual renewal date.

Identification cards shall be renewed annually on the fifteenth day of September, according to the standard renewal procedure of Chapter 4745. of the Revised Code.

Each pharmacist and pharmacy intern shall carry the identification card or renewal identification card while engaged in the practice of pharmacy. The license shall be conspicuously exposed at the principal place where the pharmacist or pharmacy intern practices pharmacy.

A pharmacist or pharmacy intern who desires to continue in the practice of pharmacy shall file with the board an application in such form and containing such data as the board may require for renewal of an identification card. An application filed under this section may not be withdrawn without the approval of the board. If the board finds that the applicant's card has not been revoked or placed under suspension and that the applicant has paid the renewal fee, has continued pharmacy education in accordance with the rules of the board, and is entitled to continue in the practice of pharmacy, the board shall issue a renewal identification card to the applicant.

When an identification card has lapsed for more than sixty days but application is made within three years after the expiration of the card, the applicant shall be issued a renewal identification card without further examination if the applicant meets the requirements of this section and pays the fee designated under division (E)(A)(5) of section 4729.15 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4729.13.  A pharmacist who fails to make application to the state board of pharmacy for a renewal identification card within a period of three years from the expiration of the identification card must pass an examination for registration; except that a pharmacist whose registration has expired, but who has continually practiced pharmacy in another state under a license issued by the authority of that state, may obtain a renewal identification card upon payment to the executive director of the board the fee designated under division (F)(A)(6) of section 4729.15 of the Revised Code.

Sec. 4729.15.  The (A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, the state board of pharmacy shall charge the following fees:

(A)(1) For applying for a license to practice as a pharmacist, an amount adequate to cover all rentals, compensation for proctors, and other expenses of the board related to examination except the expenses of procuring and grading the examination, which fee shall not be returned if the applicant fails to pass the examination;

(B)(2) For the examination of an applicant for licensure as a pharmacist, an amount adequate to cover any expenses to the board of procuring and grading the examination or any part thereof, which fee shall not be returned if the applicant fails to pass the examination;

(C)(3) For issuing a license and an identification card to an individual who passes the examination described in section 4729.07 of the Revised Code, an amount that is adequate to cover the expense;

(D)(4) For a pharmacist applying for renewal of an identification card within sixty days after the expiration date, ninety-seven dollars and fifty cents, which fee shall not be returned if the applicant fails to qualify for renewal;

(E)(5) For a pharmacist applying for renewal of an identification card that has lapsed for more than sixty days, but for less than three years, one hundred thirty-five dollars, which fee shall not be returned if the applicant fails to qualify for renewal;

(F)(6) For a pharmacist applying for renewal of an identification card that has lapsed for more than three years, three hundred thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents, which fee shall not be returned if the applicant fails to qualify for renewal;

(G)(7) For a pharmacist applying for a license and identification card, on presentation of a pharmacist license granted by another state, three hundred thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents, which fee shall not be returned if the applicant fails to qualify for licensure.

(H)(8) For a license and identification card to practice as a pharmacy intern, twenty-two dollars and fifty cents, which fee shall not be returned if the applicant fails to qualify for licensure;

(I)(9) For the renewal of a pharmacy intern identification card, twenty-two dollars and fifty cents, which fee shall not be returned if the applicant fails to qualify for renewal;

(J)(10) For issuing a replacement license to a pharmacist, twenty-two dollars and fifty cents;

(K)(11) For issuing a replacement license to a pharmacy intern, seven dollars and fifty cents;

(L)(12) For issuing a replacement identification card to a pharmacist, thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents, or pharmacy intern, seven dollars and fifty cents;

(M)(13) For certifying licensure and grades for reciprocal licensure, ten dollars;

(N)(14) For making copies of any application, affidavit, or other document filed in the state board of pharmacy office, an amount fixed by the board that is adequate to cover the expense, except that for copies required by federal or state agencies or law enforcement officers for official purposes, no charge need be made;

(O)(15) For certifying and affixing the seal of the board, an amount fixed by the board that is adequate to cover the expense, except that for certifying and affixing the seal of the board to a document required by federal or state agencies or law enforcement officers for official purposes, no charge need be made;

(P)(16) For each copy of a book or pamphlet that includes laws administered by the state board of pharmacy, rules adopted by the board, and chapters of the Revised Code with which the board is required to comply, an amount fixed by the board that is adequate to cover the expense of publishing and furnishing the book or pamphlet.

(B)(1) Subject to division (B)(2) of this section, the fees described in divisions (A)(1) to (13) of this section do not apply to an individual who is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or to an individual who served in the armed forces of the United States and presents a valid copy of the individual's DD-214 form or an equivalent document issued by the United States department of defense indicating that the individual is an honorably discharged veteran.

(2) The state board of pharmacy may establish limits with respect to the individuals for whom fees are not applicable under division (B)(1) of this section.

Sec. 4731.36.  (A) Sections 4731.01 to 4731.47 of the Revised Code shall not prohibit service in case of emergency, domestic administration of family remedies, or provision of assistance to another individual who is self-administering drugs.

Sections 4731.01 to 4731.47 of the Revised Code shall not apply to any of the following:

(1) A commissioned medical officer of the armed forces of the United States armed forces, as defined in section 5903.11 of the Revised Code, or an employee of the veterans administration of the United States or the United States public health service in the discharge of the officer's or employee's professional duties;

(2) A dentist authorized under Chapter 4715. of the Revised Code to practice dentistry when engaged exclusively in the practice of dentistry or when administering anesthetics in the practice of dentistry;

(3) A physician or surgeon in another state or territory who is a legal practitioner of medicine or surgery therein when providing consultation to an individual holding a certificate to practice issued under this chapter who is responsible for the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of the patient who is the subject of the consultation, if one of the following applies:

(a) The physician or surgeon does not provide consultation in this state on a regular or frequent basis.

(b) The physician or surgeon provides the consultation without compensation of any kind, direct or indirect, for the consultation.

(c) The consultation is part of the curriculum of a medical school or osteopathic medical school of this state or a program described in division (A)(2) of section 4731.291 of the Revised Code.

(4) A physician or surgeon in another state or territory who is a legal practitioner of medicine or surgery therein and provided services to a patient in that state or territory, when providing, not later than one year after the last date services were provided in another state or territory, follow-up services in person or through the use of any communication, including oral, written, or electronic communication, in this state to the patient for the same condition;

(5) A physician or surgeon residing on the border of a contiguous state and authorized under the laws thereof to practice medicine and surgery therein, whose practice extends within the limits of this state. Such practitioner shall not either in person or through the use of any communication, including oral, written, or electronic communication, open an office or appoint a place to see patients or receive calls within the limits of this state.

(6) A board, committee, or corporation engaged in the conduct described in division (A) of section 2305.251 of the Revised Code when acting within the scope of the functions of the board, committee, or corporation;

(7) The conduct of an independent review organization accredited by the superintendent of insurance under section 3922.13 of the Revised Code for the purpose of external reviews conducted under Chapter 3922. of the Revised Code.

As used in division (A)(1) of this section, "armed forces of the United States" means the army, air force, navy, marine corps, coast guard, and any other military service branch that is designated by congress as a part of the armed forces of the United States.

(B)(1) Subject to division (B)(2) of this section, this chapter does not apply to a person who holds a current, unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery in another state when the person, pursuant to a written agreement with an athletic team located in the state in which the person holds the license, provides medical services to any of the following while the team is traveling to or from or participating in a sporting event in this state:

(a) A member of the athletic team;

(b) A member of the athletic team's coaching, communications, equipment, or sports medicine staff;

(c) A member of a band or cheerleading squad accompanying the athletic team;

(d) The athletic team's mascot.

(2) In providing medical services pursuant to division (B)(1) of this section, the person shall not provide medical services at a health care facility, including a hospital, an ambulatory surgical facility, or any other facility in which medical care, diagnosis, or treatment is provided on an inpatient or outpatient basis.

(C) Sections 4731.51 to 4731.61 of the Revised Code do not apply to any graduate of a podiatric school or college while performing those acts that may be prescribed by or incidental to participation in an accredited podiatric internship, residency, or fellowship program situated in this state approved by the state medical board.

(D) This chapter does not apply to an oriental medicine practitioner or acupuncturist who complies with Chapter 4762. of the Revised Code.

(E) This chapter does not prohibit the administration of drugs by any of the following:

(1) An individual who is licensed or otherwise specifically authorized by the Revised Code to administer drugs;

(2) An individual who is not licensed or otherwise specifically authorized by the Revised Code to administer drugs, but is acting pursuant to the rules for delegation of medical tasks adopted under section 4731.053 of the Revised Code;

(3) An individual specifically authorized to administer drugs pursuant to a rule adopted under the Revised Code that is in effect on April 10, 2001, as long as the rule remains in effect, specifically authorizing an individual to administer drugs.

(F) The exemptions described in divisions (A)(3), (4), and (5) of this section do not apply to a physician or surgeon whose certificate to practice issued under this chapter is under suspension or has been revoked or permanently revoked by action of the state medical board.

Sec. 4743.04.  (A) The renewal of a license or other authorization to practice a trade or profession issued under Title XLVII of the Revised Code is subject to the provisions of section 5903.10 of the Revised Code relating to service in the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio national guard or the national guard of any other state.

(B) Continuing education requirements applicable to the licensees under Title XLVII of the Revised Code are subject to the provisions of section 5903.12 of the Revised Code relating to active duty military service.

(C) A department, agency, or office of this state or of any political subdivision of this state that issues a license or certificate to practice a trade or profession may, pursuant to rules adopted by the department, agency, or office, issue a temporary license or certificate to practice the trade or profession to a person whose spouse is on active military duty in this state.

(D) The issuance of a license or other authorization to practice a trade or profession issued under Title XLVII of the Revised Code is subject to the provisions of section 5903.03 of the Revised Code relating to service in the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio national guard or the national guard of any other state.

Sec. 5902.02.  The duties of the director of veterans services shall include the following:

(A) Furnishing the veterans service commissions of all counties of the state copies of the state laws, rules, and legislation relating to the operation of the commissions and their offices;

(B) Upon application, assisting the general public in obtaining records of vital statistics pertaining to veterans or their dependents;

(C) Adopting rules pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code pertaining to minimum qualifications for hiring, certifying, and accrediting county veterans service officers, pertaining to their required duties, and pertaining to revocation of the certification of county veterans service officers;

(D) Adopting rules pursuant to Chapter 119. of the Revised Code for the education, training, certification, and duties of veterans service commissioners and for the revocation of the certification of a veterans service commissioner;

(E) Developing and monitoring programs and agreements enhancing employment and training for veterans in single or multiple county areas;

(F) Developing and monitoring programs and agreements to enable county veterans service commissions to address homelessness, indigency, and other veteran-related issues individually or jointly;

(G) Developing and monitoring programs and agreements to enable state agencies, individually or jointly, that provide services to veterans, including the veterans' homes operated under Chapter 5907. of the Revised Code and the director of job and family services, to address homelessness, indigency, employment, and other veteran-related issues;

(H) Establishing and providing statistical reporting formats and procedures for county veterans service commissions;

(I) Publishing electronically a listing of county veterans service offices and county veterans service commissioners. The listing shall include the expiration dates of commission members' terms of office and the organizations they represent; the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of county veterans service offices; and the addresses and telephone numbers of the Ohio offices and headquarters of state and national veterans service organizations.

(J) Establishing a veterans advisory committee to advise and assist the department of veterans services in its duties. Members shall include a member of the national guard association of the United States who is a resident of this state, a member of the military officers association of America who is a resident of this state, a state representative of congressionally chartered veterans organizations referred to in section 5901.02 of the Revised Code, a representative of any other congressionally chartered state veterans organization that has at least one veterans service commissioner in the state, three representatives of the Ohio state association of county veterans service commissioners, who shall have a combined vote of one, three representatives of the state association of county veterans service officers, who shall have a combined vote of one, one representative of the county commissioners association of Ohio, who shall be a county commissioner not from the same county as any of the other county representatives, a representative of the advisory committee on women veterans, a representative of a labor organization, and a representative of the office of the attorney general. The department of veterans services shall submit to the advisory committee proposed rules for the committee's operation. The committee may review and revise these proposed rules prior to submitting them to the joint committee on agency rule review.

(K) Adopting, with the advice and assistance of the veterans advisory committee, policy and procedural guidelines that the veterans service commissions shall adhere to in the development and implementation of rules, policies, procedures, and guidelines for the administration of Chapter 5901. of the Revised Code. The department of veterans services shall adopt no guidelines or rules regulating the purposes, scope, duration, or amounts of financial assistance provided to applicants pursuant to sections 5901.01 to 5901.15 of the Revised Code. The director of veterans services may obtain opinions from the office of the attorney general regarding rules, policies, procedures, and guidelines of the veterans service commissions and may enforce compliance with Chapter 5901. of the Revised Code.

(L) Receiving copies of form DD214 filed in accordance with the director's guidelines adopted under division (L) of this section from members of veterans service commissions appointed under section 5901.02 and from county veterans service officers employed under section 5901.07 of the Revised Code;

(M) Developing and maintaining and improving a resource, such as a telephone answering point or a web site, by means of which veterans and their dependents, through a single portal, can access multiple sources of information and interaction with regard to the rights of, and the benefits available to, veterans and their dependents. The director of veterans services may enter into agreements with state and federal agencies, with agencies of political subdivisions, with state and local instrumentalities, and with private entities as necessary to make the resource as complete as is possible.

(N) Planning, organizing, advertising, and conducting outreach efforts, such as conferences and fairs, at which veterans and their dependents may meet, learn about the organization and operation of the department of veterans services and of veterans service commissions, and obtain information about the rights of, and the benefits and services available to, veterans and their dependents;

(O) Advertising, in print, on radio and television, and otherwise, the rights of, and the benefits and services available to, veterans and their dependents;

(P) Developing and advocating improved benefits and services for, and improved delivery of benefits and services to, veterans and their dependents;

(Q) Searching for, identifying, and reviewing statutory and administrative policies that relate to veterans and their dependents and reporting to the general assembly statutory and administrative policies that should be consolidated in whole or in part within the organization of the department of veterans services to unify funding, delivery, and accounting of statutory and administrative policy expressions that relate particularly to veterans and their dependents;

(R) Encouraging veterans service commissions to innovate and otherwise to improve efficiency in delivering benefits and services to veterans and their dependents and to report successful innovations and efficiencies to the director of veterans services;

(S) Publishing and encouraging adoption of successful innovations and efficiencies veterans service commissions have achieved in delivering benefits and services to veterans and their dependents;

(T) Establishing advisory committees, in addition to the veterans advisory committee established under division (K) of this section, on veterans issues;

(U) Developing and maintaining a relationship with the United States department of veterans affairs, seeking optimal federal benefits and services for Ohio veterans and their dependents, and encouraging veterans service commissions to maximize the federal benefits and services to which veterans and their dependents are entitled;

(V) Developing and maintaining relationships with the several veterans organizations, encouraging the organizations in their efforts at assisting veterans and their dependents, and advocating for adequate state subsidization of the organizations;

(W) Requiring the several veterans organizations that receive funding from the state annually, not later than the thirtieth day of July, to report to the director of veterans services and prescribing the form and content of the report;

(X) Reviewing the reports submitted to the director under division (W) of this section within thirty days of receipt and informing the veterans organization of any deficiencies that exist in the organization's report and that funding will not be released until the deficiencies have been corrected and a satisfactory report submitted;

(Y) Advising the director of budget and management when a report submitted to the director under division (W) of this section has been reviewed and determined to be satisfactory;

(Z) Furnishing copies of all reports that the director of veterans services has determined have been submitted satisfactorily under division (W) of this section to the chairperson of the finance committees of the general assembly;

(AA) Investigating complaints against county veterans services commissioners and county veterans service officers if the director reasonably believes the investigation to be appropriate and necessary;

(BB) Developing and maintaining a web site that is accessible by veterans and their dependents and provides a link to the web site of each state agency that issues a license, certificate, or other authorization permitting an individual to engage in an occupation or occupational activity;

(CC) Encouraging state agencies to conduct outreach efforts through which veterans and their dependents can learn about available job and education benefits;

(DD) Informing state agencies about changes in statutes and rules that affect veterans and their dependents;

(EE) Assisting licensing agencies in adopting rules under section 5903.03 of the Revised Code;

(FF) Taking any other actions required by this chapter.

Sec. 5903.01. As used in this chapter:

"Armed forces" means the armed forces of the United States, including the army, navy, air force, marine corps, coast guard, or any reserve components of those forces; the national guard of any state; the commissioned corps of the United States public health service; the merchant marine service during wartime; such other service as may be designated by congress; or the Ohio organized militia when engaged in full-time national guard duty for a period of more than thirty days.

"License" means a license, certificate, permit, or other authorization issued or conferred by a licensing agency under which a licensee may engage in a profession, occupation, or occupational activity.

"Licensee" means a person to whom all of the following apply:

(A) The person has been issued a license by a licensing agency.

(B) The person has been a member of the armed forces.

(C) The person has served on active duty, whether inside or outside the United States, for a period in excess of thirty-one days.

"Licensing agency" means any state department, division, board, commission, agency, or other state governmental unit authorized by the Revised Code to issue a license.

"Member" means any person who is serving in the armed forces.

"Merchant marine" includes the United States army transport service and the United States naval transport service.

"Veteran" means any person who has completed service in the armed forces, including the national guard of any state, or a reserve component of the armed forces, who has been discharged under honorable conditions from the armed forces or who has been transferred to the reserve with evidence of satisfactory service.

Sec. 5903.03.  (A) As used in this section:

(1) "License" and "licensing agency" have the meanings defined in section 5903.12 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Military, "military program of training" means a training program of the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio national guard or the national guard of any other state.

(B) Notwithstanding any provision of the Revised Code to the contrary, a licensing agency shall consider an applicant for a license:

(1) To have met the educational requirement for that license if the applicant has completed a military program of training and has been awarded a military primary specialty at a level that is substantially equivalent to or exceeds the educational requirement for that license; and

(2) To have met the experience requirement for that license if the applicant has served in that military primary specialty under honorable conditions for a period of time that is substantially equivalent to or exceeds the experience requirement for that license.

(C) Each licensing agency, not later than June 30, 2014, shall adopt rules under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code regarding which military programs of training, military primary specialties, and lengths of service are substantially equivalent to or exceed the educational and experience requirements for each license that agency issues.

Sec. 5903.04.  Each licensing agency shall adopt rules under Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to establish and implement all of the following:

(A) A process to obtain from each applicant documentation and additional information necessary to determine if the applicant is a member or veteran, or the spouse or surviving spouse of a member or veteran;

(B) A process to record, track, and monitor applications that have been received from a member, veteran, or the spouse or surviving spouse of a member or veteran; and

(C) A process to prioritize and expedite certification or licensing for each applicant who is a member, veteran, or the spouse or a surviving spouse of a member or veteran.

In establishing these processes, the licensing agency shall include any special accommodations that may be appropriate for applicants facing imminent deployment.

Sec. 5903.05. A licensing agency shall apply for approval to the state approving agency at the Ohio department of veterans services as required under 38 U.S.C. 3672(a) to enable an eligible person or veteran to receive education benefits through the United States department of veterans affairs.

Sec. 5903.10.  (A) A holder of an expired license or certificate from this state or any political subdivision or agency of the state to practice a trade or profession shall be granted a renewal of the license or certificate by the issuing board or authority at the usual cost without penalty and without re-examination if not otherwise disqualified because of mental or physical disability and if either of the following applies:

(1) The license or certificate was not renewed because of the holder's service in the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio national guard or the national guard of any other state.

(2) The license or certificate was not renewed because the holder's spouse served in the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio national guard or the national guard of any other state, and the service resulted in the holder's absence from this state.

(B) A renewal shall not be granted under division (A) of this section unless the holder or the holder's spouse, whichever is applicable, has presented satisfactory evidence of the service member's discharge under honorable conditions or release under honorable conditions from active duty or national guard duty within six months after the discharge or release.

Sec. 5903.11.  (A) Any federally funded employment and training program administered by any state agency including, but not limited to, the "Workforce Investment Act of 1998," 112 Stat. 936, codified in scattered sections of 29 U.S.C., as amended, shall include a veteran priority system to provide maximum employment and training opportunities to veterans and eligible persons within each targeted group as established by federal law and state and federal policy in the service area. Disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, other veterans, and eligible persons shall receive preference over nonveterans within each targeted group in the provision of employment and training services available through these programs as required by this section.

(B) Each state agency shall refer qualified applicants to job openings and training opportunities in programs described in division (A) of this section in the following order of priority:

(1) Special disabled veterans;

(2) Veterans of the Vietnam era;

(3) Disabled veterans;

(4) All other veterans;

(5) Other eligible persons;

(6) Nonveterans.

(C) Each state agency providing employment and training services to veterans and eligible persons under programs described in division (A) of this section shall submit an annual written report to the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate on the services that it provides to veterans and eligible persons. Each such agency shall report separately on all entitlement programs, employment or training programs, and any other programs that it provides to each class of persons described in divisions (B)(1) to (6) of this section. Each such agency shall also report on action taken to ensure compliance with statutory requirements. Compliance and reporting procedures shall be in accordance with the reporting procedures then in effect for all employment and training programs described in division (A) of this section, with the addition of veterans as a separate reporting module.

(D) All state agencies that administer federally funded employment and training programs described in division (A) of this section for veterans and eligible persons shall do all of the following:

(1) Ensure that veterans are treated with courtesy and respect at all state governmental facilities;

(2) Give priority in referral to jobs to qualified veterans and other eligible persons;

(3) Give priority in referral to and enrollment in training programs to qualified veterans and other eligible persons;

(4) Give preferential treatment to special disabled veterans in the provision of all needed state services;

(5) Provide information and effective referral assistance to veterans and other eligible persons regarding needed benefits and services that may be obtained through other agencies.

(E) As used in this section:

(1) "Special disabled veteran" means a veteran who is entitled to, or who but for the receipt of military pay would be entitled to, compensation under any law administered by the department of veterans affairs for a disability rated at thirty per cent or more or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

(2) "Veteran of the Vietnam era" means an eligible veteran who served on active duty for a period of more than one hundred eighty days, any part of which occurred from August 5, 1964, through May 7, 1975, and was discharged or released therefrom with other than a dishonorable discharge or a person who was discharged or released from active duty for a service-connected disability if any part of the active duty was performed from August 5, 1964, through May 7, 1975.

(3) "Disabled veteran" means a veteran who is entitled to, or who but for the receipt of military retirement pay would be entitled to compensation, under any law administered by the department of veterans affairs and who is not a special disabled veteran.

(4) "Eligible veteran" means a person who served on active duty for more than one hundred eighty days and was discharged or released from active duty with other than a dishonorable discharge or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

(5) "Other eligible person" means one of the following:

(a) The spouse of any person who died of a service-connected disability;

(b) The spouse of any member of the armed forces serving on active duty who at the time of the spouse's application for assistance under any program described in division (A) of this section is listed pursuant to the "Act of September 6, 1966," 80 Stat. 629, 37 U.S.C.A. 556, and the regulations issued pursuant thereto, as having been in one or more of the following categories for a total of ninety or more days:

(i) Missing in action;

(ii) Captured in line of duty by a hostile force;

(iii) Forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.

(c) The spouse of any person who has a total disability permanent in nature resulting from a service-connected disability or the spouse of a veteran who died while such a disability was in existence.

(6) "Veteran" means either of the following:

(a) Any person a veteran as defined in section 5903.01 of the Revised Code who was a member of the armed forces of the United States for a period of one hundred eighty days or more or; a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability;

(b) A or a person who served as a member of the United States merchant marine and to whom either of the following applies:

(i)(a) The person has an honorable report of separation from active duty military service, form DD214 or DD215.; or

(ii)(b) The person served in the United States merchant marine between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946, and died on active duty while serving in a war zone during that period of service.

(7) "Armed forces of the United States" means the army, air force, navy, marine corps, coast guard, and any other military service branch that is designated by congress as a part of the armed forces of the United States.

(8) "Employment program" means a program which provides referral of individuals to employer job openings in the federal, state, or private sector.

(9)(8) "Training program" means any program that upgrades the employability of qualified applicants.

(10)(9) "Entitlement program" means any program that enlists specific criteria in determining eligibility, including but not limited to the existence in special segments of the general population of specific financial needs.

(11)(10) "Targeted group" means a group of persons designated by federal law or regulations or by state law to receive special assistance under an employment and training program described in division (A) of this section.

(12) "United States merchant marine" includes the United States army transport service and the United States naval transport service.

Sec. 5903.12.  (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Continuing education" means continuing education required of a licensee by law and includes, but is not limited to, the continuing education required of licensees under sections 3737.881, 3781.10, 4701.11, 4715.141, 4715.25, 4717.09, 4723.24, 4725.16, 4725.51, 4730.14, 4730.49, 4731.281, 4734.25, 4735.141, 4736.11, 4741.16, 4741.19, 4751.07, 4755.63, 4757.33, 4759.06, 4761.06, and 4763.07 of the Revised Code.

(2) "License" means a license, certificate, permit, or other authorization issued or conferred by a licensing agency under which a licensee may engage in a profession, occupation, or occupational activity.

(3) "Licensee" means a person to whom all of the following apply:

(a) The person has been issued a license by a licensing agency.

(b) The person has been a member of the armed forces of the United States, the Ohio national guard, the Ohio military reserve, the Ohio naval militia, the national guard of any other state, or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.

(c) The person has served on active duty, whether inside or outside the United States, for a period in excess of thirty-one days.

(4) "Licensing agency" means any state department, division, board, commission, agency, or other state governmental unit authorized by the Revised Code to issue a license.

(5) "Reporting period" means the period of time during which a licensee must complete the number of hours of continuing education required of the licensee by law.

(B) A licensee may submit an application to a licensing agency, stating that the licensee requires an extension of the current reporting period because the licensee has served on active duty as described in division (A)(3)(c) of this section during the current or a prior reporting period. The licensee shall submit proper documentation certifying the active duty service and the length of that active duty service. Upon receiving the application and proper documentation, the licensing agency shall extend the current reporting period by an amount of time equal to the total number of months that the licensee spent on active duty during the current reporting period. For purposes of this division, any portion of a month served on active duty shall be considered one full month.

Sec. 5903.121. A "licensing agency," as defined in section 5903.12 of the Revised Code, shall consider relevant education, training, or service completed by a licensee as a member of the armed forces of the United States or reserve components thereof, the Ohio national guard, the Ohio military reserve, the Ohio naval militia, or the national guard of any other state in determining whether a licensee has fulfilled required continuing education.

Sec. 5907.01. (A) As used in this chapter:

(1) "Armed forces of the United States" has the same meaning as in section 5903.11 of the Revised Code means the army, air force, navy, marine corps, coast guard, and any other military service branch that is designated by congress as a part of the armed forces of the United States.

(2) "Domiciliary" means a separate area within the Ohio veterans' home providing domiciliary care.

(3) "Domiciliary care" means providing shelter, food, and necessary medical care on an ambulatory self-care basis to eligible veterans who do not need the nursing services provided in nursing homes.

(4) "Nursing home" has the same meaning as in section 3721.01 of the Revised Code.

(5) "Veteran" has the same meaning as in section 5901.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) There are hereby established the Ohio veterans' homes within the department of veterans services. The department shall maintain and operate state veterans' homes as administered under the state veterans' home programs defined in Title 38 of the United States Code.

Sec. 5907.04.  Subject As used in this section, "armed forces of the United States" means the army, air force, navy, marine corps, coast guard, and any other military service branch that is designated by congress as a part of the armed forces of the United States.

Subject to the following paragraph, all veterans, who served during a period of conflict as determined by the United States department of veterans affairs or any person who is awarded either the armed forces expeditionary medal established by presidential executive order 10977 dated December 4, 1961, or the Vietnam service medal established by presidential executive order 11231 dated July 8, 1965, who have been honorably discharged or separated under honorable conditions therefrom, or any discharged members of the Polish and Czechoslovakian armed forces who served in armed conflict with an enemy of the United States in World War II who have been citizens of the United States for at least ten years, provided that the above-mentioned persons have been citizens of this state for one year or more at the date of making application for admission, are disabled by disease, wounds, or otherwise, and are by reason of such disability incapable of earning their living, and all members of the Ohio national guard or naval militia who have lost an arm or leg, or their sight, or become permanently disabled from any cause, while in the line and discharge of duty, and are not able to support themselves, may be admitted to a veterans' home under such rules as the director of veterans services adopts.

A veteran who served in the armed forces of the United States as defined in division (E)(7) of section 5903.11 of the Revised Code is eligible for admission to a veterans' home under the preceding paragraph only if the person has the characteristics defined in division (B)(1) of section 5901.01 of the Revised Code.

Veterans' homes may reserve a bed during the temporary absence of a resident or patient from the home, including a nursing home within it, under conditions prescribed by the director, to include hospitalization for an acute condition, visits with relatives and friends, and participation in therapeutic programs outside the home. A home shall not reserve a bed for more than thirty days, except that absences for more than thirty days due to hospitalization may be authorized.

Section 2.  That existing sections 4729.12, 4729.13, 4729.15, 4731.36, 4743.04, 5902.02, 5903.03, 5903.10, 5903.11, 5903.12, 5903.121, 5907.01, and 5907.04 of the Revised Code are hereby repealed.

Section 3.  The Director of Veterans Services shall implement divisions (BB) to (EE) of section 5902.02 of the Revised Code not later than December 31, 2014.

Section 4.  A licensing agency that is required to adopt rules under section 5903.04 of the Revised Code shall adopt initial rules not later than December 31, 2014.

Section 5. State agencies that are required to apply for approval to the State Approving Agency at the Ohio Department of Veterans Services under section 5903.05 of the Revised Code shall do so initially not later than December 31, 2014.

Section 6.  Section 4731.36 of the Revised Code is presented in this act as a composite of the section as amended by both Sub. H.B. 251 and Sub. S.B. 141 of the 129th General Assembly. The General Assembly, applying the principle stated in division (B) of section 1.52 of the Revised Code that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation, finds that the composite is the resulting version of the section in effect prior to the effective date of the section as presented in this act.