43-18-42. Reciprocity; examination upon meeting qualifications.

The board may, in its discretion and in accordance with regulations adopted by the board, grant to any person licensed in another state, territory, country, or District of Columbia full privileges to engage in equivalent practice authorized by this article without taking a national examination if:#

1. (1)

   1. (A)

      On or after January 1, 1991, such person successfully passes an examination approved by the board which tests knowledge of the law of this state relating to funeral directors; and#

   2. (B)

      Such person satisfied in another state, territory, country, or District of Columbia the requirements for licensure which are:#

      1. (i)

         In effect in Georgia on the date of application; or#

      2. (ii)

         Substantially equal to the requirements for a similar license in Georgia; or#

2. (2)

   Such person seeking a license pursuant to this Code section has engaged in the active practice of funeral service as a licensed funeral director and embalmer for three years immediately preceding his or her application for a license in Georgia.#

Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to prevent an applicant denied pursuant to this Code section from taking the examination for licensure pursuant to this article if that applicant otherwise meets the qualifications set out in Code Section 43-18-41.#