(a) Any person from another state desiring to engage in the practice of optometry in this state may be issued licensure by endorsement at the sole discretion of the State Board of Optometry upon satisfactory proof that he or she:

(1) Is qualified under this chapter;

(2) Has been issued a certificate or license to practice optometry by a state, territory, the District of Columbia, or Canada having standards of proficiency at least equal to the standards of Arkansas;

(3) Has engaged in the lawful practice of optometry for a period of three (3) years of the past four (4) years in the other state, territory, the District of Columbia, or Canada and has complied with all the requirements of the Arkansas licensure law at the time of application; and

(4) Has passed an Arkansas jurisprudence examination.

(b) The applicant shall pay a fee to the Secretary-treasurer of the State Board of Optometry for registration in a reasonable amount to cover the administrative costs of the application process as determined by the State Board of Optometry.

(c) An application for licensure by endorsement shall be accompanied by:

(1) The fee described in subsection (b) of this section;

(2) Certification from all other states or territories in which the applicant has practiced;

(3) A certificate of good standing from each authority which issued the license, setting forth the applicant's moral reputation and character, history with the authority, professional ability, continuing education compliance, and other information or data as the State Board of Optometry may deem necessary or expedient;

(4) A copy of the therapeutic license held by the applicant;

(5) A copy of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification held by the applicant;

(6) Transcripts from:

(A) All colleges or universities attended by the applicant; and

(B) An accredited school or college of optometry;

(7) Proof of completion of all parts of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry examination required at the time of graduation for initial licensure sent directly to the State Board of Optometry;

(8) Information on past medical malpractice claims and any disciplinary actions; and

(9) Application to the Identification Bureau of the Department of Arkansas State Police for a state and national criminal background check, to be conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which shall include the taking of fingerprints.

(d) Upon furnishing satisfactory proof of fitness as contemplated in this section, the State Board of Optometry in its discretion may issue a license to practice optometry to the applicant without further cost except as otherwise provided in this chapter for the renewal of licenses.