[Comments on Use of Appropriated Funds To Pay for Military Physicians' State Licenses]

The Army requested a decision concerning the use of appropriated funds to pay for military physicians' state licenses and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) certifications. GAO noted that: (1) it is the duty of an officer or employee of the government to bear the cost of obtaining professional licenses and certifications as a personal expense; and (2) the statute requiring physicians to have the relevant licenses and DEA certification exempted commissioned medical officers of the Armed Forces engaged in their official duties.