Chapter 295-15 INACTIVE STATUS LICENSES

Any licensee who holds a current license and who is not practicing as a Long-Term Care Facility Administrators may request the Board to place that license into an "inactive status" upon written application to the Board and payment of a non-refundable inactive status application fee. See fee schedule. The Board, in its sole discretion, may grant or deny the request for inactive status. Any licensee whose license is on inactive status may not engage in the practice of Long-Term Care Facility Administration.

In order to reactivate an inactive license, submit the appropriate application, forms, and fee to the Board.

(a)	If a license is inactive for twelve (12) months or less, but no more than twenty-four months (24), the applicant must submit forty (40) hours of Continuing Education "CE" obtained since the Board's last renewal period.

(b)	If a license is inactive for twenty-four (24) months, but not more than thirty-six (36) months, eighty (80) hours of CE obtained since the Board's last renewal period must be submitted to the Board.

(c)	If the license has been inactive more than thirty-six (36) months, the applicant must meet current requirements and either submit eighty (80) hours of CE since the Board's last renewal period, OR take and pass the national exam.

(d)

If the inactive license holds an active license from the Georgia Board's approved state's list and has been employed for one year as a Long-Term Care Facility Administrators prior to the date of the application, then the applicant must submit an application, fee, and verification of an active, current license from the state or jurisdiction in which the license is held.

Rule 295-15-.03 State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

A licensee who holds a current license and who is not using the title "psychologist" in Georgia and will not practice psychology in the State of Georgia may apply for inactive status by completing an Application for Inactive Status and submitting the appropriate fee to the Board. A licensee may not use their license in the State of Georgia while that license is on inactive status.

A licensee who wishes to reactivate an inactive status license who has an active license in another state and who has been actively practicing psychology there within the past two (2) years must submit to the Board an Application to Reactivate, documentation of forty (40) hours of continuing education activities that were completed within two (2) calendar years of the date the application is received by the Board, and appropriate fee.

For the Board to approve reactivation of the license of a psychologist who has not had an active license in another state and who has not been actively practicing psychology, the licensee must also pass both the Georgia Jurisprudence and Oral Examinations in addition to the requirements set forth in (2) above.

Rule 295-15-.04 Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine

1.	A veterinarian or veterinary technician who wishes to discontinue the practice of veterinary medicine may apply for an "inactive license." A veterinarian or veterinary technician holding an "inactive license" may not practice in the state of Georgia.

A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or a veterinary technician who holds a valid current active license to practice as a veterinarian or veterinary technician in the State of Georgia may request the license be placed on inactive status under the following provisions:

(a)

The licensee must submit a written request to the Board requesting inactive status. The written request shall contain the notarized signature of the licensee and contain the following statements:

(i)	"I understand that with an inactive license I shall not engage in the practice of veterinary medicine as a veterinarian or veterinary technician and shall not hold myself out to the public as being available to provide veterinary services."

(ii)	"I understand that I am not required to renew said license while on inactive status."

(iii)

"I understand I am not required to obtain the continuing education credits while on inactive status unless I request to be placed on active status."

(iv)	"I understand that to practice or to hold oneself out as available to practice veterinary medicine with an inactive license is unlicensed practice and I would be subject to disciplinary action."

In order to reinstate the license to active status the licensee must:

(a)	Submit a written request for reinstatement of said inactive status license.

(b)	Submit proof of attendance at not less than thirty (30) hours of Board approved continuing education within two (2) years of the date of the request to reinstate.

(c)	Provide evidence acceptable to the Board that the licensee has not had a license revoked, suspended, disciplined or otherwise sanctioned in any other jurisdiction that ever issued a license to practice.

(d)	Provide evidence acceptable to the Board that licensee has not been convicted of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude.

(e)	Pay the reinstatement fee, as determined by the Board.

Rule 295-15-.05 Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists

(1)	Inactive licensure status is not available for Associate Professional Counselors or Associate Marriage and Family Therapist licensees. Inactive licensure status is available for Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists.

(2)

A licensee who does not intend to practice in Georgia or to use the title Professional Counselor, Social Worker, or Marriage and Family Therapist may apply for an inactive license status by submitting an application for inactive status and paying the fee required by the Board's fee schedule. A licensee granted inactive status is exempt from filing a biennial license renewal application and paying a license renewal fee. A licensee who holds an inactive status license shall not practice as a Professional Counselor, Social Worker, or Marriage and Family Therapist.

(3)

An inactive status license may be changed to active status by filing an application for reinstatement with the Board, complying with reinstatement requirements as defined in Board Rule , and paying the fee required by the Board's fee schedule. The Board may require the applicant to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Board that he or she has maintained current knowledge, skill and proficiency in the practice of professional counseling, social work or marriage and family therapy, and that he or she is mentally and physically able to practice professional counseling, social work or marriage and family therapy with reasonable skill and safety.

Rule 295-15-.06 Georgia Board of Athletic Trainer

1.	A licensee who does not intend to hold themselves out as an athletic trainer or to practice as an athletic trainer in Georgia may apply for inactive status. An individual who holds an inactive status license will not be required to renew that license.

2.	A licensee may apply for inactive status by submitting an affidavit to the Board requesting inactive status and affirming that while on inactive status, he/she will not practice athletic training in Georgia or hold themselves out to the public as an athletic trainer in Georgia.

3.	A licensee may maintain his/her license on inactive status for no more than five (5) years. If licensee does not apply to reactivate his/ her license before the end of the five-year period, the license will be revoked for failure to reactivate.

4.

The board will reactivate a license upon receipt of the following:

(a)	Application for Reactivation;

(b)	Reactivation Fee (See Fee Schedule);

(c)

Evidence of completion of six (6) hours of continuing education approved by the Board for each year the license was inactive, unless, during the period that the Georgia license was inactive, the licensee was:

(i)	practicing with an active license in a jurisdiction that requires continuing education to maintain that license; or

(ii)	practicing with the Board of Certification in a jurisdiction that has licensing requirement.

Rule 295-15-.07 Georgia State Board of Funeral Service

A funeral director or embalmer who holds a current license and who will not practice funeral directing or embalming in Georgia may apply for inactive status by completing an Application for inactive status and submitting the appropriate fee to the Board. An embalmer or funeral director shall not practice embalming or funeral directing in the State of Georgia while that license is on Inactive Status.

2.	In order to be placed on inactive status, the license must be in good standing and the licensee must show that he/she has met continuing education hours, which will be required at their next renewal.

A funeral director or embalmer who wishes to reactivate an inactive status license must submit to the Board an Application to Reactivate, appropriate fee, and documentation of continuing education.

a.	If the request to reactivate is received more than two (2) years but less than four (4) years from the date on which inactive status was approved, the licensee must document five (5) continuing education hours.

b.

If the request to reactivate is received four (4) or more years after the date on which inactive status was approved, the licensee must document ten (10) continuing education hours and take and pass the State Laws and Rules Examination, notwithstanding the fact that they may have passed the Laws and Rules Examination on a prior date.

Rule 295-15-.08 State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors

1.	A licensee who is over the age of 65 and retired; or who has become disabled may apply to the Board for inactive status by submitting the required application and paying the proper fee.

2.	While on inactive status, a licensee is exempt from the payment of the biennial renewal fee and continuing education requirements.

3.	An inactive status licensee may not practice professional engineering or land surveying in this State.

4.	To reactivate an inactive status license, the licensee must submit the appropriate application, proof of the required continuing education, and proper fee.

Rule 295-15-.09 Georgia Board of Chiropractic Examiners

A chiropractor who holds a valid license to practice chiropractic in the State of Georgia may request the license be placed on inactive status under the following provisions:

(a)	Notifies the Board, in writing, that he or she chooses to retire from active practice of the profession or will no longer practice chiropractic in the State of Georgia.

(b)	Provides a statement acknowledging that he or she shall not engage in the practice of chiropractic and shall not hold themselves out to the public as being available to provide chiropractic services in Georgia.

Upon meeting the aforementioned conditions said license shall be considered inactive and the licensee:

(a)	Shall not be required to obtain the necessary continuing education credits for renewal of the license; and

(b)	Shall not be assessed a renewal fee for the period that the license is inactive.

3.	Within the State of Georgia, the practice of chiropractic with an inactive status license shall be considered unlicensed practice and is subject to disciplinary action.

4.

Should a chiropractor holding an inactive status license choose to return to active practice in this state, the following requirements must be met:

(a)	Submit an application for reactivation along with the reactivation fee established by the Board.

(b)	Submit evidence of attendance at forty (40) hours of Board approved continuing education within the last two (2) years.

(c)	Provide evidence that licensee is in good standing in all jurisdictions in which he or she has ever been licensed.

(d)	After five (5) years of continuous inactive status, the Board may, at its discretion require successful completion of the Board approved exam and/or additional coursework.

Rule 295-15-.10 Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy

Any licensee who is no longer practicing as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in the State of Georgia may request an inactive license status by filing an application for inactive status and paying the appropriate fee.

(a)	An individual holding inactive status may not practice as a physical therapist or work as a physical therapist assistant within the State of Georgia.

(b)	Any individual holding inactive status is not subject to the biennial renewal fees or continuing competence requirements.

(c)	An individual whose license is under any sanction may not transfer to inactive status while sanctions are in effect.

(d)	Any individual holding inactive status may return to active status by meeting all requirements for reinstatement as outlined by Board Rule.

Rule 295-15-.11 Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Dietitians

1.	The holder of an active license may request to place the license on inactive status by submitting a written request to the Board no later than April 30 following the March 31 expiration date.

2.	The holder of an inactive status license that continues to practice is subject to disciplinary action for unlicensed practice.

3.	An inactive status license may be reinstated by submitting an application for reinstatement and any supporting documents as required in Board Rules.

4.	The holder of an inactive status license is required to obtain the required continuing professional education units that are required for active licensees.

Rule 295-15-.12 Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers

A registered interior designer holding a valid license to practice in Georgia who has retired from active practice and is no longer practicing as a registered interior designer in Georgia, may request inactive license status by filing the required application and paying the appropriate fee indicated in the fee schedule.

2.	Any individual whose license is under any sanction and is not in good standing may not transfer to inactive status while sanctions are in effect.

An individual holding inactive status shall abide by the following conditions:

(a)	may not practice and may not offer registered interior design services;

(b)	may not hold themselves out to the public as being available to provide such services; and

(c)	may only use the term registered interior designer as long as it is not used to imply active practice or that registered interior design services are currently offered.

4.	Any practice of registered interior design services while holding an inactive status license shall be considered unlicensed practice and is subject to disciplinary action.

5.	Any individual holding an inactive status license is not subject to the biennial renewal fee or the professional development requirements.

6.

An individual may apply to have an inactive status license reactivated by submitting the following:

(a)	a completed application;

(b)	the appropriate fee as indicated in the fee schedule; and

(c)	the evidence of having satisfied the reinstatement requirements for professional development as provided in Board rules.

7.	Reactivation of a license is at the sole discretion of the Board.

Rule 295-15-.13 State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors

A residential or general contractor who holds a valid residential or general contractor's license in the State of Georgia may request the license be placed on inactive status under the following provisions:

(a)	Notifies the Board, in writing, that he or she chooses to retire from active practice of the profession.

(b)	Shall not engage in contracting and shall not hold themselves out to the public as being available to provide contractor services.

(c)	Shall not be required to obtain the necessary continuing education credits.

(d)	Shall not be assessed a renewal fee for the period that the license is inactive.

2.	Contracting with an inactive status license shall be considered unlicensed practice and is subject to disciplinary action.

Should a contractor holding an inactive status license choose to return to active status, the following requirements must be met:

(a)	Submit a completed application on a Board approved form with the appropriate fee.

(b)	Submit evidence of attendance of the required Board-approved continuing education for each biennium that the license was inactive.

(c)	Provide evidence that licensee is in good standing in all states in which he or she has ever been licensed. A reactivation fee as established by the board must be submitted with the application for reactivation.

(d)	Submit proof of current general liability insurance and workers' compensation as required by law for the license type that is to be reinstated.

(e)	Submit other proof of financial responsibility as is required for the license type that is to be reactivated.

4.	After five (5) years of continuous inactive status, the Board may, at its discretion require successful passing of the contractor examination in the contractor field for the license that the contractor wishes to reactivate.

Rule 295-15-.14 Georgia Board of Nursing

A currently licensed registered professional nurse or licensed practical nurse who wishes to maintain his or her license but who does not wish to practice nursing in this State may apply for inactive licensure status by submitting an application for inactive status and paying the required fee. A licensee granted inactive status is exempt from filing a biennial license renewal application and paying a license renewal fee. A licensee who holds an inactive status license shall not practice as a registered professional nurse or licensed practical nurse.

An inactive status license may be changed to active status by filing an application for reinstatement with the Board, complying with reinstatement requirements as defined by the Board, and paying a reinstatement fee, as determined by the Board. Applicants must be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Board that he or she has maintained current knowledge, skill, and proficiency in the practice of nursing and that he or she is mentally and physically able to practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety.

Rule 295-15-.15 Georgia Board of Optometry

Georgia licensed optometrists may request in writing to the Board that their active license to practice optometry in Georgia be placed in inactive status under the following conditions:

(a)	The request must be received prior to the license expiration date to be considered.

(b)	In the event that a Doctor of Optometry who holds a valid license to practice Optometry in the State of Georgia notifies the Board that he chooses to retire from active practice of the profession, his license shall be considered to be inactive;

(c)	Doctors holding an inactive license shall not engage in the practice of Optometry and shall not hold themselves out to the public as being available to provide optometric services;

(d)	A Doctor of Optometry holding an inactive license shall not be required to obtain the necessary continuing education credits and no renewal fee shall be assessed.

(e)	In order to return to the practice of optometry, a reinstatement application for licensure must be submitted to the Board, in accordance with Board Rules.

Rule 295-15-.16 Georgia Board of Podiatry Examiners

The Board has determined inactive status will be available for those persons meeting the prescribed criteria, which shall remain in full force for life, unless reactivated under Board rules, and which shall incur no fees. To be eligible to be placed in inactive status, a licensee must:

(a)	Demonstrate an inability to practice podiatry due to age, physical impairment, or infirmity which time is not expected to resolve;

(b)	Have a current active license in good standing to practice podiatry in the State of Georgia;

(c)	Must not be under administrative disciplinary action or court action or probation;

(d)	Licensees desiring to be placed on inactive status must apply in writing to the Board and submit evidence of inability to practice.

2.	Once placed in inactive status, the license holder thereafter shall not engage in the practice of podiatry in any manner in the State of Georgia.

The only avenue of reactivation shall be at the discretion of the Board under conditions acceptable to the Board. Licensees seeking reactivation shall be required to pay past license renewal fees based on the current renewal rate for each inactive renewal cycle and submit proof of continuing education for each biennium the license is in inactive status.

Rule 295-15-.17 Georgia State Board of Registration for Professional Geologists

1.	A licensee who is over the age of 65 and retired; or who has become disabled may apply to the Board for inactive status by submitting the required application and any applicable fee.

2.	While on inactive status, a licensee is exempt from the payment of the biennial renewal fee.

3.	An inactive status licensee may not practice Geology in this State.

4.	An inactive status license may be reactivated by filing the proper application, submitting any required documents, and paying the reactivation fee.

Rule 295-15-.18 Georgia Board of Massage Therapists

Licensees may request by application to the Board that their active license to practice as a massage therapist in Georgia be placed on inactive status prior to the license expiration date. Applications for inactive status request will not be considered if postmarked on or after November 1 of an even numbered year. There is no fee to apply for inactive status.

2.	An individual whose license status is inactive shall not practice as a massage therapist within the state of Georgia.

3.	An individual whose license is under any investigation, is the subject of active disciplinary proceedings, or has a sanction in effect may not transfer the license to an inactive status.

4.

Licensees shall request in writing to the Board for the reactivation of their massage therapy license. Reactivation of an inactive status license is within the discretion of the Board. The following requirements must be met:

a)	If a licensee has been on inactive status for two (2) years or less, the applicant must meet the requirements for renewal of licensure pursuant to Board rules.

b)	If a licensee has been on inactive status for a period greater than two (2) years, the applicant must meet the requirements for reinstatement of licensure pursuant to Board Rules.

Rule 295-15-.19 Georgia Board of Electrical Contractors

Any Electrical Contractor licensee who holds a current Georgia license and who is not practicing as an Electrical Contractor may request the Board to place the license into an "inactive status" as follows:

(a)	Submit to the Board a written request on a Board-approved form, along with payment of a non-refundable inactive status application fee. See fee schedule.

(b)	Any individual whose license is under any sanction and is not in good standing may not transfer to inactive status while sanctions are in effect.

(c)	The licensee must show that they have attained the continuing education hours required through the calendar year the inactive status is effective.

(d)	During inactive status, the licensee must cease engaging in the practice of Electrical Contracting.

(e)	The licensee has not been on inactive status within the last four (4) years.