(a) The annual license or reregistration fee of a physician licensed by the Arkansas State Medical Board to practice medicine in the State of Arkansas shall be paid before or during the birth month of the license holder beginning in 1998, and each year thereafter. During the implementation year of 1998, fees shall be prorated.
(b) Failure to pay the annual reregistration fee as provided in this section by the last day of the birth month of the license holder shall cause the license to practice medicine in the State of Arkansas of any person so failing to pay the reregistration fee to expire automatically.
(c) Any delinquent licentiate may be reinstated by paying all delinquent fees and a penalty of fifty dollars ($50.00) for each year or part thereof that he or she has been delinquent.
(d)
(1) If any licentiate fails for three (3) consecutive years to pay the reregistration fee, it shall be the duty of the board, without hearing or notice, to cancel and revoke his or her license, subject to reinstatement.
(2) If application for reinstatement is made, the board shall consider the professional qualifications of the applicant upon notice and hearing before ordering reinstatement. Unless such a showing shall thereupon be made to the board as would entitle the applicant to the issuance of an original license, reinstatement shall be denied.
(3) The applicant for reinstatement shall file a written application and pay the same fees required for the issuance of an original license.
(e) Any person practicing his or her profession while his or her license is suspended or after it has been canceled pursuant to this section shall be subject to the penalties prescribed by law.