(a) If an individual has been licensed by the Board to practice registered nursing or licensed practical nursing in this State in accordance with the requirements of this subtitle, the individual may be subsequently licensed as a registered nurse or as a licensed practical nurse on inactive status.
(b) The Board shall place a licensee on inactive status and record the inactive status in the Board’s database and on the Board’s Web site if the licensee:
(1) (i) Has not satisfactorily completed 1,000 hours of active nursing practice within the 5–year period immediately preceding the date of anticipated renewal;
(ii) Chooses inactive status; or
(iii) Submits documentation of a medical condition that the Board determines will prevent the licensee from practicing as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse;
(2) (i) Completes the biennial application for inactive status; and
(ii) If applicable, provides documentation of a continuing medical condition; and
(3) Pays the applicable fees as required by the Board.
(c) A licensee on inactive status may not practice nursing in this State, but:
(1) A registered nurse on inactive status may use the title “Registered Nurse”, or the abbreviation “RN”; and
(2) A practical nurse on inactive status may use the title “Licensed Practical Nurse”, or the abbreviation “LPN”.
(d) (1) A licensee on inactive status may apply for reactivation of the license to practice nursing if the licensee:
(i) Meets the renewal requirements of § 8–312 of this subtitle; and
(ii) If applicable, submits documentation satisfactory to the Board that the medical condition for which the inactive status was granted no longer exists.
(2) If a licensee meets the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Board shall:
(i) Record the status of the licensee as active in the Board’s database and on the Board’s Web site; and
(ii) Reactivate the licensee’s license to practice nursing in this State.
(e) (1) If a licensee is granted inactive status because of a medical condition, the Board may not charge a fee to place the licensee on or remove the licensee from inactive status.
(2) If a licensee is granted inactive status because of a medical condition, the inactive status:
(i) May not be considered a disciplinary action under § 8–316 of this subtitle; and
(ii) May not be reported to any certifying entity, employer, or insurance company as a disciplinary action.