(a) A license expires on the second anniversary of its effective date, unless the license is renewed for a 2–year term as provided in this section.
(b) At least 1 month before the license expires, the Board shall send to the licensee, by electronic means or first–class mail to the last known electronic or physical address of the licensee, a renewal notice that states:
(1) The date on which the current license expires;
(2) The date by which the renewal application must be received by the Board for the renewal to be issued and mailed before the license expires; and
(3) The amount of the renewal fee.
(c) Before the license expires, the licensee periodically may renew it for an additional 2–year term, if the licensee:
(1) Otherwise is entitled to be licensed;
(2) Pays to the Board a renewal fee set by the Board; and
(3) Submits to the Board:
(i) A renewal application on the form that the Board requires; and
(ii) Satisfactory evidence of compliance with any continuing education and other qualifications and requirements set under this section for license renewal.
(d) (1) In addition to any other qualifications and requirements established by the Board, the Board may set continuing education requirements as a condition to the renewal of licenses under this section.
(2) If a continuing education program relates to federal or State regulation, policy and procedures, or law, the Board, in its sole discretion, may grant a request for accreditation of the program.
(e) The Board shall renew the license of and issue a renewal card to each licensee who meets the requirements of this section.
(f) (1) Beginning October 1, 2016, the Board shall require a criminal history records check in accordance with § 9–302.1 of this subtitle for:
(i) Licensure renewal applicants; and
(ii) Each former licensee who files for reinstatement under § 9–312 of this subtitle after failing to renew the license for a period of 1 year or more.
(2) On receipt of the criminal history record information of a licensee forwarded to the Board in accordance with § 9–302.1 of this subtitle, in determining whether to grant a license, the Board shall consider:
(i) The age at which the crime was committed;
(ii) The nature of the crime;
(iii) The circumstances surrounding the crime;
(iv) The length of time that has passed since the crime;
(v) Subsequent work history;
(vi) Employment and character references; and
(vii) Any other evidence that demonstrates whether the licensee poses a threat to the public health or safety.
(3) The Board may not renew or reinstate a license if the criminal history record information required under § 9–302.1 of this subtitle has not been received.
(4) Unless otherwise required, a renewal applicant who previously has completed the criminal history records check as required for the Board’s application process does not have to submit to a subsequent criminal history records check for license renewal.