§ 135. Uniform standard for renewal following extended absence
(a) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, when an applicant seeks to renew an expired or lapsed license after fewer than five years of absence from practice, readiness to practice shall be inferred from completion of any continuing education that would have been required if the applicant had maintained continuous licensure, or by any less burdensome showing set forth in administrative rules specific to the profession or permitted by the Director.
(b) When an applicant seeks to renew an expired or lapsed license after five or more years of absence from practice, the Director may, notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary and as appropriate to ensure the continued competence of the applicant, determine that the applicant has either:
(1) demonstrated retention of required professional competencies and may obtain an unencumbered license; or
(2) not demonstrated retention of all required professional competencies and should be reexamined or required to reapply in like manner to a new applicant.
(c) The Director may consult with a relevant board or advisor appointees for guidance in assessing continued competence under this section. (Added 2017, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 8; amended 2019, No. 30, § 6.)