32-1726. Renewal of license; continuing education; failure to renew

A. Except as provided in section 32-4301, beginning on September 1, 2001, a licensee who wishes to renew a license must do so every other year on or before the licensee's birthday by submitting a completed renewal form and the renewal fee prescribed by the board. A licensee who does not renew a license within thirty days after the licensee's birthday must also pay a late fee as prescribed by the board. A license expires if the licensee does not renew the license within four months after the licensee's birthday. A person who practices optometry in this state after that person's license has expired is in violation of this chapter.

B. As a condition of renewal or reinstatement each licensee shall complete thirty-two hours of continuing education as prescribed by the board. The board shall require continuing education on the subject of pharmaceutical use for doctors who are authorized by the board to prescribe, dispense, and administer pharmaceuticals. The board may waive or adjust the continuing education requirements for good cause shown.

C. To reinstate an expired license a person must submit a written application and pay all delinquent biennial fees, all late fees and a fifty dollar penalty fee for each year the license remains unrenewed. The board shall not require the applicant to pass an initial licensing examination if the applicant meets the requirements of this subsection within five years after the license expired.

D. A person holding a license to practice the profession of optometry in this state who has not engaged in the practice of the profession of optometry within a five year period shall pass an initial licensing examination before the license is renewed.