Sec. 13. (a) An individual who:

(1) practices veterinary medicine after the individual's license has expired, been revoked, or been placed on inactive status; or

(2) acts as a registered veterinary technician after the individual's registration has expired, been revoked, or been placed on inactive status;

violates this article.

(b) A veterinarian may renew an expired license or a registered veterinary technician may renew an expired registration certificate not later than five (5) years after the date of expiration by making written application for renewal and paying the required fee. However, the board may require continuing education as a condition of renewal of an expired license.

(c) A veterinarian may not renew an expired license, and a registered veterinary technician may not renew an expired registration certificate, after five (5) years have elapsed after the date of the expiration of a license or a registration certificate but the person may make application for a new license or registration certificate and take the appropriate examinations.

(d) To have a license or registration placed on inactive status, a licensed veterinarian or registered veterinarian technician must notify the board in writing of the veterinarian's or technician's desire to have the license or registration placed on inactive status. The board shall waive the continuing education requirements, if any, and payment of the renewal fee during the period the license or registration of a veterinarian or technician is on inactive status. A license or registration may be placed on inactive status during the period:

(1) the veterinarian or technician is on active duty with any branch of the armed services of the United States;

(2) the veterinarian or technician is in the Peace Corps;

(3) the veterinarian or technician is in an alternative service during a time of national emergency;

(4) the veterinarian or technician is suffering from a severe medical condition that prevents the veterinarian or technician from meeting the requirements of the board; or

(5) after the veterinarian or technician retires.

A veterinarian or technician who is retired and on inactive status may not maintain an office or practice veterinary medicine. The board may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 that establish prerequisites or conditions for the reactivation of an inactive license or registration.

[Pre-2008 Title 15 Recodification Citation: 15-5-1.1-19.]

As added by P.L.2-2008, SEC.12. Amended by P.L.58-2008, SEC.36.