(a)

1. (1) Each person certified under the provisions of Arkansas Code § 17-87-701 et seq., shall renew certification biennially.
2. (2) Thirty (30) days prior to the expiration date, the Arkansas State Board of Nursing shall mail a renewal notification to the last known address of each MA-C to whom a certificate was issued or renewed during the current period.
3. (3) An application shall be completed before the certification renewal is processed.
4. (4) The certificate holder must attest to being currently listed in good standing on the state’s certified nurse aide registry, have completed the required continuing education, and are currently employed.
5. (5) The nonrefundable fee for renewal shall accompany the application.

6. (6)

   1. (A) Pursuant to Acts 2003, No. 996, and upon written request and submission of appropriate documentation, members of the United States Armed Forces who are Arkansas residents and are ordered to active duty to a duty station located outside of this state shall be allowed an extension without penalty or assessment of a late fee for renewing the service member’s certification.
   2. (B) The extension shall be effective for:

(i) The period that the service member is serving on active duty at a duty station located outside of this state; and

1. (ii) A period not to exceed six (6) months after the service member returns to the state.

(b) Expired certificate.

1. (1) The certificate is expired if not renewed by the expiration date.
2. (2) Failure to receive the renewal notice at the last address of record in the board office shall not relieve the MA-C of the responsibility for renewing the certificate by the expiration date.
3. (3) Any MA-C whose certificate is expired shall file a renewal application and pay the current renewal fee and the late fee.

4. (4) Any person practicing during the time the certificate has lapsed shall be:

   1. (A) Considered to be providing services illegally; and
   2. (B) Subject to the penalties provided for violation of Arkansas Code § 17-87-701 et seq.
5. (5) When disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against an MA-C whose certificate has expired, the certificate shall not be reinstated until the proceedings have been completed.

6. (6) An MA-C applying to reinstate an expired certificate to active status shall:

   1. (A) Complete the continuing education requirements prior to reinstatement of the certificate; and
   2. (B) Attest to being currently listed in good standing on the state’s certified nurse aide registry.

7. (7) If the expired period exceeds five (5) years, the person must:

   1. (A) Repeat a medication assistant-certified personnel training program approved by the board; and
   2. (B) Successfully pass a board-approved certification examination.