Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 14-316 – Expiration, renewal of license

(a)
1. (1) This subsection does not apply to a physician who is on inactive status under § 14-320 of this subtitle or emeritus status under § 14-320.1 of this subtitle.
2. (2) The term of a license issued by the Board may not exceed 3 years.
(3) A license expires on a date set by the Board, unless the license is renewed for an additional term as provided in this section.
(b)
1. (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, at least 1 month before the license expires, the Board shall send to the licensee, by electronic or first-class mail to the last known electronic or physical address of the licensee a renewal notice that states:
  1. (i) The date on which the current license expires;
  2. (ii) 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. (iii) The amount of the renewal fee.
2. (2) If the Board chooses to send renewal notices exclusively by electronic mail under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Board shall send a renewal notice by first-class mail to a licensee on request of the licensee.
(c)
1. (1) Before the license expires, the licensee periodically may renew it for an additional term, if the licensee:
  1. (i) Otherwise is entitled to be licensed;
  2. (ii) Is of good moral character;
  3. (iii) Pays to the Board a renewal fee set by the Board;
  4. (iv) Submits to the Board:
    1. 1. A renewal application on the form that the Board requires; and
    2. 2. Satisfactory evidence of compliance with any continuing education or competency requirements set under this section for license renewal; and
  5. (v) Meets any additional license renewal requirements established by the Board.
2. (2) Within 30 days after a license renewal under Section 7 of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact established under § 14-3A-01 of this title, a compact physician shall submit to the Board the information required under paragraph (1)(iv) of this subsection.
(d)
1. (1) In addition to any other qualifications and requirements established by the Board, the Board may establish continuing education or competency requirements as a condition to the renewal of licenses under this section.
2. (2) In establishing these requirements, the Board shall evaluate existing methods, devices, and programs in use among the various medical specialties and other recognized medical groups.
3. (3) The Board shall adopt regulations that allow a licensee seeking renewal to receive up to 5 continuing education credits per renewal period for providing uncompensated, voluntary medical services during each renewal period.
4. (4) The Board may not establish or enforce these requirements if they would so reduce the number of physicians in a community as to jeopardize the availability of adequate medical care in that community.
5. (5) The Board may not establish a continuing education requirement that every licensee complete a specific course or program as a condition to the renewal of a license under this section.
6. (6) A disciplinary panel may impose a civil penalty of up to $100 per continuing medical education credit in lieu of a sanction under § 14-404 of this title, for a first offense, for the failure of a licensee to obtain the continuing medical education credits required by the Board.
(e) The Board shall renew the license of each licensee who meets the requirements of this section.
(f)
1. (1) A licensee shall notify the Board in writing of a change in name or address within 30 days after the change.
2. (2) A licensee who fails to comply with paragraph (1) of this subsection is subject to an administrative penalty of $100.
(g)
1. (1) Beginning October 1, 2016, the Board shall require a criminal history records check in accordance with § 14-308.1 of this subtitle for:
  1. (i) Renewal applicants as determined by regulations adopted by the Board; and
  2. (ii) Each former licensee who files for reinstatement under § 14-317 of this subtitle.
2. (2) On receipt of the criminal history record information of a licensee forwarded to the Board in accordance with § 14-308.1 of this subtitle, in determining whether disciplinary action should be taken, based on the criminal record information, against a licensee who renewed or reinstated a license, the Board shall consider:
  1. (i) The age at which the crime was committed;
  2. (ii) The nature of the crime;
  3. (iii) The circumstances surrounding the crime;
  4. (iv) The length of time that has passed since the crime;
  5. (v) Subsequent work history;
  6. (vi) Employment and character references; and
  7. (vii) Other evidence that demonstrates whether the licensee poses a threat to the public health or safety.
3. (3) The Board may renew or reinstate a license only if the licensee or applicant attests that the licensee or applicant has submitted to a criminal history records check under § 14-308.1 of this subtitle.

Added as Health Occupations § 14-314 by Acts 1981, c. 8, § 2, eff. July 1, 1981. Amended by Acts 1982, c. 858, § 1, eff. July 1, 1982; Acts 1987, c. 593, § 1, eff. July 1, 1987; Acts 1988, c. 153, § 1, eff. July 1, 1988; Acts 1989, c. 562. Renumbered as Health Occupations § 14-316 by Acts 1990, c. 6, § 11, eff. Feb. 16, 1990. Amended by Acts 1994, c. 430, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1994; Acts 2004, 1st Sp. Sess., c. 5, § 5, eff. Jan. 11, 2005; Acts 2007, c. 539, § 1, eff. June 1, 2007; Acts 2008, c. 37, § 1, eff. April 8, 2008; Acts 2013, c. 401, § 1, eff. May 2, 2013; Acts 2013, c. 582, § 2, eff. May 16, 2013; Acts 2013, c. 583, § 2, eff. May 16, 2013; Acts 2015, c. 34, § 1, eff. July 1, 2015; Acts 2016, c. 99, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2016; Acts 2017, c. 217, § 1, eff. April 18, 2017; Acts 2017, c. 218, § 1, eff. April 18, 2017; Acts 2018, c. 470, § 2, eff. July 1, 2019; Acts 2020, c. 612, § 1, eff. May 8, 2020; Acts 2020, c. 613, § 1, eff. May 8, 2020; Acts 2023, c. 58, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2023; Acts 2023, c. 59, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2023; Acts 2025, c. 675, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2025; Acts 2025, c. 676, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2025.