Subd. 1. Defined; qualifications.

A licensee may apply for an emeritus license if the licensee is retired from social work practice and does not intend to practice social work in any setting in Minnesota. A licensee shall qualify for an emeritus license if the licensee demonstrates to the board that the licensee is not practicing social work, as defined in section 148B.18, and verifies that the licensee is retired from social work practice.

Subd. 2. Application.

1. (a) A licensee may apply for an emeritus license: (1) at any time by submitting a written application for an emeritus license; or (2) as an alternative to applying for the renewal of a license by so recording on the application for license renewal form and submitting a completed, signed form. The application for an emeritus license must be accompanied by the onetime, nonrefundable emeritus license fee specified in section 148B.226, payable to the Board of Social Work. An application which is not completed or signed, or which is not accompanied by the correct emeritus license fee, must be returned to the licensee and is void.
2. (b) An applicant for an emeritus license shall attest on a form provided by the board that the licensee will not use the title "social worker" and will not engage in social work practice in any setting in Minnesota after the date of the board's approval of the application for an emeritus license.

Subd. 3. Approval.

The board shall approve an application for an emeritus license if the qualifications and application requirements have been met. Upon approval of an application for an emeritus license, the board shall issue an emeritus license certificate.

Subd. 4. Practice prohibited.

A licensee with an emeritus license shall not practice, attempt to practice, offer to practice, or advertise or hold out as authorized to practice social work in any setting in Minnesota, and shall use only the title "social worker emeritus."

Subd. 5. Reactivating a license.

A licensee with an emeritus license may reactivate a license by meeting the requirements of section 148B.224, subdivision 7.

Subd. 6. License or renewal fee.

A licensee who applies for and is approved for an emeritus license before the end of the renewal cycle may not receive a refund for any portion of the license fee or renewal fee.

Subd. 7. Disciplinary action.

1. (a) The board may resolve any pending complaints against a licensee before approving an application for an emeritus license.
2. (b) The board shall retain jurisdiction and may take disciplinary action against a licensee holding an emeritus license based on conduct occurring before issuance of the emeritus license.