Subd. 1. Emeritus inactive license.

1. (a) At the time of license renewal, a licensee may apply for emeritus inactive license status by:

   1. (1) submitting a completed, signed application on a form that the board has provided. For electronic applications, a "signed application" means providing an attestation that board has specified;
   2. (2) paying the fee specified in section 148E.180; and
   3. (3) demonstrating to the satisfaction of the board that the licensee is retired from social work practice as defined in section 148E.010, subdivisions 6 and 11, and will not engage in the practice of social work in any setting, including settings in which social workers are exempt from licensure according to section 148E.065.

2. (b) By submitting an application for emeritus inactive license status, an applicant authorizes the board to:

   1. (1) investigate any information provided or requested in the application. The board may request that the applicant provide additional information, verification, or documentation;
   2. (2) determine if the applicant has met the continuing education requirements specified in sections 148E.130 to 148E.145; and
   3. (3) determine whether the applicant has met the supervision requirements specified in sections 148E.100 to 148E.125.
3. (c) An application that the applicant has not completed and signed, or that is not accompanied by the correct fee, is void. The board must return the application to the applicant, along with any fee.

Subd. 2. Return to active license status.

1. (a) A licensee with emeritus inactive license status may restore their license status to active license status during the first four years of the emeritus inactive status according to section 148E.080, including documenting required continuing education hours.
2. (b) A licensee in emeritus inactive status is not eligible to restore their license to active status after four years. The licensee may reapply for a license according to section 148E.055.

Subd. 3. Prohibition on practice and representation.

A licensee who has emeritus inactive license status: (1) must not practice, attempt to practice, offer to practice, or advertise or hold out as being authorized to practice social work; and (2) must include "emeritus inactive" in any use of the license credential LSW, LGSW, LISW, or LICSW.

Subd. 4. Disciplinary or other action.

The board may resolve any pending complaints against a licensee before approving an application for emeritus inactive license status specified in this section. The board may take action according to sections 148E.255 to 148E.290 against a licensee who has emeritus inactive license status specified in this section based on conduct occurring before the emeritus inactive license status or conduct occurring while the license is in emeritus inactive status.