Subd. 1. Requests for voluntary termination.

1. (a) A licensee may request voluntary termination of a license if the licensee demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board that the licensee is not engaged in the practice of social work in any setting except settings in which social workers are exempt from licensure according to section 148E.065.

2. (b) A licensee may apply for voluntary termination:

   1. (1) at any time by submitting an application; or
   2. (2) as an alternative to applying for the renewal of a license by so recording on the application for license renewal and submitting the completed, signed application to the board. For applications submitted electronically, a "signed application" means providing an attestation as specified by the board. An application that is not completed and signed must be returned to the applicant and is void.
3. (c) The board may resolve any pending complaints against a licensee before approving a request for voluntary termination.

Subd. 2. Application for new licensure.

A licensee who has voluntarily terminated a license may not reactivate the license after one year following the date the voluntary termination takes effect. However, a licensee who has voluntarily terminated a license may apply for a new license according to section 148E.055.

Subd. 3. Prohibition on practice.

A licensee who has voluntarily terminated a license must not practice, attempt to practice, offer to practice, or advertise or hold out as authorized to practice social work, except when the individual is exempt from licensure according to section 148E.065.

Subd. 4. Disciplinary or other action.

The board may take action according to sections

148E.255 to 148E.270 against a licensee whose license has been terminated based on conduct occurring before the license is terminated or for practicing social work without a license.