If a licensee ceases to perform licensed activities, what can they do?

When a licensee ceases to perform licensed activities, submitting a written request to the board to put the license in escrow for five years is a legitimate and prudent action. This option allows the individual to temporarily suspend their license without permanently forfeiting it or allowing it to become inactive. During the escrow period, the license remains technically valid but is not actively in use.

This approach is beneficial for those who may intend to return to practicing in the future, enabling them to avoid the process of re-application or re-examination when they decide to resume their licensed activities. The five-year period offers a flexible option that accommodates potential future plans without the complexity associated with other choices.

In contrast, transferring the license to another practitioner is generally not permitted, as licenses are personal to the individual who has earned them. Forfeiting the license permanently would eliminate any chance of returning to practice, which can be seen as an extreme measure when a temporary solution like escrow is available. Keeping the license active until further notice may lead to unnecessary fees or complications, especially if no activities are being performed. Thus, the option to place the license in escrow is the most sensible and advantageous choice for a licensee who is stepping away from their practice.