(1) A licensee may place a license on inactive status by either indicating on the renewal form that inactive status is desired or by informing the board in writing that an inactive status is desired. The license must have been active and in good standing prior to the first time it is placed on inactive status. It is the sole responsibility of the inactive licensee to keep the board informed as to any changes of address during the period of time the license remains on inactive status. Inactive licensees must pay the inactive license fee annually to maintain license status.

(2) A license shall not be on inactive status for more than five consecutive years. At the end of the fifth year that a license has been on inactive status, the license must be converted to active status. If the license is not converted to active status, the provisions of 37-1-141, MCA, apply to the renewal, lapse, expiration, or termination of the license.

(3) An inactive status license does not entitle the licensee to practice as a licensed addiction counselor in Montana.

(4) Upon payment of the required fee in ARM 24.154.401, the licensee may convert an inactive license to an active license by:

(a) submitting satisfactory evidence that the licensee has not been out of active practice for more than five years; and

(b) submitting satisfactory evidence that the licensee has attended ten hours of continuing education per year while on inactive status, which comply with the continuing education rules of the board. The continuing education hours must have been acquired within the 24 months immediately preceding application to convert to active status.