(1) A licensee may place the license on inactive status by paying the appropriate fee and either:

(a) indicating on the renewal form that inactive status is desired; or

(b) informing the board office in writing.

(2) The inactive licensee shall:

(a) renew annually; and

(b) keep the board informed as to any change of address during the inactive status period.

(3) A licensee shall not practice speech-language pathology or audiology in Montana while on inactive status.

(4) Upon application and payment of the appropriate fee, the board may consider an application to convert an inactive status license to an active status license if the applicant:

(a) signifies to the board, in writing, that upon conversion to an active license, the applicant intends to actively practice in Montana;

(b) presents satisfactory evidence that the applicant has attended ten hours of continuing education which comply with the continuing education rules of the board for each year or portion of a year that applicant has been inactive;

(c) submits license verification from all jurisdictions where the applicant is licensed or has held a license during the inactive status period, documenting that the applicant is either:

(i) in good standing and has not had any disciplinary action taken against the applicant's license; or

(ii) if not in good standing, an explanation of the violation(s) resulting in that status, including the extent of the disciplinary action imposed; and

(d) presents satisfactory evidence the applicant has not been out of active practice for more than five years.