Inactive and Retired Status

When the licensee is not working in occupational therapy, an inactive status license is an option. 

With an inactive status license, one may not practice occupational therapy at all (ex: not PRN, not as a consultant, etc.).

A licensee may remain on inactive status for no more than three renewals or six consecutive years.

Inactive status may only be initiated at the time of license renewal.

The inactive status licensee still must complete 24 hours of CE each renewal cycle and is still part of the CE audit.

Fingerprinting is not a requirement to initiate or renew an inactive status license.

The inactive status licensee can return to active status at any time after meeting requirements.    

   
Note that a license status change from inactive to active will be made at/around the time the renewal application is processed. A change from active to inactive for those renewing on time will be made at/around the start of the upcoming renewal period (ex: at/around the start of this June for those with a May license expiration date); the change will be made at/around the time the renewal application is processed if renewing late. See the Look up a License page to verify a license or a change in status.

• To initiate inactive status, renew an inactive status license, or return to active status at the time of renewal:

              By paper: Download the OT/OTA License Renewal Form and check Inactive Status as your choice. The Jurisprudence Exam may be accessed from this link. See the Renew by Paper tab on the License Renewal page for instructions. 

               Online: See the Renew Online tab on the License Renewal page for instructions. The process is the same, regardless of whether renewing active or inactive status or moving from inactive to active or active to inactive. 

• To return to active status at a time other than renewal:

                The licensee must pass the jurisprudence exam and submit: fingerprinting information if the fingerprinting requirement had not been previously satisfied, a paper renewal form with payment of the full renewal fee, and any other requirements as applicable. 

For further information and regulations, see the OT Act and Rules.

The licensee may choose to put the license on retired status. 

• This option means the licensee will pay a minimal fee and complete minimal CE.
• The Retired Status is available for an occupational therapy practitioner whose only practice is the provision of voluntary charity care without monetary compensation. The retired status licensee may only provide occupational therapy services as a volunteer with no compensation. 
• Return to active status is restricted, so this is a path that should be carefully considered. Check the OT Rules before making this move.

Read the OT Rules for the current information on the retired status. The change of status may be made only at the time of renewal and the completion of CE is required. Licensees on retired status are subject to the CE audit.

Use the OT/OTA Retired License Application/Renewal form to put your license on retired status or renew that status. The initiation or renewal of retired status must be completed by paper application.

The Jurisprudence Exam may be accessed from this link.

For further information and regulations, see the OT Rules and Act.