Continuing Education, License Renewal, and Reinstatement Requirements
What this domain tests
This domain tests the maintenance of licensure after the initial credential: renewal deadlines, continuing education, audits, inactive status, lapse, and reinstatement. The key rule is simple: a license is either current or it is not, and practicing on a lapsed license is unlicensed practice.
Continuing education
- Georgia chiropractors must complete the continuing-education hours set by Board rule. Under the Board’s current annual model, that is 20 hours per year, including specified ethics and jurisprudence hours.
- Courses must be Board-approved or from approved providers. Keep certificates and documentation for the audit period.
- CE credit is generally not carried forward indefinitely, and excess hours do not excuse a future year’s deficiency unless the rule expressly allows it.
- Falsifying CE records is a disciplinary matter, not a minor paperwork issue.
Renewal
- Renew the license on the cycle stated by the Board, pay the required fee, and attest to CE completion and any required disclosures.
- A late renewal may be allowed with a penalty during a grace period. After that period, the license lapses and the licensee must stop practicing.
- Inactive status may be available, but an inactive licensee may not practice and may need additional CE or conditions to return to active status.
Reinstatement
- Reinstatement after lapse generally requires an application, fees, proof of CE for the missed period, and explanation of the lapse. The Board may require an examination, interview, background check, or conditions.
- A revoked or surrendered license requires a formal reinstatement or new application as the Board order provides; it is not restored by paying a fee.
Worked example
A chiropractor completes 18 CE hours, including 2 ethics hours, and renews on time. An audit shows a 2-hour deficiency. The Board may treat the renewal as deficient and require correction, fine, or discipline. If the chiropractor had instead let the license expire and continued seeing patients, the exposure is unlicensed practice, not merely a CE violation.
Traps that cost marks
Do not assume CE hours automatically roll over. Do not practice while “waiting on renewal.” Do not treat a lapsed license as inactive status. Do not assume reinstatement is automatic after a disciplinary surrender.