Continuing Education and License Renewal
Continuing education
CE keeps the license current and is a condition of renewal. The Board sets the number of hours and required subject areas, such as ethics and clinical or ocular disease topics. Courses must be from accepted providers or approved activities; keep certificates and records because the Board audits. CE is not automatically reported by every provider.
Renewal mechanics
- Renew on time, pay the fee, and certify CE completion accurately.
- Late renewal usually carries a penalty and may lead to lapse; practicing on a lapsed license is unlicensed practice.
- Inactive or retired status, if available, has its own rules; do not assume it allows any patient care.
- Reinstatement after lapse may require additional CE, fees, or examination.
- Address changes and other registration information must be updated.
Worked example
Assume the Board requires 24 hours for the cycle. An OD completes 20 hours and renews late. The renewal is deficient. The Board may require the missing hours, a late fee, or more; the OD should not see patients until the license is valid. If the license has lapsed, reinstatement rules apply.
Traps that cost marks
- Assuming a course counts just because it is clinically interesting.
- Losing certificates; the burden of proof is on the licensee.
- Certifying CE before completing it.
- Practicing during a grace period if the Board has not granted one.