(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 office, 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 change 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 holder to practice as a licensed social worker in the state of Montana. Upon application and payment of the required fee in accordance with ARM 24.219.401, the board may convert an inactive license if the applicant does each of the following:

(a) signifies to the board in writing that, upon issuance of the active license, the applicant intends to be an active practitioner in the state of Montana;

(b) presents satisfactory evidence that the applicant has not been out of active practice for more than five years; and that the applicant has attended 10 hours of continuing education per year of inactive status with a maximum of 50 hours of continuing education which comply with the continuing education rules of the board, and is approved by the board. The continuing education hours must have been acquired within the 24 months immediately preceding application to convert to active status; and

(c) submits certification from the social work licensing body of all jurisdictions where the applicant is licensed or has practiced, that the applicant is in good standing and has not had any disciplinary action taken against the applicant's license, or if the applicant is not in good standing by that jurisdiction, an explanation of the nature of the violation(s) resulting in that status, including the extent of the disciplinary treatment imposed.