(a)  The department shall issue a license as an audiologist or speech-language pathologist, or renewal thereof, for a period of two (2) years. The license, unless sooner suspended or revoked, shall expire on the first day of July, two (2) years following its issuance, and may be renewed biennially (in even years); provided the applicant meets the requirements of this chapter and the statutory provisions of the act. The licensee must maintain their certificate of clinical competence in their practicing area (speech-language pathology or audiology) in order to renew their license.

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(b)  A license may be renewed by submission of the renewal application and renewal fee as set forth in the fee structure for licensing, laboratory, and administrative services provided by the department of health in their regulations payable before July 1 of even years (biennially).

(c)  A provisional license may be renewed annually from the date of issue, if the postgraduate professional experience has exceeded one year, by submission of the renewal application and renewal fee as set forth in the fee structure for licensing, laboratory, and administrative services provided by the department of health. A provisional license shall not exceed thirty-six (36) months past the initiation of the professional experience and will expire ninety (90) days after the end of the postgraduate professional experience.

(d)(1)  Any licensee who allows their license to lapse by failing to renew it on or before the thirtieth day of June of even years (biennially), may have the license renewed by submitting to the department an application and renewal fee plus an additional late fee as set forth in the fee structure for licensing, laboratory, and administrative services provided by the department of health.

(2)  Any person who allows their license to lapse longer than two (2) consecutive licensing periods may be reinstated by the department, upon the filing of:

(i)  A reinstatement application for licensure;

(ii)  Payment of the current licensure renewal fee plus an additional late fee as set forth in the fee structure for licensing, laboratory, and administrative services provided by the department of health; and

(iii)  Documentation of completion of continuing education units (CEUs) as required in this chapter taken during the previous two (2) years.

(e)   Inactive status.

(1)  An individual licensed as a speech-language pathologist and/or audiologist in Rhode Island, not in the active practice of speech-language pathology or audiology within Rhode Island during any year, may upon request to the department have their name transferred to an inactive status and shall not be required to register biennially or pay any fee as long as the individual remains inactive.

(2)  Inactive status may be maintained for no longer than two (2) consecutive licensing periods, after which period licensure will be terminated and a reinstatement application submitted to the department will be required to resume practice.

(3)  Any individual whose name has been transferred to an inactive status may be restored to active status within two (2) licensing periods to practice speech-language pathology or audiology without a penalty fee, upon the filing of:

(i)  An application for licensure renewal with a licensure renewal fee as set forth in the fee structure for licensing, laboratory, and administrative services provided by the department of health; and

(ii)  Such other information as may be requested by the board.