Bill > HB5325

This bill establishes an "emeritus license" status for retired physicians, podiatric physicians, and physician assistants in West Virginia, recognizing their past service without requiring a fee for this designation. To qualify, applicants must have held a valid license in the state for at least 10 years, be fully retired from clinical practice, not be under investigation for professional misconduct, and not have had their license revoked, surrendered, or suspended in any jurisdiction, nor hold a license subject to probation. This emeritus license is an honorific status that does not permit any clinical practice and exempts holders from continuing education requirements, though it cannot be used to obtain licensure in other states or be converted back to an active practice license without a full reactivation process. The bill also includes a provision allowing the board to issue emeritus licenses to providers whose licenses expired before July 1, 2025, as long as they meet all other eligibility criteria, and mandates the board to create rules for the application, denial, revocation, and relinquishment of these licenses.