SCS/HB 1591 - This act allows nursing home administrators to retire their licenses after at least ten years of active licensure. Administrators may file an affidavit or a request for retired status with the Division of Aging. Upon such request, the administrator must return his or her original license and a new license will be issued indicating retired status. A retired license may be reactivated within five years of retirement upon proof of continuing education. After five years, regular licensure procedures must be followed. No person may practice as a nursing home administrator with a retired license.

Section 344.040 currently provides expiration and renewal procedures for nursing home licenses. New language is added to prohibit any penalty above $25 against any licensee who has:

- Neglected to renew a license for two months or less; - Not had any disciplinary action for five years; and - Met all other licensure requirements by June 30th.

Nothing in this section, however, will prevent the Board from taking other disciplinary action against a licensee if cause exists.
ERIN MOTLEY