(225 ILCS 80/17) (from Ch. 111, par. 3917)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2027)

Sec. 17. Inactive status. Any optometrist who notifies the Department in writing on forms prescribed by the Department, may elect to place his or her license on an inactive status and shall be excused from payment of renewal fees until he or she notifies the Department in writing of his intent to restore his or her license.

Any optometrist requesting restoration from inactive status shall be required to pay the current renewal fee, to provide proof of completion of the continuing education requirements specified in the rules for the preceding license renewal period that has been completed during the 2 years prior to the application for restoration, and to restore his or her license as provided by rule of the Department. All licenses without "Therapeutic Certification" that are on inactive status as of March 31, 2006 shall be placed on non-renewed status and may only be restored after the licensee meets those requirements established by the Department that may not be waived.

Any optometrist whose license is in an inactive status shall not practice optometry in the State of Illinois.

Any licensee who shall practice while his or her license is lapsed or on inactive status shall be considered to be practicing without a license which shall be grounds for discipline under Section 24 subsection (a) of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 94-787, eff. 5-19-06.)