Medicine is a highly mobile profession, and it is not unusual to be licensed in multiple states or jurisdictions. Some prefer to keep their licenses active for maximum flexibility. Others prefer to make professional licenses they do not expect to need or use again inactive.
There are multiple options for licensees who are leaving North Carolina or stopping the active practice of clinical medicine.
Inactivation
At the request of the licensee, NCMB will change the status of the professional license from “active” to “inactive.” Alternatively, a licensee can simply choose not to renew by allowing their annual license registration date to pass without completing renewal. To request inactivation of a license, login to your NCMB Licensure Gateway account, then select “Inactivation” and choose the date you want the license to be made inactive. Email registration@ncmedboard.org if you have further questions or need assistance.
Once a license is inactive, it is unlawful for the licensee to practice medicine with their North Carolina medical license. An inactive licensee is no longer obligated to earn continuing medical education and, of course, is not required to pay the annual renewal fee.
If circumstances change and the individual wishes to resume practice in North Carolina, however, it is necessary to reapply for licensure, which may delay plans to return to active practice (see reactivation and reinstatement below). In addition, if it has been two or more years since the medical professional last practiced medicine or held an active license with NCMB, they may be required to comply with reentry provisions as a condition of licensure.
Convert to a Retired Limited Volunteer License
Converting from a full medical license to a retired limited volunteer license allows the licensee to practice medicine within indigent clinics in North Carolina. Someone with a volunteer license is still required to complete required CME, but there is no fee to renew. Volunteer license holders may not be paid for providing medical care. It is possible to convert a volunteer license back to a full license if the medical professional wishes to resume active clinical practice in North Carolina. Visit NCMB’s options for volunteer licensure
Remain licensed
Many licensees who plan to leave North Carolina or cease active clinical practice choose to retain an active professional license with NCMB. This option requires the licensee to continue to complete annual renewal, pay the renewal fee and complete all required CME. The main benefit of doing this is that, if the licensee later decides to resume practice in North Carolina, they may do so with no delay.
Reactivating or reinstating a lapsed license
NCMB has two processes for resuming licensure after a period of inactivity.
Inactive licensees whose North Carolina license was made inactive within the last year and had no prior disciplinary history during that timeframe may apply for reactivation of their license. Reactivation is a significantly streamlined version of the typical licensure application process.
Those with North Carolina licenses that have been inactive for more than a year, or those who went inactive due to an NCMB regulatory action, should apply for reinstatement of their license. Reinstatement is a more rigorous application process similar to the typical licensure application process.
Find these applications in our Licensing section.
