For which situation can a physician assistant NOT renew their license?

A physician assistant cannot renew their license if it has been expired for over one year because Texas law stipulates that after such a period of expiration, the license is considered inactive and requires reapplication for a new license rather than a renewal. The rationale behind this regulation is to ensure that the licensee is up to date with current medical standards, practices, and any changes in the law or regulations that govern the practice.

In contrast, licenses that have expired for shorter periods, such as 60 or 90 days, typically allow for renewal through established procedures that enable the licensee to quickly regain their standing without significant additional requirements. Renewing through Continuing Medical Education (CME) is a recognized method for maintaining licensure but does not apply to licenses that have been expired for more than a year. Therefore, the one-year threshold serves as a key boundary marking a transition from renewal to reapplication, safeguarding the integrity of the medical profession and the health and safety of patients.