What happens if a chiropractor fails to renew their license on time?

When a chiropractor fails to renew their license on time, the correct outcome is that the license becomes inactive. This status means the chiropractor cannot legally practice until the license is renewed. Inactive licenses often require the practitioner to fulfill certain requirements before they can reactivate it, such as paying any late fees or providing proof of continued education.

The automatic renewal of a license would not occur in such situations, as it generally requires timely renewal and adherence to specified conditions. A license remaining valid for an additional year is not a common practice, as licensing boards typically have strict timelines for renewals and do not offer extensions without proper action from the practitioner. The loss of a license permanently would signify a more serious consequence generally related to severe violations or disciplinary actions, rather than a simple failure to renew on time. Thus, the status of becoming inactive serves not only as a regulatory measure but also provides the chiropractor an opportunity to rectify the oversight and return to practice.