.10 Extension of Time.

A. An actively licensed social worker may file a request to extend time and conditionally renew a license. The request shall:

(1) Be in writing;

(2) Include supporting documentation; and

(3) Be filed before October 1 of the renewal year.

B. The Board shall consider and render a decision on the request within 21 days of receiving the written request.

C. The Board may grant an extension of time and conditionally renew an active social work license for up to 6 months if the Board determines that:

(1) Failure to fulfill the requirements is a result of:

(a) Functional impairment or prolonged illness that has been diagnosed by a health care practitioner;

(b) Mandatory military service or deployment;

(c) A prolonged absence from the United States;

(d) An officially declared State of Emergency or disaster; or

(e) Financial hardship; and

(2) The social worker attempted to meet the continuing education requirements.

D. Failure of a social worker with an active license to obtain the required continuing education units on or before the 6-month extension expires shall result in:

(1) The expiration of the license;

(2) The social worker’s inability to practice social work in Maryland; and

(3) The Board placing the license on non-renewed status.

E. Continuing education hours earned after October 31 of the second year to fulfill the conditions of an extension may only be credited to the preceding 2-year period.

F. The Board shall audit a social worker who has been granted an extension of time under this regulation for the completion of continuing education requirements.