The bill amends Chapter 28-22 of the General Laws by introducing a new section, 28-22-4, which establishes a retirement status license for individuals who hold a professional license issued by the division of professional regulation and have attained the age of sixty-five (65). To obtain this retirement status license, applicants must submit their original license along with a form provided by the division of professional regulation, which confirms their retired status and acknowledges that they will not actively engage in the practice of the occupation or trade for which their license was originally issued.

The bill stipulates that a licensee issued a retirement status license shall not practice or offer to practice the occupation or trade for which their license was originally issued. The division of professional regulation and any associated licensing boards are authorized to investigate violations of this provision, with penalties similar to those for unauthorized or unlicensed practice.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for reinstating the original license from retirement status, which requires the submission of a form requesting reinstatement, payment of the then-current annual fee, and demonstration of completion of the most recent continuing education requirements or any other applicable ongoing training requirements. The fee for obtaining a retirement status license is set at twenty dollars ($20.00). The division of professional regulation may also grant a retirement status license to individuals who do not meet the age requirement for good cause shown. This act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.