22 TAC § 166.4. Expired Registration Permits

(a) If a physician's registration permit has expired, the physician may register for a new permit without monetary penalty during the first 30 days following expiration. If a physician's permit has been expired for longer than 30 days, but less than 91, the physician may obtain a new permit by submitting to the board a completed permit application, the registration fee, and a $75 penalty fee.

(b) If a physician's registration permit has been expired for longer than 90 days but less than one year, the physician may obtain a new permit by submitting a completed permit application, the registration fee, and a $150 penalty fee.

(c) If a physician's registration permit has been expired for one year or longer, the physician's license is automatically canceled, unless an investigation is pending, and the physician may not obtain a new permit.

(d) In accordance with §156.008(a) of the Act, practicing medicine after the expiration of the 30-day grace period under subsection (a) of this section without obtaining a new registration permit for the current registration period has the same effect as, and is subject to all penalties of, practicing medicine without a license and may be subject to criminal penalties under §165.152 of the Act. However, the Board interprets §156.005 of the Act to provide the exclusive sanction that may be imposed by the board for practicing medicine after the 30-day grace period and within one year after expiration.

(e) All penalty fees must be paid before a physician may be determined eligible for a registration exception or CME exemption.