Maryland Board of Physicians

Physician Emeritus Status FAQs


In order to be eligible to place your license on emeritus status, you must:

  1. Have an active, unrestricted license to practice medicine in Maryland that is in good standing;
  2. Have been licensed to practice medicine in Maryland for at least ten years;
  3. Never been the subject of disciplinary action that has resulted in revocation or suspension of a medical license in any jurisdiction in which you have been licensed to practice medicine; and
  4. Not be under investigation by the Board.

A licensee shall complete an application supplied by the Board, pay the $120 application fee, and complete any other requirements established by the Board.

Emeritus status will be effective immediately if your application is approved by the Board.

Yes, a licensee must be retired from practicing medicine in Maryland to be eligible for emeritus status.

You should apply when you are retired and no longer practicing medicine in Maryland. If you are planning to retire, you should wait to apply for emeritus status once you have retired.

No, CMEs are not required to maintain a license on emeritus status.

No, a license on emeritus status does not authorize a licensee to prescribe medication.

No, a license on emeritus status does not authorize a licensee to delegate medical acts.

Yes, a licensee with a license on emeritus status can reinstate their license to active. The requirements for reinstating a license include but are not limited to:

  1. Completing the Board’s online reinstatement application.
  2. Paying the $700 reinstatement fee.
  3. Earning 50 Category I CMEs within the two years preceding the application submission.
  4. Completing a criminal history records check. The Board recommends that applicants submit fingerprints no earlier than six weeks before completing their application for reinstatement.

Yes, a license on emeritus status needs to be renewed every six years (every third renewal cycle). To renew your license, you must complete a renewal form supplied by the Board, pay the $120 renewal fee, and complete any other requirements established by the Board.