Amends GS 90-12.1A, authorizing the NC Medical Board (Board) to issue a “limited volunteer license” (rather than a military limited volunteer license) to an applicant with a license to practice medicine and surgery in another state who shows a letter establishing active licensure in the other state (deletes requirement that the person be authorized to treat personnel enlisted in the U.S. armed services or veterans). Adds that a limited volunteer license holder may not practice medicine and surgery within NC for more than 30 days per calendar year. Deletes requirement that limited license holders comply with continuing medical education requirements. Deletes provision related to retired limited volunteer licenses, and instead enacts new GS 90-21.1B, authorizing the Board to issue a “retired limited volunteer license” to an applicant who is a physician with an inactive license to practice medicine and surgery issued by NC or another state. Requires retired limited volunteer license holders to practice only at clinics treating indigent patients, and makes a violation of this provision a Class 3 misdemeanor, with a fine not less than $25 and not more than $50 for each offense. Provides additional details regarding continuing education requirements and timelines for licenses.
Makes a conforming change to GS 90-13.1, exempting applicants for retired limited volunteer licenses from license fees. Amends GS 90-13.2, specifying that retired limited volunteer license holders must pay an annual registration fee of $25 to the Board, and limited volunteer license holders will pay no registration fee. Makes a conforming change.