| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING REGISTRATION RENEWAL |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING REGISTRATION RENEWAL
MD/DO/DPM/PA Next License Renewal will be October-December 2009
These questions are updated biennially. The next MD/DO/DPM/PA renewal will be for the 2010-2011 biennium, and will start in October 2009.
Is it really time to renew my license again?
1. Is it really time to renew my license again? I thought I just paid the registration fees last year.
Why does the license renewal form always ask for my address?
2. Why does the license renewal form always ask for my address? It hasn't changed for quite some time.
I plan to pay $219 and renew my license. Which status can I choose?
3. I've just finished my residency and moved away from Oregon. I plan to pay $219 and renew my license. Which status can I choose?
Can my fees be pro-rated?
4. I am an intern/resident/fellow and my program ends in the summer of 2009. After that, I won't be practicing in Oregon. Can my fees be pro-rated for the six-month period?
I hear that I can pay for one year at a time.
5. I am an intern/resident/fellow. I hear that I can pay for one year at a time. Do I need to do anything special to let you know that?
If I choose not to renew my Oregon license right now, what are my options?
6. I've just finished my residency and moved away from Oregon. I don't plan to return or to renew my license. If I choose not to renew my Oregon license right now, what are my options?
Why is the Emeritus Inactive status being eliminated?
7. Why is the Emeritus Inactive status being eliminated?
What's the difference between lapsed, surrendered and retired?
8. What's the difference between lapsed, surrendered and retired?
What must I do after my license has been lapsed, surrendered, or retired to practice in Oregon?
9. What must I do if I decide to practice in Oregon after my license has been lapsed, surrendered, or retired?
I've had Emeritus status for some years now. Should I renew and pay these fees again?
10. I've had Emeritus status for some years now, but I really don't plan to practice medicine again. Should I renew and pay these fees again?
What if I need to practice medicine for pay again?
11. What if I need to practice medicine for pay again? Wouldn't it be better to have Emeritus status than to have Retired status if I need to return to practice?
Can I still write prescriptions with Retired status?
12. Can I still write prescriptions with Retired status?
Can I still write prescriptions with Emeritus status?
13. Can I still write prescriptions with Emeritus status?
Why are the fees so high?
14. Why are the fees so high? Why don't you have an Inactive-No Fee status?
I checked off 'Active' on my renewal form, and your office still renewed me at my old status. Why?
15. I checked off 'Active' on my renewal form, and your office still renewed me at my old status and sent me more forms to fill out. What's going on?
How quickly can I expect my renewed certificate of registration?
16. How quickly can I expect my renewed certificate of registration?
What kind of problem might there be with my renewal?
17. Problem? What kind of problem might there be with my renewal? What happens if there is a problem?
Where will you send my certificate of registration?
18. Where will you send my certificate of registration?
What if my certificate of registration doesn't arrive?
19. What if my certificate of registration doesn't arrive?
I've moved out of Oregon. Why can't I have Active status?
20. Why can't I have Active status now that I've moved out of Oregon?
Did I miss the deadline for my renewal?
21. It's after December 1. Did I miss the deadline for my renewal?
What's the latest date I can mail in my renewal form and not owe the late fee?
22. What's the latest date I can mail in my renewal form and not owe the late fee?
It's January. Did I miss the deadline for my renewal?
23. It's January 1st (or later). Did I miss the deadline for my renewal?
Is late renewal really such a big deal?
24. Is late renewal really such a big deal?
Do I need to sign up for dispensing?
25. What's dispensing? Do I need to sign up for this?
How can I get a renewal form?
26. I didn't get a renewal form. How can I get one?
How can I get another renewal form?
27. I received my form but it was destroyed or damaged. How can I get another one?
Where did you send my renewal form?
28. I didn't get a renewal form. Where did you send mine?
Why can't I renew via email or the web?
29. Why can't I renew via email or the web?
How can I be removed from your mailing list?
30. I don't want information about me and my addresses made public or sold for any commercial purposes. How can I be removed from your mailing list?
Do I need to do anything special to renew and keep my military or public health status?
31. I am an out-of-state doctor practicing in the military or public health service. My renewal says 'Active.' Do I need to do anything special to renew and keep my military or public health status?
Can I renew my license if I have been called up to active military duty overseas?
32. What if I have been called up to active military duty overseas? Can I renew my license?
What are the requirements to qualify for telemedicine status?
33. I plan to practice medicine across state lines. This seems to match the telemedicine status mentioned in your rules. I don't see it on the forms, however. Are there additional requirements to qualify for this status?
Answers to FAQs
1. Is it really time for registration again? I thought I just paid the registration fees last year.
Short:
If your current license expires 12/31/08, and you renew your license annually, you must pay to renew through 12/31/09.
Long:
If your license is registered as Emeritus or Emeritus Inactive status, you must register each year. You probably did register just last year, but it is time to register again.
If you are in (or just finishing) an approved post-medical school training program, you are permitted to register one year at a time. Doctors who are not in training and whose status is Active, Inactive or Locum Tenens must register for two years at a time.
All Oregon licensed physicians must renew their license by December 31, 2009, even if they were originally licensed some time during the biennium (01/01/08 - 12/31/09), but did not practice during the entire biennium.
The licenses of physicians who renew for one year (Emeritus, Emeritus Inactive, and physicians currently in a postgraduate training program) are current from 01/01/08 through 12/31/08. The licenses of physicians who renew for the biennium (Active, Inactive, Locum Tenens) are current from 01/01/08 through 12/31/09.
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2. Why does the registration renewal form always ask for my address? It hasn't changed for quite some time.
Short:
To make sure our records remain current, we ask that everyone verify the information we have on record.
Long:
The Licensing Department is responsible for the accuracy of our database, and the information that is released to the public. Some licensees move quite often. Other times, in the hubbub of an office move, a licensee believes he/she notified the Board, or told staff to do so, but we do not have the new information. We always ask whether the address has changed, just in case it has.
We've tried to improve our renewal form. Now, you can just check 'yes' to indicate that your address has not changed. In the past, we asked you to write it in each year.
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3. I've just finished my residency and moved away from Oregon. I plan to pay $219.00 and renew my license. Which status can I choose?
Short:
a. Inactive, if you plan to live outside of Oregon and not work in Oregon.
b. Locum tenens, if you plan to live outside of Oregon yet work in Oregon periodically.
Long:
If you do not plan to work in Oregon at this time, you should choose Inactive status. This status reflects the fact that you are not practicing medicine in Oregon at this time.
If you plan to work in Oregon intermittently from your out-of-state location, you can choose Locum Tenens. Please read the Locum Tenens status definition on your instruction sheet.
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4. I am an intern/resident/fellow and my program ends in the summer of 2009. After that, I won't be practicing in Oregon. Can my fees be pro-rated for the six-month period?
Short:
No. You must pay $219 and register through December 31, 2009.
Long:
There are no provisions in Oregon law for pro-rating fees. The law states that if you practice medicine in Oregon for part of a biennial registration period, you must pay the registration fee for the entire biennial registration period. If you are in a training program, you may pay one year at a time, but no further reduction is possible under current rules and laws.
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5. I am an intern/resident/fellow. I hear that I can pay for one year at a time. Do I need to do anything special to let you know that?
Short:
NO. You may pay $219 and register for one year. We are currently renewing for the second year of the [biennial year] 2008/2009 biennium. Your license will expire on 12/31/09. Next year, to register for one year, you will be required to include a written statement.
Long
For this year, you will not be required to include a written statement either on the license renewal form or with the license renewal form requesting to pay one year at a time. We are currently renewing for the second year of the [biennial year] 2008/2009 biennium. Next year your statement should include the following:
1) The name of your fellowship, residency, or training program or institution.
2) The specialty you are currently studying.
3) The expected completion date of your current training program.
You must currently be in postgraduate training program to qualify for this one-year payment option. The law does not allow those who expect to enter a training program in the near future to use this option.
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6. I've just finished my residency and moved away from Oregon. I don't plan to return or to renew my license. If I chose not to renew my Oregon license right now, what are my options?
Short:
Allow your license to lapse, or surrender your license.
Long:
You can choose to allow your license to lapse, or you can choose to surrender your license. To let your license lapse, you need take no further action. A license will lapse automatically if you fail to complete the registration form and pay the registration fee. Your license will lapse even if you notify the Board that you do not intend to renew your registration. The Board will send you a letter in early January to let you know your license has lapsed, even if you informed the Board before December 31 that you wished to allow your license to lapse.
To surrender your license, you must take action:
- Notify us that you want to surrender your license. Do this in writing. Use the term "surrender" in your letter. You must still complete your license renewal form.
- Return any and all certificates, licenses, and/or wallet cards issued to you by the Oregon Medical Board.
Neither surrendered nor lapsed status is a derogatory status. The Board will still be able to verify your license to other states. Your registration status will not make a difference in your disciplinary standing. In other words, if your license was in "Unrestricted" standing while you maintained the registration of your license, it remains in "unrestricted' standing after it is lapsed or surrendered.
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7. Why is the Emeritus Inactive status being eliminated?
Short:
The Oregon Medical Board is only offering the Emeritus status to physicians providing volunteer, nonrenumerative care to Oregon patients.
Long:
The Oregon Medical Board supports Emeritus physicians providing volunteer, nonrenumerative care to Oregon patients by offering these physicians a reduced annual license renewal fee of $50. The mission of the Oregon Medical Board is to protect the health, safety and well being of Oregon citizens, and the Board’s position is that physicians practicing in another state should be supported by the state in which the physician is practicing.
The Emeritus Inactive status for physicians not practicing medicine in Oregon is being eliminated as a status either because physicians with this status are practicing in another state and their practice activities are the responsibility of the other state, or if living in Oregon and they are not practicing, their status is Inactive.
Out-of-state physicians with Emeritus Inactive who do not wish to practice in Oregon should change to Inactive. Those out of state physicians who may come to Oregon in the next year may change to Locum Tenens or Active and reactivate their license. If you do not wish to pay the higher renewal fee required for Inactive, Locum Tenens or Active status, you may choose to lapse or retire your license.
Physicians living in Oregon with Emeritus Inactive status may renew as Emeritus but will need to reactivate their license prior to the end of the year (12/31/08), otherwise their license will lapse and they will need to pay the $150 late fee. The Board is streamlining the reactivation process for physicians changing from Emeritus Inactive to Emeritus status. Physicians who have not practiced for more than 12 twelve months will be required to provide evidence of continued medical competency.
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8. What's the difference between lapsed, surrendered and retired?
Short:
The following are definitions for lapsed, surrendered and retired:
a. Lapsed: The license is lapsed due to non-renewal of the biennial registration. The licensee may not practice medicine in Oregon.
b. Surrendered: The licensee has returned his/her license to the Board because he/she will not be practicing in Oregon in the future, and does not wish to maintain his/her license.
c. Retired: The licensee is fully retired and not practicing any form of medicine in any state/country, whether paid, volunteer, or writing prescriptions. Only for licensees who are fully retired and not practicing medicine in any state/country.
Long:
In the immediate future, there's not much difference. For each of these statuses, you do not pay the license renewal fee, nor are you able to practice medicine in Oregon. Lapsed and retired doctors will not avoid any disciplinary action stemming from their prior practice of medicine in Oregon by choosing lapsed or retired status.
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9. What must I do if I decide to practice in Oregon after my license has been lapsed, surrendered, or retired?
If you want to practice in Oregon again in the future, there are different requirements for each status. When you want to return to the practice of medicine in Oregon, the method of re-entry is determined by the status you have.
If you have Lapsed status, you must:
1. Reactivate your license (takes 4-6 weeks minimum, $50 fee to process the Affidavit of Reactivation form).
2. Pay a late fee of $150.
3. Pay the registration fees for up to two biennia.
4. Pay the registration fee for the current biennial period.
If you have Retired status, you must:
1. Reactivate your license (takes 4-6 weeks minimum, $50 fee to process the Affidavit of Reactivation form).
2. You may be required to demonstrate competency if you have been out of practice for a period of 12 months or longer. Depending on the number of years you have been retired, you may be required to take the Special Purpose Examination (SPEX) to demonstrate competency.
If you have Surrendered status, you must:
1. Reapply for an Oregon medical license as if you have never held one (takes 6-8 weeks, $375 application fee).
2. Meet all requirements for licensure that are in place at the time you apply, not the ones which were in place when you applied in the past.
3. Pay the registration fee for the current biennial period.
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10. I've had Emeritus status for some years now, but I really don't plan to practice medicine again. Should I renew and pay these fees again?
Short:
If you are positive that you will never need to write a prescription or practice medicine in this or any other state or country, you may inform the Board you wish to have Retired status. You must still complete your license renewal form.
Long:
The decision as to whether or not to renew your license is up to you.
If you are no longer practicing medicine in Oregon or any other state, you may request Retired status. Please remember that you will not be able to volunteer or write prescriptions.
On the other hand, you will no longer have to pay the Board's license renewal fees each year. You do not lose your right to be addressed as "doctor," or to use your degree (MD or DO) after your signature. Please also refer to questions number 8 & 9 regarding lapse, surrender and retire.
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11. What if I need to practice medicine for pay again? Wouldn't it be better to have Emeritus status than to have Retired status if I need to return to practice?
Short:
To change to Active status from either Emeritus or Retired status, you are required to complete the reactivation process, and:
a. Pay the current applicable fees.
b. Complete the Affidavit for Reactivation.
c. You may be required to take the SPEX exam if you haven't practiced for the last 12 months.
Long:
No, not necessarily.
To return from both Emeritus and Retired status, you must:
1. Reactivate your license (takes 4-6 weeks minimum, $50 fee to process the Affidavit of Reactivation form).
2. Depending on the number of years you have been Retired (more than 12 months), you may be required to take the Special Purpose Examination (SPEX) to demonstrate competency.
Some Emeritus status licensees have not practiced for 12 months or longer. These licensees may also be required to demonstrate competency by passing the SPEX examination.
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12. Can I still write prescriptions with Retired status?
Short:
No.
Long:
No. Retired status doctors may not practice any form of medicine in Oregon or any other state. This includes writing prescriptions.
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13. Can I still write prescriptions with Emeritus status?
Short:
Yes.
Long:
Yes, Emeritus status physicians retain prescription privileges in Oregon.
Please allow us to remind you that, while permissible, it is inadvisable for a physician to write prescriptions except in an established patient-physician relationship, which requires appropriate written documentation.
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14. Why are the fees so high? Why don't you have an Inactive-No Fee status?
Short:
Our agency is a "fee for service" agency. There are many hours involved in processing applications and maintaining over 16,000 current files.
It costs the Board as much to maintain a licensee file with Inactive status as it does to maintain a licensee file with Active status.
Long:
Our fees are set by the Oregon State legislature. The Board is a fee-based agency. The fees from applicants applying for licensure, fees from license renewal, and fees for other services are the basis for the Board's operating budget. We are not given money from any state tax source, or from the General Fund.
In 1999 the Inactive registration fees were raised to match the Active registration fees because it was recognized that it costs the Board the same amount to process and maintain a license with Inactive status as for Active status. Processing each renewal costs the agency the same amount of money.
If you wish to avoid paying Oregon renewal fees, you will need to choose a non-renewal status: Retired, Surrendered or Lapsed.
We must place each license in the clearly defined legal status categories specified in the Oregon Administrative Rules** . These statuses are listed in box #4 on page 1 of your renewal form. You can examine the full wording of the OAR** by following links on this website.
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15. I checked off 'Active' on my renewal form, and your office still renewed me at my old status and sent me more forms to fill out. What's going on?
Short:
If you do not currently have Active status you need to reactivate your license. The forms you were sent are a part of the Affidavit for Reactivation packet.
Long:
You probably had a status other than Active when your renewal form was sent out. If you previously had Inactive, Locum Tenens, or Emeritus status and now want Active status, you must reactivate your license.
You reactivate your license by completing and filing an affidavit with the Board. There is a $50 fee for processing the affidavit. The license renewal team does not handle the processing of affidavits. If you have questions about your affidavit, please call (971) 673-2700 and ask for the Call Center staff.
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16. How quickly can I expect my renewed certificate of registration?
Short:
Due to the high volume of renewal forms received, it may take up to 2 to 4 weeks.
Long:
Unless some problem arises with your application, most renewals are processed in less than three weeks.
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17. Problem? What kind of problem might there be with my renewal? What happens if there is a problem?
Short:
There are numerous possible problems, such as:
a. The payment was not received with the application.
b. The check cannot be processed because it wasn't signed, or was made out to the wrong agency, or was post-dated, etc.
c. The application wasn't signed.
d. The form wasn't completed correctly or submitted on time.
If there is a problem we will notify you in writing and give you adequate time to correct the situation(s). All problems must be resolved by 12/31/2008 to avoid automatic lapsing of license renewal.
Long:
Some licensees do not fill out the form completely, or the information on the form does not match the status they have requested. Missing information (missing answers, missing signatures, or missing explanations) is the most common problem we see.
Another common problem is sending the renewal form and payment in separately. We understand that this may be more convenient for you, but due to the volume of renewals we are processing, it may result in your form and/or your check being returned to you or otherwise delayed.
If there is a problem with your renewal form, we will send you a letter identifying the problem and telling you how to resolve it. You must resolve the problem by the deadline.
If you do not resolve the problem by the deadline your license will lapse and the $150 late fee will be imposed.
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18. Where will you send my certificate of registration?
Short:
It will be sent to whatever you designate as your mailing address.
Long:
We will send it to the address you designate as your mailing address. This is the address pre-printed in box #1 on the front of the license renewal application. If you correct this address by writing in your new mailing address, we will send mail to the address you have written in.
We will not send it to your practice address or your residence address, unless it is the same as in box #1 (mailing address).
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19. What if my certificate of registration doesn't arrive?
Short:
Call us if it hasn't arrived within 30 days from the date you mailed in the license renewal form.
Long:
We make every reasonable effort to ensure that your certificate is mailed out with your name on it, your address, and first class postage. We keep a record of the date it was mailed, and to which address. The vast majority of certificates arrive without complications.
If the US Postal Service returns your renewed certificate to us, we will make additional efforts to mail the certificate to you. In such cases we often call the licensee's office and/or home to determine a better address to send the certificate to.
If you did not receive the certificate and we did not receive it back in the mail, you may request a duplicate certificate. The Board does not keep copies of your certificate of registration. There is a $10 fee for issuing a duplicate certificate. The Board is not responsible for mishaps that occur while mail is in the care of the US Postal Service.
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20. Why can't I have Active status now that I've moved out of Oregon?
Short:
According to Oregon Statutes, Active status is reserved for doctors who are actively practicing medicine in Oregon, as evidenced by a business address.
Long:
The Oregon Medical Board restricts Active status to doctors who are actively practicing in Oregon.
The Board is charged with protecting the public by regulating the practice of medicine. The Board feels strongly that the reactivation process for licensees who wish to practice in Oregon helps it determine that the licensee has maintained competency. If licensees were allowed to have Active status regardless of location of practice, they would avoid the scrutiny of the reactivation process.
Doctors who reside outside of Oregon and who practice intermittently in Oregon should request Locum Tenens status.
Doctors who reside outside of Oregon and who practice on Oregon patients from across state lines by transmission of patient data via electronic or other means, may request telemedicine status. (Please read FAQ 34)
The Board has made an exception for doctors in the military or public health service, whose employment requires an Active status license. Please review your instructions carefully. You must request (in writing) Active status based on your service in the military or public health service and give your Oregon address of record (although this does not need to be your mailing address), or a copy of your Defense Finance and Accounting Services Military Leave and Earnings Statement.
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21. It's after December 1. Did I miss the deadline for my renewal?
Short:
No. Send it in before 12/31/08.
Long:
No, although you are running out of time. Your license is considered "delinquent". December is the 'grace period' for licensure renewal. Pay the registration fees indicated in box #4 on the front page of the form. You do not (during December 1-30) owe the late fee of $150.
Please return your renewal form as soon as possible. Remember that it takes about three weeks for us to process your forms. If there is any unexpected problem or delay, you will not have your renewed certificate of registration in hand for your practice on January 1, 2009. If we send you a problem letter and you do not resolve it by the deadline for license renewal, your license will lapse and a $150 late fee will be imposed, even for something that you may consider a very minor problem.
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22. What's the latest date I can mail in my renewal form and not owe the late fee?
Short:
A $150 late fee is assessed if your renewal form is not in the Board office by the end of the business day on December 30, 2008.
Long:
Your renewal form must be received by the Board by December 30 or earlier in order to avoid the $150 late fee. If your renewal form is received in our office after December 30, 2008 you will be required to pay the $150 late fee.
Please re-read the above warnings about sending renewals in after December 1. Late-December renewals are unwise.
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23. It's January 1 (or later). Did I miss the deadline for my renewal?
Short:
You may still renew your license but you will owe the $150 late fee, and if you renew after April 1, you will have go through the reactivation process. It will cost you an additional $50 for the Board to process your Affidavit for Reactivation.
Long:
Yes, you did. Pay the fees listed in box #4 on the front of the renewal form and add $150 for the late fee.
We will wait to begin processing your renewal until we receive all three items:
1. The completed renewal form
2. The license renewal fee, and
3. The late fee.
Licensees often tell us of some extenuating circumstance and ask us to waive the late fee. If you feel you deserve a waiver please send in the form, both fees, and your letter requesting such a waiver in writing. We will consider your request and issue a refund if warranted.
It may be wise for you to send the form in via certified mail, so you have a record of when you sent it, and the date the Board received it. It will still take us about three weeks to get your renewed certificate to you.
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24. Is late renewal really such a big deal?
Short:
If you do not renew your license before 12/30/2008, it will lapse. As long as your license is lapsed, you may not practice medicine in Oregon. You will also be assessed a $150 late fee when you do renew. Plus you may have to reactivate your license which will include an additional fee.
Long:
It can be.
If you are practicing medicine between the time your license lapses (midnight, December 30, 2008) and the time you renew, you are technically committing a felony by practicing medicine without a license. The Board may have grounds for taking disciplinary action against your license. Disciplinary actions by the Board are public information.
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25. What's dispensing? Do I need to sign up for this?
Short:
A "dispensing physician" is one who purchases prescription drugs for the purpose of dispensing them to patients or other individuals entitled to receive the drugs, and who dispenses and charges for them accordingly. You do not have to sign up for this if you do not fit the definition.
Long:
Dispensing physicians are physicians who take responsibility for drugs normally kept in pharmacies. In other words, if your patients visit you and, instead of writing out a prescription, you send them home with drugs to take (not pre-packaged samples) and you bill them for the drugs, you should register as a dispensing physician.
In-office treatment, parenterals, writing prescriptions and handing out manufacturer-packaged drug samples DO NOT constitute dispensing. If this is all you do, you do not need to register as a dispensing physician. (However, you must keep a log when giving out controlled substances, even if the controlled substances are pre-packaged samples from the manufacturer).
Dispensing physicians must comply with rules of the DEA, the Oregon Board of Pharmacy, and the Oregon Medical Board. Some of these rules are listed on page 2 of our Dispensing Physician Application form, which can be electronically accessed through our forms page.** There are no additional fees for registering with the Board, nor are there any additional forms to complete if you answer "yes" to the dispensing question when you renew your license.
If you are dispensing and do not register with the Board, you may be fined.
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26. I didn't get a renewal form. How can I get one?
Short:
You may obtain a license renewal form from our web site approximately one month after the initial license renewal forms are mailed.
Long:
License Renewal Forms will be mailed out on October 2, 2008 this year. If you did not receive your renewal form after giving the postal service ample time to deliver your license renewal form you will be able to obtain a new form from our web site. The license renewal form will be posted approximately one month after the initial license renewal forms are mailed. The license renewal form on our web site will not have your information preprinted on the form. Be sure to complete this form completely to insure timely processing of your license renewal. We do not send renewal forms via facsimile (FAX) machine.
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27. I received my form but it was destroyed or damaged. How can I get another one?
Short:
You may obtain a license renewal form from our web site approximately one month after the initial license renewal forms are mailed.
Long:
You may obtain a license renewal form from our web site approximately one month after the initial license renewal forms are mailed. The license renewal form on our web site will not have your information preprinted on the form. Be sure to complete this form completely to insure timely processing of your license renewal. We do not send renewal forms via facsimile (FAX) machine.
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28. I didn't get a renewal form. Where did you send mine?
Short:
We sent it to the last known mailing address we had listed for you.
Long:
The license renewal form was sent to the most recent mailing address on file with the Board. We sent renewal forms in three batches this renewal. On October 2, 2008.
You can call our office to find out the address the license renewal form was mailed to. Call (971) 673-2700 and ask the receptionist what is listed for your mailing address. If the listed address is incorrect and you did not notify the Board of an address change or place a change of address with the post office your form may have been sent back to us. We can resend your license renewal form if the Board received your license renewal form via returned mail from the post office; otherwise, you may go to our web site to obtain a blank license renewal form.
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29. Why can't I renew via email or the web?
Short:
We pre-print each licensee's unique information on the renewal form for you to verify. We also must have an original signature on the form, so electronic renewal would not work.
Long:
We're working on it. It may be two or more years off, but we do have it in mind.
State government is seeking to ensure privacy of information and security of state systems, as we proceed toward e-government. There are interesting and intricate problems to be solved, such as signature requirements, verifying the identity of the other party involved, payment, etc. This year, we require that you complete our (paper) form, sign the form by hand, and send in payment or credit card information.
Please let us know, in writing, what other media you are interested in seeing the Board use to facilitate the renewal process and other Board business.
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30. I don't want information about me and my addresses made public or sold for any commercial purposes. How can I be removed from your mailing list?
Short:
We cannot suppress your mailing address. By law, it is available to the public.
Long:
We are not able to remove you or your addresses from the public record. As the holder of a license granted by the State of Oregon, certain information about you and the license issued to you by the state is on the public record. At the Oregon Medical Board, this includes your mailing address.
This is a matter of Oregon law. Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 192.420 reads, "Every person has a right to inspect any public record of a public body in this state, except as expressly provided by ORS 192.501 to 192.505." If you have access to the Internet, you can research these laws further at the Oregon State web site**.
Our agency is required by law to provide lists (public address information) to anyone who asks for them at the actual cost to our agency of producing the lists. We do not sell the lists for profit to support the agency.
We are not permitted to choose our customers based on their purpose or intent for the information.
You are not the only licensee to have this concern. Many licensees choose to contract with a private mailbox service or obtain a US Postal Service box, to prevent their physical address being released to the public. If you have issues regarding domestic violence or other threats due to disclosure of your information, you may request special consideration. Write to our office and give details of your situation.
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31. I am an out-of-state doctor practicing in the military or public health service. My renewal says 'Active.' Do I need to do anything special to renew and keep my military or public health status?
Short:
Yes.
Long:
You should include a statement that you are still serving in the military or public health service and still wish to renew at Active status. You may write it on a separate sheet or use the blank line on page 5 of the license renewal form. Please include the name of the military branch or the agency (or sub-agency) for which you work. If your Oregon address of record has changed, or if you do not have an Oregon address of record, please provide us with a copy of your Defense Finance and Accounting Service Military Leave and Earnings Statement. (Your official state of residence must be Oregon in order to qualify for Active-Military/Public Health practice.)
If you do not include this statement, upon review, Board staff may not find enough evidence that you are still in the military or public health service. If this occurs, your license might be renewed at Inactive status.
If you have separated from the military or changed employment from the public health service, you no longer qualify for this special Active status in Oregon. Your license will be renewed at Inactive status. If you are employed by any other federal institution (including the VA), you do not qualify for Active status. Your license will be renewed at Inactive status. Please contact our office if you have additional questions about your status.
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32. What if I have been called up to active military duty overseas? Can I renew my license?
Short:
Yes. You may have a person you have designated to have power of attorney (POA) sign the form and return it to the Board with the appropriate payment.
Long.
Your license renewal form will be mailed to the most recent mailing address on file with the Board. Whoever you have designated as your power of attorney (POA) may sign the form and return it with payment for the appropriate renewal fee, a copy of the POA form, and a copy of the Order to Active Duty, or written explanation that you are unavailable to complete the renewal form because you have been called up to active duty out of the country.
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33. I plan to practice medicine across state lines. This seems to match the telemedicine status mentioned in your rules. I don't see it on the forms, however. Are there additional requirements to qualify for this status?
Short.
Yes.
Long.
In order to qualify for Telemedicine status, you must meet the requirements for this status specified in OAR Chapter 847, Division 025. Radiologists and medical directors for insurance companies often want this status, but their activities can be construed as 'consulting', which does not require an active Oregon license. They often give information or direction to the primary treating physician, not directly to the patient.
If you still think that you qualify for Telemedicine status, please obtain the Telemedicine practice description form from our web site http://www.oregon.gov/OMB/MD-DO_Application/Telemedicine_Request.pdf. Fill it out and submit it to us, either with your license renewal form, or in January 2009. We will review it and respond to you in writing telling you whether or not you qualify.
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