(a) Physician assistants who notify the board in writing may elect to place their license on an inactive status. Physician assistants with an inactive license shall be excused from payment of renewal fees and shall not practice as physician assistants. Persons who engage in practice while their license is lapsed or on inactive status shall be considered to be practicing without a license, which shall be grounds for discipline under section 147A.13. Physician assistants who provide care under the provisions of section 147A.23 shall not be considered practicing without a license or subject to disciplinary action. Physician assistants who notify the board of their intent to resume active practice shall be required to pay the current renewal fees and all unpaid back fees and shall be required to meet the criteria for renewal specified in section 147A.07.

(b) Notwithstanding section 147A.03, subdivision 1, a person with an inactive license may continue to use the protected titles specified in section 147A.03, subdivision 1, so long as the person does not practice as a physician assistant.