1. I didn't get a renewal form. How can I get one?
The renewal application forms are available (only during a current renewal cycle) for download on our web site http://medicine.sd.gov/. You can also call the office 605-367-7781 and we can mail a renewal application form to you. (to top)
2. Did the SDBMOE office receive my renewal form?
Use a mailing method that allows you to track your renewal application = due to the volume of mail received, we are unable to give you this information.
3. Why does the license renewal form always ask for my address? I have not changed it for years.
To make sure our records remain current, we ask that everyone verify the information we have on record. The Registration Section is responsible for the accuracy of our database and some licensees move quite often. Often, 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. (to top)
4. Why are the fees so high and why is there not an inactive-no fee or retired status?
By statute, the Board expenses must not exceed revenues. In this respect, the Board is considered a "fee for service" operation. The fees charged are a source of revenue to offset the expense of administration, constant updating, and regulation of your license or registration. There are many hours involved in processing applications and maintaining 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. The fees from applicants applying for licensure, fees from registration 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. We do not have a no-fee renewal status, because processing each renewal costs the agency money. (to top)
5. How quickly can I expect my renewed license or registration?
Due to the high volume of renewal forms received, it takes time to process the applications. To ensure receipt of your renewed license prior to the expiration of your current license make certain that your renewal application reaches the SDBMOE office at least 45 days prior to the forfeiture date. For example, physicians who have mailed renewal applications by the 15 Jan deadline and who have not received license cards by the beginning of February, should email the SDBMOE. (to top)
6. What kind of problem might there be with my renewal? What happens if there is a problem with my renewal?
There are numerous possible problems, such as:
If there is a problem we will notify you in writing and you will need to satisfactorily amend the application in time for proper review of the amendment. Should the amended application arrive too late for a satisfactory review, the license will automatically forfeit by statute = do not delay.
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. This is especially troublesome if we receive a check and absolutely no identification as to the licensee to which the check should be applied.
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7. Where will you send my renewed license or registration?
It will be sent to the mailing address that you have chosen for all board correspondence on your renewal application. (to top)
8. What if my renewed license or registration doesn't arrive?
We make every reasonable effort to ensure that your license or registration is mailed out with your name on it, your preferred 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. Physicians who have mailed renewal applications within the 15 Jan deadline and who have not received license cards by the beginning of February, should email the SDBMOE.
If the US Postal Service returns your renewed license or registration 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 all efforts fail, we wait for your call to direct us to an updated address. If you did not receive the license and we did not receive it back in the mail, you may order a duplicate certificate. The Board does not keep copies of your license or registration. There is a $25 administrative charge for issuing a duplicate license or registration. The Board is not responsible for mishaps that occur while mail is in the care of the US Postal Service. (to top)
9. It is the day after or later, for my renewal deadline. Did I miss the deadline for my renewal?
Yes, renewal application must arrive in the SDBMOE office to be reviewed and approved prior to forfeiture, supspension, expiration or otherwise inactivated as indicated in your practice act. (to top)
10. Is late renewal really such a big deal?
If you do not renew your license before the deadline, it will automatically forfeit, suspend or otherwise be inactivated . As long as your license is no longer active, you may not practice medicine or other healthcare professions in South Dakota.
If you are practicing between the times your license lapses (midnight, deadline date) and when you renew, you are committing a crime by practicing without a license or registration. The Board will have grounds for taking disciplinary action if you are practicing without a license or registration. (to top)
11. How do I re-instate and renew my license?
Should you want to re-activate a license that was forfeited, suspended or otherwise inactivated due to non-renewal, you would need to send a statement with your original signature to the SDBMOE office. You will be informed in writing as to your eligibility to re-activate and the process should you be eligible. Be aware that reinstatement and renewal is a lengthy process which will involve additional costs. Some would characterize this process as more time-consuming than the intital application process for licensure. (to top)
12. Why can't I renew via email or the web?
Currently the renewal application is only available for download via the web and this has been very popular, judging by the comments we have received. To renew via the web, 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 the downloadable 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. (to top)
