(

a) The board, upon application and payment of the fee established pursuant to subdivision (h), shall issue a retired license to a licensee if the licensee holds an unrestricted license on the date of application. (

b) An applicant may elect to retire upon renewal or upon submission of an application to the board as required. (

c) A retired licensee shall be exempt from continuing education requirements. (

d) A retired licensee shall utilize their professional title only with the unabbreviated word “retired” directly preceding or directly following the professional title. (

e) A retired licensee shall not be entitled to practice vocational nursing. (

f) The board may investigate potential violations or take action against a retired license for a violation of this chapter. (

g) The board may reinstate a retired license to active status if the retired licensee fulfills the requirements for renewal of a license, including furnishing fingerprints, paying renewal fees, and providing evidence of the following, as applicable:

(1) For a retired licensee who has been retired for four years or fewer, the amount of continuing education required for the renewal of an active license.

(2) For a retired licensee who has been retired for more than four years, either a current valid active and clear registered nurse license, vocational nurse license, or an equivalent license in another state, a United States territory, or Canada, or passing the current examination for licensure. (

h) The fee to be paid upon filing the application for a retired license shall be fifty dollars ($50) unless a higher fee, not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100), is established by the board.