What happens when your Maryland pharmacist license lapses or is suspended
Your Maryland pharmacist license can become inactive for several reasons: you did not renew it before the expiration date, you failed to meet continuing education requirements, or the Maryland Board of Pharmacy suspended or revoked it due to a disciplinary action. The path to reinstatement depends on which of these happened and how long ago.
If your license straightforward expired because you did not renew on time, reinstatement is usually straightforward — you pay a fee and submit proof of current continuing education hours. If your license was suspended or revoked by the Board, you will need to petition the Board and may face additional requirements like remedial education, practice restrictions, or a waiting period.
The Maryland Board of Pharmacy handles all reinstatement requests. You cannot reinstate through an online portal or by mail alone; you will need to contact the Board directly to understand your specific situation and get the exact forms and fees required.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Maryland Board of Pharmacy to confirm your license status and which reinstatement path applies to you, since the process differs for expired licenses versus suspended or revoked ones.
- If your license expired, you will typically need to pay a reinstatement fee, provide proof of continuing education hours completed since expiration, and submit a renewal process.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you must petition the Board in writing and may be required to complete additional education, pass an exam, or wait a set period before reinstatement is considered.
- The Board's phone number and mailing address are on the Maryland Department of Health website under the Board of Pharmacy section; calling first saves time because requirements vary by case.
Reinstatement for an expired license
If you let your license expire but were never disciplined by the Board, reinstatement is the simpler route. You will need to submit a renewal process to the Maryland Board of Pharmacy, pay the current renewal fee (which varies and may include a late fee if you are past the grace period), and provide documentation that you have completed the required continuing education hours.
Maryland requires pharmacists to complete a set number of continuing education credits during each renewal period. You will need to show proof from the organizations that provided the education — usually a certificate or transcript. If you have not completed the hours, you may need to do so before the Board will process your reinstatement.
The Board will review your process and notify you of approval or any missing information. This process typically takes several weeks. Once approved, you will receive your reinstated license and can resume practice.
Reinstatement after suspension or revocation
If the Board suspended or revoked your license due to a disciplinary action — such as a violation of pharmacy law, patient safety concerns, or substance abuse — reinstatement requires a formal petition to the Board. You cannot straightforward renew; you must request that the Board reconsider your case.
Your petition should explain the circumstances that led to the suspension or revocation, what steps you have taken to address the underlying issue, and why you believe you are fit to practice again. If the original action was related to substance abuse, you may need to provide evidence of treatment completion and ongoing recovery. If it was related to continuing education or record-keeping violations, you may need to show that you have completed remedial training.
The Board may require you to appear before a hearing officer or the full Board to discuss your petition. Some cases result in conditional reinstatement — meaning you can practice again but under restrictions, such as mandatory supervision, additional continuing education, or periodic check-ins with the Board.
Documents and information you will need
Before you contact the Board, gather the following:
- Your current Maryland pharmacist license number (or your name and date of birth if you do not have it)
- Proof of continuing education hours completed, with dates and course titles
- If your license was suspended or revoked, a copy of the Board's order or letter explaining the action
- Any documentation of steps you have taken to address the reason for suspension or revocation (treatment records, completion certificates, letters from supervisors, etc.)
- Your current contact information and mailing address
If you are unsure whether you have all the required documents, the Board staff can tell you what is missing when you call or submit your initial request.
How to contact the Maryland Board of Pharmacy
The Maryland Board of Pharmacy is part of the Maryland Department of Health. You can find their phone number, mailing address, and email contact on the Department of Health website by searching for "Board of Pharmacy." Calling is the fastest way to confirm your license status, learn which reinstatement path applies to you, and find out exactly what forms and documents you need to submit.
When you call, have your license number or full name and date of birth ready. The staff can tell you whether your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, and they can walk you through the next steps. If you need to submit documents by mail, they will provide the correct address and any specific formatting requirements.
Fees and timelines
Reinstatement fees vary depending on how long your license has been inactive and whether it was suspended or straightforward expired. The Board will quote you the exact fee when you contact them. Some cases also require payment for a hearing or petition review, though this is less common for straightforward expirations.
For an expired license with completed continuing education, reinstatement usually takes two to four weeks after the Board receives your complete process. For a suspended or revoked license, the timeline depends on whether a hearing is required and how complex your case is; this can range from several weeks to several months.
Do not practice pharmacy while your license is inactive. Practicing without a valid license is illegal and can result in criminal charges, civil liability, and permanent loss of your license.
What to do if you cannot meet the requirements
If you have not completed the required continuing education hours and cannot do so quickly, ask the Board whether they offer a grace period or whether you can complete the hours after reinstatement. Some boards allow this; others require completion before approval.
If you were suspended or revoked and believe the Board's decision was wrong, you have the right to appeal. The Board's original order should explain the appeal process and any important date. If you are past the appeal important date, a petition for reinstatement is your option, though the Board will review the original facts again.
If you are struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues that contributed to your license status, the Board may have resources or referrals available. Ask about this when you contact them — many boards work with professionals to support recovery and safe return to practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice pharmacy while my reinstatement is being reviewed?
No. Your license must be active and in good standing to practice. Practicing with an expired, suspended, or revoked license is illegal and can result in criminal charges and permanent loss of your license. Wait until the Board notifies you that your license has been reinstated.
What if I completed continuing education after my license expired — does it count?
Yes, continuing education completed after expiration typically counts toward reinstatement, as long as it meets the Board's standards for course content and provider approval. The Board will review your documentation to confirm. Ask them specifically which courses or providers they accept.
Do I have to retake the pharmacy licensing exam to reinstate?
Not for a straightforward expiration. For a suspension or revocation, the Board may require you to retake the exam or pass a competency test, depending on the reason for the action and how long you have been inactive. The Board will tell you if this is required in your case.
How long does reinstatement take if my license was revoked?
Revocation is permanent unless you petition for reinstatement, which is a formal process. The timeline depends on whether the Board grants you a hearing and how thoroughly they review your petition. This can take anywhere from two months to over a year. Contact the Board to understand the timeline for your specific situation.
What if I moved out of Maryland — do I still need to reinstate my license there?
If you no longer plan to practice in Maryland, you do not need to reinstate your license. However, if you want to practice in Maryland in the future, you will need to go through reinstatement at that time. If you are licensed in another state and want to transfer your credentials, contact that state's pharmacy board about reciprocity or endorsement options.