If you are a licensed geologist, you may be eligible to obtain retired status if you are at least sixty-five years of age and have discontinued active professional practice. If granted retired status, your ongoing licensing renewal fees are waived.

(1) To obtain retired status, submit a written request to the board. If the board determines you are eligible, the retired status would become effective on the first scheduled license renewal date that occurs on or after you reach age sixty-five. You do not need to renew an expired license to be eligible for this status. The board will not provide refund of renewal fees if the application for retired status is made and granted before the expiration date of the license.

(2) Privileges. In addition to the waiver of the renewal fee, as a licensee in retired status, you are permitted to:

(a) Retain the board-issued wall certificate of licensure.

(b) Use the title "geologist," provided you also use the term "retired," the abbreviation "ret," "emeritus geologist," or similar language in written or verbal communications to indicate you are no longer in active practice.

(c) Provide experience verifications and references for individuals seeking licensure under chapter 18.220 RCW.

(d) Provide services as a technical expert before a court, or in preparation for pending litigation, on matters directly related to geologic work you performed before you were granted retired status.

(e) Serve in a professional capacity as a "good Samaritan," as set forth in RCW 38.52.195 and 38.52.1951, provided said work is otherwise performed in accordance with chapter 18.220 RCW.

(3) Restrictions. As a retired licensee, you are not permitted to:

(a) Perform any professional geology work, as provided for in chapter 18.220 RCW, unless said activity is under the direct supervision of a Washington state licensed geologist;

(b) Apply your professional seal, as provided for in RCW 18.220.090 to a professional geologic work product.

(4) Certificate of licensure reinstatement. As a retired status licensee, you may resume active geologist practice upon written request to the board and payment of the current renewal fee. If approved, your license will be returned to active status by the board, and all rights and responsibilities of an active license status will be in effect. At the date of expiration of the reinstated license, you may choose to either continue active licensure or may again apply for retired status, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

(5) Exemptions. Under no circumstances shall you be eligible for retired status if your license has been revoked, surrendered, or suspended by the board under chapter 18.220 RCW. If you have been suspended from geologic practice or are subject to terms of a board order at the time you reach age sixty-five, you shall not be eligible for retired status until such time that the board has removed the restricting conditions.