(1) A person desiring to practice as a physician assistant shall submit an application to the department on a form prescribed by the department and pay all applicable fees to the department. The applicant shall provide the authorization necessary for the release of records or other information necessary for licensure to the department. The burden of proving that the applicant has complied with all application requirements is on the applicant. However, the department may make an independent investigation to determine whether the applicant possesses the required qualifications and whether the applicant has ever committed unprofessional conduct.
(2) In order to renew a license, a physician assistant shall pay to the department a renewal fee as prescribed by the board. The renewal fee must be paid before the expiration date of the license, as set forth in department rule. The department shall send renewal notices before the renewal is due. Except as provided in 37-1-138, failure to pay a renewal fee results in the expiration of the license.