How long must a license be suspended for an individual to be required to practice under an interim permit?

In Arizona, an individual must practice under an interim permit if their license has been suspended for more than three years. This requirement ensures that practitioners maintain a suitable standard of competency and ethics while their license is not active. The duration before requiring an interim permit reflects a significant pause in professional practice, which can lead to a deterioration of skills and knowledge in the rapidly evolving legal and professional environment. Therefore, once the suspension extends beyond three years, the law mandates that the individual must adhere to additional guidelines and conditions, including operating under an interim permit to ensure oversight and the individual's re-acclimatization to practice. This is crucial in protecting the public and maintaining trust in the legal profession.