LPN license renewal: what's the policy if not actively practicing as LPN

Check with your state board, each state is different.

Definitely renew your license if you intend to work as an LPN, even if you are not currently working in a nursing position that requires licensure. I had a hard time finding an RN refresher course when I decided to get back into nursing after being away for several years. I finally found an excellent self-study course through South Dakota State University but it took a while to complete and I had to jump through quite a few hoops to secure a placement for my clinical practicum.

If you are a fairly new grad and would not necessarily need to do a refresher course, by all means, make sure you renew your license when it's due.

Again, check with your state board, but even though you are working as a Tech, you are still using your nursing skills and this would still qualify as working in the field in most states. For several years I worked for a lawyer and part of my job was to review medical documents and legal documents for spelling and appropriate information and that "qualified" for "working in the field".