Originally Posted by
ATCBob
The blame is with whoever signed that guy off on his instrument ticket.
The signature of the CFII only means "Joe Schmoe is qualified to take the checkride on this date." Then an FAA employee or FAA Designated Examiner (a person blessed by the Administrator) signs "Joe Schmoe satisfactorily completed his checkride on this date." After that, it is up to Senior Schmoe to keep himself current.