[§461J-10.14]  Exemption from continuing competence requirements.  (a)  Prior to the expiration of a renewal period, a licensee may submit a written request to the board for an exemption from the continuing competence requirements in this chapter.

     (b)  The request for an exemption shall include the following information:

     (1)  Evidence that, during the two-year period prior to the expiration of the license, the licensee was residing in another country for one year or longer, reasonably preventing completion of the continuing competence requirements;

     (2)  Evidence that, during the two-year period prior to the expiration of the license, the licensee was ill or disabled for one year or longer as documented by a licensed physician, surgeon, or clinical psychologist, preventing completion of the continuing competence requirements; or

     (3)  Evidence that, during the two-year period prior to the expiration of the license, a dependent family member of the licensee was ill or disabled for one year or longer as documented by a licensed physician, surgeon, or clinical psychologist, preventing completion of the continuing competence requirements.

     (c)  The above exemptions shall not be granted for more than one renewal period.  In the event a licensee cannot complete the continuing competence requirements during the two-year period after receiving an exemption, the licensee may only renew the license on an inactive status.

     (d)  When a licensee is absent from the State because of military service for a period of one year or longer during the two-year renewal period, preventing completion of the continuing competence requirement, the board may provide an exemption from the continuing competence requirement for more than one renewal period. [L 2013, c 35, pt of §1]