Applications for original licenses shall be made to the Department on forms or electronically as prescribed by the Department and accompanied by the required fee which shall not be refundable. All applications shall contain such information which, in the judgment of the Department, will enable the Department to pass on the qualifications of the applicant for a license as a licensed clinical social worker or as a licensed social worker.
     A license to practice shall not be denied an applicant because of the applicant’s race, religion, creed, national origin, political beliefs or activities, age, sex, sexual orientation, or physical disability that does not affect a person’s ability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety.
     Applicants have 3 years from the date of application to complete the application process. If the process has not been completed in 3 years, the application shall be denied, the fee shall be forfeited, and the applicant must reapply and meet the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.