The Department shall promulgate rules concerning continuing education for persons licensed under this Act that require 40 hours of continuing education per license renewal cycle for a physical therapist and 20 hours of continuing education per license renewal cycle for a physical therapist assistant. In establishing these rules, the Department shall consider education required for the 2 categories of licensees to maintain current knowledge and understanding of their respective scope of practice, professional ethics, and standards of care, as described in this Act, and in material provided by relevant professional associations. The Department shall also consider the educational requirements for board certification in physical therapy specialty areas, requirements for advanced clinical or academic degrees related to physical therapy, requirements for attaining advanced skills specific to particular practice environments and patient populations, and the educational needs related to special interest groups within the professions. These rules shall assure that licensees are given the opportunity to participate in those programs sponsored by or through their professional associations, hospitals, or employers and which are relevant to their practice. These rules shall also address variances for illness or hardship. Each licensee is responsible for maintaining records of completion of continuing education and shall be prepared to produce the records when requested by the Department.