(a) Applications for original licensure shall be made to the Department in writing on forms prescribed by the Department and shall be accompanied by the appropriate documentation and the required fee, which fee is nonrefundable. An application shall require information as, in the judgment of the Department, will enable the Department to pass on the qualifications of the applicant for licensing.
     (b) A license shall not be denied to 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.