The Department may, in its discretion, license as a dietitian nutritionist, without examination, on payment of required fee, an applicant who is a dietitian, dietitian nutritionist, or nutritionist licensed or certified under the laws of another state, territory, or country, if the Department determines that the requirements for licensure in the state, territory, or country in which the applicant was licensed were, at the date of his or her licensure, substantially equal to the requirements of this Act.
     An applicant has 3 years from the date of application to complete the application process. If the process has not been completed within the 3 years, the application shall be denied, the fee forfeited, and the applicant must reapply and meet the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.