(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, an applicant who otherwise qualifies for a license under § 14-5E-09(c)(2) of this subtitle is entitled to be licensed for a single 2-year term before taking the national certifying examination given by the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion or its successor organization or another examination given or approved by the Board.

(b) (1) If an applicant was prevented from taking the national certifying examination before the single 2-year license expires because of extenuating circumstances, the applicant may apply to the Board for an extension of the term of the license.

(2) The Board shall adopt regulations to carry out paragraph (1) of this subsection that include:

(i) Criteria that an applicant must meet to receive an extension under paragraph (1) of this subsection; and

(ii) Provisions as to the length of time that a license may be extended.