(a) (1) A certificate expires on a date set by the Board, unless the certificate is renewed for an additional term as provided in this section.

(2) A certificate may not be renewed for a term longer than 2 years.

(b) At least 1 month before the certificate expires, the Board shall send to the certified program administrator or certified residential child and youth care practitioner, by electronic means or first-class mail to the last known electronic or physical address of the certified program administrator or certified residential child and youth care practitioner, a renewal notice that states:

(1) The date on which the current certificate expires;

(2) The date by which the renewal application must be received by the Board for the renewal to be issued; and

(3) The amount of the renewal fee.

(c) Before the certificate expires, the certified program administrator or certified residential child and youth care practitioner periodically may renew it for an additional 2-year term, if the certified program administrator or certified residential child and youth care practitioner:

(1) Otherwise is entitled to obtain a certificate;

(2) Pays to the Board a renewal fee set by the Board; and

(3) Submits to the Board:

(i) A renewal application on the form that the Board requires;

(ii) Satisfactory evidence of compliance with any continuing education and other qualifications and requirements set under this section for certificate renewal;

(iii) Evidence of application for a child protective services background clearance; and

(iv) Fingerprints for use by the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to conduct a State and national criminal history records check.

(d) In addition to any other qualifications and requirements established in consultation with the Children’s Cabinet, the Board may set continuing education requirements as a condition for the renewal of certificates under this section.

(e) The Board shall renew the certificate of each certified program administrator or certified residential child and youth care practitioner who meets the requirements of this section.

(f) The Board may, at its discretion, waive the requirement in subsection (c)(3)(iii) of this section for an out-of-state applicant who presents evidence to the Board that circumstances beyond the applicant’s control prevent the applicant from obtaining, from the applicant’s state of residence, a background clearance that is equivalent to a child protective services background clearance.

(g) A certified program administrator or a certified residential child and youth care practitioner shall report to the Board any arrests or investigations that would appear on a child protective services background clearance and that occur during the period between issuance of the clearance and renewal of the certificate.