(a) To qualify for the licensing examination, an applicant must be at least 18 years of age, be a citizen of the United States or a legal resident, be of reputable and responsible character, demonstrate an ability to comply with this chapter, and comply with at least one of the following requirements:

(1) Have a master’s degree in nursing home administration or a related health administration field. The master’s program in which the degree was obtained must have included an internship or residency of at least 480 hours in a skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility.

(2) (A) With regard to applicants who have a current valid license as a nursing home administrator in another state and apply for licensure in this state, meet the minimum education requirements that existed in this state at the time the applicant was originally licensed in the other state.

(B) The minimum education requirements that have existed in California are as follows:

Prior to 7/1/73

None

From 7/1/73 to 6/30/74

30 semester units

From 7/1/74 to 6/30/75

45 semester units

From 7/1/75 to 6/30/80

60 semester units

From 7/1/80 to present

Baccalaureate degree

(3) A doctorate degree in medicine, a current valid license as a physician and surgeon, and the completion of a program-approved AIT Program of at least 1,000 hours.

(4) A baccalaureate degree, and the completion of a program-approved AIT Program of at least 1,000 hours.

(5) Ten years of recent full-time work experience, and a current license, as a licensed registered nurse, and the completion of a program-approved AIT Program of at least 1,000 hours. At least the most recent five years of the 10 years of work experience shall be in a supervisory or director of nursing position.

(6) Ten years of full-time work experience in any department of a skilled nursing facility, an intermediate care facility, or an intermediate care facility developmentally/disabled with at least 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units) of college or university courses, and the completion of a program-approved AIT Program of at least 1,000 hours. At least the most recent five years of the 10 years of work experience shall be in a position as a department manager.

(7) Ten years of full-time hospital administration experience in an acute care hospital with at least 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units) of college or university courses, and the completion of a program-approved AIT Program of at least 1,000 hours. At least the most recent five years of the 10 years of work experience shall be in a supervisory position.

(b) An applicant for the licensing examination may obtain from the department a waiver of the education requirements in subdivision (a) if they meet the requirements of Section 1416.23.

(c) If the applicant and the preceptor provide compelling evidence that previous work experience of the applicant directly relates to nursing home administrator duties, the program may accept a waiver exception to a portion of the AIT Program that requires 1,000 hours. An applicant seeking a waiver of the educational requirements pursuant to Section 1416.23 shall not be eligible for a waiver under this subdivision.

(d) The applicant shall submit an official transcript that evidences the completion of required college and university courses, degrees, or both. An applicant who applies for the licensing examination on the basis of work experience shall submit a declaration signed under penalty of perjury, verifying his or her work experience. This declaration shall be signed by a licensed nursing home administrator, physician and surgeon, chief of staff, director of nurses, or registered nurse who can attest to the applicant’s work experience.

(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 397, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2009.)