(a) To be eligible for a license to engage in the practice of nursing home administration, the applicant must:

(1) Submit an application to the board;

(2) Be of good moral character;

(3) Obtain a baccalaureate degree;

(4) Pass a state and national examination as approved by the board;

(5) Complete the required experience as prescribed by the board;

(6) Successfully complete a criminal background check, through the West Virginia State Police and the National Criminal Investigative Center;

(7) Successfully complete a Health Integrity Protection Data Bank check;

(8) Not be an alcohol or drug abuser as these terms are defined in section eleven, article one-a, chapter twenty-seven of this code: Provided, That an applicant in an active recovery process, which may, in the discretion of the board, be evidenced by participation in a twelve-step program or other similar group or process, may be considered;

(9) Not have been convicted of a felony in any jurisdiction within ten years preceding the date of application for license which conviction remains unreversed;

(10) Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony in any jurisdiction if the offense for which he or she was convicted related to the practice of nursing home administration, which conviction remains unreversed; and

(11) Has fulfilled any other requirement specified by the board.

(b) A license issued by the board prior to July 1, 2010, shall for all purposes be considered a license issued under this article: Provided, That a person holding a license issued prior to July 1, 2010, must renew the license pursuant to the provisions of this article.