(a)

(1) An applicant for a license shall submit evidence of good moral character and suitability prescribed by the board and that the applicant:

(A) Is at least eighteen (18) years of age;

(B) Is a citizen of the United States or legally in this country;

(C) Has completed preliminary education satisfactory to the board; and

(D) Has paid a nonrefundable application fee as set annually by the board no later than fifty (50) days in advance of the next scheduled examination.

(2) Such applicant, upon notification by the board that the applicant has fulfilled the requirements for admission and upon payment of an examination fee as set annually by the board shall be admitted to the examination.

(3) No applicant for license as a nursing home administrator shall be admitted to such licensing examination, nor be entitled to a license or to be certified to the state licensing board for issuance of a license as a nursing home administrator, unless the applicant has graduated from a high school or secondary school approved by the state in which the school is located or has submitted a certificate indicating that the applicant has obtained high school or secondary school equivalency, such certificate being duly certified by state educational authorities.

(b) The board has the authority to grant a temporary license, not to exceed six (6) months, to an individual applying for licensure to fill a position of nursing home administrator that unexpectedly becomes vacant. To receive a temporary license, the individual must either be licensed in another state or meet the majority of the board's standards for licensure. If the individual holding a temporary license must take the board required examination to be fully licensed and fails to achieve the required scores, the temporary license shall be revoked.