(1) Licensees who have not complied with the education requirements may not be issued a renewal license unless such person is granted an exception upon written application to, and approved by, the board.

(2) The board reserves authority to make written exception for reasons of individual hardship including health, military service, foreign residence, retirement or inaccessibility to programs.

(3) A licensee who submits medical proof from his or her attending physician that he or she or a member of the licensee's immediate family suffered a serious or disabling illness or physical disability which prevented the licensee from complying with the requirements of the board during the 12 months immediately preceding the annual license renewal date, may be granted an exception.