A board, or the department when there is no board, may:
(1) Prorate continuing education for new licensees by requiring half of the required continuing education for any applicant who becomes licensed with more than half the renewal period remaining and no continuing education for any applicant who becomes licensed with half or less than half of the renewal period remaining; or
(2) Require no continuing education until the first full renewal cycle of the licensee.These options shall also apply when continuing education is first required or the number of hours required is increased by law or the board, or the department when there is no board.