Sec. 12. (a) When a vacancy in a position of operator occurs due to death, resignation, extended illness, or a similar cause, the vacancy may be filled for a period not exceeding one (1) year by an operator with a provisional certification.
(b) On written request of the governing body or owner of a wastewater or public water system, the commissioner may issue a provisional certification under subsection (a) to a person with the required education and experience qualifications, until the person has had an opportunity to qualify by examination and be certified under this chapter.