(a) On and after July 1, 2014, no person shall represent that such person is an operator unless such person is registered under the operator registration act as an operator. A violation of this subsection is a class C misdemeanor.
(b) The secretary shall adopt by rules and regulations a system for registering operators. Such rules and regulations shall include qualifications for registration. Such rules and regulations shall require, at a minimum, that the applicant:
(1) Be at least 21 years of age;
(2) (A) Possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with one year relevant experience as determined by the secretary;
(B) possess an associate's degree in a relevant field as determined by the secretary; or
(C) possess a baccalaureate degree;
(3) has successfully completed a course approved by the secretary on principles of assisted living;
(4) has passed an examination approved by the secretary on principles of assisted living and such other requirements as may be established by the secretary by rules and regulations;
(5) has filed an application; and
(6) has paid the required application fee.