(a) A member is entitled to eligibility service during a leave of absence if the leave of absence:
(1) is approved by the Board of Trustees under regulations that apply to all members similarly situated; and
(2) is not otherwise recognized as eligibility service under this subtitle.
(b) To receive service credit for a leave of absence described under subsection (a) of this section, a member shall pay the member contributions with regular interest, if any, as determined by the Board of Trustees under regulations that apply to all members similarly situated.