(a) In order to be eligible for licensure by examination pursuant to sections 19a-511 to 19a-520, inclusive, a person shall submit an application, together with a fee of one hundred dollars, and proof satisfactory to the Department of Public Health that he (1) is physically and emotionally capable of administering a nursing home; (2) has satisfactorily completed a program of instruction and training, including residency training which meets the requirements of subsection (b) of this section and which is approved by the Commissioner of Public Health; and (3) has passed an examination prescribed and administered by the Department of Public Health designed to test the applicant’s knowledge and competence in the subject matter referred to in subsection (b) of this section. Passing scores shall be established by the department.

      (b) Minimum education and training requirements for applicants for licensure are as follows:

      (1) Each person other than an applicant for renewal, applying prior to February 1, 1985, shall have completed: (A) A program so designed as to content and so administered as to present sufficient knowledge of the needs to be properly served by nursing homes, laws and regulations governing the operation of nursing homes and the protection of the interest of patients therein and the elements of good nursing home administration, or presented evidence satisfactory to the Department of Public Health of sufficient education and training in the foregoing fields; and (B) a one-year residency period under the joint supervision of a duly licensed nursing home administrator in an authorized nursing home and an accredited institution of higher education, approved by said department, which period may correspond to one academic year in such accredited institution. The supervising administrator shall submit such reports as may be required by the department on the performance and progress of such administrator-in-training, on forms provided by the department. This subdivision shall not apply to any person who has successfully completed a program of study for a master’s degree in nursing home administration or in a related health care field and who has been awarded such degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.

      (2) Each such person applying on or after February 1, 1985, in addition to the requirements of subdivision (1) of this subsection, shall either (A) have a baccalaureate degree in any area and have completed a course in long-term care administration approved by the department, or (B) have a master’s degree in long-term care administration or in a related health care field approved by the commissioner.

      (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, the Department of Public Health shall renew the license of any person licensed as a nursing home administrator on July 1, 1983.