1. After successful completion of the law portion of the examination conducted by the board pursuant to section 18 of P.L.1952, c.340 (C. 45:7-49), and upon payment to the board of a fee and the submission of a written application on forms provided by it, the board may issue, at its discretion, a practitioner of mortuary science license to a person who holds a valid license or certification issued by another state or possession of the United States or the District of Columbia and who has met education and experience requirements substantially equivalent to the requirements of P.L.1952, c.340 (C. 45:7-32 et seq.), and who has been engaged in the practice of mortuary science in that state, possession or district with a valid license or certification for two years immediately prior to application; except that the board may issue, at its discretion, a practitioner of mortuary science license to an applicant who does not meet the practical training and experience requirements of paragraph (2) of subsection a. of section 18 of P.L.1952, c.340 (C. 45:7-49) but otherwise meets the requirements specified in this section if the applicant has been engaged in the practice of mortuary science for not less than five years immediately prior to application.

L.1999,c.404,s.1; amended 2001, c.83.