(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, a first responder, emergency medical technician-basic, emergency medical technician-intermediate, and emergency medical technician-paramedic shall complete an emergency medical services continuing education program or pass an examination approved by the state board of emergency medical, fire, and transportation services under division (A) of section 4765.10 of the Revised Code prior to the expiration of the individual’s certificate to practice. Completion of the continuing education requirements for EMTs-I or paramedics satisfies the continuing education requirements for renewing the certificate to practice as an EMT-basic held by an EMT-I or paramedic.

(B)(1) An applicant for renewal of a certificate to practice may apply to the board, in writing, for an extension to complete the continuing education requirements established under division (A) of this section. The board may grant such an extension and determine the length of the extension. The board may authorize the applicant to continue to practice during the extension as if the certificate to practice had not expired.

(2) An applicant for renewal of a certificate to practice may apply to the board, in writing, for an exemption from the continuing education requirements established under division (A) of this section. The board may exempt an individual or a group of individuals from all or any part of the continuing education requirements due to active military service, unusual circumstance, emergency, special hardship, or any other cause considered reasonable by the board.

(C) Decisions of whether to grant an extension or exemption under division (B) of this section shall be made by the board pursuant to procedures established in rules adopted under section 4765.11 of the Revised Code.