The board shall issue a license to perform respiratory care to an applicant, who, as of July 1, 1991, has passed the NBRC administered entry level or advanced practitioner examination, or their equivalent, or is a graduate of an educational program accredited by the American Medical Association's Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) in collaboration with the Joint Review Committee for Respiratory Therapy Education (JRCRTE) or their successor organizations. Other applicants who have not passed either of these NBRC examinations, or their equivalent, after July 1, 1991, and, who through written evidence, verified by oath, demonstrate that they are presently functioning in the capacity of a respiratory care practitioner as defined by this chapter, and have done so for a period of at least twelve (12) months prior to July 1, 1991, shall be given a license to practice respiratory care.