Subd. 1. Criteria.

The board of examiners may issue licenses to qualified persons as nursing home administrators, and shall establish qualification criteria for nursing home administrators. No license shall be issued to a person as a nursing home administrator unless that person:

1. (a) Is at least 18 years of age and otherwise suitably qualified;
2. (b) Has satisfactorily met standards set by the board of examiners, which standards shall be designed to assure that nursing home administrators will be individuals who, by training or experience are qualified to serve as nursing home administrators; and
3. (c) Has passed an examination approved by the board and designed to test for competence in the subject matters referred to in clause (b), or has been approved by the board of examiners through the development and application of other appropriate techniques.

Subd. 2. Exception.

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, no person desiring to be licensed to administer a nursing home operated by and for the adherents of any recognized church or religious denomination for the purpose of providing care and treatment for those who select and depend upon spiritual means through prayer alone, in lieu of medical care, for healing, shall be required to demonstrate proficiency in any medical technique or meet any medical educational qualification or medical standard which is not in accord with the type of remedial care and treatment provided in a nursing home operated exclusively in accordance with the teachings of that body.