Until one year from the appointment of the board, an applicant for certification and licensure may, in lieu of the requirements established in Section 40-63-70, qualify for licensure by demonstrating to the satisfaction of the board that the applicant is presently practicing social work within this State at the level for which application is made, or is presently practicing social work within the South Carolina Department of Social Services having a minimum of sixty hours or equivalent of college credits and is applying for licensure as a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker. Persons licensed under terms of this section remain subject to all requirements of this chapter, excepting those in Section 40-63-70. No current employee or agent of the State employed by or with the State on or before July 1, 1989, who practices social work as defined in this chapter may be denied licensure or relicensure by the board so long as they remain employed by or with the State, and so long as they comply with all the other requirements of this chapter, excepting those in Section 40-63-70.