The department, with the recommendation of the board, may waive continuing competency requirements, in part or in total, for any two-year licensing period when a credential holder submits documentation that circumstances beyond his or her control prevented completion of such requirements as provided in section 38-146. In addition to circumstances determined by the department to be beyond the credential holder's control pursuant to such section, such circumstances shall include situations in which:

(1) The credential holder has submitted proof that he or she was suffering from a serious or disabling illness or physical disability which prevented completion of the required continuing competency activities during the twenty-four months preceding the renewal date; or

(2) The credential holder was initially licensed within the twenty-six months immediately preceding the renewal date.