The board shall, upon application and payment of fees, issue a certification to perform respiratory care to persons who are not certified under this article but who were practicing respiratory care in this state on April 27, 1993, upon written evidence of such practice verified under oath. Such persons shall complete their application for certification no later than 18 months following April 27, 1993. A person granted a certification under this Code section shall be subject to the other provisions of this article relating to persons granted such certifications under Code Section 43-34-145, including but not limited to continuing education requirements.