(a) A licensee may request a waiver from complying with the continuing education requirements. A request for a waiver from the continuing education requirements shall be submitted to the Board on an application provided by the Board (using form VMB/CE/1 dated 10/04, which is incorporated by reference). The application shall include a letter explaining the reason for the waiver request in addition to documents that verify the request for waiver, e.g., military documents, letter from physician, and shall be signed by the licensee under penalty of perjury. The Board will notify the licensee, within seventy-five (75) working days after receipt of the request for waiver and the supporting documentation, whether the waiver was granted.

(b) If the request for waiver is denied, the licensee shall complete the continuing education requirements as set forth in this article and section 4846.5 of the Code. If the request for waiver is granted, it shall be valid only for the current renewal period.

(c) The Board shall grant the waiver if the licensee can provide documents, satisfactory to the Board, that:

(d) Not withstanding subsection (c), upon reviewing the request to waive the continuing education requirements, the Board may deny the waiver if granting the waiver compromises the health and safety of animals or consumers. Further, the Board shall review the information provided in each request for waiver of the continuing education requirements to determine whether facts exist showing a violation of the Veterinary Medicine Practice Act for purposes of issuing a citation or imposing a civil penalty pursuant to Section 4883.