A. Beginning July 1, 2020, a prescription for a controlled substance that contains an opioid shall be issued as an electronic prescription consistent with § 54.1-3408.02 of the Code of Virginia [, unless the prescription qualifies for an exemption as set forth in subsection C of that section ] .

B. Upon written request, the board may grant a one-time waiver of the requirement of subsection A of this section for a period not to exceed one year due to demonstrated economic hardship, technological limitations that are not reasonably within the control of the prescriber, or other exceptional circumstances demonstrated by the prescriber.