Title of Regulation: 18VAC60-21. Regulations Governing the Practice of Dentistry (adding 18VAC60-21-107).

Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-3408.02 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: February 2, 2022.

Agency Contact: Sandra Reen, Executive Director, Board of Dentistry, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4437, FAX (804) 527-4428, or email sandra.reen@dhp.virginia.gov.

Summary:

Pursuant to Chapter 664 of the 2019 Acts of Assembly, the amendment adds a section to (i) reiterate the requirement effective July 1, 2020, that a prescription for a controlled substance that contains an opioid must be issued as an electronic prescription unless the prescriber qualifies for an exemption set out in the law and (ii) provide for a one-year waiver from the requirement if the practitioner can demonstrate economic hardship technological limitations or other exceptional circumstances beyond the practitioner's control.

Summary of Public Comments and Agency's Response: No public comments were received by the promulgating agency.

18VAC60-21-107. Waiver for electronic prescribing.

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 § 54.1-3408.02.

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.