(1) In the event of hardship such as a disabling illness or other personal emergency which substantially interferes with a licensee's ability to meet the minimum requirement of 24 continuing education units prior to the deadline, the board may approve a waiver of the continuing education requirement. There must be a written request submitted to the board before the next continuing education reporting date. Such request for approval for a waiver shall be in writing and shall set forth the reasons why the licensee was unable to earn the minimum number of credit units required prior to the deadline.