TITLE examining-boards

Part III. Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners

Chapter 73. Licenses and Renewals

22 TAC §73.1, §73.2

The Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners proposes to amend §73.1 and §73.2 of Chapter 73 relating to recording of a license and renewal of a license, respectively, in conjunction with its review of this chapter pursuant to the requirements of the Appropriations Act of 1997, House Bill 1, Article IX, §167. In accordance with §167, the board has reviewed this chapter and has determined that it should be readopted, with changes to these sections. The board finds that the reasons for this chapter, with the proposed changes, continue to exist.

The proposed amendments conform and clarify these rules as to current renewal procedures. Other changes are proposed for further clarity, grammar and consistency. Proposed amendments include a new subsection (d) for §73.2, that explains the consequences of practicing with an expired license under the Chiropractic Act and board rules. A similar provision was included in a prior version of this section and inadvertently left out in later amendments. It is added to provide notice to licensees of the consequences of practicing with an expired license.

Joyce Kershner, Director of Licensure, Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendments are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the sections as amended.

Ms. Kershner has also determined that for each year of the first five years, the proposed amendments are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules, as amended, will be that licensees and the public are provided better notice of the board's current requirements for license renewal. There will be no added effect on small businesses versus that on larger businesses. Each licensee is subject to the same requirements, regardless of the size of their practice. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the amended rules inasmuch as the primary purpose of the proposal is to revise board rules to remove unnecessary language and to conform language to current procedures and other related rules for consistency.

Comments may be submitted, no later than 30 days from the date of this publication, to Joyce Kershner, Rules Committee, Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower III, Suite 825, Austin, Texas 78701.

The amendments are proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4512b, §4(c), §4a, which the board interprets as authorizing it to adopt rules necessary for the performance of its duties, the regulation of the practice of chiropractic, and the enforcement of the Act, and §§8, 8a, which the board interprets as establishing a licensee and the board's duties relating to license renewal.

The following are the statutes, articles, or codes affected by the proposed amendments:

Chapter 73 - Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4512b, §§4(c), 4a, 8, 8a.

§73.1. Notification and Change of Business Address [ Recording of License ].

(a)

Licensees shall maintain a current business address with the board. A different mailing address may be provided in addition to the business address. Licensees shall [ must ] notify the board , in writing, of any change in business [ street ] or mailing address [ post office address ] within 30 days of the change [ in writing ].

(b)

The notification shall [ Notification must ] be signed by the licensee and must include the license number.

§73.2. Renewal of License.

(a)

Annual renewal. [ Unexpired License. ]

[ (1) ]

Each year, on or before the first day of a licensee's birth month, a licensee shall renew his or her license or apply for inactive status in accordance with §73.4 of this title (relating to Inactive Status). [ The license renewal fee shall be paid on or before the date published on the license renewal form provided by the board. ] In order to renew a license, a licensee must submit to the board the license renewal form provided by the board, the renewal fee for an active license as provided in §75.7 of this title (relating to Fees), any late fees, if applicable as provided in subsection (c) of this section, and verification of continuing education attendance as required by §73.3 of this title (relating to Continuing Education). An annual renewal certificate shall not be issued until all information and fees required by this section are provided to the board. The license

[ (2) ]

[ License ] renewal fee shall be paid by cashier's check or money order made payable to the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

(b)-(c)

(No change.)

(d)

Practicing with an expired license. Practicing chiropractic with an expired license constitutes practicing chiropractic without a license. A licensee whose license expires shall not practice chiropractic until the license is renewed or a new license is obtained as provided by subsection (c) of this section.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 19, 1999.

TRD-9904332

Gary K. Cain, Ed. D.

Executive Director

Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 29, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 305-6709


Part XIV. Texas Optometry Board

Chapter 271. Examinations

22 TAC §271.2

The Texas Optometry Board proposes the adoption of amendments to §271.2 regarding applications for examination. The amendments, if adopted, will allow an applicant for licensure to provide documentation regarding the granting of a doctor of optometry degree, allowing the applicant to sit for the jurisprudence examination prior to graduation based on the documentation received, and will establish a time element for submission of applications. This amendment is required in order to comply with House Bill 2394, 76th Legislature.

Lois Ewald, Executive Director of the Texas Optometry Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the amended rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state and local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Lois Ewald also has determined that for each of the first five years the amended rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the amended rule is the assurance that candidates for licensure have met all statutory requirements to obtain and hold a valid license to practice and because the amendment to the rule does not require any additional duties for optometrists, there are no anticipated economic costs to persons required to comply with the rule as proposed. The amendment to the rule imposes no duties on small businesses, and thus there will be no economic effect on small businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Lois Ewald, Executive Director, Texas Optometry Board, 333 Guadalupe Street, Suite 2-420, Austin, Texas, 78701-3942. The deadline for furnishing comments is September 1, 1999.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Optometry Act, Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 4552-2.14, 4552-3.02, and 4552-3.03.

The Texas Optometry Board interprets §2.14 as authorizing the adoption of procedural and substantive rules for the regulation of the optometric profession. The Board interprets §3.02 as authorizing the procedures for application to take the examination and interprets §3.03 as authorizing procedures for submitting the examination fee.

Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 4552-3.02 and 4552-3.03, are affected by this proposed action.

§271.2.Applications.

(a)

The applicant shall make application furnishing to the executive director, on forms to be furnished by the board, satisfactory sworn evidence that the applicant has attained the age of 21 years, is of good moral character, and has a preliminary education equivalent to permit matriculation in the University of Texas, and that the applicant has attended and graduated from a reputable university or college of optometry which meets with the requirements of the board , or in the alternative, submit a written statement from the dean of a reputable college of optometry that the applicant is enrolled in good standing in the college and is in the final semester before graduation, and such other information as the board may deem necessary for the enforcement of the Act.

(b)-(f)

(No change.)

(g)

The completed application and examination fee must be filed with the executive director not later than 45 [ 30 ] days prior to the date of the examination. In the event an applicant intends to retake the examination, the fee therefor and the notice of this intention to retake said examination must [ also ] be in the executive director's office 30 days prior to the date of the examination.

(h)-(i)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 12, 1999.

TRD-9904211

Lois Ewald

Executive Director

Texas Optometry Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 29, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8502


22 TAC §271.5

The Texas Optometry Board proposes the adoption of new §271.5 regarding licensure without examination. The rule, if adopted, will allow an individual licensed in another state to obtain a license to practice therapeutic optometry in Texas based on the equivalency of another state's licensing examination. The new rule establishes procedures to implement the amendments of House Bill 2394, 76th legislature.

Lois Ewald, Executive Director of the Texas Optometry Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state and local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Lois Ewald also has determined that for each of the first five years the amended rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule is the assurance that candidates for licensure have met all statutory requirements to obtain and hold a valid license to practice and because the amendment to the rule does not require any additional duties for optometrists, there are no anticipated economic costs to persons required to comply with the rule as proposed. The rule imposes no duties on small businesses, and thus there will be no economic effect on small businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Lois Ewald, Executive Director, Texas Optometry Board, 333 Guadalupe Street, Suite 2-420, Austin, Texas, 78701-3942. The deadline for furnishing comments is September 1, 1999.

The rule is proposed under the Texas Optometry Act, Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 4552-2.14, 4552-3.02, 4552-3.03, and 4552-3.085, recently added by House Bill 2394, 76th Legislature.

The Texas Optometry Board interprets §2.14 as authorizing the adoption of procedural and substantive rules for the regulation of the optometric profession. The Board interprets §3.02 as authorizing the procedures for application to take the examination, §3.03 as authorizing procedures for submitting the examination fee and §3.085 as authorizing licensure without examination.

Texas Civil Statutes, Articles 4552-3.02,4552-3.03, and 4552-3.085 are affected by this proposed action.

§271.5.Licensure without Examination.

(a)

Upon payment of a fee in an amount set by the Board, the board may license applicants without examination who:

(1)

have no pending disciplinary actions in the state, district, or territory in which the applicant is licensed;

(2)

have never had their license suspended or revoked;

(3)

meet all requirements of the Act;

(4)

are currently licensed as a therapeutic optometrist in good standing in another state, the District of Columbia, or territory of the United States;

(5)

have passed an examination that is equivalent or superior to the examination required by §351.253 and §351.256 of the Act; and

(6)

have, for at least five of the seven years preceding the application date, been :

(A)

actively engaged in the practice of therapeutic optometry; or

(B)

engaged in full-time teaching at an accredited college of optometry or medicine.

(b)

The applicant must furnish a certificate of good standing from the jurisdictions where licensed. The certificate must establish that:

(1)

the applicant's license has never been suspended or revoked;

(2)

there are no pending disciplinary actions against the applicant; and

(3)

the applicant is presently authorized to practice therapeutic optometry without restrictions.

(c)

An examination is deemed equivalent or superior to the examination required by §351.253 and §351.256 of the Act if at the time the applicant took the examination, the examination met the requirements of §351.253 and §351.256 of the Act.

(d)

The applicant shall take and pass the jurisprudence examination administered by the board.

(e)

The applicant must have complied with §271.2 of this title (relating to Applications).

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 12, 1999.

TRD-9904210

Lois Ewald

Executive Director

Texas Optometry Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 29, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8502


Chapter 273. General Rules

22 TAC §273.4

The Texas Optometry Board proposes amendments to §273.4 concerning Fees. The amendments raise the license renewal and corresponding late fees by $10 in order to provide funding for the appropriations made by the 76th Legislature as well as implement House Bill 2394 regarding licensure without examination.

Lois Ewald, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five- year period the amendments are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amendments. For state government, there will be increased revenue of $60,350.00 for the biennium that the amended license fee amounts are in effect. It would be difficult to determine revenue from fees generated by applicants seeking licensure without examination.

Lois Ewald also has determined that for the first five years the amendments are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the amendments will be the funding of those programs the 76th Legislature found appropriate to fund.

The economic costs for persons who are required to comply with the amendments, including small businesses, will be an additional license fee of $10 for each license holder and a fee of $300 for those applicants seeking licensure in Texas without an examination. No disparate effect is foreseen on small businesses as the fee is imposed on individual professionals regardless of the size of any business. Comments are solicited if a cost of compliance can be established.

Written comments on the proposal may be submitted in writing to Lois Ewald, Texas Optometry Board, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-420, Austin, Texas, 78701-3942, telephone: (512) 305-8500, and must be received by September 1, 1999.

The amendments are proposed under the authority of the Texas Optometry Act, Texas Civil Statutes, article 4552, §2.14 which grants the Board the authority to establish by rule reasonable and necessary fees to cover the costs of administering the act.

The amendments affect the Texas Optometry Act, article 4552, §2.15 which places limits on the Board's authority to set fees.

§273.4.Fees (Not Refundable).

(a)-(f)

(No change.)

(g)

License Renewal-- $150 [ $140 ]

(h)-(i)

(No change.)

(j)

Late fees (for all renewals with delayed continuing education)-- $150 [ $140 ]

(k)-(l)

(No change.)

(m)

License Without Examination Fee--$300

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 12, 1999.

TRD-9904209

Lois Ewald

Executive Director

Texas Optometry Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 29, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8502


Chapter 279. Interpretations

22 TAC §279.11

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Texas Optometry Board or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Optometry Board proposes the repeal of §279.11 regarding the practice of optometry in nursing homes and other abodes of patient confinement. The repeal, if adopted, will remove rule language which is not applicable since the Board has incorporated the same language within proposed rule amendment §279.13, finally adopted on July 9, 1999.

Lois Ewald, executive director of the Texas Optometry Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the repeal of the rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state and local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. The repeal imposes no duties on small businesses, and thus there will be no economic effect on small businesses.

Lois Ewald also has determined that for each of the first five years the repeal is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of repealing the rule is that licensees and the general public will be able to consult only one rule to determine the duties imposed when optometric services are provided under Article 4552 §5.04, and because the repeal of the rule does not require any additional duties for optometrists, there are no anticipated economic costs to persons required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Lois Ewald, Executive Director, Texas Optometry Board, 333 Guadalupe Street, Suite 2-420, Austin, Texas 78701-3942. The deadline for furnishing comments is September 1, 1999.

The repeal is proposed under the Texas Optometry Act, Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4552-2.14 and 4552-5.04.

The Texas Optometry Board interprets §2.14 as authorizing the adoption of procedural and substantive rules for the regulation of the optometric profession. The Board interprets §5.04 as authorizing the practice of optometry in nursing homes.

Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4552-5.04 is affected by this proposed action.

§279.11.Board Interpretation Number Eleven.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 12, 1999.

TRD-9904208

Lois Ewald

Executive Director

Texas Optometry Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 29, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8502


22 TAC §279.17

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Texas Optometry Board or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Optometry Board proposes the repeal of §279.17 regarding the definition of surgery. The repeal, if adopted, will remove language which has been superceded by Article 4552-1.02, as amended by the 76th Legislature in H.B. 1051.

Lois Ewald, executive director of the Texas Optometry Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the repeal of the rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state and local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. The repeal imposes no duties on small businesses, and thus, there will be no economic effect on small businesses.

Lois Ewald also has determined that for each of the first five years the repeal is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of repealing the rule is that licensees and the general public will be fully informed regarding the definition of surgery by consulting the statute, Article 4552-1.02, which fully defines surgery as it applies to optometrists. Because the repeal of the rule does not require any additional duties for optometrists, there are no anticipated economic costs to persons required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Lois Ewald, Executive Director, Texas Optometry Board, 333 Guadalupe Street, Suite 2-420, Austin, Texas 78701-3942. The deadline for furnishing comments is September 1, 1999.

The repeal is proposed under the Texas Optometry Act, Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4552-2.14 and 4552-1.02.

The Texas Optometry Board interprets §2.14 as authorizing the adoption of procedural and substantive rules for the regulation of the optometric profession. The Board interprets §1.02 as authorizing the practice of optometry which does not permit the use of surgery as defined by that section.

Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4552-1.02 is affected by this proposed action.

§279.17.Interpretation Number Seventeen.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 12, 1999.

TRD-9904207

Lois Ewald

Executive Director

Texas Optometry Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 29, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8502


Chapter 280. Therapeutic Optometry

22 TAC §280.4

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Texas Optometry Board or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Optometry Board proposes the repeal of §280.4, regarding the use of topical steroids by a therapeutic optometrist. The repeal, if adopted, will remove language which has been superceded by Article 4552-1.03, as amended by the 76th Legislature in House Bill 1051.

Lois Ewald, executive director of the Texas Optometry Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the repeal of the rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state and local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. The repeal imposes no duties on small businesses, and thus, there will be no economic effect on small businesses.

Ms. Ewald also has determined that for each of the first five years the repeal is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of repealing the rule is that licensees will be fully informed regarding proper medications prescribed, removing the restriction formerly in the statutes and rules. Because the repeal of the rule does not require any additional duties for optometrists, there are no anticipated economic costs to persons required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Lois Ewald, Executive Director, Texas Optometry Board, 333 Guadalupe Street, Suite 2-420, Austin, Texas 78701-3942. The deadline for furnishing comments is September 1, 1999.

The repeal is proposed under the Texas Optometry Act, Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4552-2.14 and 4552-1.03.

The Texas Optometry Board interprets §2.14 as authorizing the adoption of procedural and substantive rules for the regulation of the optometric profession. The Board interprets §1.03 as authorizing the practice of therapeutic optometry.

Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4552-1.03 is affected by this proposed action.

§280.4.Utilization of Pharmaceutical Agents.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 12, 1999.

TRD-9904206

Lois Ewald

Executive Director

Texas Optometry Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 29, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8502


22 TAC §280.5

The Texas Optometry Board proposes the amendment to §280.5 to implement House Bill 1051, 76th Legislature, which redefined the classes of medications that therapeutic optometrists may administer and prescribe. The amendments remove restrictions that were deleted by House Bill 1051.

Lois Ewald, executive director of the Texas Optometry Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the amended rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state and local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. The rule imposes no duties on small businesses, thus, there will be no economic effect on small businesses.

Ms. Ewald also has determined that for each of the first five years the amended rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule is that qualified therapeutic optometrists will be able to administer and prescribe additional appropriate medications. It has also been determined that there will be no cost to those affected by the rule over the first five years as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Lois Ewald, Executive Director, Texas Optometry Board, 333 Guadalupe Street, Suite 2- 420, Austin, Texas 78701-3942. The deadline for furnishing comments is September 1, 1999.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Optometry Act, Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4552, §2.14 and §1.03.

The Texas Optometry Board interprets §2.14 as authorizing the adoption of procedural and substantive rules for the regulation of the optometric profession. The Board interprets § 1.03 as authorizing the interpretation of the therapeutic optometry requirements.

Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4552-1.03 is affected by this rule.

§280.5.Prescription and Diagnostic Drugs for Therapeutic Optometry.

(a)

A certified therapeutic optometrist may administer and prescribe a drug authorized by the Texas Optometry Act, §1.02 and §1.03.

(b)-(f)

(No change.)

(g)

A therapeutic optometrist may administer and prescribe all:

(1)

ophthalmic devices;

(2)

over-the-counter oral medications; and

(3)

appropriate topical pharmaceutical agents used for diagnosing and treating visual defects, abnormal conditions, and diseases of the human eye and adnexa, which are included in the following classifications or are combinations of agents in the classifications. No drug falling within one of the following categories may be used for the treatment of glaucoma in a manner that was not permitted by law on August 31, 1991 [ Antiviral drugs falling within the anti-infective classification are not included in the formulary ]:

(A)

anti-allergy:

(i)

antihistamine;

(ii)

membrane stabilizer;

(B)

anti-fungal:

(i)

imidazoles;

(ii)

polyenes;

(C)

anti-infective:

(i)

aminoglycoside;

(ii)

anti-cell membrane;

(iii)

anti-cell wall synthesis;

(iv)

anti-DNA synthesis;

(v)

anti-protein synthesis (excluding chloramphenicol);

(vi)

anti-ACHase;

(vii)

cephalosporin;

(viii)

agents affecting intermediary metabolism;

(D)

anti-inflammatory:

(i)

nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID);

(ii)

steroid;

(E)

antiseptic;

(F)

chelating agent;

(G)

chemical cautery;

(H)

cycloplegic: parasympatholytic;

(I)

hyperosmotic;

(J)

miotic:

(i)

anti-ACHase;

(ii)

parasympathomimetic;

(K)

mucolytic;

(L)

mydriatic: sympathomimetic (Alpha 1 agonists only);

(M)

vasoconstrictor: sympathomimetic (Alpha 1 agonists only).

(h)

(No change.)

(i)

This formulary specifically lists the types of drugs which may be prescribed by a therapeutic optometrist. Subject to the antiglaucoma [ and antiviral ] limitations described in subsections (g) and (h) of this section, a therapeutic optometrist may possess and administer any topical ocular pharmaceutical agent which has a legitimate diagnostic or therapeutic use.

(j)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 12, 1999.

TRD-9904205

Lois Ewald

Executive Director

Texas Optometry Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 29, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8502


22 TAC §280.7

The Texas Optometry Board proposes new §280.7 to implement House Bill 1051, 76th Legislature, which establishes a six-member committee to be known as the Optometric Health Care Advisory Committee. This rule will define the committee's responsibilities.

Since committee members will not be reimbursed for expenses, Lois Ewald, executive director of the Texas Optometry Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the amended rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state and local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. The rule imposes no duties on small businesses, thus, there will be no economic effect on small businesses.

Ms. Ewald also has determined that for each of the first five years the amended rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule is that the committee will have procedures that will permit it to implement educational and testing requirements for therapeutic optometrists to become glaucoma specialists. It has also been determined that there will be no cost to those affected by the rule over the first five years as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Lois Ewald, Executive Director, Texas Optometry Board, 333 Guadalupe Street, Suite 2-420, Austin, Texas 78701-3942. The deadline for furnishing comments is September 1, 1999.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Optometry Act, Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4552, §2.14 and §1.03A.

The Texas Optometry Board interprets § 2.14 as authorizing the adoption of procedural and substantive rules for the regulation of the optometric profession. The Board interprets § 1.03A as authorizing the interpretation of the therapeutic optometry requirements, including the establishment of the Optometric Health Care Advisory Committee.

Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4552-1.03A is affected by this rule.

§280.7.Optometric Health Care Advisory Committee.

(a)

The Optometric Health Care Advisory Committee's purpose is to assist with the implementation of House Bill 1051, 76th Legislature, Regular Session, regarding the scope of therapeutic optometry.

(b)

The committee consists of six members.

(c)

In accordance with Section 1.03A the advisory committee is composed of the following:

(1)

two members who are therapeutic optometrists, appointed by the Texas Optometry Board;

(2)

two members who are board certified ophthalmologists, appointed by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners; and

(3)

two members who are pharmacologists, appointed by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. A person is not eligible for appointment as a pharmacologist member if the person is licensed as a therapeutic optometrist or ophthalmologist or is related within the second degree by affinity or consanguinity to a person who is licensed as a therapeutic optometrist or ophthalmologist.

(d)

Members of the committee serve staggered two-year terms with the terms of half of the members expiring September 1 of each year.

(e)

Members of the committee may not be reimbursed for any expenses incurred nor be entitled to per diem or any other allowance.

(f)

The committee will be consulted and meet as the need arises. Meetings of the committee are subject to the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Government Code. The committee shall elect its president annually.

(g)

The committee shall make recommendations that:

(1)

establish educational and clinical training requirements for certification as an optometric glaucoma specialist;

(2)

establish the parameters of care for treatment of ocular diseases and conditions by optometric glaucoma specialists as health care technology advances;

(3)

identify additional classes of pharmaceuticals under §1.03(f) of the Act that are effective treatments for ocular diseases and conditions and that may be effectively used by certified optometric glaucoma specialists; and

(4)

consider patient safety, patient costs, the effect on a patient's access to health care, patient convenience, and any added efficiencies to the health care delivery system the decision may involve when making a recommendation.

(h)

The committee's recommendations shall be reported in writing at the next meeting of the affected boards.

(i)

Recommendations of the committee become law when the Texas Optometry Board and the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners promulgate rules adopting the recommendations.

(j)

The Optometric Health Care Advisory Committee is abolished on September 1, 2005, unless continued in existence by an act of the legislature.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 12, 1999.

TRD-9904204

Lois Ewald

Executive Director

Texas Optometry Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 29, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8502


Part XVII. Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Chapter 365. Licensing

22 TAC §365.14

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners proposes an amendment to §365.14, concerning continuing education programs. This section states procedures and requirements for annual selection of one continuing education course, textbook, course outline and approval of instructors, as well as instructor license requirements and qualifications.

The proposed amendments will allow the Board to comply with §12B of the Plumbing License Law ("Act") including §12B(b), which requires the Board to adopt, by rule, the criteria for continuing professional education. The amendments set forth the minimum required criteria and provide for the expanded criteria to be contained in the course, course outline and textbook ("course materials") that will be developed, produced and distributed by the Board by contracting with an appropriate state entity ("course materials supplier") through an interagency contract. The amendments will apply to the 2000-2001 continuing education year (which begins July 1, 2000) and subsequent years. The Board will accept proposals for an interagency contract from appropriate state entities for the development, production and distribution of the course materials containing the expanded criteria upon the effective date of these amendments.

The minimum criteria incorporated within the rule amendments sets forth the minimum number of hours and general subject matter of study that must be provided in the course materials; a provision for the course materials to be offered through correspondence; a requirement for course materials to comply with §12B of the Act; the requirements that must be met by the course materials supplier for development, production, distribution, maximum costs of course materials; time requirements for submission of course materials to the Board for approval; and instructor training in the use of course materials.

The minimum criteria further requires that, beginning with any course materials developed for use during the 2001-2002 continuing education year, the course materials supplier will be required to utilize the services of a consulting group approved by the Board to coordinate the development of relevant subject matter for course materials. Due to the time constraints for course materials and instructor training to be completed in time for the 2000-2001 continuing education year, these amendments do not require the use of such a consulting group during development of the 2000-2001 course materials, nor do the amendments prohibit it.

Section 365.14 currently sets out qualifications for course providers and their instructors and states that course providers and their instructors shall be approved by the Board. The proposed amendments do not change the current requirements for course providers or instructors, but simply clarify that "course providers" are separate entities from "course materials suppliers," in that course providers employ instructors that teach the course materials, or acceptable criteria for teaching continuing professional education, supplied by the Board through interagency contract. The amendments also clarify the current practices of course providers and their instructors being approved annually by the Board and each course provider electronically transmitting to the Board certification of the students' completion of continuing education requirements.

Doretta A. Conrad, Administrator, Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there should be no fiscal implications for state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule as proposed. Any costs to state government incurred as a result of the development, production and distribution of the course materials, will be recovered by the course materials supplier through the sale of the materials.

There should be no effect on local government or to the individuals required to comply with the rule amendments as proposed because the method by which continuing education requirements will be fulfilled by the licensees will not change, nor should the cost to the licensees significantly change. The costs to licensees could decrease. Small businesses could be affected by their inability to bid on and contract for the course materials.

Ms. Conrad has determined that each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit would be the protection of health and safety of the citizens through the assurance that licensed Plumbers and Plumbing Inspectors will receive important updates on current industry practices in the subjects of health protection, energy and water conservation and the laws, rules and codes affecting licensees through continuing professional education that is provided with structured criteria adopted by the Board.

Comments on the proposed rule changes may be submitted to Doretta A. Conrad, Administrator, Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, 929 East 41st Street, P.O. Box 4200, Austin, Texas 78765-4200.

The amendment is proposed under and affects Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated Article 6243-101 ("Act"), §§5(a), 5(d), 12B(a), 12B(b), 12B(c) and the rule it amends. Section 5(a) of the Act authorizes, empowers and directs the Board to prescribe, amend and enforce all rules and regulations necessary to carry out the Act. Section 5(d) specifies that the Board may recognize, prepare, or implement continuing education programs for licensees. Section 12B(a) requires a plumbing license holder to complete at least six hours of continuing professional education each license year. Section 12B(b) directs that the Board, by rule, adopt criteria for continuing professional education. Section 12B(c) specifies that in order for persons to receive credit for participation in a continuing professional education program or course, the program or course must have been provided according to criteria adopted by the Board by an individual, business, or association approved by the Board. The amendment is also proposed under the Texas Government Code, Chapter 771, The Interagency Cooperation Act.

No other statute, article or code is affected by this proposed amendment.

§365.14.Continuing Education Programs.

(a)

Beginning with the 2000-2001 continuing professional education year (begins on July 1, 2000), the Board will annually develop, produce and distribute a course, including course outline and textbook containing the expanded criteria for the purposes of providing the six hours of continuing professional education as required by §12B of the Act. The Board may contract with a state entity ("course materials supplier") for the development, distribution and production of the course outline and textbook and other course materials by interagency contract. [ Any provider wishing to offer continuing education in plumbing must make application at least 60 days prior to the March Board meeting each year. The 60-day deadline will become effective September 1, 1995. The Board shall approve the providers annually. All providers will submit to the Board a list of instructors and instructors' credentials for Board approval. The Board will approve a course and textbook each year as well as a course outline and establish the required minimum hours. The providers shall meet the certification requirements of the Central Education Agency or be exempted from the Central Education Agency certification requirements under Texas Education Code, Chapter 132, §132.002(a), (Texas Proprietary School Act) or be approved by the United States Department of Labor-Bureau of Apprenticeship Training Schools and/or Programs. No exemptions will be permitted under (7) of the Education Code. ]

(b)

The following minimum criteria listed in paragraphs (1)-(9) of this subsection will be used in the development and production of the course materials by the course materials supplier under the interagency contract.

(1)

The course materials will provide a minimum of six classroom hours of study, three of which will be in the subjects of health protection, energy conservation and water conservation, with the remaining three hours covering subjects which shall include information concerning the Act, Board Rules, current industry practices and codes.

(2)

Course materials will also be prepared, as needed, in correspondence course form to comply with §12B(d) of the Act.

(3)

The course materials supplier will be responsible for obtaining any required legal authority or consent for the publication of contents of course materials and will be responsible for the technical, grammatical and content accuracy of the course materials.

(4)

The textbook will be a printed and bound "soft-back" book using "book quality" paper, printing and binding. The technical specifications for printing and publication of course materials will be stated in the proposal submitted by the state entity.

(5)

The textbook will be provided at a cost of $25 or less to continuing education participants. Within 30 days after the end of the previous continuing professional education year, the course materials supplier will provide the Board with its best detailed estimate of cost of producing the textbook for the following year.

(6)

The course materials supplier will conduct instructor training in the use of course materials.

(7)

Beginning with any course materials developed for use during the 2001-2002 continuing education year, the course materials supplier will, at its cost, utilize the services of a consulting group to coordinate the development of relevant subject matter for course materials. Members of the consulting group will be selected by the course materials supplier and will consist of a licensed Master Plumber, licensed continuing professional education instructor, licensed Plumbing Inspector and four other individuals experienced in the plumbing field, all of whom shall be subject to approval by the Board.

(8)

All course materials will be submitted to the Board for its approval no later than its May meeting, unless an extension is requested at or before the May Board meeting and granted by the Board.

(9)

The course materials supplier will be required to have distribution facilities which will ensure prompt distribution of course materials (shipment within two business days of receipt of an order), facsimile ordering and a statewide toll free telephone number for placing orders.

(c)

Any proposal by a state entity to provide course materials under an interagency contract shall be submitted to the Board for its consideration no later than its September meeting or at such other time as may be approved by the Board.

(d)

All course providers shall annually submit to the Board a list of instructors and instructors' credentials for Board approval. All course providers of continuing professional education shall be approved annually by the Board and shall meet the certification requirements of the Central Education Agency or be exempted from the Central Education Agency certification requirements under Texas Education Code, Chapter 132, §132.002(a), (Texas Proprietary School Act) or be approved by the United States Department of Labor-Bureau of Apprenticeship Training Schools and/or Programs. No other exemptions will be permitted under §132.002(a) (7) of the Education Code.

(e)

[ (b) ] Instructors must be licensees of the Board, successfully complete the instructor certification workshop each year conducted by the Board, and be employed by a course provider approved by the Board. In addition to the requirements in this subsection, instructors of medical gas endorsement continuing education must comply with the requirements in §363.11(a) of this title (relating to Endorsement Training Programs).

(f)

[ (c) ] Instructors will be required to successfully complete a Board approved program of 160 clock hours which meets the following generic criteria. The Board will allow credit for approved courses.

(1)

Forty hours to provide the instructor with the basic educational techniques and instructional strategies necessary to plan and conduct effective training programs.

(2)

Forty hours to provide the instructor with the basic techniques and strategies necessary to analyze, select, develop, and organize instructional material for effective training programs.

(3)

Forty hours to provide the instructor with the basic principles, techniques, theories, and strategies to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, co-workers, and other personnel in the classroom, industry, and community.

(4)

Forty hours to provide the instructor with the basic principles, techniques, theories, and strategies to communicate effectively with the use of instructional media.

(5)

To maintain his/her status as an approved instructor of continuing education, the instructor shall undergo one of the aforementioned training programs every 12 months such that the entire training (160 hours) is complete within four years.

(g)

[ (d) ] Continuing education course providers shall be reviewed annually by the Board to ensure that classes have been provided equitably across the state of Texas.

(h)

[ (e) ] The Board shall review continuing education course providers for quality in instruction. The Board shall also respond to complaints regarding approved course providers.

(i)

[ (f) ] Each approved course provider must notify the Board 30 days before conducting classes; the notice shall contain the time(s) and place(s) where the classes will occur.

(j)

[ (g) ] Each approved course provider will perform self-monitoring and reporting as required by the Board.

(k)

Each course provider shall, in a format approved by the Board, electronically transmit to the Board certification of the students' completion of continuing education requirements within 48 hours of completion.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 19, 1999.

TRD-9904331

Robert L. Maxwell

Chief of Field Services/Investigations

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 29, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 458-2145