TITLE 22.EXAMINING BOARDS

Part 2. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF BARBER EXAMINERS

Chapter 51. PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

Subchapter A. THE BOARD

22 TAC §51.3

The Texas State Board of Barber Examiners proposes new §51.3, concerning Administrative Fines. The new proposal is a result of the 76th Legislative Session, and the passage of Senate Bill 846, to include all rules enforced by the board.

Will K. Brown, Executive Director has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect, there will be an increase in revenue to state government as a result of enforcing or administering this new section. For the assessment of administrative fines, Mr. Brown estimates that there will be 500 violations per year. If the Board collects on 250 of those violations, at an average cost of $308.00 each, a 20% reduction for early payment would be a total of $61,600. The remaining 250 violations refereed to State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH), would generate the full amount of $77,000. There will be fiscal implications for the state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule in the amount of $138,600.

Mr. Brown also has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the rules are in effect public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be to ensure that schools, licensees, and permit holders comply with the requirements of the rules of the board. There are anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rules as adopted.

Comments on the proposed new rule may be submitted to Will K. Brown, Executive Director, State Board of Barber Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-110, Austin, Texas 78701 no later than 30 days from the date that the proposed action is published in the Texas Register .

The new rule is proposed under former Texas Barber Law, Texas Civil Statutes, Article 8407a, Section 24A-M, (repealed) now recodified by House Bill 3155 as Chapter 1601.155 OCCUPATIONS CODE (1999), which provides the board with the authority to impose administrative penalties to protect the public's health and safety.

Texas Civil Statutes, Article 8407a (repealed) now recodified as Chapter 1601 OCCUPATIONS CODE (1999), is effected by this proposed new rule.

§51.3.Administrative Fines.

(a)

Civil penalties will be assessed according to a schedule of administrative fines set up by the board. It is the desire of the board to be both consistent and equitable and to consider and evaluate each case on an individual basis. The actual civil penalty which the board assesses shall be based on the board's consideration of the factors in the LAW GOVERNING THE PRACTICE OF BARBERING, but the fine for any one violation or rule adopted under the LAW GOVERNING THE PRACTICE OF BARBERING shall not exceed $1,000.

(b)

Fine Schedule:

Figure: 22 TAC §51.3(b)

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 February 22, 2000.

TRD-200001298

Will K. Brown

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Barber Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 9, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8475


Part 21. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF PSYCHOLOGISTS

Chapter 461. GENERAL RULINGS

22 TAC §461.15

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists proposes an amendment to §461.15, concerning Compliance with Act, Rules, Board Directives and Orders. The amendment is being proposed in order to ensure that licensees comply with the requirements and rules of the Board by clarifying which services will be deemed exempt in accordance with §501.004 of the Psychologists' Licensing Act.

Sherry L. Lee, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Ms. Lee also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be to makes the rules easier for licensees and the general public to follow and understand. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Janice C. Alvarez, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-450, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 305-7700.

The amendment is proposed under Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 501, which provides the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

The proposed amendment does not affect other statutes, articles, or codes.

§461.15.Compliance with Act, Rules, Board Directives and Orders.

(a)

Licensees[ , including those in an exempt setting, ] must comply with the Act, Rules, Board Directives and Board Orders and must cooperate with Board investigations .

(b)

The activities and services of licensees who work in the exempt setting set forth in §501.004(a)(1) of the Act are exempt from the Act and the rules provided that the activities and services are the duties that they perform as employees of a government agency or a regionally accredited institution of higher education and the duties are provided within the confines of the agency or institution with which they are employed. Other requirements of licensure set by the Act and rules must be adhered to by licensees in these exempt settings.

(c)

Under §501.004(a)(2) of the Act, a student, intern or resident in psychology is exempt from the Act and Rules if the conditions set forth in §501.004(a)(2)(A)-(C) of the Act are met. However, a student, intern, or resident in psychology who wishes to obtain licensure with this Board must provide services in accordance with the applicable rules regarding internship and/or experience requirements for application for each type of licensure.

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 February 22, 2000.

TRD-200001333

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 9, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7700


Chapter 463. APPLICATIONS AND EXAMINATIONS

22 TAC §463.9

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists proposes an amendment to §463.9 concerning Licensed Specialist in School Psychology. The amendment is being proposed in order to reflect the time parameters and formal requirements necessary for completing an internship for licensure as a specialist in school psychology and to reflect the correct citation reference in accordance with the recodification of the Psychologists' Licensing Act in the Occupations Code.

Sherry L. Lee, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Ms. Lee also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be to make the rules easier for licensees and the general public to follow and understand. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Janice C. Alvarez, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-450, Austin, TX 78701, (512) 305-7700.

The amendment is proposed under Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 501, which provides the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

The proposed amendment does not affect other statutes, articles, or codes.

§463.9.Licensed Specialist in School Psychology.

(a) - (b)

(No change.)

(c)

Completion of internship [ or experience ]. Applicants must have completed a minimum of 1200 hours, of which 600 must be in a public school. For applicants whose internships begin on or after July 1, 2001, a formal internship or other site-based training must be provided through a formal course of supervised study from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in which the applicant was enrolled or be obtained in accordance with §463.11(c)(1) and (c)(2)(C) of this title (relating to Licensed Psychologist). For applicants whose internships begin before this date, either a formal internship or experience may be obtained to comply with this internship rule. The internship [ or experience ] in the public school must be supervised by an individual qualified in accordance with §465.38 of this title (relating to Psychological Services in the Schools). Internship [ or experience ] which is not obtained in a public school must be supervised by a licensed psychologist. No experience with a supervisor who is related within the second degree of affinity or within the second degree by consanguinity to the person, or is under Board disciplinary order, may be considered for specialist in school psychology licensure. Internships may not involve more than two sites (a school district is considered one site) and may be obtained in not less than one or more than two [ three ] academic years. These individuals must be designated as interns. Direct, systematic supervision must involve a minimum of one face- to-face contact hour per week or two consecutive face-to-face contact hours once every two weeks with the intern. The internship must include direct intern application of assessment, intervention, behavior management, and consultation, for children representing a range of ages, populations and needs.

(d)

Additional Requirements. In addition to the requirements of subsection (a) through (c) of this section, applicants for licensure as a specialist in school psychology must meet the requirements imposed under §501.255(a)(2)-(a)(9) [ §11(d) ] of the Psychologists' Licensing Act.

(e) - (f)

(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 February 22, 2000.

TRD-200001334

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 9, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7700


Chapter 469. COMPLAINTS AND ENFORCEMENT

22 TAC §469.8

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists proposes new §469.8, concerning Rehabilitation Guidelines. The new rule is being proposed in order to reorganize and clarify the rules of the Board.

Sherry L. Lee, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the section is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Ms. Lee also has determined that for each year of the first five years the section is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be to make the rule easier for licensees and the general public to follow and understand. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the section as proposed.

Comments on the proposals may be submitted to Janice C. Alvarez, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-450, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 305-7700.

The new rule is proposed under Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 501, which provides the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

The proposed new rule does not affect other statutes, articles, or codes.

§469.8.Rehabilitation Guidelines.

(a)

In the event of revocation or suspension of a license due to non-compliance with the rules of the Board and/or its ethical principles, the Board, in its discretion, may implement a plan of rehabilitation. The plan shall outline the steps the person must follow in order to be considered for relicensure or removal of suspension. Completion of the plan may lead to consideration of submission of an application for relicensure; removal of suspension; removal of supervision requirements. In the event the licensee has not met the Board's criteria for rehabilitation, the plan may be revised, expanded, and/or continued depending upon the progress of the rehabilitation program.

(b)

The Board may follow one or more options in devising a rehabilitation program:

(1)

The individual may be supervised in all or selected areas of activities related to his/her practice as a licensee by a licensed psychologist approved by the Board for a specified length of time.

(A)

The Board will specify the focus of the supervision.

(B)

The Board will specify the number of hours per week required in a face-to-face supervisory contract.

(C)

The supervisor will provide periodic and timely reports to the Board concerning the progress of the supervisee.

(D)

Any fees for supervision time will be the responsibility of the supervisee.

(E)

The supervisor is acting as a 'friend' of the Board. Judgements of the supervisor are to be made independently and without reference to Board opinions.

(2)

The individual may be expected to successfully complete a variety of appropriate educational programs. Appropriate educational formats may include but are not limited to workshops, seminars, courses in regionally accredited universities, or organized pre- or post-doctoral internship settings. Workshops or seminars which are not held in a setting of academic review (approved continuing education) need prior approval of the Board. Any course of study must be approved by the Board prior to enrollment if it is to meet the criteria of a rehabilitation plan.

(3)

The Board may require of the individual:

(A)

psychodiagnostic evaluations by a psychologist approved by the Board;

(B)

a physical examination including alcohol and drug screening by a physician approved by the Board;

(C)

psychotherapy on a regular basis from a psychologist approved by the Board;

(D)

any other requirement that seems appropriate to the individual case.

(4)

The Board may require the individual to:

(A)

take or retake and pass the appropriate professional examination;

(B)

take or retake and pass the Jurisprudence Examination;

(C)

take or retake and pass the Oral Examination;

(D)

complete any other requirement that seems appropriate to the individual case.

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 February 22, 2000.

TRD-200001335

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 9, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7700


Chapter 470. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE

22 TAC §470.8

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists proposes an amendment to §470.8, concerning Informal Disposition of Complaints and Applications Disputes. The amendment is being proposed in order to reflect the correct citation reference in accordance with the recodification of the Psychologists' Licensing Act in the Occupations Code.

Sherry L. Lee, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Ms. Lee also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be to make the rules easier for the general public and licensees to follow and understand. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Janice C. Alvarez, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-450, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 305-7700.

The amendment is proposed under Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 501, which provides the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

The proposed amendment does not affect other statutes, articles, or codes.

§470.8. Informal Disposition of Complaints and Applications Disputes.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

Applications Disputes.

(1)

After an appeal has been properly requested in accordance with §463.30 of this title (relating to Time Period for Appealing a Decision) , the matter shall be referred to the Applications Dispute Committee. The applicant shall be offered an opportunity to attend an informal conference and show compliance with all Board licensing requirements, in accordance with §2001.054 of the Administrative Procedure Act.

(2)-(5)

(No change.)

(c)

Confidentiality of Informal Settlement Conferences. The Panel may take any and all steps necessary to ensure the confidentiality of the informal settlement conference in accordance with §501.205 [ §25A ] of the Act.

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 February 22, 2000.

TRD-200001336

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 9, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7700


22 TAC §470.21

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists proposes an amendment to §470.21, concerning Disciplinary Guidelines. The amendment is being proposed in order to reflect the correct citation reference in accordance with the recodification of the Psychologists' Licensing Act in the Occupations Code.

Sherry L. Lee, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Ms. Lee also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be to make the rules easier for the general public and licensees to follow and understand. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Janice C. Alvarez, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-450, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 305-7700.

The amendment is proposed under Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 501, which provides the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

The proposed amendment does not affect other statutes, articles, or codes.

§470.21. Disciplinary Guidelines.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

Limitations. This rule will be construed and applied so as to preserve Board members' discretion in the imposition of sanctions and remedial matters pursuant to Psychologists' Licensing Act, Subchapters I and K [ §23 ]. This rule shall be further construed and applied so as to be consistent with the entire Psychologists' Licensing Act and shall be limited to the extent as otherwise proscribed by state law and Board rule.

(c)-(h)

(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 February 22, 2000.

TRD-200001337

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 9, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7700


Part 24. TEXAS BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICAL EXAMINERS

Chapter 571. LICENSING

Subchapter A. EXAMINATIONS

22 TAC §571.18

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners proposes amendments to §571.18 concerning provisional Licensure. The amendments require evidence of a passing score on the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) in order to receive a provisional license and require that the applicant for a provisional license provide to the Board a report from the NAVLE's official reporting service verifying that an applicant has passed the examination.

Mr. Ron Allen, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the section is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section.

Mr. Allen also has determined that for the first five-years the section is in effect that the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be an increased public awareness of the procedures necessary to obtain a provisional license to practice veterinary medicine in Texas.

There will be no effect on small businesses. There will be no anticipated economic cost to person required to comply with the section as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted in writing to Judy Huppert, Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-330, Austin, Texas 78701-3998, phone: (512) 305-7555, and must be received by May 1, 2000.

The amendment is proposed under the authority of the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, §801.151(a) which states: "The board may adopt rules as necessary to administer this chapter. "

The amendment affects the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, §801.257 which relates to provisional licenses.

§571.18. Provisional Licensure.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

The Board many grant a provisional license containing specific practice restrictions to a person who meets the following criteria:

(1)

proof of a current license in good standing in another state, or jurisdiction of the United States that has licensing requirements that are substantially equivalent to the requirements of the Veterinary Licensing Act[ . ] , Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 801.

(2)

proof of receipt of a [ minimum ] passing score [ of 75% ] on the national examination or NAVLE. [ National Board Examination (NBE) and the Clinical Competency Test (CCT) ]

(3)

(No change.)

(4)

passing score on the state board [ Texas ] jurisprudence examination.

(5)-(7)

(No change.)

(c)

(No change.)

(d)

An applicant for provisional license must submit an application form designated by the Board, together with all required supporting documentation including but not limited to:

(1)-(3)

(No change.)

(4)

a certified report from the official reporting service [ Interstate Reporting Service ] verifying that the applicant passed the national examination or the NAVLE [ NBE and CCT ].

(5)

(No change.)

(6)

an application fee in an amount set by the Board and contained in §577.15 of these rules [ this title ] (relating to Fee Schedule).

(e)

The state board jurisprudence examination will be conducted on request at the earliest time practical for the Board.

(f)-(g)

(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 February 24, 2000.

TRD-200001399

Judy C. Smith

Executive Director

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Proposed date of adoption: June 8, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7555


Subchapter C. LICENSE RENEWALS

22 TAC §571.54

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners proposes amendments to §571.54, concerning Retired License Status. The amendment changes the conditions for reinstating a retired license by requiring, at the discretion of the Board, the petitioner to take and pass the North American Veterinary Licensing examination (NAVLE) prior to applying for and passing the Texas State Board Licensing Examination.

Mr. Ron Allen, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the section is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section.

Mr. Allen also has determined that for the first five-years the section is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be to better inform retired licensees of the requirements for reinstating their license. There will be no on small businesses. There will be no additional anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the section as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted in writing to Judy Huppert, Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-330, Austin, Texas 78701-3998, phone: (512) 305-7555, and must be received by May 1, 2000.

The amendment is proposed under the authority of the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, §801.151 which states that the Board may adopt rules as necessary to administer this Chapter.

The amendment affects the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, §801.251 which requires a person who practices veterinary medicine to possess a license to do so.

§571.54. Retired Licensee Status.

The Board views retirement as the conclusion of a career in veterinary medicine. Therefore, if a person's license has been permanently and totally retired for longer than one year, the license may be reinstated by:

(1)

petitioning the board in writing for reinstatement, and completing an Examination for Reinstatement application with supporting documentation and fee(s);

(2)

submitting to reexamination and complying with the requirements and procedures for obtaining an original license. At the discretion of the board, the petitioner may be required by take and pass the NAVLE [ National Board Test and/or Clinical Competency Test either ] prior to applying for and taking the SBE. [ State Licensing Examination or in conjunction with the State exam .]

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on February 24, 2000.

TRD-200001400

Judy C. Smith

Executive Director

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Proposed date of adoption: June 8, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7555


Chapter 573. RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Subchapter G. OTHERS PROVISIONS

22 TAC §573.73

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners proposes a new §573.73, concerning Management Services Organizations. This new section addresses these organizations' involvement in veterinary clinics and establishes permitted and prohibited practices.

Mr. Ron Allen, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the section is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section.

Mr. Allen also has determined that for the first five-years the section is in effect that the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be to ensure that there is no intervention in the practice of veterinary medicine by non-licensed personnel. There will be no effect on small businesses. There will be no anticipated economic cost to person required to comply with the section as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted in writing to Judy Huppert, Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-330, Austin, Texas 78701-3998, phone: (512) 305-7555, and must be received by May 1, 2000.

The new rule is proposed under the authority of the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, §801.151 which states that the Board may adopt rules as necessary to administer this Chapter.

The new rule affects the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 801, §801.352.

§573.73. Management Services Organizations In Veterinary Practice.

(a)

Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this section, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1)

Control-the ability to order or dictate the delivery or the manner of delivery of any services or tasks. Consulting with another person regarding a service or task, or assisting in the performance of a service or task, does not constitute control.

(2)

Intervene-directly altering the practice of veterinary medicine. Recommending or providing a service or supply or performing management services under this section does not constitute intervention.

(3)

Management services-those services relating to the operation of a veterinary practice exclusive of the practice of veterinary medicine.

(4)

Management services organization-a person or entity that provides management services.

(5)

Veterinary medical personnel-persons under the direct or general supervision, as defined by the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, §801.002, of a veterinarian who perform duties directly related to the practice of veterinary medicine,

(b)

Management Services Contracts. A veterinarian or group of veterinarians, whether or not incorporated, may contract with a management services organization to provide management services.

(c)

Prohibited Practices. A management services organization shall not control or intervene in a veterinarian's practice of veterinary medicine. Prohibited activities by a management services organization, whether or not authorized by contract, include but are not limited to:

(1)

employing a veterinarian to practice veterinary medicine;

(2)

determining the compensation of a veterinarian for the practice of veterinary medicine;

(3)

controlling or intervening in a veterinarian's diagnosis, treatment, correction, change, manipulation, relief, or prevention of animal disease, deformity, defect, injury or other physical condition, including the prescription or administration of a drug, biologic, anesthetic, apparatus, or other therapeutic or diagnostic substance or technique;

(4)

controlling or intervening in a veterinarian's selection or use of type or quality of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to be used in the practice of veterinary medicine;

(5)

determining the amount of time a veterinarian may spend with a patient;

(6)

owning drugs, unless the drugs are owned in compliance with applicable Texas or federal law;

(7)

owning and controlling the records of patients of the veterinarian; or

(8)

determining the fees to be charged by the veterinarian for the veterinarian's practice of veterinary medicine.

(d)

Veterinarians, and entities in which veterinarians are the sole owner, shareholders or partners, are not prohibited from performing the activities set out in subsection (c) of this section.

(e)

Permitted Management Services. Permitted activities by a management services organization include but are not limited to:

(1)

providing by lease, ownership or other arrangement:

(A)

the facility used by the veterinarian in the practice of veterinary medicine;

(B)

the medical equipment, instruments and supplies used by the veterinarian in the practice of veterinary medicine; and

(C)

the business, office and similar non-medical equipment used by the veterinarian.

(2)

providing for the repair, maintenance, renovation, replacement or otherwise of any facility or equipment used by the veterinarian in the practice of veterinary medicine;

(3)

providing accounting, financial, payroll, bookkeeping, budget, investment, tax compliance and similar financial services to the veterinarian;

(4)

providing information and information systems and services for the veterinarian so long as any patient records in these systems are clearly owned and freely accessed by the veterinarian;

(5)

providing the services of billing and collection of the veterinarian's fees and charges;

(6)

arranging for the collection or sale of the veterinarian's accounts receivable;

(7)

providing advertising, marketing and public relations services in compliance with §§573.30 - 573.37 of these rules pertaining to the practice of veterinary medicine;

(8)

providing contract negotiation, drafting and similar services for the veterinarian;

(9)

providing receptionist, scheduling, messaging and similar coordination services for the veterinarian;

(10)

obtaining all licenses and permits necessary to operate a practice of veterinary medicine that may be obtained by a non-veterinarian, and assisting veterinarians in obtaining licenses and permits necessary to operate a practice of veterinary medicine that may be obtained only by a veterinarian, provided that the Executive Director of the Board approves the method of payment for veterinary license renewals paid by the management services organization;

(11)

assisting in the recruiting, continuing education, training and legal and logistical peer review services for the veterinarian;

(12)

providing insurance, purchasing and claims services for the veterinarian, and including the veterinarian on the same insurance policies and benefit plans as the management services organization;

(13)

providing consulting, business and financial planning and business practice and other advice;

(14)

establishing the price to be charged to the veterinary client for the goods and supplies provided or managed by the management services organizations;

(15)

employing and controlling persons who:

(A)

perform management services; or

(B)

are veterinarians employed by a management services organization to perform management services but not the practice of veterinary medicine; or

(C)

perform management, administrative, clerical, receptionist, secretarial, bookkeeping, accounting, payroll, billing, collection, boarding, cleaning and other functions; or

(16)

employing veterinary medical personnel, if a veterinarian who is in charge of veterinary medicine for the veterinary clinic at which the veterinary medical personnel work:

(A)

has the right to control the procedures and duties of the veterinary medical personnel;

(B)

has the right to evaluate the medically-related job performance of the veterinary medical personnel; and

(C)

may request for good cause, as provided in the management services contract, that the management services organization remove or replace veterinary medical personnel assisting a veterinarian, unless the removal is contrary to law, regulation, or legal requirement.

(f)

Transition Period. Veterinarians and management services organizations shall have six (6) months from the date of final adoption of this section to fully comply with its terms.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on February 24, 2000.

TRD-200001403

Judy C. Smith

Executive Director

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Proposed date of adoption: June 8, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7555


Chapter 577. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

Subchapter B. STAFF AND MISCELLANEOUS

22 TAC §577.15

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners proposes amendments to §577.15, concerning Fee Schedule. The amendments eliminate (in Figure 1: 22 TAC §577.15) the current national examination fees because of the implementation of the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). The amendments also add an application processing fee (in Figure 1: 22 TAC §577.15) to cover the costs of processing applications for licensure examinations.

Mr. Ron Allen, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the section is in effect there will be fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section. Because an application processing fee will be collected beginning July 1, there will be an estimated revenue gain to the State of $7,100 in Fiscal Year 2000. In subsequent years, revenue losses will be offset by cost savings and the collection of the application processing fee; therefore, no fiscal implication is projected.

Mr. Allen also has determined that for the first five-years the section is in effect that the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be to apprise applicants of current fee structures required for licensing examinations. There will be no effect on small businesses. There will be no significant anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the section as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted in writing to Judy Huppert, Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-330, Austin, Texas 78701-3998, phone: (512) 305-7555, and must be received by May 1, 2000.

The amendment is proposed under the authority of the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 801, §801.154 which states that the Board by rule shall set fees in amounts that are reasonable and necessary so that the fees, in the aggregate cover, the costs of administering this chapter.

The amendment affects the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, §801.154 which pertains to fees.

§577.15. Fee Schedule.

The following fees are adopted by the Board: [ The Board shall establish fee amounts in accordance with §19(a), (b), and (c) of the Veterinary Licensing Act, art. 8890. ]

Figure 1: 22 TAC §577.15

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 February 24, 2000.

TRD-200001402

Rona Allen

Executive Director

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Proposed date of adoption: June 8, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7555