TITLE 22.EXAMINING BOARDS

Part 1. TEXAS BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL EXAMINERS

Chapter 1. ARCHITECTS

Subchapter F. ARCHITECT'S SEAL

22 TAC §§1.101 - 1.104

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published.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

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners proposes the repeal of §§1.101 - 1.104 concerning the architect's seal. These sections set forth the requirements and restrictions for using the seal and the design of the seal itself. The sections are being repealed so that new versions may be proposed.

Cathy L. Hendricks, Executive Director, Texas Board of Architectural Examiners, has determined that for the first five years the repeal of the sections as proposed is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications as a result of enforcing or administering the sections because new versions of these sections will be proposed.

Ms. Hendricks has also determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are repealed, as proposed, the public benefits anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections as proposed will not change because new versions of these sections will be proposed.

The agency anticipates that there will be no effect on small business. The economic cost to persons who are affected by the repeal of the sections as proposed will not change because new version of these section will be proposed.

Comments may be submitted to Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA, Executive Director, Texas Board of Architectural Examiners, P.O. Box 12337, Austin, TX 78711-2337.

The repeal of these sections is proposed pursuant to §3 and §5(c) of Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and take action to enforce them.

The proposed repeal of these sections will not affect any other statutes.

§1.101. Seal Required.

§1.102. Type and Design

§1.103. Required Use.

§1.104 Statement of Certification.

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 March 13, 2000.

TRD-200001875

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Proposed date of adoption: May 18, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8535


Chapter 3. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

Subchapter F. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT SEAL

22 TAC §§3.101 - 3.106

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

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners proposes the repeal of §§3.101 - 3.106 concerning the landscape architect's seal.

These sections set forth the requirements and restrictions for using the seal and the design of the seal itself. The sections are being repealed so that new versions may be proposed.

Cathy L. Hendricks, Executive Director, Texas Board of Architectural Examiners, has determined that for the first five years the repeal of the sections as proposed is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications as a result of enforcing or administering the sections because new versions of these sections will be proposed.

Ms. Hendricks has also determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are repealed, as proposed, the public benefits anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections as proposed will not change because new versions of these sections will be proposed.

The agency anticipates that there will be no effect on small business. The economic cost to persons who are affected by the repeal of the sections as proposed will not change because new version of these section will be proposed.

Comments may be submitted to Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA, Executive Director, Texas Board of Architectural Examiners, P.O. Box 12337, Austin, TX 78711-2337.

The repeal of these sections is proposed pursuant to §4 and §8(c) of Article 249c, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and take action to enforce them.

The proposed repeal of these sections will not affect any other statutes.

§3.101.Seal Required.

§3.102 Type and Design

§3.103. Authorized Use.

§3.104. Required Use.

§3.105. Prohibited Use.

§3.106. Statement of Certification.

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 March 13, 2000.

TRD-200001876

Cathy Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Proposed date of adoption: May 18, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8535


Chapter 5. INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Subchapter B. REGISTRATION

22 TAC §5.31

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

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners proposes the repeal of §5.31 concerning the eligibility requirements for interior designer registration.

This section sets forth the requirements for registering without taking the examination and for registering by taking the examination, and sets forth how education and experience credits will be evaluated. The section is being repealed so that a new version may be proposed.

Cathy L. Hendricks, Executive Director, Texas Board of Architectural Examiners, has determined that for the first five years the repeal of the section as proposed is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications as a result of enforcing or administering the section because a new version of this section will be proposed.

Ms. Hendricks has also determined that for each year of the first five years the section is repealed, the public benefits anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will not change because a new version of this section will be proposed.

The agency anticipates that there will be no effect on small business. The economic cost to persons who are affected by the repeal of the section will not change because a new version of this section will be proposed.

Comments may be submitted to Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA, Executive Director, Texas Board of Architectural Examiners, P.O. Box 12337, Austin, TX 78711-2337.

The repeal of this section is proposed pursuant to §5 and §17 of Article 249e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and take action to enforce them.

The proposed repeal of this section will not affect any other statutes.

§5.31. Eligibility.

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 March 13, 2000.

TRD-200001877

Cathy Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Proposed date of adoption: May 18, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8535


Subchapter F. INTERIOR DESIGNER'S SEAL

22 TAC §§5.111 - 5.114

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

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners proposes the repeal of §§5.111 - 5.114 concerning the interior designer's seal.

These sections set forth the requirements and restrictions for using the seal and the design of the seal itself. The sections are being repealed so that new versions may be proposed.

Cathy L. Hendricks, Executive Director, Texas Board of Architectural Examiners, has determined that for the first five years the repeal of the sections as proposed is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications as a result of enforcing or administering the sections because new versions of these sections will be proposed.

Ms. Hendricks has also determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are repealed, as proposed, the public benefits anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections as proposed will not change because new versions of these sections will be proposed.

The agency anticipates that there will be no effect on small business. The economic cost to persons who are affected by the repeal of the sections as proposed will not change because new version of these section will be proposed.

Comments may be submitted to Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA, Executive Director, Texas Board of Architectural Examiners, P.O. Box 12337, Austin, TX 78711-2337.

The repeal of these sections is proposed pursuant to §5 and §17 of Article 249e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and take action to enforce them.

The proposed repeal of these sections will not affect any other statutes.

§5.111. Seal Required .

§5.112. Type and Design.

§5.113. Required Use.

§5.114. Statement of Certification.

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 March 13, 2000.

TRD-200001878

Cathy Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Proposed date of adoption: May 18, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8535


Part 19. POLYGRAPH EXAMINERS BOARD

Chapter 391. POLYGRAPH EXAMINER INTERNSHIP

22 TAC §§391.2 - 391.5, 391.8 - 391.10

The Polygraph Examiners Board proposes amendments to §§391.2, 391.3, 391.4, 391.5, 391.8, 391.9 and new §391.10, concerning the Polygraph Examiner Internship. The board has determined that the rule on approved schools is outdated and refers the public to the Board office for current information. A definition to clarify the commencement of the intern licensing period was added.

Frank DiTucci, Executive Officer, Polygraph Examiners Board, has determined that the amendments and new section will not result in any fiscal implications to the state or to units of local government for the first five year period.

Mr. DiTucci also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules will be clarification of the internship licensing process. There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed.

Comments on the amendments and new rule will be taken until April 24, 2000 and may be submitted to: Frank DiTucci, Executive Officer, Polygraph Examiners Board, P.O. Box 4087, Austin, Texas 78773-0001.

The amendments and new section are proposed under the Polygraph Examiners Act, Article 4413 (29cc), §6, which provides the board with the authority to prescribe, adopt, and enforce rules relating to the administration and enforcement of the provisions of the Polygraph Examiners Act, Article 4413 (29cc).

The amendments and new section implement the Polygraph Examiners Act, Article 4413 (29cc).

§391.2. Procedure and Qualifications.

The procedure and qualifications for obtaining an internship permit shall be as follows.

(1)

Qualifications. A person is qualified to receive an internship permit:

(A) - (C)

(No change.)

(D)

For current and former Governmental Polygraph Examiners see §391.10 of this title (relating to Procedures and Qualifications of Current and Former Governmental Polygraph Examiners).

(2)

(No change.)

§391.3. Internship Training Schedule.

The following internship schedule has been approved and adopted by the board as a minimum type and number of hours of any internship training program to be utilized in course of supervised instruction [ of not less than 32 hours per week ]:

(1) - (2)

(No change.)

(3)

Physiology -- 24 [ 50 ] hours.

(A) - (D)

(No change.)

(4)

Psychology -- 24 [ 50 ] hours.

(A) - (C)

(No change.)

(5)

Interrogation and interviews -- 100 hours.

(A) - (B)

(No change.)

(C)

Post-test interview [ interrogation ].

(6)

Chart interpretation -- 120 [ 110 ] hours.

(A) - (B)

(No change.)

(C)

Test results: No Deception Indicated, Deception Indicated, Inconclusive or No Opinion.

(7)

Question formulation and test construction -- 120 [ 140 ] hours.

(A) - (C)

(No change.)

(8)

(No change.)

(9)

Summary and general review - 10 hours .

(10)

Supervised testing and interviewing -- minimum of 30 [ 50 ] tests.

(11)

Counseling and critique as required in opinion of sponsor .

[ (12)

Suggested reference material from which the necessary information may be obtained is as follows. Other material is available from which such information may be obtained as the following list is not intended to be an exclusive list of references.]

[ (A)

Abnormal Psychology and Modern Life, 6th edition, Coleman.]

[ (B)

Anatomy and Physiology, Volumes 1 and 2, Steen and Montagu, A Barnes and Noble Outline.]

[ (C)

Cates Primary Anatomy, 7th edition, J.V. Basmajian.]

[ (D)

Criminal Interrogation and Confessions, 2nd edition, Inbau and Reid.]

[ (E)

Dorland Pocket Medical Dictionary, current edition, W.B. Saunders.]

[ (F)

Fundamentals of Physiology, Elbert Tokay, Barnes and Noble Everyday Handbook.]

[ (G)

In Defense of the I/R Polygraph Test, Raymond Weir, Journal APA.]

[ (H)

Some Principles of Question Selection and Sequencing of R/I Testing, Raymond Weir, Journal APA.]

[ (I)

State of Texas Polygraph Examiners Act.]

[ (J)

Stoelting, Keeler, or any other polygraph operational manuals.]

[ (K)

Textbook of Physiology, 17th edition, Schottelius and Schottelius.]

[ (L)

The Polygraph in Court, BHF Printing, P.O. Box 83, Auburndale, Massachusetts 02166.]

[ (M)

The Polygraph Profession, APA 1980, Ansley and Abrams.]

[ (N)

The Psychological Basis of the Polygraph Technique, Dr. Stanley Abrams.]

[ (O)

Truth and Deception, 2nd edition, Reid and Inbau.]

[ (P)

Truth and Science, APA, Ansley and Horvath (a bibliography).]

(12)

[ (13) ] A list of approved polygraph schools shall be maintained in the Board office and will be made available upon request. Those board approved polygraph schools the board normally provides a list of current reference material and that information will be made available to sponsor and interns upon request.

(13)

[ (14) ] The board may request and require inspection and review of the internship program of any licensed examiner or internee at any time to ascertain compliance with the program approved by the board.

(14)

[ (15) ] Each sponsoring polygraph examiner shall submit to the board progress reports every 60 days from the date of board approval of the internship on each intern on forms furnished by the board. To serve as a sponsor for an intern polygraph examiner, a Texas licensed polygraph examiner must have held an original Texas polygraph license continuously for at least two years immediately preceding the application and completed a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education in the two years immediately proceeding the sponsorship. Documentation of this continuing education must be on file with the board office prior to approval of the examiner as a sponsor .

(15)

[ (16) ] No licensed examiner shall have more than two interns under his sponsorship at any one time.

(16)

[ (17) An intern is qualified to participate in the licensing examination ] The Secretary of the board may approve an intern applicant who meets the qualifications set forth in §391.2 of this title (relating to Procedure and Qualifications) and :

(A)

who is a graduate of a polygraph examiners course approved by the board and has completed not less than six months of internship training; or

(B)

who is not a graduate of an approved polygraph examiners course and has completed not less than 12 months of internship training; and

(C)

the Executive Officer may approve an intern applicant who meets the qualifications set forth in §391.2 of this title (relating to Procedure and Qualifications).

(17)

[ (18) ] The intern licensing period shall begin:

(A)

on the date of the first class day, of a Board approved polygraph basic school and continue as long as the intern maintains a passing grade in that class provided the intern has, prior to the commencement of the school, completed all of the requirements for the intern license;

(B)

if the school has begun and the applicant has not completed all of the requirements for licensure, the internship shall begin on the date the applicant is approved for the intern license; or

(C)

if the applicant is not a graduate of an approved polygraph examiners course but intends to complete not less than 12 months of internship training; the internship shall begin on the date the applicant is approved for the intern license by the board .

§391.4. State Examinations for Polygraph Examiner License.

State examinations for polygraph examiner license shall conform with the following.

(1) - (2)

(No change.)

(3)

Examinations shall be held at quarterly board meetings [ intervals of three months ], the dates, locations, and times being designated by the board.

(4)

Examinations shall consist of and include questions relating to those topics set forth in the internship training schedule and a presentation of actual polygraph examinations conducted by the applicant during their internship training for board evaluation .

(5)

[ If a majority of the board members give an intern passing grades on the original licensing examination, he shall pass. If there is not a majority giving passing grades, the ] The grades given by all grading members on the licensing examinations will be totaled and averaged and a grade of 70% must be obtained in order to pass.

(6)

Failure to pass any [ one ] portion of the examination shall require such person to retake that portion failed [ , but not that portion passed ]. No polygraph examiner's license shall be issued until the intern has passed all [ portions and ] phases of the examination.

(7)

Persons failing [ such examination or ] any phase(s) [ portion ] thereof may retake the phase(s) [ such examination or portions thereof ] at the next scheduled examination date, provided that such person is qualified to retake the phase(s) [ such examination or any portion thereof ] under the law or as set forth herein under the rules and regulations pertaining to interns. Provided further that if any person taking and failing any phase of such examination [ or any portion thereof ] for the third time, such person shall not be eligible to take another examination [ or any portion thereof ] until the expiration of 12 months from the date of the last examination, providing such person is otherwise qualified to take such examination by law and under the applicable regulations.

(8)

When an intern fails the original licensing examination, or any phase [ portion ] thereof, the intern shall not be permitted to engage in any [ phase of the ] actual polygraph [ polygraphic ] testing until such time as the intern and the sponsor have reviewed the failing examination with a member of the board or a member of the board's staff at the discretion of the board chairman. The time, date, and place of the review will be designated by the board or its staff. The sponsor shall furnish the Chairperson or their designated representative [ board ] with a written affidavit stating what corrective action will be taken or an oral discussion of those corrective actions acceptable to the Chairperson .

§391.5. Intern Supervision.

The intern sponsor, or a licensed examiner meeting the requirements to be a sponsor, is required to review all examinations conducted by an intern examiner under his/her supervision on a weekly basis [ be present to supervise while an intern is conducting polygraph examinations ]. The sponsor or other licensed examiner shall carefully review each test the intern conducts for compliance with the Polygraph Examiners Act, accurate chart interpretation and the principles of quality test administration. The sponsor need NOT be present at the time of the examination. The sponsor is not required to review the charts before an opinion is rendered, but the Intern is required to inform the Examinee that the Intern's opinion of the polygraph examination is preliminary until that examination is reviewed by his sponsor [ before the intern renders an opinion, either oral or written ].

§391.8. Applicant With Out-of-State License.

The board will require a holder of an out-of-state polygraph examiners license to have held that [ their ] license for a minimum period of two years before they will be considered for licensing under the Polygraph Examiner's Act, §12.

§391.9. Intern Licensure Requirements for Preceptor Trainees.

(a)

An intern polygraph examiner who is not a graduate of an approved polygraph examiners school may qualify to receive his or her intern polygraph examiner's license when the intern has satisfied the board that he or she is competent to administer polygraph examinations before the issuance of a polygraph intern license, in accordance with the provisions set forth in the Polygraph Examiners Act and the board's rules and regulations. In order to satisfy the board of the intern's competency to administer polygraph examinations, the intern shall:

(1)

complete a total of 344 [ 256 ] hours of supervised instruction and study until a minimum of 60 days of supervised study time has elapsed, which shall include:

(A)

history and development of polygraph 4 hours;

(B)

legal and ethical aspects of polygraph - 20 [ 12 ] hours;

(C) - (D)

(No change.)

(E)

interrogation and interviews - 75 [ 50 ] hours;

(F)

chart interpretation - 75 [ 50 ] hours;

(G)

question formulation and test construction - 100 [ 70 ] hours;

(H)

(No change.)

(2)

(No change.)

(b)

(No change.)

§391.10. Procedures and Qualifications of Current and Former Governmental Polygraph Examiners.

(a)

All provisions of the Polygraph Examiners Act and Chapters 391, 393, 395 and 397 of that Act apply to applicants that are current or former governmental polygraph examiners except as follows:

(1)

In lieu of a six month or twelve month internship program as defined in §8(a)(3) of the Act, an applicant who is serving, or within two years prior to the date the applicant's application was received in the board's office has served, as a polygraph examiner in a governmental agency, may qualify to sit for a licensing examination by providing to the board appropriate documentation showing that the applicant satisfies each of the following conditions:

(A)

That the applicant graduated from a polygraph course that is approved by the board; and

(B)

That the applicant is, or was, authorized by their governmental agency to conduct polygraph examinations for that agency for a period of at least six months or longer; and

(C)

That the applicant participated in a quality control program administered by his/her governmental agency which quality control program reviewed 100% of the applicant's polygraph examinations; and

(D)

That the applicant was not the subject of any action on the part of their governmental agency that removed the applicant's polygraph authorization during the course of the applicant's employment; and

(E)

That the board obtains in writing from the applicant's polygraph program manager that the applicant qualifies under subparagraphs (A)-(D) of this paragraph.

(2)

All other provisions for a current or former governmental polygraph examiner applying for a Texas Polygraph Examiners License shall remain the same as currently stated in the Polygraph Examiners Act and only the definition of the "internship" is hereby modified.

(b)

The provisions of §391.10 are intended to cover the issuance of a Texas Polygraph Examiner's License to a current and/or former governmental polygraph examiner, regardless of their residency, for polygraph testing in the State of Texas only.

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 March 13, 2000.

TRD-200001880

Frank DiTucci

Executive Officer

Polygraph Examiners Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 23, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 424-2058


Chapter 401. GRIEVANCE REVIEW OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION

22 TAC §401.1

The Polygraph Examiners Board proposes an amendment to §401.1, concerning the Grievance Review of Disciplinary Action of Employees. The board has determined that the rule is outdated.

Frank DiTucci, Executive Officer, Polygraph Examiners Board, has determined that the amendment will not result on any fiscal implications to the state or to units of local government for the first five year period.

Mr. DiTucci 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 clarification of the internship licensing process. There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the amendment will be taken until April 24, 2000 and may be submitted to: Frank DiTucci, Executive Officer, Polygraph Examiners Board, P.O. Box 4087, Austin, Texas 78773-0001.

The amendment is proposed under the Polygraph Examiners Act, Article 4413 (29cc), §6, which provides the board with the authority to prescribe, adopt, and enforce rules relating to the administration and enforcement of the provisions of the Polygraph Examiners Act, Article 4413 (29cc).

The amendment implements the Polygraph Examiners Act, Article 4413 (29cc).

§401.1. Grievance Policy.

(a) - (c)

(No change.)

(d)

Grievance Board Hearing Committee Procedures. Employees who qualify for a hearing before the grievance board hearing committee, and desire to exercise this right must submit a written request to the Chairman of the Board [ executive officer ]. This written request must contain the points of contention of the employee, a statement that an attorney will or will not represent the employee, and the names of any agency members or other persons the employee desires to have present for the purpose of presenting evidence or giving testimony.

(1)

The request for a hearing must be received by the Chairman of the Board [ executive officer ] within 10 days from the date that the employee receives [ of the ] formal written notice of disciplinary action. A claim that the written notice of disciplinary action was not received by the employee will not be a defense. When properly appealed, disciplinary action will be stayed pending the grievance board hearing.

[ (2)

When a request has been received from the employee within the specified time limit, the executive officer will confer with the chairman.]

(2)

[ (3) ] Once all preliminary matters have been resolved, proper written notice containing the date, location, and other pertinent information will be furnished to the employee. Included in this notice will be the chairman's selection for the members to serve on the grievance board hearing committee.

(3)

All documents that either party intends to present at the hearing will be furnished to the opposing party no later than 10 days prior to the hearing. Any document not timely produced to the opposing party will not be considered by the committee.

(4) - (6)

(No change.)

(7)

Upon completion of the hearing, the hearing officer will furnish the findings to the Chairman of the Board within 10 days from the conclusion of the hearing. The Chairman of the board will report the findings to the employee within 10 days of the Chairman of the Board's receipt of the findings [ executive officer ].

(8)

(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 March 13, 2000.

TRD-200001881

Frank DiTucci

Executive Officer

Polygraph Examiners Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 23, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 424-2058


Part 24. TEXAS BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICAL EXAMINERS

Chapter 571. LICENSING

Subchapter A. EXAMINATIONS

22 TAC §571.3

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners proposes an amendment to §571.3, concerning Eligibility for Examination and Licensure.

The amendment incorporates changes in the Board's rules to implement the new North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). The amendments establish licensing qualifications and examination eligibility for both the NAVLE and the 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 related to the rule change 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 increase public awareness of the procedures necessary to obtain a license to practice veterinary medicine in Texas. There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to person required to comply with the section as proposed except for a fee required to take the NAVLE.

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 rule as necessary to administer this Chapter.

The amendment affects the Occupations Code, §§801.251 - 801.255 which state the licensing requirements.

§571.3. Eligibility for Examination and Licensure.

(a)

Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meaning:

(1)

Board - the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

(2)

Locally derived scaled score - the equivalent of the criterion referenced passing point for the national examination or the NAVLE.

(3)

National Board Examination Committee for Veterinary Medicine (NBEC) - the organization responsible for producing, administering and scoring the NAVLE.

(4)

National examination - the examination in existence and effective prior to the inauguration date of the NAVLE and which consists of the national board examination (NBE) and the clinical competency test (CCT).

(5)

North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) - the examination which replaces the national examination in the year 2000.

(6)

Passing score - an examination score of at least 75% which for the national examination and NAVLE is based on a locally derived scaled score.

(7)

Testing window - a period of consecutive days of the year specified by NBEC when qualified candidates can sit for the NAVLE.

(8)

Texas State Board Licensing Examination (SBE) - the state examination developed and administered by the Board.

(b)

[ a ] Qualifications of licensees. To be eligible for licensure, an applicant must present satisfactory proof to the Board that the applicant :

(1)

is at least 18 years of age;

(2)

has obtained at least a [ minimum ] passing score [ of 75% ] on:

(A)

the NAVLE if an applicant sits for that examination subsequent to its inauguration date; or

[ (A)

the NBE and the CCT examinations, and]

(B)

the national examination if an applicant sat for that examination prior to the inauguration date of the NAVLE; and

(C)

[ (B) ] the SBE [ Texas State Board Licensing Examination ]; and

(3)

is a graduate of a school or college of veterinary medicine that is approved by the Board and accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Applicants who are [ not ] graduates of a school or college of veterinary medicine not accredited by the AVMA are eligible provided the applicant presents satisfactory proof to the Board that the applicant [ he/she ] is a graduate of a school or college of veterinary medicine and possesses an Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) Certificate issued by the AVMA. The Board may refuse to issue a license to an applicant who meets the qualification criteria but is otherwise disqualified as provided in the Texas Occupations Code, §801.401. [ Section 14 of the Veterinary Licensing Act. ]

(c)

[ b ] Application for regular license and examination.

(1)

The applicant for a regular veterinary license and examination(s) shall make application on the form furnished by the Board.

(2)

The completed application for regular veterinary license and examination(s), including payment of appropriate [ examination ] fees, must be received at the Board Offices no later than :

(A)

45 days prior to the SBE [ date of the ] examination for which the applicant desires to sit ; or [ . ]

(B)

70 days prior to the beginning date of the appropriate NAVLE testing window.

(d)

[ c ] Licensing examination.

(1)

Eligibility.

(A)

An applicant may sit for the NAVLE or the SBE provided that the requirements of subsection (c) have been met and the applicant is a graduate of:

(i)

an approved and accredited veterinary medical school or college, as defined in subsection (b)(3); or

(ii)

a veterinary medical school or college not approved and accredited, as defined in subsection (b)(3), but who has obtained an ECFVG Certificate issued by the AVMA;

(B)

A person must first take and pass the national examination or the NAVLE in order to sit for the SBE.

(2)

[ 1 ] Eligibility Prior to Graduation. An applicant who has not graduated from veterinary medical school [ , ] may sit for examinations provided the following conditions have been complied with:

(A)

To sit for the SBE [ Texas State Board Licensing Examination ], an applicant [ applicants ] must be enrolled in an approved and accredited veterinary medical school or college as defined in subsection (b)(3) [ a ] and must obtain a document from the Dean of the school or college from which the applicant [ he/she ] expects to graduate certifying that the applicant is within 60 days of completion of a veterinary college program and is expected to graduate.

[ (B)

To sit for the National Board Examination (NBE) or the Clinical Competency Test (CCT), an applicant must be enrolled in an approved and accredited veterinary medical school or college as defined in subsection (a) and must obtain a document from the Dean of the school or college from which he/she expects to graduate certifying that the applicant expects to graduate certifying that the applicant is a graduating senior in good academic standing and is expected to graduate.]

(B)

[ (C) ] An applicant enrolled in a joint or combined degree program who has completed the applicant's [ his/her ] veterinary medical education but has not received a diploma or transcript certifying award of the applicant's [ his/her ] DVM degree, must obtain a letter from the Dean of the school or college of veterinary medicine stating the applicant did in fact graduate before the applicant is eligible to sit for the SBE or the NAVLE. [ examination(s). ]

(C)

To sit for the NAVLE, a candidate must, at the time an application is submitted, demonstrate that the candidate is within six months of the expected graduation date falling within the appropriate testing window and comply with all of the NBEC's testing requirements for the NAVLE.

[ (2)

Results of NBE and CCT Examination. An applicant must obtain a minimum passing score of 75% on the NBE and CCT to be eligible to qualify for licensure in Texas. The Board will accept certified scores issued by the Interstate Reporting Division of the Professional Examination Service, or its successor, for the NBE and CCT examinations conducted concurrently with the Texas State Board Licensing Examination. Results of the Texas State Board Licensing Examination will not be released to applicants who fail to pass concurrently administered NBE or CCT examinations. The Board will accept certified scores issued by the Interstate Reporting Division of the Professional Examination Service for the NBE and CCT examinations conducted in another jurisdiction provided the examinations were conducted within five years prior to the date the applicant sits for the Texas State Board Licensing Examination.]

(3)

Results of Examinations. The Board will accept certified scores issued by the:

(A)

Interstate Reporting Service of the Professional Examination Service, or its successor, for the national examination; and

(B)

the official reporting service for the NAVLE; provided that the examinations were conducted within five years prior to the date the applicant sits for the SBE.

(4)

[ (3) ] Score Information. All requests for information on examination scores shall be processed as follows:

(A)

All requests from other state licensing boards for an applicant's raw scores on the national examination [ NBE ] or NAVLE [ CCT ] will be referred to the official reporting service for those examinations [ Interstate Reporting Division of the Professional Examination Service ].

(B)

All requests from other state licensing boards for an applicant's locally derived scale [ converted ] scores on the national examination [ NBE ] or [ and ] NAVLE [ CCT ] will be based upon national data submitted by the official reporting service for those examinations [ Professional Examination Service ].

(C)

Upon written request of an applicant, the Board will certify the score of the SBE [ Texas State Board Licensing Examination ] to another state licensing board. Upon written request of an applicant, the Board will make national examination [ NBE ] or NAVLE [ CCT ] scores available for informational purposes only to another state licensing board but will not certify the [ NBE or CCT ] scores.

(5)

[ (4) ] Release of Examination Grades. The Board will provide examination grades only to an applicant or another state licensing board upon the written request of an applicant.

(6)

[ (5) ] Request for Analysis of Failed Examination. Any applicant who has failed the SBE [ Texas State Board Licensing Examination ] may submit a written request, within 30 days of the release of the examination results, for an analysis of the applicant's [ his/her ] examination. The Board will not provide an analysis to an applicant who has not submitted to the Board proof of graduation from an approved and accredited school or college of veterinary medicine. An applicant who submits proof of graduation from an approved and accredited school or college of veterinary medicine after release of the examination results may request an analysis of the applicant's [ his/her ] examination within 30 days of the date the Board receives proof of graduation. An analysis provided by the Board under this provision will be in writing. The Board will not disclose any actual examination documents or materials.

[ (6)

Reapplication: An applicant for examination who:]

[ (A)

does not appear for examination within one year of the date of his/her application; or]

[ (B)

does not attend either of the two regularly scheduled examinations following the date of his/her application, shall be required to reapply. Reapplication requirements include submission of an application form and payment of the current examination fee prior to admission for examination. An applicant who has previously failed an examination or has been refused a license is required to submit an application form and payment of the current examination fee prior to admission for examination.]

(7)

Appearance for Examinations

(A)

An applicant for the SBE must submit a new application and the current fees prior to admission for examination if the applicant:

(i)

does not appear for the scheduled examination; or (ii) fails to attain a passing score on the scheduled examination.

(B)

A candidate for the NAVLE must take the examination within the test window in which the candidate is authorized for testing.

(i)

A candidate who fails to take the examination within the appropriate test window shall forfeit the candidate's fees.

(ii)

A candidate who desires to take the examination during a subsequent test window must have the candidate's eligibility reconfirmed by the Board and the candidate must pay new fees.

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 March 10, 2000.

TRD-200001823

Ron Allen

Executive Director

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Proposed date of adoption: June 8, 2000

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


Part 25. STRUCTURAL PEST CONTROL BOARD

Chapter 599. TREATMENT STANDARDS

22 TAC §599.4

The Structural Pest Control Board proposes an amendment to §599.4, concerning termite treatment disclosure documents.

The proposal adds blueprint or building plat to the list of disclosure documents that must be given to consumer, defines areas of known termite activity as areas to be treated and adds to the definition of partial treatment or spot treatment using chemical or approved physical barriers or a baiting system. The proposal also establishes a new subsection on baiting systems and defines the type of treatment that is included. The changes to the graphic (SEE Figure: 22 TAC §599.(b)(8)) that accompanies this section includes specifying that the preconstruction treatments are for subterranean termites and clarifies the horizonal and vertical barriers are chemical barriers. The changes also include that prior notification is specific to commercial preconstruction and is not required for single family dwellings, and states that inspections at pretreatment sites for both residential and commercial will be made on a case-by-case basis, as well as renumbering the form to reflect the revisions.

Benny M. Mathis, Executive Director has determined that there will be no fiscal implications as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. There will be no estimated additional cost, estimated reduction in cost or estimated loss or increase in revenue to state or local government for the first five year period the rule will be in effect.

Benny M. Mathis, Executive Director has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule as proposed is in effect, the public benefits as a result of enforcing the rule as proposed will be the clarification of the rule for the benefit of the consumer, the service provider and the public at large, and better application and enforcement for the benefit of the consumer and the public at large. There will be no cost to small businesses who are required to comply with the rule as proposed. There is no anticipated economic cost to individuals who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Frank M. Crull, General Counsel, Structural Pest Control Board, 1106 Clayton Lane #100LW, Austin, Texas 78723.

The amendment is proposed under Texas Revised Civil Statute Annotated, Article 135b-6, which provides the Structural Pest Control Board with the authority to license and regulate the structural pest control industry.

The following is the (statutes, articles or code) that are affected by this rule: §599.3, §599.4, Article 135b-6.

§599.4. Termite Treatment Disclosure Documents.

(a)

As part of each estimate submitted and before conducting an initial termite treatment for a customer, the pest control company proposing the treatment shall present the prospective customer or designee with the disclosure documents statement.

(b)

Each termite treatment disclosure document shall include, but is not limited to:

(1)

a diagram or blueprint or building plat and description of the structure or structures to be treated include the following:

(A)

the address or location;

(B)

approximate measurements as accurately as practical [ possible ];

(C)

areas of known termite activity [ present W.D.I. activity ];

(D)

areas to be treated;

(2)

a label for any pesticide recommended or used;

(3)

the complete details of the warranty provided if any; including:

(A)

if the warranty does not include the entire structure treated, the areas included must be listed;

(B)

the time period of the warranty;

(C)

the renewal options and cost;

(D)

the obligations of the pest control operator to retreat for termite infestations or repair damage caused by termite infestations within the warranty period; and

(E)

conditions that could develop as a result of the owner's action or inaction that would void the warranty.

(4)

the signature of approval on the diagram by a certified applicator or licensed technician in the termite category employed by the company making the proposal.

(5)

the concentration of any liquid termiticide application to be used on the treatment or minimum number of baiting systems to be installed .

(6)

for subterranean termite post construction treatments the following statements and definitions in at least 8-point type: A termite treatment may be a partial treatment or spot treatment using chemical or approved physical barriers or a baiting system. [ , these ] These types of treatments are defined as follows:

(A)

Partial -- This technique allows a wide variety of treatment strategies but is more involved than a spot treatment (see definition below). Ex.: treatment of some or all of the perimeter, bath traps, expansion joints, stress cracks and bait locations.

(B)

Pier and Beam -- Generally defined as the treatment of the outer perimeter including porches, patios and treatment of the attached garage. In the crawl space, treatment would include any soil to structure contacts as well as removal of any wood debris on the ground.

(C)

Slab Construction -- Generally defined as treatment of the perimeter and all known slab penetrations as well as any known expansion joints or stress cracks.

(D)

Spot Treatments -- Any treatment which concerns a limited, defined area less than ten (10) linear or square feet that is intended to protect a specific location or "spot". Often there are adjacent areas susceptible to termite infestation which are not treated.

(E)

Baiting Systems -- This type of treatment may include interior and/or perimeter placement of monitoring of baiting systems along with routine inspection intervals. The baiting technique may include one or more locations as prescribed by the product label and instructions.

(7)

For all termite treatments the following statement in at least 8-point type: For all treatments there will be a diagram showing exactly what will be treated. Treatment specifications and warranties for those treatments may vary widely. Review the pesticide label provided to you for minimum treatment specification. If you have any questions, contact the pest control company [ service provider ] or the Texas Structural Pest Control Board, 1106 Clayton Lane, Suite 100LW, Austin, Texas 78723. Telephone number (512) 451-7200.

(8)

For pre-construction treatments, the Board-approved Termite Pretreatment Disclosure Document (SPCB/D-2) [ (SPCB/D-1) ] must be provided to, and signed by, the contractor or purchaser of the pretreatment service. A signed copy must be kept in the pest control use records of the licensee. Failure to provide this document will result in an administrative penalty of not less than $3000 per violation. The text and format of the termite pre-treatment disclosure document shall be as follows:

Figure: 22 TAC §599.4(b)(8)

[ (9)

Paragraph (5) of this subsection does not apply to termiticide baits.]

(9)

[ (10) ] For drywood termite and related insect treatments the following statements and defintions in at least eight (8) point type: A drywood termite or related insect treatment may be a full treatment or limited treatment. These types of treatments are defined as follows:

(A)

Full Treatment -- Generally defined as a treatment to control 100% of the insect infestation by tarpaulin fumigation or appropriate sealing method. A full treatment by fumigation is designed to eliminate every insect colony, both accessible and inaccessible. It should include the infested structure and all attached structures. Tarpaulin fumigation reaches every part of a structure that may not be reached by other approved methods.

(B)

Limited Treatment -- Any treatment less than full treatment. A treatment which has a limited and defined area that is intended to protect a specific location. Often there are adjacent areas susceptible to drywood termite or related insect infestations which are not treated. Because of the nature of wood destroying insects, these untreated areas may continue to harbor drywood termites and unrelated insects throughout the structure without detection.

(10)

[ (11) ] A consumer information sheet as required by §595.7 of this title (relating to Consumer Information Sheet).

(c)

Before conducting an initial termite treatment for the customer, the pest control company proposing the treatment shall present the prospective customer or designees with a diagram or blueprint or building plat and description of the structure(s) to be treated including the following:

(1)

construction details needed for clarity of the report;

(2)

known wood destroying insect activity [ areas of W.D.I. evidence ];

(3)

areas of conditions conducive to infestation by wood destroying insects [ W.D.I ].; and

(4)

other information about construction relevant to the treatment proposal. [ the type of construction: ]

[ (A)

foundation]

[ (i)

slab;]

[ (ii)

Pier and beam and type of pier;]

[ (iii)

basement; or]

[ (iv)

other (specify);

[ (B)

siding:]

[ (i)

wood]

[ (ii)

brick or stone; or]

[ (iii)

other (specify);]

[ (C)

roof:]

[ (i)

composition;]

[ (ii)

wood shingle;]

[ (iii)

metal; or]

[ (iv)

other]

[ (D)

primary use:]

[ (i)

residence;]

[ (ii)

public building;]

[ (iii)

commercial;]

[ (iv)

industrial; or]

[ (v)

other (specify);]

[ (E)

inaccessible or obstructed areas.]

(d)

For any retreatment of a property for an existing customer, the pest control company shall provide the following before conducting the retreatment:

(1)

the label; if different than that used in the preceding treatment(s);

(2)

a diagram or updated diagram of the structure showing areas to be treated;

(3)

any changes to the warranty information;

(4)

a consumer information sheet as required by §595.7 of this title.

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 March 1, 2000.

TRD-200001582

Benny M. Mathis, Jr.

Executive Director

Structural Pest Control Board

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 23, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 451-7200