TITLE 22.EXAMINING BOARDS

Part 5. STATE BOARD OF DENTAL EXAMINERS

Chapter 101. DENTAL LICENSURE

22 TAC §101.7

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §101.7, Licensure by Credentials in conjunction with its review of Chapter 101, Dental Licensure and in accordance with the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature 1997, §167. Paragraph (3)(A) and (B) will be amended by deleting the phrase "prior to applying" and adding the phrase "preceding application to the State Board of Dental Examiners." The proposed amendments clarify language in the rule requiring that a dentist licensed in another jurisdiction who applies for a Texas dental license by virtue of credentials, must have continuously practiced dentistry during the five years immediately preceding application. In the past some applicants interpreted current language to mean "five calendar years" rather than the five year period immediately prior to application.

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the amended rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Hill also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of amending the rule is that the intent of the rule will be more easily understood. The language of the proposed amendment makes it clear that the five year period must have occurred immediately before the application.

There will be no fiscal implications for small or large businesses. Therefore the SBDE has determined that compliance with the proposed amended rule will not have an adverse economic impact on small businesses when compared to large businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all written comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 19, 2001.

The amended rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry.

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

§101.7.Licensure by Credentials--Dentists.

The State Board of Dental Examiners will license applicants by credentials upon payment of a fee, in an amount set by the Board, who meet all SBDE and State of Texas minimum applicant requirements and general licensure qualifications and all of the following criteria:

(1)-(2)

(No change.)

(3)

Has practiced dentistry:

(A)

For a minimum of five years immediately preceding application to the State Board of Dental Examiners [ prior to applying ]; and/or

(B)

As a dental educator at a dental or dental hygiene school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association for a minimum of five years immediately preceding application to the State Board of Dental Examiners [ prior to applying ].

(4)-(15)

(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 January 31, 2001.

TRD-200100611

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


22 TAC §101.8

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §101.8, Persons with Criminal Backgrounds, in conjunction with its review of Chapter 101, Dental Licensure and in accordance with the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature 1997, §167. The proposed amendments will more closely track the language of the statutes. Subsection (a) is amended to include wording in current subsection (b). Amended subsection (d), current subsection (e), is amended at paragraph (8) to change theft to felony theft. Changes in statutory references have been made to reflect the codification of the Dental Practice Act into the Occupations Code.

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the amended rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Hill 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 that the public will have a clearer understanding of the types of criminal offenses that could lead to revocation or suspension of a license or denial of an application for licensure. The enabling statutes require that the board issue guidelines stating the reasons particular crimes relate to fitness for licensing and other criteria that affect licensing decisions. New subsection (a) states the purpose of the rule, that is to comply with the requirements of the enabling statute. New subsection (b) clarifies that revocation, suspension or denial may be based on conviction under state or federal law of a felony or misdemeanor that directly relates to the duties of the profession. Paragraph (8) of new subsection (e) clarifies that a felony theft directly relates. Paragraph (10) clarifies that felony driving while intoxicated is another offense that is considered to directly relate. Former language concerning habitual use or addiction to controlled substance abuse has been deleted because a finding of such conduct might or might not result in a criminal conviction.

There will be no fiscal implications for small or large businesses. Therefore the SBDE has determined that compliance with the proposed amended rule will not have an adverse economic impact on small businesses when compared to large businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all written comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 19, 2001.

The amended rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et. seq; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry; §53.022 and §53.023 which establishes whether a conviction relates to practice dentistry.

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

§101.8.Persons with Criminal Backgrounds.

(a)

The purpose of this rule is to comply with the requirements of the Texas Occupations Code, Section 53.025. [ The State Board of Dental Examiners (SBDE) may revoke or suspend an existing license, or deny an application for licensure because of a person's conviction of a felony under any state or federal law, if the crime directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of the profession for which the person seeks licensure. ]

(b)

The State Board of Dental Examiners (SBDE) may revoke or suspend an existing license, or deny application for licensure because of a person's conviction under state or federal law of a felony or misdemeanor that directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of the profession for which the person seeks licensure.

(c)

[ (b) ] No person currently serving in prison for conviction of a felony under any state or federal law is eligible to obtain a license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene. Such conviction of a person holding a license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene shall be cause for initiation of disciplinary procedures against such person.

(d)

[ (c) ] In determining whether a criminal conviction directly relates to the practice of dentistry or dental hygiene, the board shall consider the factors listed in Texas Occupation Code, §53.022 (Vernon 2000) [ Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated, Article 6252-13c(4)(b) (Vernon Supp., 1997) ].

(e)

[ (d) ] Those crimes which the board considers to be of such serious nature that they relate to fitness to practice a profession, or as directly related to the practice of dentistry or dental hygiene include, but are not limited to:

(1)

any felony of which fraud, dishonesty, or deceit is an essential element;

(2)

any criminal violation of the Dental Practice Act or other statutes regulating or pertaining to the professions of dentistry or dental hygiene;

(3)

any criminal violation of statutes regulating other professions in the healing arts;

(4)

murder;

(5)

burglary;

(6)

robbery;

(7)

rape;

(8)

felony theft;

(9)

child molestation; and

(10)

felony driving while intoxicated. [ habitual use or addiction to controlled substance abuse or substance diversion; and ]

[(11)

felony driving while intoxicated.]

(f)

[ (e) ] The board may consider a person's present fitness for licensure in determining whether a person's conviction of a crime is cause for denial of an application or for disciplinary procedures. In determining a person's present fitness for licensure, the board shall consider the factors listed in Texas Occupations Code, §53.023 (Vernon 2000) [ Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated, Article 6252-13c(4)(c) (Vernon Supp., 1997) ].

(g)

[ (f) ] It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to secure and provide to the board the recommendations regarding all offenses from the prosecution, law enforcement, and correctional authorities who prosecuted, arrested or had custodial responsibility for the applicant. Failure to provide such recommendation is justification to refuse licensing or imposition of sanction unless the applicant shows good cause for such failure.

(h)

[ (g) ] The applicant shall also furnish proof in such form as may be required by the board that he or she has maintained a record of steady employment, has supported his or her dependents, has otherwise maintained a record of good conduct, and has paid all outstanding court costs, supervision fees, fines, and restitution as may have been ordered in all criminal cases in which he or she has been convicted.

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 January 31, 2001.

TRD-200100612

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


Chapter 103. DENTAL HYGIENE LICENSURE

22 TAC §103.2

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §103.2, Licensure by Credentials, Dental Hygienists, in conjunction with its review of Chapter 103, Dental Hygiene Licensure and in accordance with the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature 1997, §167. Paragraph (3)(A) and (B) will be amended by deleting the phrase "prior to applying" and adding the phrase "preceding application to the State Board of Dental Examiners." The proposed amendments clarify language in the rule requiring that a dental hygienist licensed in another jurisdiction who applies for a Texas dental hygiene license by virtue of credentials, must have continuously practiced dental hygiene during the five years immediately preceding application. In the past some applicants interpreted current language to mean "five calendar years" rather than the five year period immediately prior to application.

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the amended rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Hill also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of amending the rule is that the intent of the rule will be more easily understood. The language of the proposed amendment makes it clear that the five year period must have occurred immediately before the application.

There will be no fiscal implications for small or large businesses. Therefore the SBDE has determined that compliance with the proposed amended rule will not have an adverse economic impact on small businesses when compared to large businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all written comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 19, 2001.

The amended rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §262.102 which authorizes the Board to make rules affecting the practice of dental hygiene; §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry.

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

§103.2.Licensure by Credentials, Dental Hygienists.

The State Board of Dental Examiners will license dental hygiene applicants by credentials upon payment of a fee, in the amount set by the Board, who meet all SBDE and State of Texas minimum applicant requirements, general licensure qualifications, and all of the following criteria:

(1)-(2)

(No change.)

(3)

Has practiced dental hygiene:

(A)

For a minimum of five years immediately preceding application to the State Board of Dental Examiners [ prior to applying ]. An applicant has practiced dental hygiene for five years if he or she has been actively engaged in practice for at least 26 weeks in each of the past five years preceding application , and/or [ . ]

(B)

As a dental educator at a dental or dental hygiene school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association for a minimum or five years immediately preceding application to the State Board of Dental Examiners [ prior to applying ].

(4)-(15)

(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 January 31, 2001.

TRD-200100613

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


Chapter 104. CONTINUING EDUCATION

22 TAC §104.2

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §104.2, Providers in conjunction with its review of Chapter 104, Continuing Education and in accordance with the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature 1997, §167. The rule is amended to add the Western Regional Examining Board, the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, the American Dental Education Association, and the American Heart Association.

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the amended rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Hill also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule is that there will be an expanded list of educational providers available for dental professionals to obtain the continuing education required for annual license renewal.

It is unknown if there will be any fiscal implications for small businesses. Should such costs be incurred, they will not be of such magnitude to impact the economic viability of a small business. Therefore the SBDE has determined that compliance with the proposed amended rule will not have an adverse economic impact on small businesses when compared to large businesses as the cost of compliance, if any, will be minimal.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all written comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 19, 2001.

The amended rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §257.005 which provides that the Board shall develop a mandatory Continuing Education program and §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry.

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

§104.2.Providers.

Continuing Education courses endorsed by the following providers will meet the criteria for acceptable continuing education hours if such hours are either technical or scientific as related to clinical care and in content as certified by the following providers:

(1)

American Dental Association--Continuing Education Recognition Program (CERP);

(2)

American Dental Association, its component, and its constituent organizations;

(3)

Academy of General Dentistry and its constituents and approved sponsors;

(4)

Dental/dental hygiene schools and programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association;

(5)

American Dental Association approved specialty organizations;

(6)

American Dental Hygienists' Association, its component, and its constituent organizations;

(7)

American Medical Association approved specialty organizations;

(8)

American Medical Association approved hospital courses;

(9)

National Dental Association, its constituent, and its component societies;

(10)

National Dental Hygienist's Association, its constituent, and its component societies;

(11)

Medical schools and programs accredited by the Standards of the Medical Specialties, the American Medical Association, the Advisory Board for Osteopathic Specialists and Boards of Certification or the American Osteopathic Association;

(12)

Western Regional Examining Board;

(13)

American Academy of Dental Hygiene;

(14)

American Dental Education Association;

(15)

American Heart Association;

(16)

[ (12) ] Other providers as approved by the Board.

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 January 31, 2001.

TRD-200100614

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


Chapter 111. PROFESSIONAL CORPORATIONS

22 TAC §111.6

(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 State Board of Dental Examiners or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes the repeal of Chapter 111, Professional Corporations, §111.6, Requirements, as part of the rules review process and in accordance with the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature 1997, §167. The rule, last reviewed in 1984, impermissibly restricts the application of the Professional Corporations Act, Article 1528e, Texas Revised Civil Statutes. The rule as written limits the incorporators of a dental practice to licensed dentists. There is no basis for such a limitation in the statutes. Only a licensed dentist can be a director, officer or shareholder of a professional corporation formed by dentists, but any individual is allowed to be an incorporator. The role of the incorporator is largely limited to the act of execution of the articles of incorporation and restrictions on who may serve as incorporators have largely been eliminated.

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the repealed rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of repealing the rule.

Mr. Hill also has determined that for each year of the first five years the repealed rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of repealing the rule will be the elimination of a rule that was without basis in law.

There will be no fiscal implications for small or large businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all written comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 19, 2001.

The rule is proposed for repeal under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry.

The proposed repeal of the rule does not affect other statutes, articles, or codes.

§111.6.Requirements.

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 January 31, 2001.

TRD-200100615

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


Chapter 113. REQUIREMENTS FOR DENTAL OFFICES

22 TAC §113.2

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §113.2, X-Ray Laboratories, in conjunction with its review of Chapter 113, Requirements for Dental Offices, and in accordance with the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature 1997, §167.

The new language of subsection (a) clarifies that in-house dental laboratories are regulated by the Dental Practice Act and must be on the premises of a dental office. The new language substitutes the words "Texas licensed dentist" for "legally practicing dentist." The new language is more precise. The new language about supervision acknowledges that ultimate responsibility for those activities that occur in a dental office, such as the taking of x-rays, rests with a licensed dentist and eliminates confusion.

New subsection (b) adds the requirement that the lead apron have a thyroid collar and is also corrected for grammar.

New subsection (c) is also structured for grammatical consistency.

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the amended rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Hill also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be a rule that is easier to read and understand and that reflects the realities of modern dental practices.

It is unknown if there will be any fiscal implications for small businesses. Should such costs be incurred, they will not be of such magnitude to impact the economic viability of a small business. Therefore the SBDE has determined that compliance with the proposed amended rule will not have an adverse economic impact on small businesses when compared to large businesses as the cost of compliance, if any, will be minimal.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all written comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 19, 2001.

The amended rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry.

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

§113.2.X-Ray Laboratories.

(a)

Dental x-ray laboratories must be located in the dental office of a Texas licensed dentist where the appropriate degree of supervision is exercised. [ Laboratories such as X-ray laboratories must be in the dental office of a legally practicing dentist. All dental employees are subject to the dentist's supervision and control and such "laboratories" cannot be at a location where the dentist is not present and in control. All patients in the dental office must be protected during the time of direct exposure to x-rays with a lead apron and by equipment that is properly monitored by the authorized agency. ]

(b)

All dental patients must be protected by a lead apron with a thyroid collar while directly exposed to x-rays.

(c)

X-ray equipment must be properly monitored by the authorized agency.

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 January 31, 2001.

TRD-200100616

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


22 TAC §113.3

(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 State Board of Dental Examiners or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes the repeal of §113.3, Office Leases, in conjunction with its review of Chapter 113, Requirements for Dental Offices and in accordance with the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature 1997, §167. Section 113.3 addresses a narrow segment of the spectrum of improper influence on the independent professional judgment of a dentist by persons other than dentists and is provided for in greater detail and clarity in §109.500(c)(1), Improper Influence on Professional Judgment, effective February 7, 2000. The intent of §113.3 was to prevent the improper sharing of dental fees with a non-dentist. The intent is still valid and is well served by the language of §109.500. Section 109.500 is proposed for repeal contemporaneously with adoption of new §108.70, which will supplant the current §109.500. Inasmuch as the language of §113.3 is unnecessarily duplicative it is proposed for repeal.

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the repeal of the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of repealing the rule.

Mr. Hill also has determined that for each year of the first five years the repeal of the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of repealing the rule will be the elimination of a rule that was obsolete, irrelevant and unnecessarily duplicative.

There will be no fiscal implications for small or large businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all written comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 19, 2001.

The rule is proposed for repeal under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry.

The proposed repeal of the rule does not affect other statutes, articles, or codes.

§113.3.Office Leases.

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 January 31, 2001.

TRD-200100617

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


22 TAC §113.4

(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 State Board of Dental Examiners or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes the repeal of §113.4, Retail Leases, in conjunction with its review of Chapter 113, Requirements for Dental Offices and in accordance with the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature 1997, §167. The intent of the language of §113.4 as written is exhaustively and adequately addressed in §109.103, Professional Responsibility, effective February 10, 1998. Section 109.103 is proposed for repeal, contemporaneously with the adoption of new §108.1, Professional Responsibility which will supplant §109.103. Section 113.4 was intended to prevent the unauthorized practice of dentistry by commercial establishments. A dental license is issued to a person who may structure the operation of his/her practice in any one of several business entities, including partnerships, associations and corporations so long as such structures are lawful. Section 113.4 is inappropriate, obsolete, irrelevant and unnecessarily duplicative and is proposed for repeal.

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the repeal of the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of repealing the rule.

Mr. Hill also has determined that for each year of the first five years the repeal of the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of repealing the rule will be the elimination of an irrelevant and unnecessarily duplicative rule.

There will be no fiscal implications for small or large businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all written comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 19, 2001.

The rule is proposed for repeal under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry.

The proposed repeal of the rule does not affect other statutes, articles, or codes.

§113.4.Retail Leases.

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 January 31, 2001.

TRD-200100618

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


Chapter 116. DENTAL LABORATORIES

22 TAC §116.2

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §116.2, Dental Technicians in conjunction with its review of Chapter 116 Dental Laboratories and in accordance with the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature 1997, §167. The reference to Article 4551, Section 1 has been changed to refer to Section 266.001, Occupations Code, reflecting the codification of the Dental Practice Act into the Occupations Code, effective September 1, 1999. ...". Language is also amended to comply with statutory language, which states that a dental technician may be certified by a nationally recognized board and does not specify a particular board.

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the amended rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Hill also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be that the public will know that statutory references are current.

There will be no fiscal implications for small or large businesses. Therefore the SBDE has determined that compliance with the proposed amended rule will not have an adverse economic impact on small businesses when compared to large businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all written comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 19, 2001.

The amended rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §266.102(b) which authorizes the Board to adopt rules affecting dental laboratories and §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry.

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

§116.2.Dental Technician.

A "Dental Technician" is a person who performs the services as set out in Occupations Code, Section 266.001 [ Texas Civil Statues Article 4551f Sec. 1 ] and includes, but is not limited to, all certified dental technicians who have a current certificate issued by a nationally recognized board of certification for dental technology [ National Board For Certification For Dental Laboratory Technology ], or its successor.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 31, 2001.

TRD-200100619

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


22 TAC §116.3

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §116.3, Requirements, in conjunction with its review of Chapter 116, Dental Laboratories, and in accordance with the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature 1997, §167. The references to articles in the former Dental Practice Act are changed to the Occupations Code, effective September 1, 1999. The 76th Legislature also enacted Senate Bill 964, referred to properly in the proposed amendment, which impacted on the former Dental Practice Act provisions dealing with registration of laboratories.

Amendments to subsection (c) are intended to clarify that, in order to satisfy the requirement for a certified dental technician, that person must be present at the dental laboratory and working as an employee of the laboratory. The former language was vague and difficult to interpret. The last sentence in subsection (c) is deleted. The requirement is that a certified dental technician work as an employee for a dental laboratory a minimum of 30 hours per week. It is conceivable, albeit doubtful, that a technician could serve more than one laboratory a minimum of 30 hours per week. It is not unheard of for employees to work 60 hour weeks and this restriction that a CDT may be the designated CDT for only one laboratory per year will not withstand constitutional scrutiny.

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the amended rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Hill also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be that the requirements for registration and operation of a dental laboratory in Texas will be in compliance with the most recent legislation and reasonable and fair in their application.

It is unknown if there will be any fiscal implications for small businesses. Should such costs be incurred, they will not be of such magnitude to impact the economic viability of a small business. Therefore the SBDE has determined that compliance with the proposed amended rule will not have an adverse economic impact on small businesses when compared to large businesses as the cost of compliance, if any, will be minimal.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all written comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 19, 2001.

The amended rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §266.102 (b) which authorizes the Board to adopt rules affecting dental laboratories; §266.152 (d) which requires dental laboratories to have a CDT working on premise 30 hours per week and §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry.

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

§116.3.Requirements.

(a)

A commercial dental laboratory and an in-house dental laboratory with more than two dental technicians shall be registered according to the provisions of Occupations Code, Subchapter D, Sections 266.151 through 266.154, amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 627 Section 25, effective September 1, 1999 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4551f (6) (a)-(c) ], if it is a place where a person undertakes to perform or accomplish any act or service listed in Occupations Code Section 266.001 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4551f (1) ]. Permitted services to be performed under a written prescription from a licensed dentist in addition to those described in Occupations Code Section 266.001 [ Article 4551f(1) ], include:

(1)

Shade taking. Dental laboratories providing this service shall institute and maintain infection control procedures for in-laboratory shade verification to protect the patient and laboratory staff from infectious contamination. Each laboratory shall:

(A)

Dedicate a specific area of the laboratory for performance of shade verification procedures.

(B)

Maintain the area used for shade verification in a neat, clean, and clutter free state at all times.

(C)

Disinfect areas of patient contact both before and after each patient.

(D)

Provide a dedicated set of shade guides to be used only for patient shade verification. Disinfect shade guides before and after each use.

(E)

Provide a patient hand mirror for extraoral use. Disinfect mirror before and after each patient use.

(F)

Use a disinfecting agent for cleaning shade guides that are accidentally dropped.

(G)

Require that the technicians taking the shade wear protective clothing, including gloves.

(2)

Computer imaging as pertaining to the oral cavity by a registered laboratory. Computer imaging may be accomplished only when authorized by a written prescription from a licensed dentist. The result should be furnished to that dentist accompanied by a disclaimer to the patient that computer imaging is an artistic interpretation and does not guarantee exact results.

(b)

A dental laboratory shall furnish each licensed dentist from whom prescriptions are accepted with its permanent registration number and expiration date of such registration, and shall maintain for a period of two years any work orders of any laboratory with which it contracts services. The work order shall reflect the Texas registration number and registration expiration date of the contracted laboratory. No work may be farmed out except to a Texas registered dental laboratory.

(c)

All dental laboratories first registered after September 1, 1987 must have a certified dental technician employed by and working on the premises of the dental laboratory [ on premises ] a minimum of 30 hours per week. [ The certified dental technician may be the designated CDT of record for only one laboratory per registration period ].

(d)

The Dental Laboratory Certification Council shall ensure that the following criteria are met for each new laboratory registration application and each renewal of any registration:

(1)

application/renewal is complete and all required information is provided.

(2)

Current and active CDT certification for designated CDT, or, for grandfathered laboratories, proof of continuing education hours as outlined in §116.4 of this title (relating to Continuing Education) is attached and current.

(3)

appropriate fee is attached.

(e)

Any laboratory owner applying for a new laboratory registration who has pending fees and/or penalties due from a previous laboratory registration when such laboratory was closed for non compliance with subsection (f) of this section must first remit to the SBDE the registration fee and penalties for each year such fees were not paid before the registration is approved and processed.

(f)

It shall be the duty of each laboratory owner to notify the SBDE in writing within 60 days of a change in ownership of a laboratory, location of laboratory, closure of laboratory, the designated CDT or, in the case of a grandfathered lab, the designated employee. Changes of CDT's will require that proof of current CDT certification for the replacement CDT accompany said notification. Changes of designated employees for a grandfathered lab will require proof within six (6) months of the change that the designated employee meets continuing education requirements.

(g)

A person owning or operating a laboratory in the State of Texas must maintain the entire laboratory in a clean and sanitary condition without any accumulation of trash, debris, or filth, and such premises shall be maintained in full compliance with all health requirements of the city or county, or both, in which such a laboratory is located and in conformity with the health laws of the State of Texas.

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 January 31, 2001.

TRD-200100620

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


22 TAC §116.4

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §116.4 Continuing Education in conjunction with its review of Chapter 116 Dental Laboratories and in accordance with the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature 1997, §167. Amendments to §116.4 at subsection (b) are to correct grammar only. The phrase "...shall be comprised of..." is changed to read "...shall comprise...". Language in subsection (a) paragraph (1) and subsection (c) is amended to comply with statutory language, which states that a dental technician may be certified by a nationally recognized board and does not specify a particular board.

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the amended rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Hill also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be that language of the rule will be easier to read.

There will be no fiscal implications for small or large businesses. Therefore the SBDE has determined that compliance with the proposed amended rule will not have an adverse economic impact on small businesses when compared to large businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all written comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 19, 2001.

The amended rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry.

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

§116.4.Continuing Education.

(a)

Any laboratory renewing a certificate must provide proof that:

(1)

the designated CDT has met the continuing education requirements of a nationally recognized board of certification for dental technology [ the National Board For Certification For Dental Laboratory Technology ], or its successor, or;

(2)

in the case of grandfathered laboratories that the employee working on the premises of the dental laboratory has completed at least 12 hours of continuing education during the preceding 12 month period. Continuing education hours may only be used for one renewal period.

(b)

The continuing education shall comprise [ be comprised of ] business management, infection control, and technical competency courses presented in seminars or clinics as accepted by a nationally recognized organization of dentistry or dental technology. The designated employee must complete at least one course in infection control annually. No more than one course in business management taken annually may be applied toward the continuing education requirement. Self study in a course approved by a nationally recognized organization of dentistry or dental technology may be taken for not more than four hours of the annual requirement.

(c)

In lieu of furnishing proof of continuing education as set forth in subsection (b) of this section, the dental laboratory may furnish proof that the designated dental technician has a current certification from a nationally recognized board of certification for dental technology [ by the National Board For Certification For Dental Laboratory Technology ] or its successor. Certification as retired does not qualify the technician.

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 January 31, 2001.

TRD-200100621

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


22 TAC §116.5

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §116.5 Exemption in conjunction with its review of Chapter 116 Dental Laboratories and in accordance with the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature 1997, §167. Subsection (a) is amended to comply with Senate Bill 964, Section 25, effective September 1, 1999. Paragraphs (1) and (2) are changed to modify the language to comply with statutory language. Subsection (b) is amended to make it clear that a dental technician must be present and working as an employee in the dental laboratory.

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the amended rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Hill also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be that the public will know that the language of the rule complies with statutory language and is easier to understand.

It is unknown if there will be any fiscal implications for small businesses. Should such costs be incurred, they will not be of such magnitude to impact the economic viability of a small business. Therefore the SBDE has determined that compliance with the proposed amended rule will not have an adverse economic impact on small businesses when compared to large businesses as the cost of compliance, if any, will be minimal.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all written comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 19, 2001.

The amended rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §266.102 which authorizes the Board to adopt rules affecting dental laboratories and §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry.

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

§116.5.Exemption.

(a)

The owner of a dental laboratory that was registered with the State Board of Dental Examiners September 1, 1987, is not required to submit proof that the laboratory has at least one certified dental technician employed by and working on the premises provided that:

(1)

the registration has been renewed each year and all registration fees have been paid [ remains current and all registration fees for the succeeding year are paid prior to the expiration of the statutory renewal period ];

(2)

the beneficial ownership of at least 51% interest in the laboratory has not been [ is not ] transferred; and

(3)

the owner is employed on the premises of the laboratory at least 30 hours per week.

(b)

For this section, the designated employee of the dental laboratory must be employed by and working on the premises of the dental laboratory [ work on the premise ] a minimum of 30 hours per week.

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 January 31, 2001.

TRD-200100622

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


22 TAC §116.20

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §116.20 Definitions and in conjunction with its review of Chapter 116 Dental Laboratories in accordance with the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature 1997, §167. Changes in statutory references have been made to reflect the codification of the Dental Practice Act into the Occupations Code, effective September 1, 1999.

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the amended rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Hill also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be that the public will know will know that statutory references are current.

There will be no fiscal implications for small or large businesses. Therefore the SBDE has determined that compliance with the proposed amended rule will not have an adverse economic impact on small businesses when compared to large businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all written comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 19, 2001.

The amended rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §266.102 which authorizes the Board to adopt rules affecting dental laboratories and §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry.

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

§116.20.Definitions.

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

(1)

Designated CDT of a dental laboratory - the person so designated on the annual registration form of a CDT laboratory who meets the CDT certification requirement and minimum employment requirements of these rules.

(2)

Designated employee of a dental laboratory - the person so designated on the annual registration form of a grandfathered dental laboratory who meets continuing education and minimum employment requirements of these rules.

(3)

Employee of a dental laboratory - A person performing dental services in a dental laboratory registered under Occupations Code, Section 266.151. [ Texas Civil Statutes Article 4551f. ]

(4)

Grandfathered laboratory - a laboratory that meets the provision of §116.5 of this title (relating to Exemption).

(5)

Laboratory Work Order - a written description of the kind and type of act, service, or material ordered by and between one or more Texas registered laboratories, pursuant to a prescription issued by a licensed dentist.

(6)

Prescription - a written description of the kind and type of act, service, or material ordered by a licensed dentist, as defined in Occupations Code, Section 266.202 [ Article 4551f(3)(a). ]

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 January 31, 2001.

TRD-200100623

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


22 TAC §116.21

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §116.21, Dental Laboratory and in conjunction with its review of Chapter 116 Dental Laboratories in accordance with the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature 1997, §167. Changes in statutory references have been made to reflect the codification of the Dental Practice Act into the Occupations Code.

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the amended rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Hill also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be that the public will know that statutory references are current.

There will be no fiscal implications for small or large businesses. Therefore the SBDE has determined that compliance with the proposed amended rule will not have an adverse economic impact on small businesses when compared to large businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all written comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 19, 2001.

The amended rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §266.102 which authorizes the Board to adopt rules affecting dental laboratories and §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry.

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

§116.21.Dental Laboratory.

A "Dental Laboratory" is any place where a person performs, offers to perform or undertakes to perform any act or service listed in Occupations Code, Section 266.001. [ Texas Civil Statutes Article 4551f Sec. 1. ]

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 January 31, 2001.

TRD-200100624

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


22 TAC §116.22

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §116.22, In House Dental Laboratory in conjunction with its review of Chapter 116 Dental Laboratories and in accordance with the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature 1997, §167. The language of the rule is changed to correct grammar and to reflect the changes in statutory references to the codification of the Dental Practice Act into the Occupations Code, effective September 1, 1999. The clause "...and the laboratory does not employ more than two dental technicians..." is changed to read "An in house laboratory may not employ more than two dental technicians."

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the amended rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Hill also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be that the public will know that statutory references are current and that the language of the rule will be easier to understand.

It is unknown if there will be any fiscal implications for small businesses. Should such costs be incurred, they will not be of such magnitude to impact the economic viability of a small business. Therefore the SBDE has determined that compliance with the proposed amended rule will not have an adverse economic impact on small businesses when compared to large businesses as the cost of compliance, if any, will be minimal.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all written comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 19, 2001.

The amended rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §266.102 which authorizes the Board to adopt rules affecting dental laboratories and §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry.

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

§116.22.In House Dental Laboratory.

"In House Dental Laboratory" is a dental laboratory as described in §116.21 of this title (relating to Dental Laboratories) in which a dentist licensed in Texas and his/her employees performs, offers to perform or undertakes to perform any act or service listed Occupations Code, Section 266.001 [ Texas Civil Statutes Article 4551f, §1 ] only for the patient(s) of that dentist or only for patient(s) of a professional corporation or partnership of which that dentist is an officer, partner, or employee. An in house dental laboratory must be located on the premises where the dentist or dental organization practices dentistry and may [ the laboratory does ] not employ more than two dental technicians.

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 January 31, 2001.

TRD-200100625

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


22 TAC §116.24

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §116.24, Registration Application and in conjunction with its review of Chapter 116 Dental Laboratories in accordance with the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature 1997, §167. The language of the rule is amended to reflect changes in statutory references of the Dental Practice Act into the Occupations Code, effective September 1, 1999.

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the amended rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Hill also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be that the public will know statutory references are current.

There will be no fiscal implications for small or large businesses. Therefore the SBDE has determined that compliance with the proposed amended rule will not have an adverse economic impact on small businesses when compared to large businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all written comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 19, 2001.

The amended rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §266.102 which authorizes the Board to adopt rules affecting dental laboratories and §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry.

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

§116.24.Registration Application.

The Dental Laboratory Certification Council (DLCC) shall review each application for registration or renewal of registration to determine if the applicant meets the requirements of Occupations Code, Chapter 266 [ Article 4551f ]. The DLCC shall provide the Board with a list of applicants who are eligible for registration with the Board. Applications will be forwarded with a recommendation to the State Board of Dental Examiners for registration if the provisions of Occupations Code, Chapter 266 [ Article 4551f ] and the rules in this section are met and the following criteria are met:

(1)

application/renewal is complete and all required information is provided,

(2)

current and active CDT certification for designated CDT, or, for grandfathered laboratories, proof of continuing education hours as outlined in Rule 116.4 of this title (relating to Continuing Education) is attached and current,

(3)

appropriate fee is attached.

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 January 31, 2001.

TRD-200100626

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


22 TAC §116.25

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §116.25 Responsibility and in conjunction with its review of Chapter 116 Dental Laboratories in accordance with the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature 1997, §167. The language of the rule is amended to reflect changes in statutory references of the Dental Practice Act into the Occupations Code, effective September 1, 1999.

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the amended rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Hill also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be that the public will know that statutory references are current.

There will be no fiscal implications for small or large businesses. Therefore the SBDE has determined that compliance with the proposed amended rule will not have an adverse economic impact on small businesses when compared to large businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512-463-6400). To be considered, all written comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 19, 2001.

The amended rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §266.102 which authorizes the Board to adopt rules affecting dental laboratories and §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry.

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

§116.25.Responsibility.

Both the owner and manager and each of them named in an application to register a dental laboratory, irrespective of the person signing the application, are responsible for the proper registration and operation of the laboratory pursuant to the Dental Practice Act and these rules. The provisions of Occupations Code, Chapter 266 [ Article 4551(f) §7 and §8 ] providing that persons violating the Dental Practice Act are subject to criminal penalties and subject to loss of registration or refusal by the board to issue a registration, apply to the owner and manager of any dental laboratory having or seeking registration in Texas.

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 January 31, 2001.

TRD-200100627

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


Chapter 119. SPECIAL AREAS OF DENTAL PRACTICE

22 TAC §119.6

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §119.6 Pediatric Dentistry and in conjunction with its review of Chapter 119 Special Areas of Dental Practice, in accordance with the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature 1997, §167. The language of the rule is amended to comply with the definition of the specialty recommended and adopted in 1995 by the American Dental Association. The Board has determined that the new definition is a refinement of the original definition and contains more precise language.

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the amended rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Hill also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be that the public will know that the language of the definition of Pediatric Dentistry comports with an updated and acceptable interpretation of this special area of dental practice.

There will be no fiscal implications for small or large businesses. Therefore the SBDE has determined that compliance with the proposed amended rule will not have an adverse economic impact on small businesses when compared to large businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 463-6400. To be considered, all written comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 19, 2001.

The amended rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et. seq; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry.

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

§119.6.Pediatric Dentistry.

Pediatric dentistry is an age-defined specialty that provides both primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs. [ The specialty of pediatric dentistry is the practice and teaching of comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care of children from birth through adolescence. It shall be construed to include care for special patients beyond the age of adolescence who demonstrate mental, physical and/or emotional problems. ]

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 January 31, 2001.

TRD-200100628

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


22 TAC §119.7

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §119.7 Periodontology and in conjunction with its review of Chapter 119 Special Areas of Dental Practice in accordance with the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature 1997, §167. The language of the rule is amended to comply with the definition of the specialty recommended and adopted in 1995 by the American Dental Association. The Board has determined that the new definition is a refinement of the original definition and contains more precise language.

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the amended rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Hill also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be that the public will know that the language of the definition of Periodontics comports with an updated and acceptable interpretation of this special area of dental practice.

There will be no fiscal implications for small or large businesses. Therefore the SBDE has determined that compliance with the proposed amended rule will not have an adverse economic impact on small businesses when compared to large businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 463-6400. To be considered, all written comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 19, 2001.

The amended rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et. seq; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry.

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

Periodontics [ Periodontology ].

Periodontics is that specialty [ branch ] of dentistry which encompasses [ deals with ] the prevention diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes and the [ . The ] maintenance of the health function and esthetics of these structures and tissues[ , achieved through periodontal treatment procedures, is also considered to be the responsibility of the periodontist. The scope shall be limited to preclude permanent restorative dentistry ].

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 January 31, 2001.

TRD-200100629

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


Chapter 125. APPLICATIONS FOR SPECIAL CONSIDERATION OR EXCEPTION TO BOARD RULES

22 TAC §125.1

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §125.1 Board to Rule on Requests for Exceptions to Rules, and in conjunction with its review of Chapter 125 Applications for Special Consideration or Exception to Board Rules in accordance with the General Appropriations Act of 1997, Article IX, Acts of the 75th Legislature 1997, §167. Rule 125.1 was adopted in 1976 at a time when the Board conducted adjudicative hearings under the Administrative Procedure and Texas Register Act. Hearings are now conducted by the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). The rule, as written, requires notice and hearing before an exception to the rules can be considered. Many of the former rules concerning practices and procedures before the agency have been supplanted by provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act and SOAH rules. The Board has determined that it is appropriate to have a vehicle for applicants to request an exception to the rules, so long as such appearance does not involve a discussion of the merits of a pending investigation or contested case that is scheduled for hearing at SOAH.

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period the amended rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for local or state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Hill also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be an avenue to request exceptions to Board rules that is easily understood and followed.

There will be no fiscal implications for small or large businesses. Therefore the SBDE has determined that compliance with the proposed amended rule will not have an adverse economic impact on small businesses when compared to large businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 463-6400. To be considered, all written comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before March 19, 2001.

The amended rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et. seq; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and enforce rules necessary for it to perform its duties, and to ensure compliance with laws relating to the practice of dentistry.

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

§125.1.Board to Rule on Requests for Exceptions to Rules.

Any person under the jurisdiction of the State Board of Dental Examiners may request the Board to consider and approve an exception to Board rules. The request will be considered at a regularly scheduled board meeting following receipt of a written request for appearance. The Board will not consider a request for exception from any party to a contested case or from a respondent in a pending complaint investigation. [ The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners in its discretion after notice and hearing may approve exceptions to any portion of its rules and regulations upon application by a person under its jurisdiction. ]

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 January 31, 2001.

TRD-200100630

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


Part 10. TEXAS FUNERAL SERVICE COMMISSION

Chapter 201. LICENSING AND ENFORCEMENT--PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

22 TAC §201.2

The Texas Funeral Service Commission proposes an amendment to §201.2, concerning Agreements To Be in Writing.

The Texas Funeral Service Commission proposes an amendment to delete the language "or unless it is dictated into the record during the course of a hearing." This amendment is proposed to insure that communication between all parties is in writing.

O.C. "Chet" Robbins, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period this 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. Robbins, Executive Director, Texas Funeral Service Commission, has determined that for each year of the first five years the section is in effect, there will be no effect on local government. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed section.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to O.C. "Chet" Robbins, Executive Director, Texas Funeral Service Commission, 510 South Congress Avenue, Suite 206, Austin, Texas 78704, (512) 936-2474 or 1-888-667-4881. Comments may also be submitted electronically to crob@tfsc.state.tx.us or faxed to (512) 479-5064.

The amendment is proposed under Section 651.152 of the Texas Occupation Code, as amended by Section 18 of House Bill 3516, 76th Legislature which authorizes the Commission to issue such rules and regulations as may be necessary to effect the provisions of this Section.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the proposed amendment.

§201.2.Agreements To Be in Writing.

No stipulation or agreement between parties or their representatives regarding any matter involved in any proceeding before the commission may be enforced unless it is in writing and signed by the parties or their representatives [ or unless it is dictated into the record during the course of a hearing ].

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 1, 2001.

TRD-200100681

O.C. "Chet" Robbins

Executive Director

Texas Funeral Service Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 936-2474


22 TAC §201.3

The Texas Funeral Service Commission proposes an amendment to §201.3, concerning Appearances.

The Texas Funeral Service Commission proposes an amendment to change the language to read his/her instead of his. The language added is /her. This is a grammatical change and does not change the meaning of the rule.

O.C. "Chet" Robbins, Executive Director, Texas Funeral Service Commission, has determined that for the first five-year period this 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. Robbins, Executive Director, Texas Funeral Service Commission, has determined that for each year of the first five years the section is in effect, there will be no effect on local government. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed section.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to O.C. "Chet" Robbins, Executive Director, Texas Funeral Service Commission, 510 South Congress Avenue, Suite 206, Austin, Texas 78704. (512) 936-2474 or 1-888-667-4881. Comments may also be submitted electronically to crob@tfsc.state.tx.us or faxed to (512) 479-5064.

The amendment is proposed under Section 651.152 of the Texas Occupation Code, as amended by Section 18 of House Bill 3516, 76th Legislature which authorizes the Commission to issue such rules and regulations as may be necessary to effect the provisions of this Section.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the proposed amendment.

§201.3.Appearances.

Any party may appear before the agency and be represented by an attorney at law. Any person may appear on his /her own behalf, or be represented by a bona fide full-time employee. A corporation, partnership, or association may appear and be represented by any bona fide officer, partner, or full time employee authorized to bind the corporation, partnership, or association to a legal contract.

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 1, 2001.

TRD-200100682

O.C. "Chet" Robbins

Executive Director

Texas Funeral Service Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 936-2474


Part 12. BOARD OF VOCATIONAL NURSE EXAMINERS

Chapter 231. ADMINISTRATION

Subchapter A. DEFINITIONS

22 TAC §231.1

The Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners proposes amendment of §231.1 relating to definitions. The definition of Endorsement is amended for consistency with compact rules.

Mary M. Strange, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five year period the rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implication for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rule.

Mrs. Strange has also 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 consistency in the rules. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed.

Comments may be submitted to Mary M. Strange, Executive Director, Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-400, Austin, Texas 78701.

The amendment is proposed under Chapter 302, Texas Occupations Code, Subchapter D, Section 302.151 (b), which provides the Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners with the authority to make such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry in effect the purposes of the law.

No other statute, article, or code will be affected by this proposal.

§231.1.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used throughout this manual, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1)

Act - refers to Chapter 302 of the Texas Occupations Code which governs Vocational Nurses.

(2)

Active License - a license is considered active only if the licensee has utilized their nursing knowledge, skills and/or abilities within the immediate past five years preceding renewal and met all other requirements for current licensure.

(3)

Administrative Procedure Act - the Administrative Procedure Act.

(4)

Agency - the Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners

(5)

Applicant - a party making application for licensure.

(6)

Application for Licensure - the process of making application for licensure as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

(7)

Board - the Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners.

(8)

Board Member - a person appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate to serve on the Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners.

(9)

Complete Application - an application that has been received with fees, correctly completed and has all required documents.

(10)

Current License - a license that reflects a date which has not expired.

(11)

Delinquent Licensee - an individual holding a license to practice vocational nursing, whose license has expired for nonpayment of renewal fees, and whose license has not been suspended or revoked by disciplinary action.

(12)

Direct Supervision - requires the vocational nurse holding a temporary permit to work under the direction of a Licensed Vocational Nurse, Registered Nurse, or licensed Physician who is physically present on the same unit and is readily available to provide immediate consultation and assistance.

(13)

Division - one of the administrative units within the jurisdiction of the agency.

(14)

Endorsement - process of recognition of and subsequent granting of licensure to an applicant who meets all Texas requirements [ and holds a valid license to practice vocational/practical nursing in another state, District of Columbia, or territory of the United States ].

(15)

Hardship - a circumstance which results in failure to meet board requirements for examination due to natural disaster, personal illness, injury, or medical emergency of self or immediate family, death in immediate family or other extraordinary circumstances.

(16)

Legitimate Excuse - a written statement meeting specified hardship criteria.

(17)

License - a document issued evidencing the person has fulfilled requirements as stated in Chapter 302, Texas Occupations Code.

(18)

Licensee - an individual whose license to practice vocational nursing is current and in force, and has not been suspended or revoked by disciplinary action of the board.

(19)

Licensed Vocational Nurse - a person who is licensed under Chapter 302, Texas Occupations Code by the Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners.

(20)

Licensing - the agency process respecting the granting, denial, renewal, revocation or suspension of a license.

(21)

National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) - the practical/vocational nurse licensure examination developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc., and used for licensure by those jurisdictions whose boards of nursing are National Council members.

(22)

Nursing or Nursing Services - attending or caring for a person's illness or health for compensation.

(23)

Peer Review - the process of evaluating the qualifications of the vocational nurse, evaluating the appropriateness and quality of vocational nursing services rendered within the scope of vocational nursing practice, merits of complaint against the vocational nurse and the efficacy of the complaint.

(24)

Person - any individual, partnership, corporation, association, governmental subdivision, or public or private organization of any character other than an agency.

(25)

Petitioner - any party making a formal written supplication or request to the board.

(26)

Practical Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse - the title used in some other states for nurses with licensure requirements similar to those for Licensed Vocational Nurses in this State.

(27)

Register - the Texas Register.

(28)

Rule - any agency statement of general applicability that implements, interprets, or prescribes law or policy, or describes the procedure or practice requirements of an agency. The term includes the amendment or repeal of a prior rule but does not include statements concerning only the internal management or organization of any agency and not affecting private rights or procedures. The definition includes substantive regulations.

(29)

Vocational Nursing or Vocational Nursing Services - nursing services that generally require experience and education in biological, physical or social sciences sufficient to qualify for licensure as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.

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 1, 2001.

TRD-200100661

Mary M. Strange, RN, MSN

Executive Director

Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7653


Chapter 233. EDUCATION

Subchapter B. OPERATION OF A VOCATIONAL NURSING PROGRAM

22 TAC §233.22, §233.23

The Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners proposes amendment of §233.22 relating to Instructors and 233.23 relating to Designate Supervisors. The rules are amended for consistency with the compact rules.

Mary M. Strange, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five year period the rules are in effect, there will be no fiscal implication for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Mrs. Strange has also 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 consistency in the rules. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed.

Comments may be submitted to Mary M. Strange, Executive Director, Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-400, Austin, Texas 78701.

The amendment is proposed under Chapter 302, Texas Occupations Code, Subchapter D, Section 302.151 (b), which provides the Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners with the authority to make such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry in effect the purposes of the law.

No other statute, article, or code will be affected by this proposal.

§233.22.Instructors.

Instructors shall be nurses licensed to practice in the State of Texas or in accordance with the rules of the Nurse Licensure Compact . Instructors shall have been actively employed in nursing for the past three years. If the instructor has not been actively employed in nursing for the past three years, the instructor's advanced preparation in nursing, education, and nursing administration, and prior relevant nursing employment may be taken into consideration by the Board staff in evaluating qualifications for the position. Instructors shall have had three years varied nursing experiences since graduation. Instructor qualifications forms shall be submitted to the Board office for approval prior to hiring. Instructors shall have no other responsibilities but the program. Instructors shall be responsible for all initial nursing procedures in the clinical area and ascertain that the student is competent before allowing the student to perform an actual nursing procedure independently. Instructors shall be responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating curriculum; participating in development of standards for admission, progression, probation, and dismissal of students, and participation in academic guidance and counseling. Adjunct faculty are exempt from meeting the instructor qualifications as long as the courses taught are not nursing theory or clinical courses. Adjunct faculty shall not be included in the required clinical faculty/student ratio.

§233.23.Designate Supervisors.

Designate supervisors shall be nurses licensed to practice in the State of Texas or in accordance with the rules of the Nurse Licensure Compact . A designate supervisor shall have been actively employed in nursing for one year. A designate supervisor shall be responsible for providing clinical instruction and/or supervision when faculty is unavailable in clinical sites. The role of the designate supervisor is to augment the clinical instruction provided by the program faculty. While acting in that capacity, the designate supervisor shall be accountable for identified clinical objectives and will participate in student evaluation. It is the responsibility of the faculty to provide written clinical objectives, evaluation criteria, and a written description of expectations to the designate supervisor. The designate supervisor is mandatory in health care facilities whose census and number of students cannot support the assignment of a faculty member.

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 1, 2001.

TRD-200100662

Mary M. Strange, RN, MSN

Executive Director

Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7653


Chapter 235. LICENSING

Subchapter A. APPLICATION FOR LICENSURE

22 TAC §235.6

(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 Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners proposes the repeal of §235.6 relating to Applications for Licensure by Endorsement. The rule is being repealed for consistency with compact rules.

Mary M. Strange, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five year period the rules are in effect, there will be no fiscal implication for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Mrs. Strange has also 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 consistency in the rules. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed.

Comments may be submitted to Mary M. Strange, Executive Director, Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-400, Austin, Texas 78701.

The repeal is proposed under Chapter 302, Texas Occupations Code, Subchapter D, Section 302.151 (b), which provides the Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners with the authority to make such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry in effect the purposes of the law.

No other statute, article, or code will be affected by this proposal.

§235.6.Applications for Licensure by Endorsement.

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 1, 2001.

TRD-200100663

Mary M. Strange, RN, MSN

Executive Director

Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7653


The Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners proposes new §235.6 relating to Applications for Licensure by Endorsement. The rule is proposed for consistency with compact rules.

Mary M. Strange, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five year period the rules are in effect, there will be no fiscal implication for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Mrs. Strange has also 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 consistency in the rules. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed.

Comments may be submitted to Mary M. Strange, Executive Director, Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-400, Austin, Texas 78701.

The new rule is proposed under Chapter 302, Texas Occupations Code, Subchapter D, Section 302.151 (b), which provides the Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners with the authority to make such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry in effect the purposes of the law.

No other statute, article, or code will be affected by this proposal.

§235.6.Applications for Licensure by Endorsement.

An applicant for licensure in Texas by endorsement shall:

(1)

have satisfactorily completed theory and clinical practice as identified in specific provisions of Section 233.58 (d) of this title (relating to Curriculum Requirements), as evaluated by professional staff of the Division of Education;

(2)

be a graduate of an approved vocational/practical nursing program or have completed an acceptable level of education as determined by the Board in a nursing school approved by the State Board of Nurse Examiners of Texas or in some other state, the District of Columbia, a possession of the United States, or a foreign country.

(3)

have possessed at the time of initial licensure as a vocational nurse the qualifications necessary to have been eligible for licensure at that time in this state;

(4)

have completed training, education or examination requirements specified by the Board in lieu of the requirements of subsection (2) of this rule;

(5)

have passed or achieved a passing score acceptable to Texas on the national examination for practical/vocational nurses;

(6)

hold an active and current vocational/practical nurse license in another state;

(7)

be subject to Chapter 239, Subsection E. Reinstatement Process, if applicants license has been voluntarily surrendered, suspended, or revoked in a Compact state.

(8)

show employment in the nursing profession within the past five years or evidence of a completed refresher course or completion of supervised employment for a specified period and a copy of the job description;

(9)

comply with additional Board staff specified training, education, or examination requirements if not employed as a licensed nurse within the past five years;

(10)

file another application if original application is not completed within six months;

(11)

not be refunded 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 February 1, 2001.

TRD-200100664

Mary M. Strange, RN, MSN

Executive Director

Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7653


22 TAC §235.17

The Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners proposes amendment of §235.17 relating to Temporary Permits. The rule is amended for consistency with compact rules.

Mary M. Strange, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five year period the rules are in effect, there will be no fiscal implication for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rules.

Mrs. Strange has also 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 consistency in the rules. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed.

Comments may be submitted to Mary M. Strange, Executive Director, Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-400, Austin, Texas 78701.

The amendment is proposed under Chapter 302, Texas Occupations Code, Subchapter D, Section 302.151 (b), which provides the Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners with the authority to make such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry in effect the purposes of the law.

No other statute, article, or code will be affected by this proposal.

§235.17.Temporary Permits.

(a)

Graduates of approved vocational nursing programs in this state, another state, or the District of Columbia.

(1)

A permit will be issued for the first scheduled examination only;

(2)

a permit will not be issued to an applicant who has previously failed an examination approved by the Board or by another state;

(3)

the temporary permit will expire on the applicants receipt of a license or on receipt of notification of examination failure;

(4)

distribution of permits may be assigned to a mutually agreeable agent to act on behalf of the Board.

(b)

Professional nursing education applicants.

(1)

A permit will be issued for the first scheduled examination only;

(2)

temporary permits will expire on the applicants' receipt of a license or on receipt of notification of examination failure.

(c)

Endorsement Applicants.

(1)

Temporary permits shall be issued to endorsement applicants who meet licensure requirements;

(A)

are approved by the Division of Education;

(B)

are educated in the United States or its territories;

(C)

hold a [ active and current ] license to practice vocational/practical nursing in another state; and

(D)

present satisfactory sworn evidence of same.

(E)

temporary permits will expire in 90 days or on receipt of a license, whichever comes first.

(2)

Temporary permits may be issued to individuals who do not meet licensure requirements in order to meet additional Board staff specified training, education, or examination requirements. Temporary permits issued for the purpose of meeting Board staff requirements expire on the date indicated on the temporary permits.

(d)

Restrictions on Temporary Permits

(1)

Holders of temporary permits must practice under the direct supervision of a registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse, or a licensed physician.

(2)

Temporary permits will not be issued to any examination or endorsement applicant under investigation.

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 1, 2001.

TRD-200100665

Mary M. Strange, RN, MSN

Executive Director

Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7653


Chapter 239. CONTESTED CASE PROCEDURE

Subchapter B. ENFORCEMENT

22 TAC §239.11

The Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners proposes amendment of §239.11 relating to Unprofessional Conduct. Subsection (9) of this rule is amended for consistency with compact rules.

Mary M. Strange, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five year period the rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implication for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rule.

Mrs. Strange has also 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 consistency in the rules. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed.

Comments may be submitted to Mary M. Strange, Executive Director, Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-400, Austin, Texas 78701.

The amendment is proposed under Chapter 302, Texas Occupations Code, Subchapter D, Section 302.151 (b), which provides the Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners with the authority to make such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry in effect the purposes of the law.

No other statute, article, or code will be affected by this proposal.

§239.11.Unprofessional Conduct.

Unprofessional or dishonorable conduct, likely to deceive, defraud, or injure the public, may include the following described acts or omissions:

(1)

misappropriating supplies, equipment, or medications or personal items of the patient/client, employer, or any other person or entity;

(2)

administering medications and treatments in a negligent manner;

(3)

failing to accurately or intelligibly report and/or document a patient's/client's status including signs, symptoms, or responses and the nursing care delivered;

(4)

failing to make entries, destroying entries, and/or making false entries in records pertaining to care of patients/clients;

(5)

passing or attempting to pass forged, altered, falsified or unauthorized prescription(s) by electronic, telephonic, written communication or any other means;

(6)

obtaining or attempting to obtain or deliver medication(s) through means of misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, and/or subterfuge;

(7)

knowingly falsifying and/or forging a physician's order/prescription;

(8)

providing information which was false, deceptive, or misleading in connection with the practice of vocational nursing or failing to answer specific questions that would have affected the decision to license, employ, certify or otherwise utilize a vocational nurse;

(9)

practicing vocational nursing in this state without a current [ Texas ] license from Texas or a compact state ;

(10)

practicing as a vocational nurse holding a license or temporary permit or a graduate making application for licensure, and/or applying for employment or by virtue of being an LVN in an educational program, while the individual's ability to practice is impaired by alcohol, drugs, physical or mental disability and/or testing positive for alcohol, illicit drugs or other substances not prescribed.

(11)

aiding and abetting the practice of vocational nursing by any person not licensed to practice vocational or practical nursing;

(12)

impersonating a licensee, or permitting another person to use an individual's vocational nursing license for any purpose.

(13)

failing to report to the Board or to a Board approved peer assistance program, if applicable, within a reasonable time of the occurrence, any violation or attempted violation of Chapter 302, Texas Occupations Code or duly promulgated rules, regulations or orders;

(14)

failing to report the unauthorized practice of vocational nursing;

(15)

failing to cooperate with the agency by:

(A)

not furnishing any papers or documents requested; or

(B)

not responding to subpoenas issued by the agency;

(16)

interfering with an investigation or disciplinary proceeding by willful misrepresentation of facts before the agency or the Board, or by the use of threats or harassment against any patient/client or witness to prevent them from providing evidence in a disciplinary proceeding or any other legal action;

(17)

knowingly engaging in a profession involving contact with the public while suffering from an infectious and communicable disease which presents a serious risk to public health;

(18)

knowingly performing an exposure-prone procedure while suffering from an infectious and communicable disease which presents a serious risk to public health, without counsel from a personal physician with knowledge of infectious disease, infection control, the epidemiology of the disease and procedures performed by the licensed vocational nurse.

(19)

knowingly failing to adhere to universal precautions for infection control as defined in subsection 239.1 of this title (relating to Definitions);

(20)

refusing to treat a patient/client, or other person who suffers from an infectious and communicable disease involving serious risk to public health;

(21)

disclosing confidential information or knowledge concerning the patient/client except where required or allowed by law;

(22)

knowingly causing or permitting physical or emotional injury to any person, or engaging in sexual contact with a patient/client;

(23)

physically, emotionally or financially exploiting the patient/client or the patient's/client's significant other(s);

(24)

offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving or agreeing to receive, directly or indirectly, any fee or other consideration to or from a third party for the referral of a patient/client in connection with the performance of professional services;

(25)

failing to repay a guaranteed student loan, as provided in the Texas Education Code;

(26)

failing to comply with board rules regarding continuing education, and/or knowingly providing false information regarding completion of educational programs;

(27)

failing to conform to the minimal standards of acceptable prevailing practice, regardless of whether or not actual injury to any person was sustained, including but not limited to:

(A)

failing to assess and evaluate a patient's/client's status or failing to institute nursing intervention, including but not limited to basic life support measures, such as CPR, which might be required to stabilize a patient's/client's condition or prevent complications;

(B)

accepting an assignment when one's physical or emotional condition prevents the safe and effective delivery of care or accepting an assignment for which one lacks the educational preparation, experience, knowledge or ability;

(C)

failing to obtain instruction or supervision when implementing nursing procedures or practices for which one lacks the educational preparation, ability, knowledge and/or experience;

(D)

performing or attempting to perform nursing techniques or procedures or both in which the nurse is untrained by education or experience;

(E)

assigning nursing care functions or responsibilities to an individual lacking the ability or knowledge to perform the function or responsibilities in question;

(F)

causing or permitting physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse or injury to the patient/client or the public, or failing to report same to the employer, appropriate legal authority and/or licensing Board:

(G)

knowingly or consistently failing to follow the policy and procedure for the wastage of medications(s) in effect at the facility at which the nurse is employed or working;

(H)

abandoning patients/clients by terminating responsibility for nursing care, intervention, or observation without properly notifying another licensed medical professional and ensuring the safety of patients/clients;

(I)

engaging in unnecessary violence towards any person in connection with the practice of vocational nursing;

(J)

failing to comply with a supervisor's valid directives;

(K)

negligently or intentionally violating a physician's order addressing patient care;

(L)

failing to recognize and honor the professional interpersonal boundaries appropriate to any therapeutic relationship or health care setting.

(28)

violating state or federal laws relative to drugs, including controlled substances and dangerous drugs;

(29)

being convicted of a crime that relates to the practice of vocational nursing;

(A)

those crimes which the Board considers to be directly related to the duties and responsibilities of a licensed vocational nurse shall include, but are not limited to:

(i)

offenses against the person;

(ii)

offenses against property;

(iii)

offenses involving fraud, dishonesty or deceit;

(iv)

offenses related to drugs/alcohol;

(v)

offenses which include attempting or conspiring to commit any of the offenses in the subsection;

(B)

In determining whether a crime not listed above relates to vocational nursing, the Board will consider:

(i)

the nature and seriousness of the crime;

(ii)

the relationship of the crime to the purposes for requiring a license to practice vocational nursing;

(iii)

the extent to which a license might offer opportunities to engage in further criminal activity of the same type as that in which the person was previously engaged; and

(iv)

the relationship of the crime to the ability, capacity, or fitness required to perform the duties and to discharge the responsibilities of a vocational nurse.

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 1, 2001.

TRD-200100666

Mary M. Strange, RN, MSN

Executive Director

Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7653