TITLE 22.EXAMINING BOARDS

Part 5. STATE BOARD OF DENTAL EXAMINERS

Chapter 102. FEES

22 TAC §102.1

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §102.1, Fee Schedule. The amendments are required to comply with funding requirements to implement new legislation passed by the 77th Legislature and a program to administer the permitting process for mobile and portable dental services. The fees for administration of the program for sedation/anesthesia permit applications are also included in this rule inasmuch as the Board is of the opinion that it is appropriate to place those fees with other fees in the Fee Schedule.

Licensing agencies are required to pass along increased operating expenses to the regulated individuals by increasing fees. Accordingly, subsection (a), paragraph (2) is amended to increase the annual dental registration fee from $71 to $88. Similarly, dental hygienists' annual fee is increased, in subsection (b) paragraph (2), from $42 to $52.

The increases necessary for the 2002-2003 Biennium total $521,048. Appropriations for one (1) additional FTE and increased payments to the Health Professions Council total $96,394. Employee salary increases total $67,396. Longevity increases total $14,800. Senate Bill 539 will require inspections of and advisory opinions about the procedures of those dental providers who administer enteral sedation/anesthesia in their offices. The sum of those expenses is $20,000. House Bill 3507 will require two (2) additional FTE's, expenses for an advisory committee, extra meetings of the Board and Dental Hygiene Advisory Committee and upgrades to computer software programs. The increased expenses to develop this program are $171,965. House Bill 609 requires all state agencies, including smaller agencies, to retain internal auditors. That expense is estimated at $24,000. Direct and Indirect Costs, such as employee benefits and bonded indebtedness will increase from the 2000-2001 Biennium by a total of $126,493.

It is estimated that 10,916 dentists will renew their licenses in Fiscal Years 2002 and 2003. It is expected that 7,865 dental hygienists will renew in the same time period. Revenue realized from the increased fees for those renewals will total $528,444, more than enough to cover the increased expenses.

New §§108.40 - 108.43, of this title (relating to Mobile Dental Facilities) require that, effective September 1, 2001, every mobile dental facility and portable dental unit, with certain exceptions, must have a permit. Subsection (e) provides for an initial fee of $50.00 and renewal fee of $50.00 to recover the cost of administering the permitting program. Implementation will require enhanced databases and verification methods.

Application fees for sedation/anesthesia permits are presently found in §108.33(e), of this title (relating to Sedation/Anesthesia Permit). The Board is of the opinion that it is appropriate to include these fees in §102.1 so that similar fees are located in the same chapter.

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 new legislation intended for the protection of the public will be implemented in a cost-effective manner.

There will be fiscal implications for both large and small dental offices. The costs of renewing licenses for both dentists and dental hygienists will increase commensurate with the size of the staff of professionals in each office. There will be no impact on dental laboratories. There will not be an adverse economic impact on small businesses 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 August 20, 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.

§102.1.Fee Schedule.

(a) Dentists:

(1) Application for licensure by examination:

(A) initial application/examination: $150; and

(B) initial assessment by the Texas Legislature for deposit to the General Revenue Fund: $200.

(2) annual registration: $88. [ $71. ]

(3) Annual peer assistance: $9.00.

(4) Annual assessment by Texas Legislature for deposit to the General Revenue Fund: $200.

(5) Application for licensure by credentials: $2,000.

(6) Duplicate license: $15.

(7) Duplicate renewal certificate: $15.

(8) Reactivate a retired license: $250.

(b) Dental Hygienists:

(1) application for licensure by examination: $70;

(2) annual registration: $52; [ $42; ]

(3) annual peer assistance: $2.00;

(4) application for licensure by credentials: $475;

(5) duplicate license: $15;

(6) duplicate renewal certificate: $15; and

(7) reactivate a retired license: $250.

(c) Dental laboratories:

(1) initial application: $100; and

(2) annual registration: $100.

(d) Application for faculty member exception tracking (identification) number: $75.

(e) Application for dental intern or resident exception tracking (identification) number: $25.

(f) Mobile Dental Facilities or Portable Dental Units:

(1) initial application: $50; and

(2) annual renewal: $50.

(g) Sedation/Anesthesia Permit Application:

(1) initial application: $28.75; and

(2) annual renewal: $5.00.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 10, 2001.

TRD-200103953

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 19, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 475-0972


Chapter 108. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Subchapter A. PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

22 TAC §108.6

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §108.6, Report of Patient Death or Injury requiring Hospitalization. The amendment clarifies that the standard of care used to evaluate death or injury resulting from the use of sedation/anesthesia will be the standard that applies to the patient's state of consciousness during the procedure. This language existed in the former §109.177, which was supplanted by §108.6 and was inadvertently omitted in the new rule. Paragraph (3) of the rule is amended in two respects. The first is the addition of new language providing that "In the evaluation of sedation/anesthesia morbidity or mortality, the State Board of Dental Examiners shall consider the standard of care necessary to be that applicable to the patient's state of consciousness during the procedure." The second is that language in the former paragraph (3) is dropped in its entirety. The paragraph provided that a report would not be considered as a complaint unless the Board's Enforcement Committee determines that an investigation should be conducted. The former paragraph (3) was adopted to address a problem that did not exist; i.e., marring a dentist's record with a reported complaint when the doctor was not at fault. Complaints that are dismissed are reported in a fashion that does not identify the doctor; only complaints resulting in a board order are reported under a doctor's name.

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 will be a clearer understanding of the protocol for review of any incident involving injury or death of a dental patient as a result of use of sedation/anesthesia. Dropping the language of former paragraph (3) will bring this rule into harmony with the manner in which complaints are handled and it will eliminate a needless complication in the processing of self-reports.

The fiscal implications for small or large businesses will be minimal or none at all. 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 August 20, 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.

§108.6.Report of Patient Death or Injury Requiring Hospitalization.

A dentist must submit a written report to the Board as provided below:

(1) The death of a dental patient which may have occurred as a consequence of the receipt of dental services from the reporting dentist must be reported within 72 hours of the death, or such time as the dentist becomes aware or reasonably should have become aware of the death;

(2) An injury to a dental patient requiring admission to a hospital, as a possible consequence of receiving dental services from the reporting dentist must be reported within 30 days of the injury.

(3) In the evaluation of sedation/anesthesia morbidity or mortality, the State Board of Dental Examiners shall consider the standard of care necessary to be that applicable to the patient's state of consciousness during the procedure. [ The receipt of the report shall not be considered in the nature of a complaint unless the Enforcement Committee determines that the circumstances surrounding the patient death or injury should be investigated 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 July 9, 2001.

TRD-200103899

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 19, 2001

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


22 TAC §108.7

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §108.7, Minimum Standard of Care, General. The amendment results from an effort by the Board and several interested entities, including the three Texas dental schools, the Health and Human Services Commission, and the Texas Department of Health to develop standards for the contents of records required to be maintained by dentists in Texas pertaining to the dental services rendered to patients. The language of paragraph (1) has been modified to drop references to required records, and to refer to rule 108.8, Records of the Dentist, where specifics are shown. Paragraph (6) has been changed to add the words "...treatment plans and..." as well as "...treatment plans or..." to clarify the requirement for informed consent.

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 will be that only one §108.8, defines records keeping requirements and that an informed consent must include knowledge of treatment plans.

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 August 20, 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.

§108.7.Minimum Standard of Care, General.

Each dentist licensed by the State Board of Dental Examiners and practicing in Texas shall conduct his/her practice in a manner consistent with that of a reasonable and prudent dentist under the same or similar circumstance. Further, each dentist:

(1) Shall maintain patient records that meet the requirements set forth in rule 108.8 of this title (relating to Records of the Dentist). [ a patient record: ]

[(A) from which a diagnosis may be made;]

[(B) which includes a description of treatment rendered;]

[(C) includes the date on which treatment is performed; and]

[(D) which includes any information a reasonable and prudent dentist in the same or similar circumstances would include]

(2) Shall maintain and review an initial medical history and perform limited physical evaluation for all dental patients to wit:

(A) The initial medical history shall include, but shall not necessarily be limited to, known allergies to drugs, serious illness, current medications, previous hospitalizations and significant surgery, and a review of the physiologic systems obtained by patient history. A "check list", for consistency, may be utilized in obtaining initial information. The dentist shall review the medical history with the patient at any time a reasonable and prudent dentist in the same or similar circumstances would so do.

(B) The initial limited physical examination should include, but shall not necessarily be limited to, blood pressure and pulse/heart rate as may be indicated for each patient.

(3) Shall obtain and review an updated medical history and limited physical evaluation when a reasonable and prudent dentist under the same or similar circumstances would determine it is indicated.

(4) Shall, for office emergencies:

(A) maintain a positive pressure breathing apparatus including oxygen which shall be in working order.

(B) maintain other emergency equipment and/or currently dated drugs as a reasonable and prudent dentist with the same or similar training and experience in the same or similar circumstances would maintain;

(C) provide training to dental office personnel in emergency procedures which shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, basic cardiac life support, inspection and utilization of emergency equipment in the dental office, and office procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency as determined by a reasonable and prudent dentist in the same or similar circumstances; and

(D) shall adhere to generally accepted protocols and/or standards of care for management of complications and emergencies.

(5) Shall successfully complete a current course in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation given or approved by either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.

(6) Should maintain a written informed consent signed by the patient, or a parent or legal guardian of the patient if the patient is a minor, or a legal guardian of the patient if the patient has been adjudicated incompetent to manage the patient's personal affairs. Such consent is required for all treatment plans and procedures where a reasonable possibility of complications from the treatment plan or procedure exists, and such consent should disclose risks or hazards that could influence a reasonable person in making a decision to give or withhold consent.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 9, 2001.

TRD-200103900

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 19, 2001

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


22 TAC §108.8

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §108.8 Records of the Dentist. The proposed amendments are the result of several meetings with representatives from the Texas Department of Health, the Health and Human Services Commission, the three Texas dental schools, National Heritage Insurance Corporation and members of the Board and staff to discuss records keeping requirements for dentists. The effect of the amendments is to provide more specific rules for dental practitioners to follow in making and maintaining dental records. Vague and redundant language has been deleted and replaced with clearer, more definite requirements.

Former subsection (a), with changes, has been relocated to subsection (b). Former subsection (b) has been relocated, verbatim, to subsection (a). The new subsection (a) defines the term "dental records" and requires documentation of information obtained. Language in the former subsection (b) mentioned "x-rays" and "radiographs." The terms are synonymous making the clause redundant. The word "x-ray(s)" is deleted where used and the word "radiograph" and its permutations is substituted.

The new subsection (b) places an affirmative duty upon a practitioner to make, maintain and keep adequate records. The sentence in the former subsection which read "...Adequate records are records from which diagnoses can be made and which clearly and accurately document all of the facts related to the treatment of a dental patient, including diagnoses, treatments and progress of care..." has been deleted because of vagueness. Subsequent language in the new subsection and subsection (c) provides specificity to the elements that comprise an "adequate" dental record.

New language in subsection (b) clearly sets out what must be contained in all dental records, whether a patient receives dental services or not. The language also requires, as a minimum, that vital signs, including, but not limited to blood pressure and heart rate be obtained unless there is a reason not to do so. Paragraph (5) requires an explanation if vital signs are not taken.

New subsection (c) clarifies what must be documented when dental services are provided. Language of the former rule could be interpreted to require accounting for all these elements, even though no dental treatment was rendered. Language in new subsection (c), paragraph (9) repeats verbatim the language found in the former subsection (c) except that the last sentence has been deleted. That sentence read "...all such drugs and substances which are kept in the dental office or under the control of the dentist are to be maintained by a centralized inventory which shall indicate dates acquired, description and quantity of drugs, date, method, quantity dispensed, and the patient to whom the drug is dispensed..." In view of the language of new subsection (c), paragraph (10), formerly subsection (d), repeated verbatim, the former language is redundant, because the mentioned requirements are found in the Texas Controlled Substances Act.

Paragraph (2) subparagraph (B) of new subsection (c) recommends adherence to guidelines for prescribing dental radiographs. Paragraph (4) now requires preparation of a treatment plan if dental services are provided. Paragraph (8) requires that informed consent, conforming to the requirements of §108.7(6) of this title (relating to Minimum Standard of Care, General), be obtained in writing. Reading §108.7 (6) in conjunction with §108.8 (c)(4) and (8) clarifies that a treatment plan is an important part of a patient's dental records. Paragraph (11) addresses the need to be able to identify the individual who provided dental services and the person who made the entries in a dental record. Occasions arise, especially in group practices, where a patient is seen by more than one provider. It is important to know who provided dental services to a patient at each visit. Paragraph (12) recognizes that there may be times when, in the judgment of a dental provider, certain procedures are not done. In those instances paragraph (12) removes the possibility that a procedure was done, but not documented.

Former subsection (c) is repeated verbatim in paragraph (9) with the exception of the last sentence, which has been deleted, as explained above.

Former subsection (d) is repeated verbatim in paragraph (10).

Former subsections (e) (f) (g) and (H) have been redesignated as (d), (e), (f) and (g) and are repeated verbatim, except for substitution of the word "radiograph" for "x-ray."

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 will be that the standards for dental records will be clearer, and that the quality of dental records will improve.

There will be fiscal implications for small or large businesses. The Board cannot assess the magnitude of the impact, but it is not expected to be significant. Whatever the impact, it will tend to affect large and small businesses at similar percentages of cost increase, if any. 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 August 20, 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.

§108.8.Records of the Dentist.

(a) The term "dental records" includes, but is not limited to documentation of: identification of practitioner providing treatment; medical and dental history; limited physical examination; radiographs; dental and periodontal charting; diagnoses made; treatment plans; informed consent statements or confirmations; study models, casts, molds, impressions; cephalometric diagrams; narcotic drugs, dangerous drugs, controlled substances dispensed, administered or prescribed; anesthesia records; pathology and medical laboratory reports; progress and completion notes; materials used; dental laboratory prescriptions; billing and payment records; appointment records; consultations and recommended referrals; and post treatment recommendations.

[(a) A Texas dental licensee practicing dentistry in Texas shall make, maintain, and keep adequate records of the diagnoses made and the treatments performed for and upon each dental patient for reference, identification, and protection of the patient and the dentist. Adequate records are records from which diagnoses can be made and which clearly and accurately document all of the facts related to the treatment of a dental patient, including diagnoses, services, treatments and progress of care. Records shall be kept for a period of not less than five (5) years]

(b) A Texas dental licensee practicing dentistry in Texas shall make, maintain, and keep adequate records of the diagnoses made and the treatments performed for and upon each dental patient for reference, identification, and protection of the patient and the dentist. Records shall be kept for a period of not less than five (5) years. Records must include documentation of the following:

(1) Patients name;

(2) Date of visit

(3) Reason for visit;

(4) Vital signs, including but not limited to blood pressure and heart rate if taken;

(5) If not recorded, an explanation why vital signs were not obtained.

[(b) The term "dental records" includes, but is not limited to documentation of: identification of practitioner providing treatment; medical and dental history; limited physical examination; x-rays and radiographs; dental and periodontal charting; diagnoses made; treatment plans; informed consent statements or confirmations; study models, casts, molds, impressions; cephalometric diagrams; narcotic drugs, dangerous drugs, controlled substances dispensed, administered or prescribed; anesthesia records; pathology and medical laboratory reports; progress and completion notes; materials used; dental laboratory prescriptions; billing and payment records; appointment records; consultations and recommended referrals; and post treatment recommendations.]

(c) Further, records must include documentation of the following when services are rendered:

(1) Written review of medical history and limited review of medical exam;

(2) Findings and charting of clinical and radiographic oral examination;

(A) Documentation of radiographs taken and findings deduced from them, including radiograph films or digital reproductions.

(B) Use of radiographs at a minimum, should be in accordance with guidelines set forth on "Dental Radiographic Examinations" published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, October 1987, as amended or reprinted from time to time.

(3) Diagnosis,(es);

(4) Treatment plan, recommendation, and options;

(5) Treatment provided;

(6) Medication and dosages given to patient;

(7) Complications;

(8) Written informed consent that meets the provisions of rule 108.7(6) (of this title relating to Minimum Standard of Care, General);

(9) The dispensing, administering, or prescribing of all medications to or for a dental patient shall be made a part of such patient's dental record. The entry in the patient's dental record shall be in addition to any record keeping requirements of the DPS or DEA prescription programs.

(10) All records pertaining to Controlled Substances and Dangerous Drugs shall be maintained in accordance with the Texas Controlled Substances Act.

(11) ) Confirmable identification of licensed dentist, and confirmable identification of person making record entries if different from provider dentist;

(12) When any of the items in paragraphs (1) through (11) of this section are not indicated, the record must include an explanation why the item is not recorded.

[(c) The dispensing, administering, or prescribing of narcotic drugs, dangerous drugs, or controlled substances to or for a dental patient shall be made a part of such patient's dental record. The entry in the patient's dental record shall be in addition to any record keeping requirements of the DPS or DEA prescription programs. All such drugs and substances which are kept in the dental office or under the control of the dentist are to be maintained by a centralized inventory which shall indicate dates acquired, description and quantity of drugs, date, method, quantity dispensed, and the patient to whom the drug is dispensed. ]

[(d) All records pertaining to Controlled Substances and Dangerous Drugs shall be maintained in accordance with the Texas Controlled Substances Act.]

(d) [ (e) ] Dental records are the sole property of the dentist who performs the dental service. Such records shall be available for inspection by the patient after and upon appointment with a dentist. This shall not prohibit the transfer of a copy of records to the patient, or to an agreed designated consultant for ascertainment of facts, nor transfer of original records to another Texas dental licensee who will provide treatment to the patient. The transferring dentist shall retain a copy of the written record if such original transfer is made.

(e) [ (f) ] A dentist who leaves a location or practice, whether by retirement, sale, transfer, termination of employment or otherwise, shall either maintain all dental records belonging to him or her, make a written transfer of records to the succeeding dentist, or make a written agreement for the maintenance of records, and the State Board of Dental Examiners shall be notified within fifteen (15) days of any such event, giving full information concerning the dentists and location(s) involved. A maintenance of records agreement shall not transfer ownership of the dental records, but shall require: that the dental records be maintained in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas and the Rules of the State Board of Dental Examiners; and that the dentist(s) performing the service(s) recorded shall have access to and control of the records for purposes of inspection and copying. A transfer of records may be made by agreement at any time in an employment or other working relationship between a dentist and another entity. Such transfer of records may apply to all or any part of the dental records generated in the course of the relationship, including future dental records.

(f) [ (g) ]Dental records shall be made available for inspection and reproduction on demand by the officers, agents, or employees of the State Board of Dental Examiners. The patient's privilege against disclosure does not apply to the Board in a disciplinary investigation or proceeding under the Dental Practice Act.

(g) [ (h) ] A dentist shall furnish copies of dental records to a patient who requests his or her dental records. Requested copies including radiographs shall be furnished within thirty (30) days of the date of the request, provided however, that copies need not be released until payment of copying costs has been made. Records may not be withheld based on a past due account for dental care or treatment previously rendered to the patient.

(1) A dentist providing copies of patient dental records is entitled to a reasonable fee for copying which shall be no more than $25 for the first 20 pages and $0.15 per page for every copy thereafter.

(2) Fees for radiographs, which if copied by an radiograph [ x-ray ] duplicating service, may be equal to actual cost verified by invoice.

(3) Reasonable costs for radiographs duplicated by means other than by a radiograph [ an x-ray ] duplicating service shall not exceed the following charges:

(A) a full mouth radiograph series: $15.00;

(B) a panoramic radiograph [ x-ray ]: $15.00;

(C) a lateral cephalometric radiograph [ cephalogram ]: $15.00;

(D) a single extra-oral radiograph [ x-ray ]: $5.00;

(E) a single intra-oral radiograph [ x-ray ]: $5.00.

(4) State agencies and institutions will provide copies of dental health records to patients who request them following applicable agency rules and directives.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 9, 2001.

TRD-200103901

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 19, 2001

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


Part 9. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS

Chapter 161. GENERAL PROVISIONS

22 TAC §161.1

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners proposes an amendment to §161.1, concerning general provisions. The amendment will update the Occupations Code cites and clarify responsibilities of certain board committees.

Michele Shackelford, Assistant General Counsel, Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, has determined that for the first five-year period the section is in effect there will be no fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of enforcing the amendment as proposed.

Ms. Shackelford also has determined that for each year of the first five years the section as proposed is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be updated Occupations Code cites and clarification of certain board committees responsibilities. There will be no effect on small businesses. There will be no effect to individuals required to comply with the section as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Pat Wood, P.O. Box 2018, MC-901, Austin, Texas 78768-2018. A public hearing will be held at a later date.

The amendment is proposed under the authority of the Occupations Code Annotated, §153.001, which provides the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners to adopt rules and bylaws as necessary to: govern its own proceedings; perform its duties; regulate the practice of medicine in this state; and enforce this subtitle.

The Occupations Code, §§152.009, 153.005, and 162.001 are affected by the amendment.

§161.1.Meetings.

(a) The board shall meet at least four times a year. It shall consider such matters as may be necessary.

(b) Special meetings shall be called by the president of the board or by resolution of the board or upon written request signed by three members of the board.

(c) It is a ground for removal from the board if a board member is absent from more than half of the regularly scheduled board meetings that the member is eligible to attend during a calendar year. If the executive director of the board has knowledge that a potential ground for removal exists due to a member's failure to attend an adequate number of regularly scheduled board meetings, the executive director shall notify the president of the board of the ground. The president shall then notify the governor that a potential ground for removal exists. A board member shall be considered to have been absent from a regularly scheduled board meeting if the member fails to attend at least a portion of either a full board session or a portion of a regularly scheduled committee meeting to which the member is assigned during such board meeting. Any dispute or controversy as to whether or not an absence has occurred shall be submitted to the full board for resolution by a majority vote after giving the purported absentee an opportunity to be heard and after allowing discussion by other members of the board.

(d) Board and committee meetings shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised unless the board by rule adopts a different procedure.

(e) All elections and any other issues requiring a vote of the board shall be decided by a simple majority of the members present. A quorum for transaction of business by the board shall be one more than half the board's membership at the time of the meeting. If more than two candidates contest an election, and if no candidate receives a majority on the first ballot, a second ballot will be conducted between the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes.

(f) At a meeting of the board, the board shall elect from its membership a vice-president and secretary treasurer.

(g) The following are standing and permanent committees of the board, as established by the board in accordance with the Medical Practice Act. The responsibilities and authority of these committees include those duties and powers as set forth below and such other responsibilities and authority which the board may from time to time delegate to these committees. In order to handle the heavy workload of the Licensure Committee, the President of the Board or the Chairman of the Licensure Committee may divide the Licensure Committee into two subcommittees, each of whom will make recommendations to the Board.

(1) Disciplinary Process Review Committee:

(A) oversee the disciplinary process and give guidance to the board and board staff regarding means to improve the disciplinary process and more effectively enforce the Medical Practice Act;

(B) monitor the effectiveness, appropriateness and timeliness of the disciplinary process and enforcement of the Medical Practice Act;

(C) make recommendations regarding resolution and disposition of specific cases and approve, adopt, modify, or reject recommendations from board staff or board representatives regarding actions to be taken on pending cases. Approve dismissals of complaints and closure of investigations;

(D) carry out the tasks and duties set forth in Chapter 187 of this title (relating to Procedure);

(E) make recommendations to the board staff and the board regarding policies, priorities, budget, and any other matters related to the disciplinary process and enforcement of the Medical Practice Act.

(2) Executive Committee:

(A) review agendum for board meetings;

(B) ensure records are maintained of all committee actions;

(C) delegate tasks to other committees;

(D) take actions on matters of urgency that may arise between board meetings;

[(E) make recommendations concerning reactivation of licenses for physicians on retired status;]

(E) [ (F) ] review contract negotiations;

(F) [ (G) ] review staff reports regarding finances and the budget;

(G) [ (H) ] make recommendations to the board regarding matters brought to the attention of the executive committee.

(3) Finance Committee:

(A) review staff reports regarding finances and the budget;

(B) present budget needs to the Legislature and other state officials;

(C) recommend proper fees for the agency to charge;

(D) consider and make recommendations to the board regarding any aspect of board finances.

(4) Legislative/Long Range Planning Committee:

(A) study and make recommendations to the board regarding changes to the Medical Practice Act;

(B) review and make recommendations to the board regarding proposed legislative changes for the regulation of medicine;

(C) provide reports and recommendations to the board in regard to changes or proposed changes regarding the Medical Practice Act and the laws regulating the practice of medicine;

(D) establish communication with members of the Legislature;

(E) assist in the organization, preparation, and delivery of information and testimony to the Legislature and committees of the Legislature;

(F) formulate and make recommendations to the board concerning future board goals and objectives and the establishment of priorities and methods for their accomplishment;

(G) study and make recommendations to the board regarding the role and responsibility of the board offices and committees;

(H) study and make recommendations to the board regarding the role and responsibility of individuals retained by the board;

(I) study and make recommendations to the board regarding ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the administration of the board;

(J) study and make recommendations to the board regarding board rules or any area of a board function that, in the judgment of the committee, needs consideration;

(K) make recommendations to the board regarding matters brought to the attention of the legislative/long range planning committee.

(5) Licensure Committee:

(A) review applications for licensure, make a determination of eligibility and report to the board its recommendations as provided by the Medical Practice Act;

(B) review board rules regarding licensure and make recommendations to the board regarding changes or implementation of such rules;

(C) determine that the board approves each examination administered;

(D) report to the board any problems in the administration of examinations and recommend and implement ways of correcting identified problems;

(E) report results of examinations to the board for its approval;

(F) be available for consultation with representatives of medical schools regarding issues related to performance on examinations;

(G) make recommendations to the board regarding postgraduate training permits and issues concerning physicians in training.

(H) maintain communication with medical schools;

(I) be available for assistance with problems relating to medical school issues which may arise within the purview of the board;

(J) plan and make visits to medical schools at specified intervals, with the goal of promoting opportunities to meet with the students so that they may become aware of the board and its functions;

(K) develop information in regard to international medical schools in the areas of curriculum, faculty, facilities, academic resources, and performance of graduates;

(L) study and make recommendations regarding documentation and verification of records from international medical schools;

(M) coordinate cooperative efforts with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates;

(N) make recommendations concerning reactivation of licenses for physicians on retired status;

(O) [ (N) ] make recommendations to the board regarding matters brought to the attention of the licensure committee.

(6) Non-Profit Health Organizations Committee:

(A) review applications for approval and certification of non-profit health organizations pursuant to the Medical Practice Act, Tex. Occ. Code Ann. §162.001 [ §5.01 ];

(B) review applications and reports for continued approval and certification of non-profit health organizations pursuant to the Medical Practice Act, Tex. Occ. Code Ann. §162.001 [ §5.01 ] ;

(C) make initial determinations and recommendations to the board regarding approval, denial, revocation, decertification, or continued approval and certification of non-profit health organizations pursuant to the Medical Practice Act, Tex. Occ. Code Ann. §162.001 [ §5.01 ];

(D) review board rules regarding non-profit health organizations, and make recommendations to the board regarding changes or implementation of such rules;

(E) make recommendations to the board regarding matters brought to the attention of the non-profit health organizations committee.

(7) Public Information/Physician Profile Committee:

(A) develop informational brochures for distribution to the public;

(B) review and make recommendations to the board in regard to press releases, newsletters, and other publications;

(C) exhibit display booths at conventions;

(D) study and make recommendations to the board regarding all aspects of public information or public relations;

(E) study and make recommendation to the board regarding all aspects of physician profiles;

(F) make recommendations to the board regarding matters brought to the attention of the public information committee.

(8) Standing Orders Committee:

(A) oversee and make recommendations to the board regarding any aspect of standing orders;

(B) review applications for acudetox specialist certification, make a determination of eligibility and report to the board its recommendations as provided by the Medical Practice Act;

(C) review and make recommendations to the board regarding board rules pertaining to standing orders, acudetox specialist certification, and continuing auricular acupuncture education;

(D) make recommendations to the board regarding issues concerning or referred by the Board of Acupuncture Examiners or other acupuncture issues;

(E) make recommendations to the board regarding issues concerning or referred by the Board of Physician Assistant Examiners;

(F) study and make recommendations to the board concerning ethical issues related to the practice of medicine;

(G) draft, revise, and propose written statements, guidelines, and newsletter articles pertaining to medical ethics;

(H) make recommendations to the board regarding matters brought to the attention of the standing orders committee.

(9) Telemedicine Committee:

(A) review, study and make recommendations to the board concerning the practice of telemedicine, including but not limited to licensure, regulation, and/or discipline of telemedicine license holders or applicants;

(B) review, study and make recommendations to the board concerning interstate and intrastate telemedicine issues;

(C) review, study and make recommendations to the board concerning board rules regarding or affecting the practice of telemedicine;

(D) review, study and make recommendations to the board concerning any other issue brought to the attention of the committee.

(h) The board shall contract with an executive director to act as the chief executive and administrative officer of the board. The executive director's duties shall be to assist in conducting meetings of the board and to carry out other responsibilities as provided by the Medical Practice Act. The executive director shall be compensated as provided in the Appropriations Act. Any responsibilities or authority of the secretary-treasurer of the board described in any rules of the board may be exercised by the executive director unless the board assigns specific duties or prerogatives exclusively to the secretary-treasurer.

(i) To assist with meetings and functions of the board, the board may direct the executive director to employ a general counsel for the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners. He or she shall be a member of the State Bar of Texas, but may not be a lobbyist registered with the Office of the Secretary of State of Texas. No person required to register personally as a lobbyist representing physicians, health care entities, or health care related professions may be employed by the board in any capacity. The executive director or secretary-treasurer may employ, compensate, and provide for special hearings and meetings, administrative hearing officers, and other professionals as may be found necessary in the executive director's or secretary-treasurer's opinion to provide for legal services.

(j) The board shall authorize the executive director or secretary-treasurer to employ, compensate, and provide administrators, clerks, employees, consultants, professionals, and other persons as may be found necessary in the executive director's or secretary-treasurer's opinion, to carry out the duties related to meetings of the board and other provisions of the Medical Practice Act. The board shall authorize the executive director or secretary-treasurer to reimburse the previously mentioned persons for actual and necessary expenses, including investigation expenses, travel, and other incidental expenses incurred in the performance of official duties as determined by the executive director or secretary-treasurer.

(k) Meetings of the board and of its committees are open to the public unless such meetings are conducted in executive session pursuant to state law and the Medical Practice Act, Tex. Occ. Code Ann. §152.009 [ Article 4495b ]. In order that board meetings may be conducted safely, efficiently, and with decorum, members of the public shall refrain at all times from smoking or using tobacco products, eating, or reading newspapers and magazines. Members of the public may not engage in disruptive activity that interferes with board proceedings, including excessive movement within the meeting room, noise or loud talking, and resting of feet on tables and chairs. The public shall remain within those areas of the board's offices designated as open to the public. Members of the public shall not address or question board members during meetings unless recognized by the board's presiding officer pursuant to a published agenda item.

(l) Journalists have the same right of access as other members of the public to board meetings conducted in open session, and are also subject to the rules of conduct described in subsection (k) of this section. Observers of any board meeting may make audio or visual recordings of such proceedings conducted in open session subject to the following limitations. The board's presiding officer may request periodically that camera operators extinguish their artificial lights to allow excessive heat to dissipate. Camera operators may not assemble or disassemble their equipment while the board is in session and conducting business. Persons seeking to position microphones for recording board proceedings may not disrupt the meeting or disturb participants. Journalists may conduct interviews in the reception area of the board's offices or, at the discretion of the board's presiding officer, in the meeting room after recess or adjournment. No interviews may be conducted in the hallways of the board's offices. The board's presiding officer may exclude from a meeting any person who, after being duly warned, persists in conduct described in this subsection and subsection (k) of this section.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 9, 2001.

TRD-200103893

Jerry T. Walker

Interim Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 19, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7016


Chapter 163. LICENSURE

22 TAC §§163.1, 163.9, 163.10

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners proposes amendments to §§163.1, 163.9, and 163.10, concerning licensure. The proposal will update Occupation Code cites and clarify requirements relating to relicensure.

Michele Shackelford, Assistant General Counsel, Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, has determined that for the first five-year period the sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of enforcing the amendments as proposed.

Ms. Shackelford also has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections as proposed is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be updated Occupations Code cites and clarification of requirements relating to relicensure. There will be no effect on small businesses. There will be no effect to individuals required to comply with the sections as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Pat Wood, P.O. Box 2018, MC-901, Austin, Texas 78768-2018. A public hearing will be held at a later date.

The amendments are proposed under the authority of the Occupations Code Annotated, §153.001, which provides the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners to adopt rules and bylaws as necessary to: govern its own proceedings; perform its duties; regulate the practice of medicine in this state; and enforce this subtitle.

The Occupations Code, §§152.002, 155.051, 156.005, 156.006, and 164.051 are affected by the amendments.

§163.1.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings unless, the contents clearly indicate otherwise.

(1) Acceptable approved medical school--A medical school or college located in the United States or Canada that was approved by the Board at the time the degree was conferred.

(2) Acceptable Unapproved medical school--A school or college located outside the United States or Canada that was not approved by the board at the time the degree was conferred but whose curriculum meets the requirements for an Unapproved medical school as determined by a committee of experts selected by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

(3) Affiliated Hospital--Affiliation status of a hospital with a medical school as defined by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and documented by the medical school in its application for accreditation.

(4) Applicant--One who files an application as defined in this section.

(5) Application--An application is all documents and information necessary to complete an applicant's request for licensure including the following:

(A) forms furnished by the board, completed by the applicant:

(i) all forms and addenda requiring a written response must be printed in ink;

(ii) photographs must meet United States Government passport standards;

(B) a fingerprint card, furnished by the board, completed by the applicant, that must be readable by the Texas Department of Public Safety;

(C) all documents required under §163.5 of this title (relating to Licensure Documentation); and

(D) the required fee, payable by check through a United States bank.

(6) Eligible for licensure in country of graduation--An applicant must be eligible for licensure in the country in which the medical school is located except for any citizenship requirements.

(7) Examinations accepted by the board for licensure.

(A) United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), with a score of 75 or better on each step, all steps must be passed within seven years;

(B) Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX), after July 1985, passage of both components within seven years with a score of 75 or better on each component;

(C) Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX), prior to June 1985, with a FLEX weighted average of 75 or better in one sitting;

(D) National Board of Medical Examiners Examination (NBME) or its successor all steps must be passed within seven years;

(E) National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners Examination (NBOME) or its successor all steps must be passed within seven years;

(F) Medical Council of Canada Examination (LMCC) or its successor, all steps must be passed within seven years;

(G) State board examination, before January 1, 1977, (with the exception of Florida, Virgin Islands, Guam, Tennessee Osteopathic Board or Puerto Rico after June 30, 1963); or

(H) One of the following examination combinations with a score of 75 or better on each part, level, component, or step, all parts, levels, components, or steps must be passed within seven years:

(i) FLEX I plus USMLE 3;

(ii) USMLE 1 and USMLE 2, plus FLEX II;

(iii) NBME I or USMLE 1, plus NBME II or USMLE 2, plus NBME III or USMLE 3;

(iv) NBME I or USMLE 1, plus NBME II or USMLE 2, plus FLEX II;

(v) NBOME I, plus NBOME II, plus FLEX II;

(vi) the NBOME Part I or COMLEX Level I and NBOME Part II or COMLEX Level II and NBOME Part III or COMLEX Level III.

(I) An applicant must pass each part of an examination within three attempts, except that an applicant who has passed all but one part of an examination within three attempts may take the remaining part of the examination one additional time.

(J) Notwithstanding subparagraph (I) of this paragraph, an applicant is considered to have satisfied the requirements of this section if the applicant:

(i) passed all but one part of an examination approved by the board within three attempts and passed the remaining part of the examination within five attempts;

(ii) is specialty board certified by a specialty board that:

(I) is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties; or

(II) is approved by the American Osteopathic Association; and

(iii) completed in this state an additional two years of postgraduate medical training approved by the board.

(8) Examinations administered by the board for licensure--To be eligible for licensure an Applicant must sit for the Texas medical jurisprudence examination administered by the board and pass. A passing score is 75 or better on the Texas medical jurisprudence examinations. The board shall administer the Texas medical jurisprudence examination in writing at times and places as designated by the board.

(9) Full force--Applicants for licensure who possess a license in another jurisdiction must have it in full force and not restricted for cause, canceled for cause, suspended for cause or revoked. A physician with a license in full force may include a physician who does not have a current, active, valid annual permit in another jurisdiction because:

(A) that jurisdiction requires the physician to practice in the jurisdiction before the annual permit is current; or

(B) that jurisdiction requires the physician, prior to practicing in that jurisdiction, to hold a current professional liability insurance policy before the annual permit is current.

(10) Good professional character - An Applicant for licensure must not be in violation of or committed any act described in the Medical Practice Act, Tex. Occ. Code Ann. §164.051 [ §3.08 ].

(11) One-year training program--Applicants who are graduates of acceptable approved medical schools must successfully complete one year of postgraduate training approved by the board that is:

(A) accepted for certification by an American Specialty board that is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties or the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists; or

(B) accredited by one of the following:

(i) the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, or its predecessor;

(ii) the American Osteopathic Association;

(iii) the Committee on Accreditation of Preregistration Physician Training Programs, Federation of Provincial Medical Licensing Authorities of Canada;

(iv) the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada; or

(v) the College of Family Physicians of Canada; or

(C) a postresidency program, usually called fellowship, for additional training in a medical specialty or subspecialty in a program approved by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners.

(12) Requisite qualifications--An Applicant who is a graduate of an unapproved acceptable medical school who:

(A) has for the preceding five years been a licensee of another state or a Canadian province;

(B) is not the subject of a sanction imposed by or disciplinary matter pending in any state or Canadian province in which the Applicant is licensed to practice medicine; and

(C) is either specialty board certified by a board that is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties or the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists or successfully passes the Special Purpose Examination (SPEX).

(13) Substantially equivalent to a Texas medical school--A medical school or college located outside the United States or Canada must be an institution of higher learning designed to select and educate medical students; provide students with the opportunity to acquire a sound basic medical education through training in basic sciences and clinical sciences; to provide advancement of knowledge through research; to develop programs of graduate medical education to produce practitioners, teachers, and researchers; and to afford opportunity for postgraduate and continuing medical education. The school must provide resources, including faculty and facilities, sufficient to support a curriculum offered in an intellectual environment that enables the program to meet these standards. The faculty of the school shall actively contribute to the development and transmission of new knowledge. The medical school shall contribute to the advancement of knowledge and to the intellectual growth of its students and faculty through scholarly activity, including research. The medical school shall include, but not be limited to, the following characteristics:

(A) The facilities for basic sciences and clinical training (i.e., laboratories, hospitals, library, etc.) shall be adequate to ensure opportunity for proper education.

(B) The admissions standards shall be substantially equivalent to a Texas medical school.

(C) The basic sciences curriculum shall include the contemporary content of those expanded disciplines that have been traditionally titled anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology and immunology, pathology, pharmacology and therapeutics, and preventive medicine, as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

(D) The fundamental clinical subjects, which shall be offered in the form of required patient-related clerkships, are internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery, as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

(E) The curriculum shall be of at least 130 weeks in duration.

(F) All medical or osteopathic medical education received by the Applicant in the United States must be accredited by an accrediting body officially recognized by the United States Department of Education as the accrediting body for medical education leading to the doctor of medicine degree or the doctor of osteopathy degree in the United States. This subsection does not apply to postgraduate medical education or training.

(G) An applicant who is unable to comply with the requirements of subparagraph (F) of this paragraph is eligible for an unrestricted license if the Applicant:

(i) received such medical education in a hospital or teaching institution Sponsoring or participating in a program of graduate medical education accredited by the Accrediting Council for Graduate Medical Education, the American Osteopathic Association, or the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners in the same subject as the medical or osteopathic medical education if the hospital or teaching institution has an agreement with the applicant's school; or

(ii) is specialty board certified by a board approved by the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists or the American Board of Medical Specialties.

(14) Three-year training program--Applicants who are graduates of unapproved medical schools must successfully complete three years of postgraduate training in the United States or Canada:

(A) accredited by one of the following:

(i) the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education;

(ii) the American Osteopathic Association;

(iii) the Committee on Accreditation of Preregistration Physician Training Programs, Federation of Provincial Medical Licensing Authorities of Canada;

(iv) the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada;

(v) the College of Family Physicians of Canada; and

(vi) all programs approved by the board after August 25, 1984; or

(B) a board-approved program for which a Faculty Temporary Permit was issued; or

(C) a postresidency program, usually called fellowship, for additional training in a medical specialty or subspecialty in a program approved by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners.

(15) Unapproved medical school--A school or college located outside the United States or Canada that was not approved by the board at the time the degree was conferred.

§163.9.State Health Agency Temporary License.

An applicant may elect to apply for a state health agency temporary license in lieu of licensure.

(1) The executive director of the board may issue such a temporary license to an applicant:

(A) who holds a valid license in another state or Canadian province on the basis of an examination, that is accepted by the board for licensure;

(B) who has passed the Texas medical jurisprudence examination;

(C) whose application has been filed, processed, and found to be in order. The application shall be complete in every detail with the exception of compliance with §163.4(c)(2) of this title (relating to Procedural Rules for all Licensure Applicants); and

(D) who holds a salaried, administrative, or clinical position with an agency of the State of Texas.

(2) The state health agency temporary license shall be requested by the chief administrative officer of the employing state agency and shall be issued exclusively to that agency. The chief administrative officer shall state whether the temporary license is for a:

(A) clinical position. This temporary license will be valid for a one-year period from the date of issuance and will not be renewable. The temporary license is revocable at any time the board deems necessary. To practice beyond one year, the holder of the temporary license must fully comply with §163.4(c)(2) of this title (relating to Procedural Rules for all Licensure Applicants). During the period that the state health agency clinical temporary license is in effect, the physician will be supervised by a licensed staff physician who will regularly review the temporary license holder's skill and performance. This temporary license will be marked "clinical"; or

(B) administrative non-clinical position. This temporary license will be valid for a one-year period from the date of issuance; however, it is revocable at any time the board deems necessary. The temporary license shall automatically expire one year after the date of issuance but may be re-issued annually at the request of the chief administrative officer of the employing state agency and at the discretion of the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners. The holder of a state health agency temporary license, not designated as clinical, shall not practice medicine as that term is defined in the Medical Practice Act, Tex. Occ. Code Ann. §151.002 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4495b, section 1.03(12)(A) and (B) ]. This temporary license will be marked "administrative."

§163.10.Relicensure.

(a) If a physician's annual registration permit [ license ] has been expired for one year due to failure to submit an application for registration and annual registration fee , it is considered to have been canceled , unless an investigation is pending , and the physician may not renew the annual registration permit [ license ]. The physician may obtain a new license by submitting to reexamination and complying with the requirements and procedures for obtaining an original license.

(1) The examinations required by this section are:

(A) the Texas jurisprudence examination; and

(B) SPEX, unless the Applicant:

(i) has passed a licensure examination or has obtained specialty certification, recertification, or passed an examination of continued demonstration of qualifications by a board that is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties or the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists within the preceding ten years; or

(ii) has been in a training program approved by the board within six months prior to application for relicensure.

(2) The additional requirements for this new license shall be as required within the following sections:

(A) Section 163.2 of this title (relating to Licensure for United States and Canadian Medical School Graduates);

(B) Section 163.3 of this title (relating to Licensure for Graduates of Unapproved Medical Schools);

(C) Section 163.4 of this title (relating to Procedural Rules for all Licensure Applicants); and

(D) Section 163.5 of this title (relating to Licensure Documentation).

(b) A person may qualify for renewal of his or her original license without reexamination if that person's license is considered canceled for less than two years. [ person: ]

[(1) held a license previously in this state;]

[(2) moved to another state;]

[(3) practiced in that other state for not more than two years since the expiration of his or her Texas license; and]

[(4) files an application for relicensure under subsection (a)(2) of this section.]

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 9, 2001.

TRD-200103894

Jerry T. Walker

Interim Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 19, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7016


Chapter 166. PHYSICIAN REGISTRATION

22 TAC §§166.2 - 166.4, 166.6

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners proposes amendments to §§166.2-166.4, and 166.6, concerning physician registration. The proposal will update Occupation Code cites and clarify which board committee is responsible for considering a physician's request to return to active status from retired status.

Michele Shackelford, Assistant General Counsel, Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, has determined that for the first five-year period the sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of enforcing the amendments as proposed.

Ms. Shackelford also has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections as proposed is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be updated Occupations Code cites and clarification of which board committee is responsible for considering a physician's request to return to active status from retired status. There will be no effect on small businesses. There will be no effect to individuals required to comply with the sections as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Pat Wood, P.O. Box 2018, MC-901, Austin, Texas 78768-2018. A public hearing will be held at a later date.

The amendments are proposed under the authority of the Occupations Code Annotated, §153.001, which provides the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners to adopt rules and bylaws as necessary to: govern its own proceedings; perform its duties; regulate the practice of medicine in this state; and enforce this subtitle.

The Occupations Code, §§156.001, 156.002, 156.003, 156.004, 156.005, 156.006, 156.007, 156.008, 156.009, 156.051, 156.052, 156.053, 156.054, 156.055, 164.051, 164.052, and 164.053 are affected by the amendments.

§166.2.Continuing Medical Education.

(a) As a prerequisite to the annual registration of a physician's license, 24 hours of continuing medical education (CME) are required to be completed in the following categories:

(1) At least one-half of the hours are to be from formal courses that are:

(A) designated for AMA/PRA Category 1 credit by a CME sponsor accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education or a state medical society recognized by the Committee for Review and Recognition of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education;

(B) approved for prescribed credit by the American Academy of Family Physicians;

(C) designated for AOA Category 1-A credit required for osteopathic physicians by an accredited CME sponsor approved by the American Osteopathic Association; or

(D) approved by the Texas Medical Association based on standards established by the AMA for its Physician's Recognition Award.

(2) Beginning with annual registrations in 1999, at least one of the formal hours of CME which are required by paragraph (1) of this subsection must involve the study of medical ethics and/or professional responsibility. Whether a particular hour of CME involves the study of medical ethics and/or professional responsibility shall be determined by the organizations which are enumerated in paragraph (1) of this subsection as part of their course planning.

(3) The remaining hours may be composed of informal self-study, attendance at hospital lectures or grand rounds not approved for formal CME, or case conferences and shall be recorded in a manner that can be easily transmitted to the board upon request.

(b) A physician must report on the annual registration form if she or he has completed the required continuing medical education during the previous year. A licensee may carry forward CME credit hours earned prior to an annual registration report which are in excess of the 24-hour annual requirement and such excess hours may be applied to the following years' requirements. A maximum of 48 total excess credit hours may be carried forward and shall be reported according to the categories set out in subsection (a) of this section. Excess CME credit hours of any type may not be carried forward or applied to an annual report of CME more than two years beyond the date of the annual registration following the period during which the hours were earned.

(c) A licensee shall be presumed to have complied with this section if in the preceding 36 months the licensee becomes board certified or recertified in a medical specialty and the medical specialty program meets the standards of the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Medical Association, the Advisory Board for Osteopathic Specialists and Boards of Certification, or the American Osteopathic Association. This provision exempts the physician from all CME requirements, including the requirement for one hour involving the study of medical ethics and/or professional responsibility, as outlined in subsection (a)(2) of this section, and this exemption is valid for one annual renewal period only.

(d) A physician may request in writing an exemption for the following reasons:

(1) catastrophic illness;

(2) military service of longer than one year's duration outside the state;

(3) medical practice and residence of longer than one year's duration outside the United States; or

(4) good cause shown on written application of the licensee that gives satisfactory evidence to the board that the licensee is unable to comply with the requirement for continuing medical education.

(e) Exemptions are subject to the approval of the executive director/medical director and must be requested in writing at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of the license.

(f) A temporary exemption under subsection (d) of this section may not exceed one year but may be renewed annually, subject to the approval of the board.

(g) Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to a licensee who is retired and has been exempted from paying the annual registration fee under §166.3 of this title (relating to Retired Physician Exception).

(h) This section does not prevent the board from taking disciplinary action with respect to a licensee or an applicant for a license by requiring additional hours of continuing medical education or of specific course subjects.

(i) The board may require written verification of both formal and informal credits from any licensee within 30 days of request. Failure to provide such verification may result in disciplinary action by the board.

(j) Physicians in residency/fellowship training or who have completed such training within six months prior to their renewal application will satisfy the requirements of subsection (a)(1) and (2) of this section by their residency or fellowship program.

(k) Unless exempted under the terms of this section, a physician licensee's apparent failure to obtain and timely report the 24 hours of CME as required and provided for in this section shall result in nonrenewal of the license until such time as the physician obtains and reports the required CME hours; however, the executive director of the board may issue to such a physician a temporary license numbered so as to correspond to the nonrenewed license. Such a temporary license shall be issued at the direction of the executive director for a period of no longer than 90 days. A temporary license issued pursuant to this subsection may be issued to allow the board to verify the accuracy of information related to the physician's CME hours and to allow the physician who has not obtained or timely reported the required number of hours an opportunity to correct any deficiency so as not to require termination of ongoing patient care.

(l) The fee for issuance of a temporary license pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be in the amount specified for temporary licenses under §175.1 of this title (relating to Fees); however, the fee need not be paid prior to the issuance of the temporary license, but shall be paid prior to the renewal of a permanent license.

(m) CME hours which are obtained to comply with the CME requirements for the preceding year as a prerequisite for licensure renewal, shall first be credited to meet the CME requirements for the previous year. Once the previous year's CME requirement is satisfied, any additional hours obtained shall be credited to meet the CME requirements for the current year.

(n) An intentionally false report or intentionally false statement to the board by a licensee regarding CME hours reportedly obtained shall be a basis for disciplinary action by the board pursuant to the Act, Tex. Occ. Code Ann. §§164.051 - .053 [ §§3.08(1), (4), (5), 4.01, and 4.12 ]. A licensee who is disciplined by the board for such a violation may be subject to the full range of actions authorized by the Act including suspension or revocation of the physician's medical license, but in no event shall such action be less than an administrative penalty of $500 and a public reprimand.

(o) Administrative penalties for failure to timely obtain and report required CME hours may be determined by the Disciplinary Process Review Committee of the board as provided for in §187.39 of this title (relating to Administrative Penalties).

(p) Failure to obtain and timely report the CME hours for renewal of a license shall subject the licensee to a monetary penalty for late registration in the amount set forth in §175.2 of this title (relating to Penalties). Any temporary licensure fee and any administrative penalty imposed for failure to obtain and timely report the 24 hours of CME required for renewal of a license shall be in addition to the applicable penalties for late registration or renewal as set forth in §175.2 of this title (relating to Penalties).

§166.3.Retired Physician Exception.

The annual registration fee shall apply to all physicians licensed by the board, whether or not they are practicing within the borders of this state, except retired physicians.

(1) To become exempt from the annual registration fee due to retirement:

(A) the physician's current license must be active and in good standing;

(B) the physician must request in writing on a form prescribed by the board for his or her license to be placed on official retired status.

(2) The following restrictions shall apply to physicians whose licenses are on official retired status.

(A) The physician must not engage in clinical activities or practice medicine in any state.

(B) The physician must not prescribe or administer drugs to anyone, nor may the physician possess a Drug Enforcement Administration or Texas controlled substances registration.

(C) The physician's license may not be endorsed to any other state.

(3) A physician whose license has been placed on official retired status must obtain the approval of the board before returning to active status by submitting a written request to the attention of the Permits Department of the board which indicates the following:

(A) the physician's Texas medical license number;

(B) current mailing address;

(C) proposed practice location;

(D) intended type of medical practice;

(E) length of retired status;

(F) any other medical licenses held;

(G) any condition which adversely affects the physician's ability to practice medicine with reasonable skill and safety;

(H) any current specialty board certifications; and

(I) any formal or informal continuing medical education obtained during the period of retired status.

(4) The request of a physician seeking a return to active status whose license has been placed on official retired status for two years or longer shall be submitted to the Licensure [ Executive ] Committee of the board for consideration and a recommendation to the full board for approval or denial of the request. After consideration of the request and the recommendation of the Licensure [ Executive ] Committee, the board shall grant or deny the request subject such conditions which the board determines are necessary to adequately protect the public including but not limited to passage of the Special Purpose Examination (SPEX), passage of the Medical Jurisprudence Examination, and/or passage of a specialty board certification examination.

(5) The request of a physician seeking a return to active status whose license has been placed on official retired status for less than two years may be approved by the executive director of the board or submitted by the executive director to the Licensure [ Executive ] Committee for consideration and a recommendation to the full board for approval or denial of the request. In those instances in which the executive director submits the request to the Licensure [ Executive ] Committee of the board, the Licensure [ Executive ] Committee shall make a recommendation to the full board for approval or denial. After consideration of the request and the recommendation of the Licensure [ Executive ] Committee, the board shall grant or deny the request subject to such conditions which the board determines are necessary to adequately protect the public including but not limited to passage of the Special Purpose Examination (SPEX), passage of the Medical Jurisprudence Examination, and/or passage of a specialty board certification examination.

(6) In evaluating a request to return to active status, the Licensure [ Executive ] Committee or the full board may require a personal appearance by the requesting physician at the offices of the board, and the full board may require a physical or mental examination by one or more physicians or other health care providers approved in advance in writing by the executive director, the secretary-treasurer, the executive committee, or other designee(s) determined by majority vote of the board.

§166.4.Renewal of Expired License.

(a) If a physician's license has expired, the physician may renew the license without monetary penalty during the first 30 days following expiration.

(b) If a physician's license has been expired for longer than 30 days, but less than 91 days, the physician may renew the license by submitting a completed annual registration form and paying to the board the required renewal fee and a fee that is one-half of the annual registration fee as established by the board under the Medical Practice Act, Tex. Occ. Code Ann. §156.005(a) [ §3.10(b)(7) ].

(c) If a physician's license has been expired for longer than 90 days but less than one year, the physician may renew the license by submitting a completed annual registration form and paying to the board all unpaid renewal fees and a fee that is equal to the annual registration fee as established by the board under the Medical Practice Act, Tex. Occ. Code Ann. §156.005(b) [ §3.10(b)(7) ].

(d) If a physician's license has been expired for one year, it is considered to have been canceled, unless an investigation is pending, and the physician may not renew the license.

§166.6.Exemption from Annual Registration Fee for Retired Physician Providing Voluntary Charity Care.

(a) A retired physician licensed by the board whose only practice is the provision of voluntary charity care shall be exempt from the annual registration fee. To qualify for and obtain such an exemption, a physician must truthfully certify under oath, on a form approved by the board, and received by the board at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of the license, that the following information is correct:

(1) the physician's practice of medicine does not include the provision of medical services for either direct or indirect compensation which has monetary value of any kind;

(2) the physician's practice of medicine is limited to voluntary charity care for which the physician receives no direct or indirect compensation of any kind for medical services rendered;

(3) the physician's practice of medicine does not include the provision of medical services to members of the physician's family; and

(4) the physician's practice of medicine does not include the self-prescribing of controlled substances or dangerous drugs.

(b) A physician who qualifies for and obtains an exemption from the annual registration fee authorized under this section shall obtain and report continuing medical education as required under the Medical Practice Act, Tex. Occ. Code Ann. §§ 156.051 - .055 [ Article 4495b, §3.025 ] and §166.2 of this title (relating to Continuing Medical Education).

(c) A physician who qualifies for and obtains an exemption from the annual registration fee authorized under this section shall file an application for registration with the board on an annual basis as required under the Medical Practice Act, Tex. Occ. Code Ann. §§156.001-.009 [ Article 4495b, §3.01 ].

(d) A retired physician who has obtained an exemption from the annual registration fee as provided for under this section, may be subject to disciplinary action under the Medical Practice Act, Tex. Occ. Code Ann. §164.053 [ Article 4495b, §3.08(4) ], based on unprofessional or dishonorable conduct likely to deceive, defraud, or injure the public if the physician engages in the compensated practice of medicine, the provision of medical services to members of the physician's family, or the self-prescribing of controlled substances or dangerous drugs.

(e) A physician who attempts to obtain an exemption from the annual registration fee under this section by submitting false or misleading statements to the board shall be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to the Medical Practice Act, Tex. Occ. Code Ann. §164.052(a)(1) [ Article 4495b, §3.08(4) ], in addition to any civil or criminal actions provided for by state or federal law.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 9, 2001.

TRD-200103895

Jerry T. Walker

Interim Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 19, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7016


Chapter 167. REINSTATEMENT AND REISSUANCE

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners proposes amendments to §§167.1, 167.2, and 167.4-167.6, the repeal of §167.3, and new §§167.3, 167.7, and 167.8, concerning reinstatement. The proposal will update Occupation Code cites and clarify criteria to be considered when determining whether or not to reinstate a medical license following suspension or to reissue a license following revocation.

Michele Shackelford, Assistant General Counsel, Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, has determined that there will be a fiscal impact for the first five-year period the sections are in effect. Due to the changes in the procedure for reissuing a license following revocation, there will be an increase to those persons required to comply of $450 for the application fee. Further impact to those individuals would be dependent upon the physician's individual qualifications. Revenue increase to the state is estimated at $1350 per fiscal year.

Ms. Shackelford also has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections as proposed are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be updated Occupation Code cites and clarification in the criteria to be considered when determining whether or not to reinstate a medical license following suspension or to reissue a license following revocation.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Pat Wood, P.O. Box 2018, MC-901, Austin, Texas 78768-2018. A public hearing will be held at a later date.

22 TAC §§167.1 - 167.8

The amendments are proposed under the authority of the Occupations Code Annotated, §153.001, which provides the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners to adopt rules and bylaws as necessary to: govern its own proceedings; perform its duties; regulate the practice of medicine in this state; and enforce this subtitle.

The Occupations Code, §§164.003, 164.007, 164.009, 164.101, 164.102, 164.151, 164.152, 164.153, and 164.154 are affected by the amendments.

§167.1.Reinstatement or Reissuance of Medical License Following Suspension or Revocation [ Cancellation for Cause ].

(a) Reinstatement of Medical License Following Suspension. [ The applicant must complete in every detail the application for reinstatement of license for cause, including payment of the required application fee. ]

(1) [ (b) ]The applicant whose license has been suspended must appear before the board to [ state the ] request [ for ] reinstatement of license.

(2) A person may not apply for reinstatement of a license that was suspended before the first anniversary of the date on which the suspension became effective.

(3) Request [ (c) Application ]for reinstatement following suspension [ cancellation for cause ] cannot be considered more often than annually unless otherwise specified by Order of the Board .

(b) Reissuance of License Following Revocation.

(1) An applicant whose license has been revoked must complete in every detail the application for reissuance of license, including payment of the required application fee.

(2) The applicant whose license has been revoked must appear before the board to request reissuance of license.

(3) A person may not apply for reissuance of a license that was revoked before the first anniversary of the date on which the revocation became effective.

(4) Application for reissuance following revocation cannot be considered more often than annually.

§167.2.Informal Disposition of Requests for Reinstatement .

Pursuant to the Medical Practice Act, §§154.006, 164.003 and 164.151-.154 [ §§4.02, 4.025, and 4.10 ], and the Administrative Procedure Act, Government Code, §2001.056, the following rules shall apply to informal dispositions of any requests for reinstatement of a medical license following suspension [ cancellation for cause, or of any contested case ].

(1) The board may make an informal disposition of any request for reinstatement of a medical license following suspension [ cancellation for cause, or of any contested case ] by stipulation, agreed order, agreed settlement, consent order, or default.

(2) In the event the board makes such a disposition of a request for reinstatement of a medical license following suspension [ cancellation for cause, or other matter ], the disposition shall be in writing and, if appropriate, the writing shall be signed by the applicant.

(3) To facilitate the expeditious disposition of requests for reinstatement following suspension [ cancellation for cause ], the board may provide an applicant with an opportunity to attend an informal settlement conference.

(4) If the opportunity for an informal settlement conference is provided to an applicant, the applicant shall be provided with [ a copy of the completed application for reinstatement of license for cause, by certified mail - return receipt requested, overnight or express mail, or registered mail, to the last mailing address of the applicant or the applicant's attorney on file with the board. The applicant shall also be provided with ] written notice of the time, date, and location of the conference and the rules governing the proceeding by certified mail-return receipt requested, overnight or express mail, or registered mail, to the last mailing address of the applicant or the applicant's attorney on file with the board.

(5) One or more members of the board or a district review committee shall conduct the informal settlement conference as the board's representative(s). When a board member and a district review committee member conduct such a conference, the board member shall serve as chairman of the conference. In the event that the representatives consist of two board members or two district review committee members, the representative who has seniority on the board or committee shall serve as the chairman of the conference. In the event a public member of the board or a district review committee member serves as the only board representative in such a conference, a board consultant or the board's executive director, if the executive director is a physician, may serve as a medical advisor to the representative.

(6) The informal settlement conference shall allow:

(A) the board staff to address whether it is in the best interest of the public and the physician to return to the practice of medicine by presenting [ to present ] a synopsis of the allegations and the [ facts the ] basis of the suspension [ cancellation ] of the applicant's medical license, the facts which the board staff reasonably believes could be proven by competent evidence at a hearing , and whether the applicant has complied with the terms and conditions of the Order suspending his license if applicable ;

(B) the applicant to reply to the board staff's presentation and present facts the applicant reasonably believes could be proven by competent evidence at a hearing;

(C) presentation of evidence by the staff and the applicant which may include medical and office records, x-rays, pictures, film recordings of all kinds, audio and video recordings, diagrams, charts, drawings, and any other illustrative or explanatory materials which in the discretion of the board's representative(s) are relevant to the proceeding;

(D) representation of the applicant by counsel;

(E) presentation of oral or written statements by the applicant or the applicant's counsel;

(F) presentation of oral or written statements or testimony by witnesses; and

(G) questioning of witnesses.

(7) The board's representative(s) shall exclude from the informal settlement conference all persons except witnesses during their testimony or presentation of statements, the applicant, the applicant's attorney or representative, board members, district review committee members, and board staff.

(8) During the informal settlement conference, the board's legal counsel or a representative of the Office of the Attorney General shall be present to advise the board's representative(s) or the board's employees.

(9) Except with the agreement of the applicant, during the deliberations of an appropriate settlement, the board's representative(s) at an informal settlement conference shall exclude the board staff which presented the allegations and facts related to the request for reinstatement following suspension [ cancellation for cause ], the applicant, the applicant's attorney or representative, any witnesses, and the general public. A board legal counsel or representative of the Office of the Attorney General shall be available to assist the representative(s) in their deliberations.

(10) After an informal settlement conference has been held, the staff of the board and the board's representative(s) shall be subject to the ex parte provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act with regard to contacts with board members and administrative law judges concerning the case.

[(11) To the extent possible, board members and district review committee members are required to serve as representatives at informal settlement conferences an equal number of times during a calendar year. In the event a board member or district review committee member has a complaint regarding the frequency or infrequency of service as a representative required for any member, the complaint may be routed in writing to the Director of Hearings for the board who shall then bring the complaint to the attention of the Disciplinary Process Review Committee for a resolution by a majority vote of the committee.]

(11) [ (12) ] At the informal settlement conference, the board's representative(s) will attempt to mediate disputed matters, and the board's representative(s) may call upon the board staff at any time for assistance in conducting the informal settlement conference.

(12) [ (13) ] The board's representative(s) shall prohibit or limit access to the board's investigative file by the applicant, the applicant's attorney or representative, any witnesses, and the public consistent with the Medical Practice Act, §164.007 [ §4.05(c) ].

(13) [ (14) ] Although notes may be made by the participants, mechanical or electronic recordings shall not be made of settlement discussions, mediation efforts, and the informal settlement conference.

(14) [ (15) ] The settlement conference shall be informal and shall not follow the procedures established under Chapter 187 of this title (relating to Procedure) for contested cases.

(15) [ (16) ] At the conclusion of the informal settlement conference, the board's representative(s) shall make recommendations for disposition of the request for reinstatement [ following cancellation for cause ] which may include deferral pending receipt of additional information, denial of the request, or in accordance with Board Rule 187.38 of this title (relating to Modification/Termination of Agreed Orders and Disciplinary Orders), a modification or termination of the agreed or disciplinary order under which the suspension was originally granted [ a recommendation regarding the disposition of the case in the absence of a hearing under the provisions of applicable law concerning contested cases ]. The board's representative(s) may make recommendations to the applicant for resolution of the issues. Such recommendations may include any reasonable restrictions authorized by the Act and any other remedial actions in the public interest. These recommendations may be subsequently modified by the board's representative(s) or staff based on new information, a change of circumstance, or to expedite a resolution in the interest of protecting the public. These recommendations may be adopted, modified, or rejected by the duly convened board or through the duly authorized actions of the board's Disciplinary Process Review Committee.

(16) [ (17) ] The applicant may either accept or reject the settlement recommendations proposed by the board's representative(s). If the applicant accepts the recommendations, the applicant shall execute the settlement agreement in the form of an agreed order or affidavit as soon thereafter as is practicable. If the applicant rejects the proposed agreement, the applicant shall be given the option of requesting a formal hearing. If the applicant requests a formal hearing, the matter shall be referred to the board's staff for hearing, as described in Chapter 187, Subchapter C of this title (relating to Hearing).

(17) [ (18) ] Following acceptance and execution by the applicant of the settlement agreement, the agreement shall be submitted to the board for approval.

(18) [ (19) ] The following as stated in subparagraphs (A)-(C) of this paragraph relate to consideration of an agreed disposition by the board.

(A) Upon an affirmative majority vote, the board shall enter an order approving the proposed settlement agreement. The order shall bear the signature of the president of the board or of the officer presiding at such meeting and shall be referenced in the minutes of the board.

(B) If the board does not approve a proposed settlement agreement, the applicant shall be so informed and the matter shall be referred to the board staff for appropriate action to include further negotiation, further investigation, an additional informal settlement conference or a hearing.

(C) To promote the expeditious resolution of any request for reinstatement [ following cancellation for cause ], with the approval of the executive director, a member of the Executive Committee, or the Disciplinary Process Review Committee, board staff may present a proposed settlement agreement to the board for consideration and acceptance without conducting an informal settlement conference. If the board does not approve such a proposed settlement agreement, the applicant shall be so informed and the matter shall be referred to the board staff for appropriate action to include further negotiation, further investigation, an informal settlement conference or a hearing.

§167.3.Application for Reissuance of a Revoked License.

Pursuant to the Medical Practice Act, §164.151 and the Administrative Procedure Act, Government Code, §2001.056, the following rules shall apply to the dispositions of any applications for reissuance of a license to practice medicine.

(1) The board may make an informal disposition of any application for reissuance of a medical license following revocation by stipulation, agreed order, agreed settlement or default.

(2) In the event the board makes such a disposition of an application for reissuance of a medical license following revocation, the disposition shall be in writing and, if appropriate, the writing shall be signed by the applicant.

(3) To facilitate the expeditious disposition of an application for reissuance following revocation, the board may provide an applicant with an opportunity to be heard before a committee of the board.

(4) If an opportunity to appear before a committee of the board is provided to an applicant, the applicant shall be provided with a copy of the completed application for reissuance of license by certified mail - return receipt requested, overnight or express mail, or registered mail to the last mailing address of the applicant or the applicant's attorney on file with the board. The applicant shall also be provided with written notice of the time, date and location of the committee hearing and the rules governing the proceeding.

(5) The committee hearing shall allow:

(A) board staff to present a synopsis of the allegations and the facts that supported the revocation of the applicant's medical license, and to address whether it is in the best interest of the public and the physician to return to the practice of medicine;

(B) the applicant the opportunity to reply to the board staff's presentation and offer relevant evidence;

(C) representation of the applicant by counsel; and

(D) presentation of oral or written statements by the applicant or the applicant's counsel.

(6) At the conclusion of the applicant's presentation, the committee shall make a recommendation for disposition of the application for reissuance which may include:

(A) deferral pending receipt of additional information;

(B) denial of the request for reissuance;

(C) reissuance of an unrestricted license; or

(D) reissuance of a restricted license subject to any reasonable restrictions or conditions authorized by the Act and any other remedial actions found to be in the public's best interest.

(7) An applicant who is offered a restricted license may either accept or reject the recommendations proposed by the committee. If the applicant accepts the recommendations, the applicant shall execute the agreement in the form of an agreed order or affidavit as soon thereafter as is practicable. If the applicant rejects the proposed agreement, the applicant shall be given the option of requesting judicial review in the manner provided by §164.009 of the Act.

(8) Following acceptance and execution by the applicant of the agreement to restrictions on the applicant's license, the application for reissuance and the agreed order shall be submitted to the board for approval.

(A) Upon an affirmative majority vote, the board shall enter an order approving the proposed reissuance of licensure subject to restrictions or conditions. The order shall bear the signature of the president of the board or of the officer presiding at such meeting and shall be referenced in the minutes of the board.

(B) If the board does not approve the proposed order or otherwise denies the applicant's application for reissuance, the applicant shall be so informed and the board's decision shall be subject to judicial review in the manner provided by §164.009 of the Act.

§167.4.Best Interests of Physician.

Pursuant to §164.151 of the Act [ §4.10 of Article 4495b, Texas Revised Civil Statutes ], a physician may be reissued a medical license or reinstated to the practice of medicine only if the physician demonstrates that the reissuance or reinstatement is in the physician's best interests. Best interests of the physician may include, but not be limited to, an assessment by the Board as to whether the physician:

(1) understands all issues of competency, technical, educational, training or ethical limitations as found in the Order which led to the revocation [ ,cancellation ] or suspension of a license; and

(2) demonstrates that risk of further disciplinary proceedings for the revocation[ , cancellation ] or suspension of the license of the physician will be minimal or minimized if the physician is returned to the practice of medicine.

§167.5.Best Interests of the Public.

Pursuant to § 164.151 of the Act [ §4.10 of Article 4495b, Texas Revised Civil Statutes ], a physician may be reissued a medical license or reinstated to the practice of medicine only if the physician demonstrates that the reissuance or reinstatement is in the best interests of the public. Bests interests of the public may include, but not be limited to, an assessment by the Board as to whether the physician demonstrates:

(1) remediation of any competency, technical, educational, training or ethical limitations as found in the Order leading to revocation[ , cancellation ] or suspension of a license or any competency, technical, educational, training or ethical limitations found since the entry of the order;

(2) that risk of further disciplinary proceedings for the revocation[ , cancellation ] or suspension of the license will be minimal or minimized if the physician is returned to the practice of medicine and the public will adequately be protected, whether by probationary Order or other terms and conditions as agreed to by the physician or authorized by §§164.101-.102 of the Act [ § 4.11 and §4.12 of Article 4495b, Texas Revised Civil Statutes ];

(3) that an adequate practice plan will be in place to reduce or eliminate the risk of further disciplinary proceedings by the Board; and

(4) continued medical competency such that the physician is able to provide the same standard of medical care as any applicant for a license under Chapter 163 of this title (relating to Licensure). Further, the Board shall require an applicant for reissuance [ reinstatement ] to meet the qualifications and requirements set forth in Chapter 163 of this title, including, but not limited to documentation of completion of the process of a current application for licensure.

§167.6.Final Action.

In any contested case proceeding regarding a reinstatement request [ application ], the Order revoking, [ canceling ] or suspending a license is a final action and shall not be subject to further litigation as to its findings of fact or conclusions of law, provided, however, that the Order may be admissible and relevant for purposes of establishing the basis for the original action and subsequent efforts after the Order by the physician to demonstrate reinstatement of the license is in the best interests of the public and the applicant physician.

§167.7.Judicial Review.

A decision by the board to deny a request for reinstatement or application for reissuance of a medical license is subject to review in the manner provided by §164.009 of the Act.

§167.8.Certain Persons Ineligible for Reinstatement or Reissuance of License.

Except on express determination based on substantial evidence contained in an investigative report indicating that reinstatement or reissuance of the license is in the best interest of the public and of the person whose license has been suspended or revoked, the board may not reinstate or reissue a license to a person who license has been suspended or revoked because of a felony conviction under:

(1) Chapter 481 or 483, Health and Safety Code;

(2) Section 485.033, Health and Safety Code; or

(3) the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. §801 et seq.)

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 9, 2001.

TRD-200103930

Jerry T. Walker

Interim Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 19, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7016


22 TAC §167.3

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

The repeal is proposed under the authority of the Occupations Code Annotated, §153.001, which provides the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners to adopt rules and bylaws as necessary to: govern its own proceedings; perform its duties; regulate the practice of medicine in this state; and enforce this subtitle.

The Occupations Code, §§164.003, 164.007, 164.009, 164.101, 164.102, 164.151, 164.152, 164.153, and 164.154 are affected by the repeal.

§167.3.Reinstatement of Drug Enforcement Agency Registration Following Surrender for Cause.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 9, 2001.

TRD-200103896

Jerry T. Walker

Interim Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 19, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7016


Part 27. BOARD OF TAX PROFESSIONAL EXAMINERS

Chapter 623. REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION

22 TAC §623.12

The Board of Tax Professional Examiners proposes an amendment to §623.12, Recertification. This amendment will requires registrants certified as an RTC to earn continuing education units for re-certification purposes and increases the number of continuing education units required by RTA or RPA for re-certification purposes.

David E. Montoya, Executive Director of the Board of Tax Professional Examiners, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no effect on state or local government.

Mr. Montoya 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 none. There will be no effect on small businesses. The probable economic cost to persons required to comply with the amendment will be zero because registrants are already earning continuing education units in excess of what is required and the amendment does not require the state to do or not do anything that is already being done.

The Board requests comments on the substance and effect of the proposed amendment from any interested person. Comments must be received at the Board no later than noon on August 20, 2001. Comments should be addressed to David E. Montoya, Executive Director, Texas State Board of Tax Professional Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower II, Suite 520, Austin, Texas 78701 or faxed to his attention at (512) 305-7304.

The Board specifically invites comments from the public on the issues of whether or not the proposed amendment will have an adverse economic effect on small business; if the amendment is believed to have such an effect, then how may the Board legally and feasibly reduce that effect considering the purpose of the statute under which the amendment is to be adopted.

The amendment is proposed under the authority of Texas Civil Statutes Art 8885 Property Taxation Professional Certification Act, which provide the Board of Tax Professional Examiners with the authority to promulgate rules consistent with the Statute.

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

§623.12.Recertification.

(a) Certification as a registered professional appraiser (RPA) or as a registered Texas assessor/collector (RTA) or registered Texas Collector (RTC) must be renewed on the fifth anniversary date of certification and on each fifth anniversary of recertification so long as the registrant is employed under conditions which require registration with the board. To be recertified as an RPA or an RTA or an RTC the registrant must:

(1) be active in the field of appraising or assessing/collecting or collecting, and renew registration annually with the board for a period of five years (or periods totaling five years) from the date of certification or the date of the last recertification; and

(2) RPA or RTA will be awarded not less than 75 [ 60 ] continuing education units (CEUs) during that five-year period. RTC be awarded not less than 25 continuing education units (CEUs) during that five-year period.

(b)-(d) (No change.)

(e) All evidence of passing or auditing an education course must be in the form of a certificate, official letter, or transcript entry pertaining to the individual registrant. Group rosters shall not be accepted for education courses. Rosters [ However, only rosters ] will be accepted by the board for seminars, workshops, and other noncourse, unexamined group activities. For such an activity, the activity sponsor must submit a consolidated roster on board forms and in accordance with board procedures.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 6, 2001.

TRD-200103868

David E. Montoya

Executive Director

Board of Tax Professional Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 19, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7300


22 TAC §623.14

The Board of Tax Professional Examiners proposes an amendment to §623.14, Certification and Recertification: General. This amendment adjust time requirements for retakes of failed board examination.

David E. Montoya, Executive Director of the Board of Tax Professional Examiners, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no effect on state or local government.

Mr. Montoya 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 none. There will be no effect on small businesses. The probable economic cost to persons required to comply with the amendment will be zero because the amendment merely provides more time between examination.

The Board requests comments on the substance and effect of the proposed amendment from any interested person. Comments must be received at the Board no later than noon on August 20, 2001. Comments should be addressed to David E. Montoya, Executive Director, Texas State Board of Tax Professional Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower II, Suite 520, Austin, Texas 78701 or faxed to his attention at (512) 305-7304.

The Board specifically invites comments from the public on the issues of whether or not the proposed amendment will have an adverse economic effect on small business; if the amendment is believed to have such an effect, then how may the Board legally and feasibly reduce that effect considering the purpose of the statute under which the amendment is to be adopted.

The amendment is proposed under the authority of Texas Civil Statutes Art 8885 Property Taxation Professional Certification Act, which provide the Board of Tax Professional Examiners with the authority to promulgate rules consistent with the Statute.

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

§623.14.Certification and Recertification: General.

(a)-(d) (No change.)

(e) Reexamination of registrants shall be permitted as listed in paragraphs (1)-(4) of this subsection. All reexaminations shall be on application of the registrant.

(1) Class III examination (appraisal) of Class III examination (assessing/collecting). A registrant who fails the first time must be reexamined within 120 [ 90 ] days of the date of the examination. A registrant who does not pass the Class III examination within four years of their initial application date [ fails the second time ], or does not retake the examination within the prescribed time period , shall have the registration cancelled and may apply for reregistration two years after the date of the last failure.

(2) Class III examination (collections). This is a certification examination for the collections field. A registrant who fails the first time must be reexamined within 120 [ 90 ] days of the date of the examination. A registrant who fails the second time must be reexamined within 120 [ 60 ] days of the date of the second examination. A registrant who fails the third time or who fails to take the second or third examination shall have the registration cancelled and may apply for reregistration two years after the date of the last failure.

(3) (No change.)

(f)-(i) (No change.)

(j) All examinations shall be proctored by the executive director or designee [ and by a member of the board designated by the board chairman when required by board policies ].

(k) (No change.)

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 6, 2001.

TRD-200103867

David E. Montoya

Executive Director

Board of Tax Professional Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 19, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7300