TITLE 22.EXAMINING BOARDS

Part 3. TEXAS BOARD OF CHIROPRACTIC EXAMINERS

Chapter 71. APPLICATIONS AND APPLICANTS

22 TAC §71.1, §71.3

The Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners (TBCE) proposes to amend §71.1, relating to definitions, and §71.3, relating to qualifications of applicants. The TBCE is currently required to deny renewal to a licensee that is in default of a loan guaranteed by the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation (TGSLC) or in breach of a repayment agreement, under §57.491 of the Education Code. Section 73.2(c) sets out this mandatory non-renewal requirement.

The legislature, this year, passed H.B. 1755 (creating chapter 56 of the Occupations Code), which gives discretionary authority to certain occupational licensing agencies, including the TBCE, to deny an application for a license or renewal or to discipline a licensee for default on student loans or breach of a loan repayment agreement or the service obligation in a scholarship contract. H.B. 1755 also permits a licensing agency to rescind its action upon receipt of information that the person has repaid the loan or otherwise made arrangements, which effectively place the person in good standing with regard to the loan, repayment or scholarship agreement. Likewise, H.B. 1755 authorizes a licensing agency to reinstate any action or take other disciplinary action upon notice that the person is once again in default or in breach of contract relating to the loan, repayment or scholarship. The board reads H.B. 1755 and §57.491 of the Education Code as giving it discretionary authority to take disciplinary action against a licensee or deny an application for licensure to a person who is not in good standing with respect to a student loan, or repayment or scholarship agreement, including one guaranteed by the TGSLC.

This proposed rulemaking amends §71.3 to give notice to applicants of the possible denial of their applications for licensure if they are not in good standing with regard to student loans or scholarships. Other non-substantive changes have been made to update statutory references and for format, in §71.1 and §71.3. By separate rulemakings, the board is also proposing amendments to §73.2, relating to renewal of a chiropractic license, §74.2 and §74.3, relating to facility licenses, and chapter 80, to provide notice to current licensees and applicants for a facility license that they are subject to action by the board if a licensee or applicant is not in good standing with regard to student loans or scholarships.

Jessica Harwell, Director of Enforcement, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendments are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state government or local government as a result of enforcing or administering amendments.

Ms. Harwell has determined that for each year of the first five years, the amendments are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing and administering the amendments, will be greater assurance that chiropractors meet their educational loan or scholarship commitments, thus, ensuring the integrity of student loan and scholarship programs. There will be no effect on small or micro businesses, or anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the amendments as proposed.

Written comments may be submitted, no later than 30 days from the date of this publication, to Jessica Harwell, Rules Committee, Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower III, Suite 825, Austin, TX 78701.

The amendments are proposed under Occupations Code §201.152, which the board interprets as authorizing it to adopt rules necessary for the performance of its duties, the regulation of the practice of chiropractic, and the enforcement of the Chiropractic Act, and Occupations Code ch. 56, which the board interprets as authorizing it to adopt rules providing for implementation of the chapter by the board.

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

§71.1, §71.3 -- Occupations Code, ch. 56 and §201.152.

§71.1.Definitions.

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

(1) Applicant--An individual who applies for licensure as a chiropractor [ to take the examination for licensure given by the board ].

(2) Board--The Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

(3) Board member--One of the appointed members of the decision-making body defined in this section as the board.

(4) Chiropractic Act- Occupations Code ch. 201 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4512b ].

(5) Examinee--An applicant [ individual ] who has been approved, admitted to, and/or has taken the examination given by the board.

§71.3.Qualifications of Applicants.

(a) All applicants must comply with the application process and license requirements in [ qualification criteria of ] the Chiropractic Act, subchapter G of chapter 201 of the Occupations Code [ §10 ].

(b) The board may deny an application for a chiropractic license if it receives information from an administering entity that the applicant has defaulted on a student loan or has breached a student loan repayment contract or scholarship contract by failing to perform his or her service obligation under the contract. The board may rescind a denial under this subsection upon receipt of information from an administering entity that the applicant whose application was denied is now in good standing. For the purposes of this subsection, "good standing" means that the applicant has:

(1) entered into an agreement with the administering entity to:

(A) repay the student loan;

(B) perform the service obligation; or

(C) pay any damages required by the student loan repayment contract or scholarship contract; or

(2) taken other action resulting in the applicant no longer being in default on the loan or in breach of a repayment or scholarship contract.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 14, 2002.

TRD-200200161

Gary K. Cain, Ed.D.

Executive Director

Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 24, 2002

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


Chapter 74. CHIROPRACTIC FACILITIES

22 TAC §74.2, §74.3

The Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners (TBCE) proposes to amend §74.2, relating to license requirements for facilities, and §74.3, relating to renewal of a facility license. The TBCE currently is required to deny renewal to a licensee that is in default of a loan guaranteed by the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation (TGSLC) or in breach of a repayment agreement, under §57.491 of the Education Code. Section 73.2(c) sets out this mandatory non-renewal requirement for chiropractic licenses. There currently is no similar board rule governing facility licenses.

The legislature, this year, passed H.B. 1755 (creating chapter 56 of the Occupations Code), which gives discretionary authority to certain occupational licensing agencies, including the TBCE, to deny an application for a license or renewal or to discipline a licensee for default on student loans or breach of a loan repayment agreement or the service obligation in a scholarship contract. H.B. 1755 also permits a licensing agency to rescind its action upon receipt of information that the person has repaid the loan or otherwise made arrangements, which effectively place the person in good standing with regard to the loan, repayment or scholarship agreement. Likewise, H.B. 1755 authorizes a licensing agency to reinstate any action or take other disciplinary action upon notice that the person is once again in default or in breach of contract relating to the loan, repayment or scholarship. The board reads H.B. 1755 and §57.491 of the Education Code as giving it discretionary authority to take disciplinary action against a licensee or to deny an application for licensure to a person who is not in good standing with respect to a student loan, or repayment or scholarship agreement, including one guaranteed by the TGSLC.

This proposed rulemaking extends the mandatory non-renewal requirement of §57.491 to facility licensees with TGSLC loans and gives notice to facility applicants and licensees of the possible denial of a license or non-renewal if an applicant or licensee is not in good standing with regard to any student loan or scholarships. These proposed amendments will apply only to facility licenses held by an individual, as a sole proprietor or in a partnership, since only individuals are eligible for student loans or scholarships, and a license for a corporation is held in the name of the corporation, not by individuals.

By separate rulemakings, the board is also proposing to amend §71.3, relating to applicants for a chiropractic license, and §73.2 (at a later date), relating to renewal of a chiropractic license, to provide similar notice to applicants and current licensees that the board may refuse to grant or renew a chiropractic, if the person is not in good standing with regard to student loans or scholarships. The board is also proposing to amend chapter 80 to provide notice to current licensees that the board may take disciplinary action against a person's chiropractic and facility licenses for the same reasons. Other non-substantive changes have been made to update statutory references and for format in these proposals.

Jessica Harwell, Director of Enforcement, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendments are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state government or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amendments.

Ms. Harwell has determined that for each year of the first five years, the amendments are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing and administering the amendments, will be greater assurance that chiropractors and facility owners meet their loan or scholarship commitments, thus, ensuring the integrity of student loan and scholarship programs. There will be no effect on small or micro businesses, or anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the amendments as proposed.

Written comments may be submitted, no later than 30 days from the date of this publication, to Jessica Harwell, Rules Committee, Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower III, Suite 825, Austin, TX 78701.

The amendments are proposed under the Occupations Code §201.152, which the board interprets as authorizing it to adopt rules necessary for the performance of its duties, the regulation of the practice of chiropractic, and the enforcement of the Chiropractic Act, Occupations Code ch. 56, which the board interprets as authorizing it to adopt rules providing for implementation of the chapter by the board, and Education Code §57.491(j), which the board interprets as requiring it to adopt rules necessary to carry out its duties under this section.

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

§74.2, §74.3 -- Occupations Code, ch. 56 and §201.152, Education Code §57.491(j).

§74.2.Facility License Requirements.

(a) A facility shall not provide chiropractic services without first being licensed by the board.

(b) An applicant for a facility license shall submit to the board an application as prescribed by the board, along with the facility license fee as provided in §75.7 of this title (relating to fees). The application must be signed by the owner, if a sole proprietorship, or by an authorized representative, if a partnership or corporation.

(c) The following information shall be included in the application and upon renewal:

(1) the legal name of the facility and street address, and telephone and facsimile numbers for the facility;

(2) the type of legal entity (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation);

(3) the name, address, and percentage of ownership of each person with a 10% or greater ownership interest in the facility; if a person is an individual, include the person's social security number, driver's license number, date of birth, and if a licensee, his or her license number;

(4) the name and license number of each doctor licensed by the board who is employed or otherwise engaged to provide chiropractic services at the facility; and

(5) any other information requested by the board that it deems necessary for processing the application or for other regulatory purposes.

(d) Social security numbers are collected for purposes of child support collection and student loan enforcement.

(e) A facility owner must be 21 years of age or older.

(f) Facilities that share office space or staff but otherwise maintain separate business identities, including billing, accounting and other functions, shall be treated as separate facilities and a license and license fee will be required for each facility.

(g) No license will be issued on an incomplete submission. Application or renewal packages that are submitted without all of the required documents or fees will be deemed incomplete and returned to the applicant.

(h) This chapter does not apply to hospitals or public health clinics registered with the Texas Department of Health or another state agency, or a chiropractic facility owned and operated by a Texas college of chiropractic as part of its chiropractic internship program.

(i) The board may deny an application for a facility license by an sole proprietor or partnership if it receives information from an administering entity that the applicant has defaulted on a student loan or has breached a student loan repayment contract or scholarship contract by failing to perform his or her service obligation under the contract. The board may rescind a denial under this subsection upon receipt of information from an administering entity that the applicant whose application was denied is now in good standing, as provided in subsection (b) of §71.3 (relating to Applications and Qualifications) of this title.

§74.3.Annual Renewal.

(a) On or before September 1 of each year, a licensed facility shall renew its license, by submitting:

(1) a facility renewal form as prescribed by the board;

(2) complete information as required on the form, including changes in information since the original application or last renewal; and

(3) the facility license fee as provided in §75.7 of this title (relating to Fees and Charges for Public Information).

(b) A facility license expires on September 1 of each year if it is not timely renewed.

(c) If a facility's license has expired, the facility may renew its license by submitting to the board all of the items required by subsection (a) of this section and a late fee of $50.00; if the facility's license has expired for more than 90 days, a late fee of $100.00 must be submitted.

(d) A facility that fails to renew its license on or before the expiration date may also be subject to an administrative penalty and other disciplinary sanctions as provided in §74.9 of this title (relating to Disciplinary Action).

(e) A facility shall not provide chiropractic services without a current license, and a licensee shall not practice in a facility that does not have a current, valid license.

(f) The board shall not renew a facility license of sole proprietor or partnership if the sole proprietor or a partner is in default of a loan guaranteed by the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation (TGSLC) or a repayment agreement with the corporation except as provided by §73.2(c) of this title (relating to Renewal of License). The board may refuse to renew a facility license of a sole proprietor or partnership if it receives information from an administering entity that the licensee, including a partner, has defaulted on a student loan other than a TGSLC loan, or breached a repayment contract relating to a student loan other than a TGSLC loan or a scholarship contract by failing to perform his or her service obligation under the contract. The board may rescind a denial of renewal under this subsection upon receipt of information from an administering entity that the licensee whose renewal was denied is now in good standing, as provided in §71.3(b) of this title (relating to Qualifications of Applicants). Upon notice that a licensee is again in default or breach of any loan or agreement relating to a student loan or scholarship agreement, the board may suspend the license or take other disciplinary action as provided in §80.2 of this title (relating to Default on Student Loans and Scholarship Agreements).

(g) Opportunity for hearing.

(1) The board shall notify a licensee, in writing, of the nonrenewal of a license under subsection (f) of this section and of the opportunity for a hearing under paragraph (2) of this subsection prior to or at the time the annual renewal application is sent.

(2) Upon written request for a hearing by a licensee, the board shall set the matter for hearing before the State Office of Administrative Hearings in accordance with §75.9(d) of this title (relating to Complaint Procedures). A licensee shall file a request for a hearing with the board within 30 days from the date of receipt of the notice provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(h) A license which is not renewed under subsection (f) of this section is considered expired.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 14, 2002.

TRD-200200162

Gary K. Cain, Ed.D.

Executive Director

Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 24, 2002

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


Chapter 80. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

22 TAC §80.2

The Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners (TBCE) proposes to amend chapter 80, by renaming its title and adding a new §80.2. The TBCE currently is required to deny renewal to a licensee that is in default of a loan guaranteed by the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation (TGSLC) or in breach of a repayment agreement, under §57.491 of the Education Code. Section 73.2(c) sets out this mandatory non-renewal requirement for chiropractic licenses.

The legislature, this year, passed H.B. 1755 (creating chapter 56 of the Occupations Code), which gives discretionary authority to certain occupational licensing agencies, including the TBCE, to deny an application for a license or renewal or to discipline a licensee for default on student loans or breach of a loan repayment agreement or the service obligation in a scholarship contract. H.B. 1755 also permits a licensing agency to rescind its action upon receipt of information that the person has repaid the loan or otherwise made arrangements that effectively place the person in good standing with regard to the loan, repayment or scholarship agreement. Likewise, H.B. 1755 authorizes a licensing agency to reinstate any action or take other disciplinary action upon notice that the person is once again in default or in breach of contract relating to the loan, repayment or scholarship. The board reads H.B. 1755 and §57.491 of the Education Code as giving it discretionary authority to take disciplinary action against a licensee or to deny an application for licensure to a person, who is not in good standing with respect to a student loan, or repayment or scholarship agreement, including one guaranteed by the TGSLC.

This rulemaking adds new §80.2 which provides notice to current licensees that they may be subject to the board's disciplinary power if a licensee is not in good standing with regard to student loans or scholarships. By separate rulemakings, the board is proposing amendments to §§71.3, 73.2 (at a later date), 74.2 and 74.3, to provide similar notice that the board may refuse to grant or renew a chiropractic or facility license, on the same basis. Other non-substantive changes have been made to update statutory references and for format in these proposals.

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

Ms. Harwell 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 and administering the rule, will be greater assurance that chiropractors meet their educational loan or scholarship commitments, thus, ensuring the integrity of student loan and scholarship programs. There will be no effect on small or micro businesses, or anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Written comments may be submitted, no later than 30 days from the date of this publication, to Jessica Harwell, Rules Committee, Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower III, Suite 825, Austin, TX 78701.

The new rule is proposed under the Occupations Code §201.152, which the board interprets as authorizing it to adopt rules necessary for the performance of its duties, the regulation of the practice of chiropractic, and the enforcement of the Chiropractic Act, and Occupations Code ch. 56, which the board interprets as authorizing it to adopt rules providing for implementation of the chapter by the board.

The following are the statutes, articles, or codes affected by the new rule:

§80.2 -- Occupations Code, ch. 56 and §201.152.

§80.2.Default on Student Loans and Scholarship Agreements.

(a) Besides non-renewal of a license under §73.2 (relating to Renewal of License) or §74.3 (relating to Annual Renewal) of this title, a licensee who has defaulted on a student loan or breached a student loan repayment contract, a scholarship contract by failing to perform his or her service obligation under the contract, or any other agreement between the licensee and the administering entity, relating to payment of a student loan or performance of obligations under a scholarship, may be subject to disciplinary action by the board as authorized by chapter 56 of the Occupations Code. This section applies to chiropractic licensees and facility licensees who operate as a sole proprietor or partnership.

(b) The board may rescind any disciplinary action taken under this section upon receipt of information from an administering entity that the licensee is now in good standing, as provided in §71.3(b) of this title (relating to Qualification of Applicants) of this title.

(c) Upon notice that a licensee is again in default or breach of any loan or agreement relating to a student loan or scholarship, the board may reinstate the original disciplinary action, if rescinded, or take other disciplinary action.

(d) The maximum sanction for a violation of this section is revocation and/or $1000 administrative penalty per violation. This sanction is incorporated into the board's maximum sanction table provided in §75.11(b) of this title (relating to Schedule of Sanctions) by this reference.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 14, 2002.

TRD-200200158

Gary K. Cain, Ed.D.

Executive Director

Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 24, 2002

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


Part 20. TEXAS COMMISSION ON PRIVATE SECURITY

Chapter 428. UNIFORMED MOTORCYCLE ESCORT SERVICE

22 TAC §§428.1 - 428.7

The Texas Commission on Private Security proposes new chapter 428, §§428.1-428.7, concerning Uniformed Motorcycle Escort Service.

The new chapter is proposed to implement rules regarding uniformed motorcycle escorts. Currently, the escort by a private security company is allowed under the Private Security Act, however the Commissioners felt it necessary to have a set of rules specific to uniformed motorcycle escorts.

Dr. Jerry L. McGlasson, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five years the rules are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.

Dr. McGlasson also has determined that for the first five years the rules are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules as proposed, will be the implementation of specific rules regarding uniformed motorcycle escorts. There will be no fiscal implications for individuals who are required to comply with these rules, and are specifically directed towards the conduct of licensees for the protection of the public and consumers. There will be no fiscal implications for small businesses who are required to comply with these rules.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Dr. Jerry L. McGlasson, Executive Director, Texas Commission on Private Security, P.O. Box 13509, Austin, Texas 78711.

The new section is proposed under Chapter 1702, Texas Occupations Code, which provides the Texas Commission on Private Security with the authority "to promulgate all rules and regulations necessary in carrying out the provisions of this Act."

The following is the code that is affected by these rules: Texas Occupations Code.

§428.1.Escort License Required.

All guard companies, as defined by Title 10, Chapter 1702 Subchapter G §1702.161, Texas Occupations Code, shall register any employee who wears a uniform commonly associated with private security or law enforcement prior to assigning employee to any uniformed escort duty.

§428.2.Approved Uniforms.

The uniform, badge and shoulder patch worn by an escort service shall be approved by the Commission during the application process. No uniform, badge or shoulder patch other that those approved by the Commission shall be worn.

§428.3.Insurance.

An Insurance policy in the amount specified by Chapter 1702 shall remain in effect for the term of any license. A copy of proof on the approved Commission form shall be on file with the commission. Prior to the issuance of a license.

§428.4.Driver's License Required.

All uniformed employees shall have a valid Class M Driver's License as described in Subchapter D, §521.084 of the Transportation Code.

§428.5.Restrictions on Lights.

All uniformed motorcycle escorts shall comply with §547.305 (c), Texas Transportation Code and may not operate a motor vehicle equipped with a red, white or blue beacon, flashing, or alternating light unless the operator is a Peace Officer Commissioned by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education (TCLEOSE).

§428.6.Arrest for Conviction of Driving While Intoxicated.

Any applicant or registrant may not be assigned to or be employed by a motorcycle escort service if that individual has been convicted of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) during the five years preceding licensure or application to become licensed. Any registrant or licensee who is arrested for DWI shall be subject to immediate summary suspension.

§428.7.Police Officers May Furnish Escorts.

Nothing in this rule shall be construed to prohibit regularly employed officers of the State or any political subdivision of the State from furnishing uniformed motorcycle escort services when assigned by their respective departments or when providing a service in compliance with §1702.322.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 10, 2002.

TRD-200200123

Dr. Jerry L. McGlasson

Executive Director

Texas Commission on Private Security

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 24, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 936-2088