TITLE 22.EXAMINING BOARDS

Part 9. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS

Chapter 161. GENERAL PROVISIONS

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners adopts the repeal of §§161.1-161.5 and new §§161.1-161.13, concerning general provisions, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10718) and will not be republished.

The adoption outlines the purpose and function of the board, clarifies its organization and structure, and delineates each committee's responsibilities. The chapter is simultaneously adopted for review elsewhere in this issue of the Texas Register .

No comments were received regarding adoption of the rules.

22 TAC §§161.1 - 161.5

The repeals are adopted 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.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 15, 2002.

TRD-200200961

Donald W. Patrick, MD, JD

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

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


22 TAC §§161.1 - 161.13

The new sections are adopted 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.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 15, 2002.

TRD-200200962

Donald W. Patrick, MD, JD

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

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


Chapter 163. LICENSURE

22 TAC §§163.1 - 163.5, 163.9, 163.10

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §§163.1-163.5, 163.9, and 163.10, regarding the performance and delivery of medical education, examinations, education and documentation requirements, relicensure requirements, and the use of the Federation of State Medical Board's Credentials Verification Service (FCVS), without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10722) and will not be republished.

One comment was received from the Federation of State Medical Boards. The comment was specifically regarding §163.4(a)(1). The proposed rule says "If appropriate, applicants are recommended to use the Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS)....." The Federation recommended that the board encourage the use of the FCVS. The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners hs decided to keep the original language.

The amendments are adopted 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.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 15, 2002.

TRD-200200963

Donald W. Patrick, MD, JD

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

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


Chapter 171. POSTGRADUATE TRAINING PERMITS

22 TAC §§171.1 - 171.7

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §§171.1-171.7, regarding eligibility and documentation requirements of Physician in Training Permits and Visiting Professor Permits, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10729) and will not be republished. The sections are being amended for general clean-up of the chapter.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the rules.

The amendments are adopted 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.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 15, 2002.

TRD-200200964

Donald W. Patrick, MD, JD

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

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


Chapter 180. REHABILITATION ORDERS

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners adopts the repeal and new §180.1, regarding the purpose of rehabilitation orders and the factors to be considered when proposing and determining eligibility for a rehabilitation order, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 28, 2001 issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10737). and will not be republished.

22 TAC §180.1

The repeal is adopted 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.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 15, 2002.

TRD-200200965

Donald W. Patrick, MD, JD

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

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


22 TAC §180.1

The new section is adopted 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.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 15, 2002.

TRD-200200966

Donald W. Patrick, MD, JD

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

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


Chapter 181. CONTACT LENS PRESCRIPTIONS

22 TAC §§181.1 - 181.3, 181.5 - 181.7

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §§181.1-181.3, 181.5-181.7, concerning contact lens prescriptions, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10739) . The sections are amended for general clean-up of the chapter and to update Occupation Code cites. The rule review for this chapter is being adopted elsewhere in this issue of the Texas Register .

No comments were received regarding adoption of the rules.

The amendments are adopted 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.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 15, 2002.

TRD-200200967

Donald W. Patrick, MD, JD

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

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


Chapter 185. PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS

22 TAC §185.4, §185.9

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §185.4 and §185.9, regarding physician assistants not currently in active practice and reactivation of an inactive license, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 28, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10740) and will not be republished.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the rules.

The amendments are adopted 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.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 15, 2002.

TRD-200200968

Donald W. Patrick, MD, JD

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 28, 2001

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


Part 11. BOARD OF NURSE EXAMINERS

Chapter 222. ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES AND LIMITED PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY

22 TAC §§222.1 - 222.9

The Board of Nurse Examiners adopts the repeals of §§222.1 - 222.9, concerning Advanced Practice Nurses with Limited Prescriptive Authority without changes to the proposal as published in the November 16, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 9352). The Board met on January 24-25, 2002, and voted to repeal Chapter 222 and adopt new Chapter 222 that addresses advanced practice nurses writing prescriptions at alternate sites.

The Nursing Practice Act was amended during the 77th Legislative Session by amending the definition of professional nursing to include the performance of an act delegated by a physician under sections 157.0541 and 157.0542 of the Medical Practice Act. The amendments allow advanced practice nurses with limited prescriptive authority to sign prescription drug orders in alternate sites where the physician has delegated the authority to do so. In addition, advanced practice nurses were also granted the authority to sign prescription drug orders in sites where the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners has granted a waiver or modification of site or supervisory requirements to the delegating physician. The repeal of the current rule is necessary to effectuate these new legislative provisions that are currently in effect.

No comments were received regarding the proposed repeals.

The repeals are adopted under the authority of the Texas Occupations Code, sections 301.151 and 301.152, that authorizes the Board of Nurse Examiners to adopt and enforce rules consistent with its legislative authority under the Nursing Practice Act, including rules relating to registered nurses approved as advanced practice nurses who exercise limited prescriptive authority.

The repeals affect the Nursing Practice Act, Texas Occupations Code §§301.152 and 301.157 as it pertains to advanced practice nursing.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

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

TRD-200200928

Katherine A. Thomas, MN, RN

Executive Director

Board of Nurse Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2002

Proposal publication date: November 16, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-6811


Chapter 222. ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES WITH LIMITED PRESCRIPTIVE AUTHORITY

22 TAC §§222.1 - 222.10

The Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas adopts new §§222.1-222.10 relating to Advanced Practice Nurses With Limited Prescriptive Authority. Section 222.4 is adopted with changes to the proposed text as published in the November 16, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 9352). Sections 222.1-222.3 and 222.5-222.10 are adopted without changes and will not be republished.

The Nursing Practice Act was amended during the 77th Legislative Session by amending the definition of professional nursing to include the performance of an act delegated by a physician under sections 157.0541 and 157.0542 of the Medical Practice Act. The amendments allow advanced practice nurses with limited prescriptive authority to sign prescription drug orders in alternate sites where the physician has delegated the authority to do so. In addition, advanced practice nurses were also granted the authority to sign prescription drug orders in sites where the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners has granted a waiver or modification of site or supervisory requirements to the delegating physician. The adoption of the new rules are necessary to effectuate these new legislative provisions that are currently in effect.

The Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) submitted a comment suggesting a modification of §222.4, relating to Minimum Standards for Carrying Out or Signing Prescriptions. The TSBP suggests deleting proposed subsection §222.4(c)(9)(A) and (B) and replacing it with new subsection (d). The new subsection refers advanced practice nurses to the appropriate section of the TSBP's rules relating to generic substitution. The language as originally proposed specifies the current format for indicating generic substitution. The TSBP indicates that the Texas Pharmacy Act has been amended, and the new sections of that Act will become effective June 1, 2002, necessitating an additional change to Chapter 222 at that time. The Board of Nurse Examiners agrees with the comment from the TSBP, and the adopted rule reflects a renumbering scheme and nonsubstantive change in the language for subsection §222.4. By using language that refers advanced practice nurses to current TSBP rules, the language will accurately reflect current regulation, regardless of changes to the rule.

The new rules are adopted under the authority of the Texas Occupations Code, sections 301.151 and 301.152, that authorize the Board of Nurse Examiners to adopt and enforce rules consistent with its legislative authority under the Nursing Practice Act including rules relating to registered nurses approved, or seeking approval, as an advanced practice nurse.

The new rules affect the Nursing Practice Act, Texas Occupations Code, sections 301.152 and 301.157, as it pertains to advanced practice nursing.

§222.4.Minimum Standards for Carrying Out or Signing Prescriptions.

(a) General Provisions: The advanced practice nurse with a valid prescription authorization number:

(1) shall carry out or sign prescription drug orders for only those drugs that are:

(A) classified as dangerous drugs;

(B) authorized by Protocols or other written authorization for medical aspects of patient care; and

(C) prescribed for patient populations within the accepted scope of professional practice for the advanced practice nurse's specialty area.

(2) shall not authorize or issue prescriptions for controlled substances; and

(3) shall comply with the requirements for adequate physician supervision published in the rules of the Board of Medical Examiners relating to Delegation of the Carrying Out or Signing of Prescription Drug Orders to Physician Assistants and Advanced Practice Nurses as well as other applicable laws,

(b) Protocols or other written authorization shall be defined in a manner that promotes the exercise of professional judgement by the advanced practice nurse commensurate with the education and experience of that person.

(1) A protocol or other written authorization:

(A) is not required to describe the exact steps that the advanced practice nurse must take with respect to each specific condition, disease, or symptom; and

(B) may state types or categories of medications that may be prescribed or contain the types or categories of medications that may not be prescribed.

(2) Protocols or other written authorization:

(A) shall be written, agreed upon and signed by the advanced practice nurse and the physician;

(B) reviewed and signed at least annually; and

(C) maintained in the practice setting of the advanced practice nurse.

(c) Prescription Information: The format and essential elements of the prescription shall comply with the requirements of the Texas Board of Pharmacy. The following information must be provided on each prescription:

(1) the patient's name and address;

(2) the name, strength, and quantity of the dangerous drug to be dispensed;

(3) directions to the patient regarding taking of the drug and the dosage;

(4) the intended use of the drug, if appropriate;

(5) the name, address, and telephone number of the delegating physician;

(6) address and telephone number of the site at which the prescription drug order was carried out or signed;

(7) the date of issuance;

(8) the number of refills permitted; and

(9) the name, prescription authorization number, and original signature of the advanced practice nurse signing or co-signing the prescription drug order.

(d) Generic Substitution: The advanced practice nurse shall authorize or prevent generic substitution on a prescription in compliance with the current rules of the Texas State Board of Pharmacy relating to Generic Substitution.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

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

TRD-200200929

Katherine A. Thomas, MN, RN

Executive Director

Board of Nurse Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2002

Proposal publication date: November 16, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-6811


Part 18. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF PODIATRIC MEDICAL EXAMINERS

Chapter 371. EXAMINATIONS

22 TAC §371.1, §371.2

The Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §371.1 and §371.2, concerning Examinations. Section 371.2 is adopted with changes to the proposed text that was published in the August 31, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 6532). Section 371.1 is adopted without changes and will not be republished. Changes to the proposed rule reflect non-substantive variations from the proposed amendments. The board's legal counsel has advised that the changes to the proposed rule affect no new persons, entities, or subjects other than those given notice.

The board, in proposing changes to other sections of Chapter 371 decided to go through the entire rule and make the necessary changes to include the Texas Occupations Code numbering system that replaces the old Texas Civil Statutes.

The changes to the proposed rules that are adopted are as follows: In §371.2(a) the word "rules" is changed from a capital "R" to a small "r". Also in §371.2(g)(5), the phrase "Texas Occupations Code, §202 et seq" is changed to read "Texas Occupations Code, §202.001 et seq".

The amendments are being adopted to make the necessary changes needed to include the Texas Occupations Code numbering system that replaces the old Texas Civil Statutes. It will allow the public to find the corresponding statute more easily.

No comments were received in response to the proposed rule amendments.

The amendments are being adopted under Texas Occupations Code, §202.151, which provides the Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners with the authority to adopt reasonable or necessary rules and bylaws consistent with the law regulating the practice of podiatry, the law of this state, and the law of the United States to govern its proceedings and activities, the regulation of the practice of podiatry and the enforcement of the law regulating the practice of podiatry.

The adopted amendments implement Texas Occupations Code, §202.254.

§371.2.Applicant for License.

(a) Any person who wishes to practice podiatric medicine in this state, who is not otherwise licensed under law, must successfully pass an examination given at the Board's direction pursuant to §371.11 of this title (relating to Scoring and Reporting), and complete the graduate podiatric medical education requirements as set forth herein, §371.3(f) of this title (relating to Qualifications of Applicants). One who successfully completes all the requirements for licensing as set forth in these rules and who has made payment of all applicable fees shall be awarded a valid license to practice podiatric medicine in the State of Texas for the term lawfully stipulated by and under the conditions set forth in these rules, and the Podiatric Medical Practice Act of Texas, Texas Occupations Code, §202, Subchapter F.

(b) Any person who wishes to sit for the examination, shall submit a written application on a form provided by the Board. The applicant shall verify by affidavit the information in the application. The Board may refuse to admit to the examination or grant a license to any applicant who knowingly submits false information to the Board.

(c) Applications for examination must be on the Board's application form printed in ink or typewritten, which shall be furnished by the Board staff upon request.

(d) The completed application and required supporting materials must be received by the Board staff no later than 30 days before the first day of the examination. The materials supporting the application, such as transcripts of candidates, shall be received by the Board before the examination.

(e) The filing of an application and tendering the fee to the Board staff shall not in any way obligate the Board to admit the applicant to examination until applicant has been qualified by the Board as meeting the statutory and regulatory requirements for admission to the examination for licensing.

(f) The full examination fee is $250. Only certified check, Postal Service Money Order or Express Money Order shall be accepted. No examination fee will be refunded. The examination fee must be received by the Board at least 15 days before the date the applicant is scheduled to begin the examination.

(g) Temporary License.

(1) A temporary license may be granted by the Board to a certified graduate of an accredited college of podiatric medicine under §371.3(b) of this title (relating to Qualifications of Applicants) who is enrolled in an accredited graduate podiatric medical education (gpme) program under §371.3(f) for a term not to exceed the time the graduate is enrolled in said gpme program. In no case is said temporary license to be issued for a term to exceed three years, or renewed in successive years for a time that cumulatively exceeds three years.

(2) A temporary license may be granted by the Board to a certified graduate of an accredited college of podiatric medicine under §371.3(b) of this title (relating to Qualifications of Applicants) who is enrolled in a gpme program that is pending accreditation, as defined under §371.3(f) for a term not to exceed the time the graduate is enrolled in said gpme program. In no case is said temporary license to be issued for a term to exceed three years, or renewed in successive years for a time that cumulatively exceeds four years. It shall be the sole responsibility of the applicant to ascertain the accreditation status, as defined in §371.3(f) of the applicant's gpme program.

(3) A temporary licensee granted a temporary license for the purpose of pursuing a gpme program in the State of Texas shall not engage in the practice of podiatric medicine, whether for compensation or free of charge, outside the scope and limits of the gpme program in which he or she is enrolled.

(4) A temporary license granted by the Board for the purpose of pursuing a gpme program in the State of Texas shall terminate by operation of law and under these rules at the time and on the day that said temporary licensee leaves or is terminated from said gpme program. Any successive entry into a second or further gpme program shall be subject to all laws and rules and application requirements set forth herein.

(5) All temporary licensees shall be subject to the same fees and penalties as all other licensees as set forth in the Podiatric Medical Practice Act of Texas, Texas Occupations Code, §202.001 et seq., and subsequent amendments, including §202.153 of said Act, and Chapter 376 of this title (relating to Violations and Penalties), except that temporary licensees are not subject to any Board rules concerning continuing medical education.

(6) Prior to licensure, applicants for a temporary license must have passed both Part I and Part II of the National Board, and shall provide written documentation of passing same directly from the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners to the Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners.

(h) Extended Temporary License.

(1) The Agency's Executive Director may grant the holder of a current "Texas Temporary License" an "Extended Temporary License", for good cause. Good cause may include but is not limited to:

(A) The illness of the holder or a family member for whom the holder is directly or indirectly responsible.

(B) A verifiable family emergency.

(C) An additional residency training issue.

(D) Additional time needed for he result of the Texas Oral Exam to be disseminated and for a valid regular license to be issued by the Board to the holder.

(2) An Extended Temporary License is an extension of the holder's Temporary License and shall allow the holder to continue to practice podiatric medicine for up to an additional three months, with the same responsibilities, restrictions and conditions of a Temporary License as found in §371.2(g) of this section.

(3) The fee for an Extended Temporary License shall be $50 for a three month period.

(4) An Extended Temporary License may be renewed a maximum of two times to any holder of a Temporary License. The second renewal shall be granted only after and upon the agency's Executive Director's determination that appropriate "good cause" circumstances continue to exist for the re-issuance of an Extended Temporary License.

(i) Temporary Faculty License.

(1) The Board may issue a Temporary Faculty License to a qualified podiatric physician who at the time of applying for this license has accepted an appointment to, or is serving as a full-time member of the faculty of an educational institution in this state including a hospital approved podiatric residency program, a residency program pending approval, offering an approved or accredited course of study or training leading to a degree in podiatric medicine.

(2) In this subsection (i), the term "qualified podiatric physician" shall mean one who:

(A) Is a licensed podiatric physician in good standing in another state having similar licensing requirements as that of this Board, and;

(B) Has been in podiatric practice in another state.

(3) This Temporary Faculty License shall be issued to the holder in 31 day increments not to exceed 24 periods. The incremental periods wherein the license is valid need not be contiguous, but rather may be in any arrangement approved by the Executive Director of the Board.

(4) The Temporary Faculty License shall authorize the visiting podiatric physician to practice podiatric medicine only and exclusively within the teaching confines of the educational institution in this state, hospital or approved residency program or a program pending approval by the Council of Podiatric Medical Education of the American Podiatric Medical Association as a part of the duties and responsibilities assigned by the teaching institution to the license holder.

(5) Except for the requirement of passing the Board's Oral Examination and completing an approved one-year residency program any person applying for a Temporary Faculty License under this section must comply with all application, and licensure requirements found in §371.3 and are subject to the Board's Statute and Rules.

(6) The holder must sign an oath on a notarized form provided by the Board swearing that the holder has read and is familiar with the Board's Statute and Rules; will abide by this Statute and Rules and will be subject to the disciplinary procedures of the Board.

(j) Provisional License.

(1) Requirements for Provisional License. On application for examination, an applicant may apply for a provisional license under the following circumstances.

(A) The applicant must be licensed in good standing as a podiatric physician in another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States that has licensing requirements that are substantially equivalent to the requirements of the Podiatric Medical Practice Act, subsequent amendments, and rules and must furnish proof of such licensure on Board forms provided.

(B) The applicant must have passed a national or other examination recognized by the Board relating to the practice of podiatric medicine and must submit a true and correct copy of the applicant's score report.

(C) The applicant must not have failed an examination for a license conducted by the Board.

(D) The applicant's license to practice podiatric medicine must not have been revoked or suspended in any jurisdiction.

(2) Sponsorship. An applicant for provisional licensure must be sponsored by a person currently licensed by the Board for at least five years and in good standing under the Podiatric Medical Practice Act with the following conditions applicable.

(A) Prior to practice in Texas, on forms provided by the Board, the sponsor licensee will certify to the Board the following:

(i) that the applicant for provisional licensure will be working within the same office as the licensee, under the direct supervision of the sponsor licensee; and

(ii) that such sponsor licensee is aware of the Act and rules governing provisional licensure and that the sponsorship will cease upon the invalidity of the provisional license.

(B) Sponsor licensee will be held responsible for the unauthorized practice of podiatric medicine should such provisional license expire.

(3) Hardship. An applicant for a provisional license may be excused from the requirement of sponsorship of this rule if the Board determines that compliance with that subsection constitutes a hardship to the applicant.

(4) Application and Fee. The Board shall issue a license pursuant to this rule to the holder of a provisional license if:

(A) The applicant for provisional licensure will be subject to all application requirements required by Chapter 371 of this title (relating to Examinations) and subject to the applicable examination fees established under §371.2(f) of this title (relating to Examination Fee). In addition, the applicant will be subject to a fee for issuance of a provisional license.

(B) No provisional license can be issued until all application forms and fees are received in the Board office and the application is approved.

(C) A provisional license expires upon the passage of 180 days or notice by the Board of the applicant's successful passage or failure of all examinations required by Chapter 371, whichever comes first. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant and sponsor to return the provisional license to the Board office on expiration.

(D) The applicant's failure to sit for the first scheduled Board examination following application for examination invalidates the provisional license, unless in the discretion of the Executive Director sufficient and reasonable evidence regarding nonappearance exists.

(E) Each applicant for provisional license shall receive only one nonrenewable license prior to the issuance of a license.

(F) If at any time during the provisional licensure period it is determined that the holder of such provisional license has violated the Podiatric Medical Practice Act or Board rules, such provisional license will be subject to disciplinary action including revocation.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

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

TRD-200200919

Janie Alonzo

Staff Services Officer III

Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2002

Proposal publication date: August 31, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7002


22 TAC §371.4, §371.5

The Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §371.4 and §371.5, concerning Examinations without changes to the proposed text as published in the August 31, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 6533). The text of the rules will not be republished.

The board, in proposing changes to other sections of Chapter 371 decided to go through the entire rule and make the necessary needed to include the Texas Occupations Code numbering system that replaces the old Texas Civil Statutes.

The amendments are being adopted to make the necessary changes needed to include the Texas Occupations Code numbering system that replaces the old Texas Civil Statutes. It will allow the public to find the corresponding statute more easily.

No comments were received in response to the proposed rule amendments.

The amendments are being adopted under Texas Occupations Code, §202.151, which provides the Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners with the authority to adopt reasonable or necessary rules and bylaws consistent with the law regulating the practice of podiatry, the law of this state, and the law of the United States to govern its proceedings and activities, the regulation of the practice of podiatry and the enforcement of the law regulating the practice of podiatry.

The adopted amendments have no other implications.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

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

TRD-200200920

Janie Alonzo

Staff Services Officer III

Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2002

Proposal publication date: August 31, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7000


22 TAC §371.6, §371.8

The Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §371.6 and §371.8, concerning Examinations with changes to the proposed text that was published in the August 31, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 6533). Changes to the proposed rule reflect non-substantive variations from the proposed amendments. The board's legal counsel has advised that the changes to the proposed rule affect no new persons, entities, or subjects other than those given notice. The rule will be republished.

The amendments are being adopted to make the necessary changes to include the Texas Occupations Code numbering system that replaces the old Texas Civil Statutes and to change the rules for the administration of the examination from an oral to a jurisprudence exam.

The changes to the proposed rules that are adopted are as follows: In §371.6(a) the word "Podiatric" is changed to "podiatric" throughout the section. Also, in §371.8(c) the word "reflects" is changed to "reflect" and the word "boards" is changed to "board" in the first sentence.

The amendments make the necessary changes to allow the board to administer a jurisprudence examination instead of an oral examination.

No comments were received in response to the proposed rule amendments.

The amendments are being adopted under Texas Occupations Code, §202.151, which provides the Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners with the authority to adopt reasonable or necessary rules and bylaws consistent with the law regulating the practice of podiatry, the law of this state, and the law of the United States to govern its proceedings and activities, the regulation of the practice of podiatry and the enforcement of the law regulating the practice of podiatry.

The adopted amendments implement Texas Occupations Code, §202.254.

§371.6.Administration of Examination

(a) Examinations administered by the board for licensure - To be eligible for licensure an applicant must sit for and pass the Texas Podiatric medical jurisprudence examination administered by the board. The board shall administer the Texas Podiatric medical jurisprudence examination at times and places as designated by the board.

(b) All candidates shall be provided a candidates handbook that shall explain detailed information about the examination process prior to exam administration

(c) Candidates shall not be permitted to bring any help into the examination room, or to communicate by word or sign with another examinee while an examination is in progress without permission of the presiding examiner and within the hearing of a designated representative of the Board; nor shall the examinee leave the examination room except when permitted by the presiding examiners and accompanied by a member or an employee of the Board.

(d) A license shall not be issued to any person who has been detected in a deceptive, dishonest or fraudulent act while taking an examination required by the Board.

(e) At the option and in the complete discretion of the Board, the examination may be conducted, in whole or in part, upon a vote of a majority of the Board, by any school, institute, or organization that is deemed by the same majority of the Board to provide adequate and fair examinations of sufficient high standards as to continue to insure high quality practitioners in the State of Texas. The manner of examination, the time of examination and the scheduling of the examination, as well as fee requirements and grading operations may then be delegated by the Board to such an entity, provided, however, that examination results, grades and copies of the examination are made available to the Board and are sent directly from the delegated entity to the Board, and the Board is to maintain a record of the examination results.

§371.8.Exam Development Committee.

(a) The Exam Development Committee members shall consist of podiatric physicians licensed in the State of Texas and independent testing professional(s) contracted by the Board.

(b) The Board shall establish the qualifications for membership to the Exam Development Committee.

(c) The Exam Development Committee shall construct examinations from the committee's test specifications which reflects knowledge of the boards rules which govern the practice of podiatric medicine in Texas.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

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

TRD-200200921

Janie Alonzo

Staff Services Officer III

Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2002

Proposal publication date: August 31, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7000


22 TAC §371.9, §371.10

The Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners adopts the repeal of §371.9 and §371.10, concerning Administration of Examination and Skill Examiners without changes to the proposed repeal that was published in the August 31, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 6534). The text of the rules will not be published.

The repeals delete rules that will no longer be needed when the new Jurisprudence examination begins.

No comments were received in response to the proposed repeals.

The repeals are adopted under Texas Occupations Code, §202.151, which provides the Texas State Board of Podiatric medical Examiners with the authority to adopt reasonable or necessary rules and bylaws consistent with the law regulating the practice of podiatry, the law of this state, and the law of the United States to govern its proceedings and activities, the regulation of the practice of podiatry and the enforcement of the law regulating the practice of podiatry.

The adopted repeals have no other implications.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

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

TRD-200200922

Janie Alonzo

Staff Services Officer III

Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2002

Proposal publication date: August 31, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7000


22 TAC §371.11, §371.13

The Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §371.11 and §371.13, concerning Examinations without changes to the proposed text that was published in the August 31, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 6533). The text of the rules will not be published.

The amendments are being adopted to make the necessary changes to include the Texas Occupations Code numbering system that replaces the old Texas Civil Statutes and to change the rules for the administration of the examination from an oral to a jurisprudence exam.

No comments were received in response to the proposed rule amendments.

The amendments are being adopted under Texas Occupations Code, §202.151, which provides the Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners with the authority to adopt reasonable or necessary rules and bylaws consistent with the law regulating the practice of podiatry, the law of this state, and the law of the United States to govern its proceedings and activities, the regulation of the practice of podiatry and the enforcement of the law regulating the practice of podiatry.

The adopted amendments implement Texas Occupations Code, §202.254.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

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

TRD-200200923

Janie Alonzo

Staff Services Officer III

Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2002

Proposal publication date: August 31, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7000


Chapter 376. VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES

22 TAC §376.2, §376.21

The Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §376.2, concerning Administrative Penalties and new §376.21, regarding Definitions without changes to the proposed text that was published in the August 31, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 6534). The text of the rules will not be republished.

The board created a new system for investigations that includes a pool of podiatric medical reviewers who review the complaints. A new rule was needed to include these individuals in the definition of investigator. Also, in §376.2, changes were made to include the Texas Occupations Code numbering system that replaces the old Texas Civil Statutes.

The sections are being adopted to make the necessary changes to include the Texas Occupations Code numbering system that replaces the old Texas Civil Statutes and to add a definition for investigator that includes the new podiatric medical reviewers.

No comments were received in response to the proposed amendment and new rule.

The amendment and new rule are adopted under Texas Occupations Code, §202.251, which provides the Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners with the authority to adopt reasonable or necessary rules and bylaws consistent with the law regulating the practice of podiatry, the law of this state, and the law of the United States to govern its proceedings and activities, the regulation of the practice of podiatry and the enforcement of the law regulating the practice of podiatry.

The adopted amendment and new rule implements Texas Occupations Code, §202.204 and affects all of Chapter 376 regarding Violations and Penalties.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

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

TRD-200200924

Janie Alonzo

Staff Services Officer III

Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2002

Proposal publication date: August 31, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7000


Chapter 379. FEES AND LICENSE RENEWAL

22 TAC §379.1

The Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners adopts an amendment to §379.1, concerning Fees with changes to the proposed text that was published in the August 31, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 6535). Changes to the proposed rule reflect non-substantive variations from the proposed amendments. The board's legal counsel has advised that the changes to the proposed rule affect no new persons, entities, or subjects other than those given notice.

The board must raise its renewal fee to cover costs as mandated by the 2002-2003 Appropriations Bill. The bill states that we must raise additional revenue above and beyond what we already collect to receive the additional funding necessary to support the needs of our agency.

The changes to the proposed rule that is adopted are as follows: In §379.1(a) the last two words "and regulations" is being deleted. Also in §379.1(b)(8) the phrase "Chapter 202, §301(d)" is being replaced with "§202.301(d)".

The rule increases the renewal fee for podiatric physicians to $425.00 per year.

No comments were received in response to the proposed rule amendments.

The amendments are adopted under Texas Occupations Code, §202.151, which provides the Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners with the authority to adopt reasonable or necessary rules and bylaws consistent with the law regulating the practice of podiatry, the law of this state, and the law of the United States to govern its proceedings and activities, the regulation of the practice of podiatry and the enforcement of the law regulating the practice of podiatry.

The adopted amendment implements the Texas Occupations Code §202.153.

§379.1.Fees

(a) The fees set by the Board and collected by the Board must be sufficient to meet the expenses of administering the Podiatric medical Practice Act, subsequent amendments, and the applicable rules.

(b) Fees are as follows:

(1) Examination--$250

(2) Re-Examination--$250

(3) Temporary License--$125

(4) Provisional License--$125

(5) Class II Temporary License--$50

(6) Temporary Faculty License--$40

(7) Renewal--$425

(8) Renewal Penalty as specified in Texas Occupations Code, §202.301(d).

(9) Non certified podiatric technician registration--$25

(10) Non certified podiatric technician renewal--$25

(11) Duplicate License--$50

(12) Copies of Public Records.--The charges to any person requesting copies of any public record of the Board will be the charge established by the General Services Commission. The Board may reduce or waive these charges at the discretion of the Executive Director if there is a public benefit.

(13) Statute and Rule Notebook--provided at cost to the agency.

(14) Copy of CME printout--$5

(15) Duplicate Certificate--$10

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

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

TRD-200200925

Janie Alonzo

Staff Services Officer III

Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2002

Proposal publication date: August 31, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7000


Part 23. TEXAS REAL ESTATE COMMISSION

Chapter 535. PROVISIONS OF THE REAL ESTATE LICENSE ACT

Subchapter E. REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE

22 TAC §535.51

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) adopts an amendment to §535.51, concerning general requirements for a real estate license without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 21, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 10480).

The amendment adopts by reference a modified Application for Moral Character Determination. The application is filed by a person who wishes to have TREC determine whether the person's moral character satisfies requirements for licensing or registration, that is, whether the person would transact business with honesty, trustworthiness and integrity. The form is modified to caution the person that it should not be filed at the same time as an application for a license or if the person has already filed an application for a license, since an issue of the person's moral character would also be resolved by the filing of an application for a license. Since the application for moral character determination is a part of the licensing process, the form is also modified to advise the person filing the application that it is mandatory that the person supply TREC with the person's Social Security number. The number is used to enforce child support orders under the Texas Family Code, §231.302. A question relating to disciplinary actions by another licensing agency is modified to include whether the person has been placed on probation by another agency. Minor language changes were made to make the application more consistent with other TREC license application forms now in use.

No comments were received regarding the proposal.

The amendment is adopted under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a, §5(h), which authorizes the Texas Real Estate Commission to make and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for the performance of its duties.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 12, 2002.

TRD-200200885

Loretta DeHay

General Counsel

Texas Real Estate Commission

Effective date: March 4, 2002

Proposal publication date: December 21, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 465-3900


Part 28. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF PHYSICAL THERAPY AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY EXAMINERS

Chapter 651. FEES

22 TAC §651.1

The Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners adopts the amendments to §651.1, without changes to the proposed test as published in the November 23, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 9507) and will not be republished.

This section was amended to increase the renewal fees.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.

The amendment is adopted under the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Act, Title 23, Subchapter H, Chapter 452, Occupations Code, which provides the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners with the authority to adopt rules consistent with this Act to carry out its duties in administering this Act.

Title 3, Subtitle H, Chapter 452, Occupational Code is affected by this amended section.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 12, 2002.

TRD-200200867

John P. Maline

Executive Director

Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners

Effective date: March 4, 2002

Proposal publication date: November 23, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 305-6900