TITLE 22.EXAMINING BOARDS

Part 1. TEXAS BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL EXAMINERS

Chapter 1. ARCHITECTS

Subchapter A. SCOPE; DEFINITIONS

22 TAC §1.1

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §1.1 for Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, pertaining to the purpose for the Rules and Regulations of the Board. The rule indicates the purpose as being to interpret and implement Texas Civil Statutes, Article 249a. This amendment is being adopted without changes and the text will not be republished. The proposal to amend this rule was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8368).

The amendment will simplify the rule without substantively changing the Board's authority or duties. The amendment to this rule is being adopted as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A as mandated by §2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

As a result of the amendment, the rule will be easier to understand and interpret. There will be no significant impact on small business, and no significant change in the cost to persons required to comply with the section.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to amend this rule.

The amendment is adopted pursuant to §3(b) of Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provides the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301126

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §§1.2 - 1.4

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts the repeal of §1.2, pertaining to citations; §1.3, pertaining to the Board's regulatory authority; and §1.4, pertaining to severability, for Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A. These rules are being repealed without changes and the text will not be republished. The proposal to repeal these rules was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8369).

These rules are being repealed because they are superfluous restatements of general provisions of the law and it is not necessary to include them in the Board's rules. The modifications are being made as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, as mandated by §2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

The repeal will result in the elimination of unnecessary provisions in the rules and will make it easier to understand and apply the remaining provisions. The repeal is not expected to impact small business significantly, and no significant economic cost to persons affected by the repeal is expected.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to repeal these rules.

The repeal is adopted pursuant to §3(b) and §5(b) of Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and include the implied authority to repeal rules that have been promulgated.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301127

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §1.5

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §1.5 for Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, pertaining to the definitions of words and terms used in Title 22, Chapter 1. The amendment is being adopted with changes. The proposal to amend this rule was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8369).

The amendment to this rule is intended to update the definitions of words and terms on the list, remove obsolete words and terms from the list, and provide definitions for words and terms being added to the list. The changes involve further refining the definitions to enhance their clarity and effectiveness. Also, the term "Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation" has been added. The amendment to this rule is being adopted as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, as mandated by §2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

As a result of the amendment, the Board's rules will be more specific and easier to understand and follow because the terms used therein will be more clearly defined. The amendment is expected to have no additional impact on small business and result in no change in the cost to persons required to comply with the section.

The Board received no comments concerning the proposal to amend this rule.

The amendment is adopted pursuant to §3(b) and §5(b) of Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules.

§1.5.Terms Defined Herein.

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

(1) The Act--The Architects' Registration Law.

(2) Actual Signature--A personal signature of the individual whose name is signed or an authorized copy of such signature.

(3) Administrative Procedure Act (APA)--Texas Government Code §§2001.001 et seq.

(4) APA--Administrative Procedure Act

(5) Applicant--An individual who has submitted an application for registration or reinstatement but has not yet completed the registration or reinstatement process.

(6) Architect--An individual who holds a valid Texas architectural registration certificate granted by the Board.

(7) Architect of Record--An Architect who has submitted an affidavit confirming that the Architect is employed on a full-time basis by or, pursuant to §1.122, associated with a business entity that offers or provides architectural services in Texas. The Architect of Record for a business entity shall be responsible for answering or designating another individual to answer inquiries of the Board concerning matters under the jurisdiction of the Board which are related to the business entity's Practice of Architecture.

(8) Architect Registration Examination (ARE)--The standardized test that a Candidate must pass in order to obtain a valid Texas architectural registration certificate.

(9) Architect Registration Examination Financial Assistance Fund (AREFAF)--A program administered by the Board which provides monetary awards to Candidates and newly registered Architects who meet the program's criteria.

(10) Architects' Registration Law--Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, and Chapter 1051, Texas Occupations Code.

(11) Architectural Barriers Act--Article 9102, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes.

(12) Architectural Intern--An individual enrolled in the Intern Development Program (IDP).

(13) ARE--Architect Registration Examination.

(14) AREFAF--Architect Registration Examination Financial Assistance Fund.

(15) Authorship--The state of having personally created something.

(16) Barrier-Free Design--The design of a building or a facility or the design of an alteration of a building or a facility which complies with the Texas Accessibility Standards, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines, or similarly accepted standards for accessible design.

(17) Board--Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.

(18) Candidate--An Applicant approved by the Board to take the ARE

(19) CEPH--Continuing Education Program Hour(s).

(20) Chairman--The member of the Board who serves as the Board's presiding officer.

(21) Construction Documents--Drawings; specifications; and addenda, change orders, construction change directives, and other Supplemental Documents issued by an Architect for the purpose(s) of regulatory approval, permitting, and/or construction.

(22) Consultant--An individual retained by an Architect who prepares or assists in the preparation of technical design documents issued by the Architect for use in connection with the Architect's Construction Documents.

(23) Contested Case--A proceeding, including a licensing proceeding, in which the legal rights, duties, or privileges of a party are to be determined by a state agency after an opportunity for adjudicative hearing.

(24) Continuing Education Program Hour (CEPH)--At least fifty (50) minutes of time spent in an activity meeting the Board's continuing education requirements.

(25) Council Certification--Certification granted by NCARB to architects who have satisfied certain standards related to architectural education, training, and examination.

(26) Delinquent--A registration status signifying that an Architect

(A) has failed to remit the applicable renewal fee to the Board and

(B) is no longer authorized to Practice Architecture in Texas or use any of the terms restricted by the Architects' Registration Law.

(27) Direct Supervision--The amount of oversight by an individual overseeing the work of another whereby the supervisor and the individual being supervised work in close proximity to one another and the supervisor has both control over and detailed professional knowledge of the work prepared under his or her supervision.

(28) E-mail Directory--A listing of e-mail addresses

(A) used to advertise architectural services and

(B) posted on the Internet under circumstances where the Architects included in the list have control over the information included in the list.

(29) Emeritus Architect (or Architect Emeritus)--An honorary title that may be used by an Inactive Architect who has retired from the Practice of Architecture in Texas.

(30) Feasibility Study--A report of a detailed investigation and analysis conducted to determine the advisability of a proposed architectural project from a technical architectural standpoint.

(31) Good Standing--

(A) a registration status signifying that an Architect is not delinquent in the payment of any fees owed to the Board or

(B) an application status signifying that an Applicant or Candidate is not delinquent in the payment of any fees owed to the Board, is not the subject of a pending TBAE enforcement proceeding, and has not been the subject of formal disciplinary action by an architectural registration board that would provide a ground for the denial of the application for architectural registration in Texas.

(32) Governmental Entity--A Texas state agency or department; a district, authority, county, municipality, or other political subdivision of Texas; or a publicly owned Texas utility.

(33) Governmental Jurisdiction--A governmental authority such as a state, territory, or country beyond the boundaries of Texas.

(34) IDP--The Intern Development Program as administered by NCARB.

(35) Inactive--A registration status signifying that an Architect may not Practice Architecture in the State of Texas.

(36) Intern Development Program (IDP)--A comprehensive internship program established, interpreted, and enforced by NCARB.

(37) Intern Development Training Requirement--Architectural experience necessary for an Applicant to obtain architectural registration by examination in Texas.

(38) Institutional Residential Facility--A building intended for occupancy on a 24-hour basis by persons who are receiving custodial care from the proprietors or operators of the building. Hospitals, dormitories, nursing homes and other assisted living facilities, and correctional facilities are examples of buildings that may be Institutional Residential Facilities.

(39) Licensed--Registered.

(40) Member Board--An architectural registration board that is part of the nonprofit federation of architectural registration boards known as NCARB.

(41) NAAB--National Architectural Accrediting Board.

(42) National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)--An agency that accredits architectural degree programs in the United States.

(43) National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)--A nonprofit federation of architectural registration boards from fifty-five (55) states and territories of the United States.

(44) NCARB--National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

(45) Nonregistrant--An individual who is not an Architect.

(46) Practice Architecture--Perform or do or offer or attempt to do or perform any service, work, act, or thing within the scope of the Practice of Architecture.

(47) Practicing Architecture--Performing or doing or offering or attempting to do or perform any service, work, act, or thing within the scope of the Practice of Architecture.

(48) Practice of Architecture--Any service or creative work, either public or private, applying the art and science of developing design concepts, planning for functional relationships and intended uses, and establishing the form, appearance, aesthetics, and construction details, for any building or buildings, or environs, to be constructed, enlarged or altered, the proper application of which requires architectural education, training, and experience.

(49) Principal--An architect who is responsible, either alone or with other architects, for an organization's Practice of Architecture.

(50) Prototypical--From or of an architectural design intentionally created not only to establish the architectural parameters of a building or facility to be constructed but also to serve as a functional model on which future variations of the basic architectural design would be based for use in additional locations.

(51) Public Entity--A state, a city, a county, a city and county, a district, a department or agency of state or local government which has official or quasi-official status, an agency established by state or local government though not a department thereof but subject to some governmental control, or any other political subdivision or public corporation.

(52) Registered--Licensed.

(53) Registrant--Architect.

(54) Reinstatement--The procedure through which a cancelled, Surrendered, or revoked Texas architectural registration certificate is restored.

(55) Renewal--The procedure through which an Architect pays a periodic fee so that the Architect's registration certificate will continue to be effective.

(56) Responsible Charge--That degree of control over and detailed knowledge of the content of technical submissions during their preparation as is ordinarily exercised by registered architects applying the applicable architectural standard of care.

(57) Rules and Regulations of the Board--22 Texas Administrative Code §§1.1 et seq.

(58) Rules of Procedure of SOAH--1 Texas Administrative Code §§155.1 et seq.

(59) Secretary-Treasurer--The member of the Board responsible for signing the official copy of the minutes of each Board meeting and maintaining the record of Board members' attendance at Board meetings.

(60) SOAH--State Office of Administrative Hearings.

(61) State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH)--A Governmental Entity created to serve as an independent forum for the conduct of adjudicative hearings involving the executive branch of Texas government.

(62) Supervision and Control--The amount of oversight by an architect overseeing the work of another whereby

(A) the architect and the individual performing the work can document frequent and detailed communication with one another and the architect has both control over and detailed professional knowledge of the work; or

(B) the architect is in Responsible Charge of the work and the individual performing the work is employed by the architect or by the architect's employer.

(63) Supplemental Document--A document that modifies or adds to the technical architectural content of an existing Construction Document.

(64) Surrender--The act of relinquishing a Texas architectural registration certificate along with all privileges associated with the certificate.

(65) TBAE--Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.

(66) TDLR--Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

(67) Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)--A Texas state agency responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the Texas Architectural Barriers Act.

(68) Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation (TGSLC)--A public, nonprofit corporation that administers the Federal Family Education Loan Program.

(69) TGSLC--Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation.

(70) Vice-Chairman--The member of the Board who serves as the assistant presiding officer and, in the absence of the Chairman, serves as the Board's presiding officer. If necessary, the Vice-Chairman succeeds the Chairman until a new Chairman is appointed.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301128

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §§1.6 - 1.8

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts the repeal of §1.6, pertaining to the Board's office location; §1.7, pertaining to the person for service of process; and §1.8, pertaining to meetings and notices thereof for Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A. These rules are being repealed without changes and the text will not be republished. The proposal to repeal these rules was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8372).

These rules are being repealed because they are outdated or superfluous and it is not necessary to include such provisions in the Board's rules. The modifications are being made as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, as mandated by §2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

The repeal will result in the elimination of unnecessary provisions in the rules and will make it easier to understand and apply the remaining provisions. The repeal is not expected to impact small business significantly and no significant economic cost to persons affected by the repeal is expected as a result of the repeal.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to repeal these rules.

The repeal is adopted pursuant to §3(b) and §5(b) of Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and include the implied authority to repeal rules that have been promulgated.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301129

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §1.9

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §1.9 for Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, pertaining to officers and employees of the Board. The amendment is being adopted with changes. The proposal to amend this rule was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8373).

The amendment to this rule is intended to identify defined terms through the use of capitalization, delete provisions that are superfluous in light of §1.13 and in light of requirements specified in other law, and eliminate obsolete provisions such as those describing the responsibilities of the secretary-treasurer. The changes include noting that the Board members are appointed by the Governor, requiring the Board to employ an executive director who shall be responsible for hiring and managing additional staff, requiring the Board to establish an annual budget and requiring that all expenditures comply with applicable statutory provisions and rules. The amendment to this rule is being adopted as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A as mandated by §2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

The amendment to the rule will result in the elimination of superfluous and obsolete provisions and will enhance the rules' efficiency and usefulness. The amendment also will implement certain statutory requirements, such as the requirement that the Board adopt rules regarding the utilization of HUBs. The clear identification of defined terms will let affected persons know they should refer to the definitions for further information. The amendment is expected to have no impact on small business and no change in the cost to persons required to comply with the section.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to amend this rule.

The amendment is adopted pursuant to §3 and §5(b) of Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules, including rules related to the Board's powers, duties, and functions.

§1.9.Officers and Employees.

(a) As prescribed by law, the Governor shall appoint a Chairman, and the Board, appointed by the Governor, shall elect a Vice-Chairman and a Secretary-Treasurer. The Chairman shall hold office until replaced by the Governor. The Vice-Chairman and Secretary-Treasurer shall hold office until their successors have been elected.

(b) The Board shall employ an executive director to conduct the affairs of the Board under the Board's direction. The executive director shall be responsible for hiring and managing additional staff as necessary to sustain the daily operations of the Board's office.

(c) The Board shall be responsible for establishing an annual budget to govern the expenditure of funds received by the Board. All expenditures must comply with applicable statutory provisions and rules, including the most recently adopted rules of the Texas Building and Procurement Commission relating to Historically Underutilized Businesses.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301130

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §1.10

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts new §1.10 for Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, pertaining to the appointment of committees necessary to conduct the business of the Board. This new rule is being adopted without changes and the text will not be republished. The proposal to adopt this new rule was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8373).

The new rule is being adopted as a result of the Board's decision that committees are useful in increasing the board's efficiency with regard to certain types of tasks. The new rule also is being adopted as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, as mandated by §2001.039 of the Texas Government Code. The new rule directs the Chairman to appoint members of the Board to serve on committees as necessary to conduct the business of the board.

As a result of the new rule, the Board will be able to complete some tasks, such as reviewing and revising rules, more efficiently. The new rule will have no impact on small business and there will be no cost to persons required to comply with the section.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to adopt this new rule.

The new rule is adopted pursuant to §3(b) and §5(b) of Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301131

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §1.11

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §1.11 for Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, pertaining to the official seal for the Board. The amendment is being adopted with changes. The proposal to adopt this amendment was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8374).

The existing rule requires that the agency use a seal similar to that of the State of Texas with the words "Texas Board of Architectural Examiners" replacing the words "the State of Texas." The proposed amendment to this rule is intended to correct a punctuation error. The changes to the amendment further clarify the language of the rule and also identify a defined term through the use of capitalization. The amendment to this rule is being adopted as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A as mandated by §2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

The amendment will improve the effectiveness of the rule by enhancing the clarity of its language and by clearly identifying a defined term. There is expected to be no impact on small business and no additional cost to persons required to comply with the section.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to amend this rule.

The amendment is proposed pursuant to §3(b) and §5(b) of Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules.

§1.11.Official Seal.

As its official seal, the Board shall use a seal similar to that of the State of Texas except the words "Texas Board of Architectural Examiners" shall replace the words "The State of 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, 2003.

TRD-200301132

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §1.12

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts the repeal of §1.12 for Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, which identifies the attorneys that the Board may engage. This rule is being repealed without changes and the text will not be republished. The proposal to repeal this rule was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8374).

This rule is being repealed because it is superfluous in light of existing statutory language designating the attorneys that may represent the Board. The modifications are being made as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, as mandated by §2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

The repeal of this rule will result in the elimination of unnecessary provisions in the rules and will make it easier to understand and apply the remaining provisions. The repeal will not impact small business significantly, and no significant economic cost to persons affected by the repeal is expected.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to repeal this rule.

The repeal is adopted pursuant to §3(b) and §5(b) of Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and include the implied authority to repeal rules that have been promulgated.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301133

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §1.13

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §1.13 for Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, pertaining to how the Board conducts business. The amendment is being adopted with changes. The proposal to adopt this amendment was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8375).

The existing rule requires the Board to use Robert's Rules of Order to conduct the business of the Board unless required otherwise by law. The proposed amendment to this rule is intended to make a stylistic change in the language of the rule. The proposed amendment also capitalizes the term "board" because it is a defined term. The change involves substituting the words "this chapter" for "these rules" and substituting "the Board's business" for "business by the Board." The amendment to this rule is being adopted as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A as mandated by §2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

The amendment corrects an awkward stylistic aspect of the rule and also clearly identifies defined terms to let affected persons know they should refer to the definitions for further information. There is expected to be no impact on small business or additional cost to persons required to comply with the section.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to amend this rule.

The amendment is adopted pursuant to §3(b) and §5(b) of Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules.

§1.13.Robert's Rules of Order.

Unless required otherwise by law or this chapter, Robert's Rules of Order shall be used in the conduct of the Board's business.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301134

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §§1.14 - 1.18

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts the repeal of §1.14, pertaining to what constitutes a quorum; §1.15, pertaining to who shall sign certificates of registration; §1.16, pertaining to the Board's official records; §1.17, pertaining to reimbursement for expenses incurred in the conduct of Board business; and §1.18 pertaining to NCARB for Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A. These rules are being repealed without changes and the text will not be republished. The proposal to repeal these rules was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8375).

These rules are being repealed because §1.14 is unnecessary because Robert's Rules of Order satisfactorily govern this issue; it is unnecessary to have a rule designating who shall sign certificates or registration; §1.16 is superfluous because other law requires the Board to maintain the designated records; §1.17 is unnecessary because other law governs the reimbursement of the Board and its staff; and §1.18 is being repealed so that the Board will have increased flexibility to determine whether to maintain membership in national and regional organizations. In addition, subsection (b) of the rule is unnecessary because the Board may direct staff to provide information regarding a registration examination at any time. Subsection (c) is unnecessary because in order for an outside entity to successfully administer a registration examination for the agency, the agency must offer such cooperation to the outside entity.

The modifications are being made as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, as mandated by §2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

The repeal of these rules will result in the elimination of unnecessary provisions in the rules and will make it easier to understand and apply the remaining provisions. The repeal is not expected to impact small business significantly, and no significant economic cost to persons affected by the repeal is expected as a result of the repeal.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to repeal these rules.

The repeal is adopted pursuant to §3(b) and §5(b) of Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and include the implied authority to repeal rules that have been promulgated.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301135

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §1.14

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts new §1.14 for Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, pertaining to procedures for addressing the Board. The new rule is being adopted with changes. The proposal to adopt this new rule was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8376).

The new rule is being adopted as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, as mandated by §2001.039 of the Texas Government Code. The new rule sets forth guidelines for members of the general public to address the Board during regularly scheduled board meetings. The changes to the proposed rule include eliminating the requirement that individuals submit requests and summaries of the issues to be presented at least forty-five days before the scheduled date of the public meeting, adding a requirement for the Board to include "public comment" as a topic on each agenda, and specifying how the Board may respond to an inquiry regarding a subject not listed on the agenda.

The new rule will result in the public's being better informed of their right to address the Board. The new rule is expected to have no impact on small business and result in no additional cost to persons required to comply with the section.

The Board received no comments concerning the proposal to adopt the new rule.

The new rule is adopted pursuant to §3(b) and (g) and §5(b) of Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules, including rules related to providing the public with a reasonable opportunity to appear before the Board.

§1.14.Procedure for Addressing the Board.

(a) The Board shall include "public comment" as a topic on the agenda for each regularly scheduled meeting of the Board.

(b) During the "public comment" portion of a meeting, any member of the general public may address the Board regarding any subject related to the business of the Board. Each member of the public shall be allotted five (5) minutes to make a presentation to the Board. The five-minute period may be extended at the Board's discretion.

(c) The Board may respond to an inquiry regarding a subject not listed on the agenda only with:

(1) a statement of specific factual information in response to the inquiry; or

(2) a recitation of existing policy in response to the inquiry.

(d) Except as allowed by subsection (c) of this section, any deliberation of or decision about a subject not listed on the agenda shall be limited to a proposal to place the subject on the agenda for a subsequent meeting.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301136

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


Chapter 3. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS

Subchapter A. SCOPE: DEFINITIONS

22 TAC §3.1

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §3.1, pertaining to the purpose for the Rules and Regulations of the Board. The rule indicates the purpose as being to interpret and implement Texas Civil Statutes, Article 249c. This amendment is being adopted without changes and the text will not be republished. The proposal to amend this rule was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8376). The amendment to this rule will simplify the rule without substantively changing the Board's authority or duties. The amendment to this rule is being adopted as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 3, Subchapter A as mandated by Section 2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

As a result of the amendment, the rule will be easier to understand and interpret. There will be no significant impact on small business, and no significant change in the cost to persons required to comply with the section.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to amend this rule.

The amendment is adopted pursuant to Section 4(a) of Article 249c, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provides the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301137

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §§3.2 - 3.4

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts the repeal of §3.2, pertaining to citations; §3.3, pertaining to the Board's regulatory authority; and §3.4, pertaining to severability. These rules are being repealed without changes and the text will not be republished. The proposal to repeal these rules was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8377). These rules are being repealed because they are superfluous restatements of general provisions of the law and it is not necessary to include them in the Board's rules.

The modifications are being made as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 3, Subchapter A, as mandated by Section 2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

The repeal will result in the elimination of unnecessary provisions in the rules and will make it easier to understand and apply the remaining provisions. The repeal is not expected to impact small business significantly, and no significant economic cost to persons affected by the repeal is expected.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to repeal these rules.

The repeal is adopted pursuant to Section 4(a) of Article 249c, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provides the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and includes the implied authority to repeal rules that have been promulgated.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301138

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §3.5

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §3.5, pertaining to the definitions of words and terms used in Title 22, Chapter 3. The amendment is being adopted with changes. The proposal to amend this rule was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8377). The amendment to this rule is intended to update the definitions of words and terms on the list, remove obsolete words and terms from the list, and provide definitions for words and terms being added to the list. The changes involve further refining the definitions to enhance their clarity and effectiveness. Also, the term "Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation" has been added. The amendment to this rule is being adopted as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 3, Subchapter A as mandated by Section 2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

As a result of the amendment, the Board's rules will be more specific and easier to understand and follow because the terms used therein will be more clearly defined. The amendment is expected to have no additional impact on small business and result in no change in the cost to persons required to comply with the section.

The Board received no comments concerning the proposal to amend this rule.

The amendment is adopted pursuant to Section 4(a) of Article 249c, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provides the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules, including rules.

§3.5.Terms Defined Herein.

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

(1) The Act--The Landscape Architects' Registration Law.

(2) Actual Signature--A personal signature of the individual whose name is signed or an authorized copy of such signature.

(3) Administrative Procedure Act (APA)--Texas Government Code §§2001.001 et seq.

(4) APA--Administrative Procedure Act.

(5) Applicant--An individual who has submitted an application for registration or reinstatement but has not yet completed the registration or reinstatement process.

(6) Architectural Barriers Act--Article 9102, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes.

(7) Authorship--The state of having personally created something.

(8) Barrier-Free Design--The design of a facility or the design of an alteration of a facility which complies with the Texas Accessibility Standards, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines, or similarly accepted standards for accessible design.

(9) Board--Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.

(10) Candidate--An Applicant approved by the Board to take the LARE.

(11) CEPH--Continuing Education Program Hour(s).

(12) Chairman--The member of the Board who serves as the Board's presiding officer.

(13) CLARB--Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards.

(14) Construction Documents--Drawings; specifications; and addenda, change orders, construction change directives, and other Supplemental Documents issued by a Landscape Architect for the purpose(s) of regulatory approval, permitting, and/or construction.

(15) Consultant--An individual retained by a Landscape Architect who prepares or assists in the preparation of technical design documents issued by the Landscape Architect for use in connection with the Landscape Architect's Construction Documents.

(16) Contested Case--A proceeding, including a licensing proceeding, in which the legal rights, duties, or privileges of a party are to be determined by a state agency after an opportunity for adjudicative hearing.

(17) Continuing Education Program Hour (CEPH)--At least fifty (50) minutes of time spent in an activity meeting the Board's continuing education requirements.

(18) Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB)--An international nonprofit organization whose members are landscape architectural licensing boards of the U.S. states and Canadian provinces that license landscape architects.

(19) Delinquent--A registration status signifying that a Landscape Architect

(A) has failed to remit the applicable renewal fee to the Board and

(B) is no longer authorized to practice Landscape Architecture in Texas or use any of the terms restricted by the Landscape Architects' Registration Law.

(20) Direct Supervision--The amount of oversight by an individual overseeing the work of another whereby the supervisor and the individual being supervised work in close proximity to one another and the supervisor has both control over and detailed professional knowledge of the work prepared under his or her supervision.

(21) E-mail Directory--A listing of e-mail addresses

(A) used to advertise landscape architectural services and

(B) posted on the Internet under circumstances where the Landscape Architects included in the list have control over the information included in the list.

(22) Emeritus Landscape Architect (or Landscape Architect Emeritus)--An honorary title that may be used by an Inactive Landscape Architect who has retired from the practice of Landscape Architecture in Texas.

(23) Feasibility Study--A report of a detailed investigation and analysis conducted to determine the advisability of a proposed landscape architectural project from a technical landscape architectural standpoint.

(24) Good Standing -

(A) a registration status signifying that a Landscape Architect is not delinquent in the payment of any fees owed to the Board or

(B) an application status signifying that an Applicant or Candidate is not delinquent in the payment of any fees owed to the Board, is not the subject of a pending TBAE enforcement proceeding, and has not been the subject of formal disciplinary action by a landscape architectural registration board that would provide a ground for the denial of the application for landscape architectural registration in Texas.

(25) Governmental Entity--A Texas state agency or department; a district, authority, county, municipality, or other political subdivision of Texas; or a publicly owned Texas utility.

(26) Governmental Jurisdiction--A governmental authority such as a state, territory, or country beyond the boundaries of Texas.

(27) Inactive--A registration status signifying that a Landscape Architect may not practice Landscape Architecture in the State of Texas.

(28) LAAB--Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board.

(29) Landscape Architect--An individual who holds a valid Texas landscape architectural registration certificate granted by the Board.

(30) Landscape Architect of Record--A Landscape Architect who has submitted an affidavit confirming that the Landscape Architect is employed on a full-time basis by or, pursuant to Section 3.122, associated with a business entity that offers or provides landscape architectural services in Texas. The Landscape Architect of Record for a business entity shall be responsible for answering or designating another individual to answer inquiries of the Board concerning matters under the jurisdiction of the Board which are related to the business entity's practice of Landscape Architecture.

(31) Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE)--The standardized test that a Candidate must pass in order to obtain a valid Texas landscape architectural registration certificate.

(32) Landscape Architects' Registration Law--Article 249c, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, and Chapter 1052, Texas Occupations Code.

(33) Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB)--An agency that accredits landscape architectural degree programs in the United States.

(34) Landscape Architectural Intern--An individual participating in an internship to complete the experiential requirements for landscape architectural registration in Texas.

(35) Landscape Architecture--The art and science of landscape analysis, landscape planning, and landscape design, including the performance of professional services such as consultation, investigation, research, the preparation of general development and detailed site design plans, the preparation of studies, the preparation of specifications, and responsible supervision related to the development of landscape areas for:

(A) the planning, preservation, enhancement, and arrangement of land forms, natural systems, features, and plantings, including ground and water forms;

(B) the planning and design of vegetation, circulation, walks, and other landscape features to fulfill aesthetic and functional requirements;

(C) the formulation of graphic and written criteria to govern the planning and design of landscape construction development programs, including:

(i) the preparation, review, and analysis of master and site plans for landscape use and development;

(ii) the analysis of environmental, physical, and social considerations related to land use;

(iii) the preparation of drawings, construction documents, and specifications; and

(iv) construction observation;

(D) design coordination and review of technical submissions, plans, and construction documents prepared by individuals working under the direction of the Landscape Architect;

(E) the preparation of feasibility studies, statements of probable construction costs, and reports and site selection for landscape development and preservation;

(F) the integration, site analysis, and determination of the location of buildings, structures, and circulation and environmental systems;

(G) the analysis and design of:

(i) site landscape grading and drainage;

(ii) systems for landscape erosion and sediment control; and

(iii) pedestrian walkway systems;

(H) the planning and placement of uninhabitable landscape structures, plants, landscape lighting, and hard surface areas;

(I) the collaboration of Landscape Architects with other professionals in the design of roads, bridges, and structures regarding the functional, environmental, and aesthetic requirements of the areas in which they are to be placed; and

(J) field observation of landscape site construction, revegetation, and maintenance.

(36) LARE--Landscape Architect Registration Examination.

(37) Licensed--Registered.

(38) Member Board--A landscape architectural registration board that is part of CLARB.

(39) Nonregistrant--An individual who is not a Landscape Architect.

(40) Prototypical--From or of a landscape architectural design intentionally created not only to establish the landscape architectural parameters of a project but also to serve as a functional model on which future variations of the basic landscape architectural design would be based for use in additional locations.

(41) Registrant--Landscape Architect.

(42) Reinstatement--The procedure through which a cancelled, Surrendered, or revoked Texas landscape architectural registration certificate is restored.

(43) Renewal--The procedure through which a Landscape Architect pays a periodic fee so that the Landscape Architect's registration certificate will continue to be effective.

(44) Responsible charge--That degree of control over and detailed knowledge of the content of technical submissions during their preparation as is ordinarily exercised by registered landscape architects applying the applicable landscape architectural standard of care.

(45) Rules and Regulations of the Board--22 Texas Administrative Code §§3.1 et seq.

(46) Rules of Procedure of SOAH--1 Texas Administrative Code §§155.1 et seq.

(47) Secretary-Treasurer--The member of the Board responsible for signing the official copy of the minutes of each Board meeting and maintaining the record of Board members' attendance at Board meetings.

(48) SOAH--State Office of Administrative Hearings.

(49) State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH)--A Governmental Entity created to serve as an independent forum for the conduct of adjudicative hearings involving the executive branch of Texas government.

(50) Supervision and Control--The amount of oversight by a landscape architect overseeing the work of another whereby

(A) the landscape architect and the individual performing the work can document frequent and detailed communication with one another and the landscape architect has both control over and detailed professional knowledge of the work; or

(B) the landscape architect is in Responsible Charge of the work and the individual performing the work is employed by the landscape architect or by the landscape architect's employer.

(51) Supplemental Document--A document that modifies or adds to the technical landscape architectural content of an existing Construction Document.

(52) Surrender--The act of relinquishing a Texas landscape architectural registration certificate along with all privileges associated with the certificate.

(53) Table of Equivalents for Experience in Landscape Architecture--22 Texas Administrative Code §§3.191 and 3.192 (Sections 3.191 and 3.192 of this Chapter).

(54) TBAE--Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.

(55) TDLR --Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

(56) Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)--A Texas state agency responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the Texas Architectural Barriers Act.

(57) Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation (TGSLC)--A public, nonprofit corporation that administers the Federal Family Education Loan Program.

(58) TGSLC--Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation.

(59) Vice-Chairman--The member of the Board who serves as the assistant presiding officer and, in the absence of the Chairman, serves as the Board's presiding officer. If necessary, the Vice-Chairman succeeds the Chairman until a new Chairman is appointed.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301139

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §§3.6 - 3.8

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts the repeal of §3.6, pertaining to the Board's office location; §3.7, pertaining to the person for service of process; and §3.8, pertaining to meetings and notices thereof. These rules are being repealed without changes and the text will not be republished. The proposal to repeal these rules was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8380). These rules are being repealed because they are outdated or superfluous and it is not necessary to include such provisions in the Board's rules. The modifications are being made as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 3, Subchapter A, as mandated by Section 2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

The repeal will result in the elimination of unnecessary provisions in the rules and will make it easier to understand and apply the remaining provisions. The repeal is not expected to impact small business significantly and no significant economic cost to persons affected by the repeal is expected as a result of the repeal.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to repeal these rules.

The repeal is adopted pursuant to Section 4(a) of Article 249c, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provides the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and includes the implied authority to repeal rules that have been promulgated.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301140

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §3.9

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §3.9, pertaining to officers and employees of the Board. The amendment is being adopted with changes. The proposal to amend this rule was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8381). The amendment to this rule is intended to identify defined terms through the use of capitalization, delete provisions that are superfluous in light of §3.13 and in light of requirements specified in other law, and eliminate obsolete provisions such as those describing the responsibilities of the secretary-treasurer. The changes include noting that the Board members are appointed by the Governor, requiring the Board to employ an executive director who shall be responsible for hiring and managing additional staff, requiring the Board to establish an annual budget and requiring that all expenditures comply with applicable statutory provisions and rules. The amendment to this rule is being adopted as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 3, Subchapter A as mandated by Section 2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

The amendment to the rule will result in the elimination of superfluous and obsolete provisions and will enhance the rules' efficiency and usefulness. The amendment also will implement certain statutory requirements, such as the requirement that the Board adopt rules regarding the utilization of HUBs. The clear identification of defined terms will let affected persons know they should refer to the definitions for further information. The amendment is expected to have no impact on small business and no change in the cost to persons required to comply with the section.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to amend this rule.

The amendment is adopted pursuant to Section 4(a) of Article 249c, and Section 3 of Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules, including rules related to the Board's powers, duties, and functions.

§3.9.Officers and Employees.

(a) As prescribed by law, the Governor shall appoint a Chairman, and the Board, appointed by the Governor, shall elect a Vice-Chairman and a Secretary-Treasurer. The Chairman shall hold office until replaced by the Governor. The Vice-Chairman and Secretary-Treasurer shall hold office until their successors have been elected.

(b) The Board shall employ an executive director to conduct the affairs of the Board under the Board's direction. The executive director shall be responsible for hiring and managing additional staff as necessary to sustain the daily operations of the Board's office.

(c) The Board shall be responsible for establishing an annual budget to govern the expenditure of funds received by the Board. All expenditures must comply with applicable statutory provisions and rules, including the most recently adopted rules of the Texas Building and Procurement Commission relating to Historically Underutilized Businesses.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301141

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §3.10

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts new §3.10, pertaining to the appointment of committees necessary to conduct the business of the Board. This new rule is being adopted without changes and the text will not be republished. The proposal to adopt this new rule was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8382). The new rule is being adopted as a result of the Board's decision that committees are useful in increasing the board's efficiency with regard to certain types of tasks. The new rule also is being adopted as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 3, Subchapter A, as mandated by Section 2001.039 of the Texas Government Code. The new rule directs the Chairman to appoint members of the Board to serve on committees as necessary to conduct the business of the board.

As a result of the new rule, the Board will be able to complete some tasks, such as reviewing and revising rules, more efficiently. The new rule will have no impact on small business and there will be no cost to persons required to comply with the section.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to adopt this new rule.

The new rule is adopted pursuant to Section 4(a) of Article 249c, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provides the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301142

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §3.11

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §3.11, pertaining to the official seal for the Board. The existing rule requires that the agency use a seal similar to that of the State of Texas with the words "Texas Board of Architectural Examiners" replacing the words "the State of Texas." The amendment is being adopted with changes. The proposal to amend this rule was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8382). The proposed amendment to this rule is intended to correct a punctuation error. The changes to the amendment further clarify the language of the rule and also identify a defined term through the use of capitalization. The amendment to this rule is being adopted as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 3, Subchapter A as mandated by Section 2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

The amendment will improve the effectiveness of the rule by enhancing the clarity of its language and by clearly identifying a defined term. There is expected to be no impact on small business and no additional cost to persons required to comply with the section.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to amend this rule.

The amendment is proposed pursuant to Section 4(a) of Article 249c, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provides the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules.

§3.11.Official Seal.

As its official seal, the Board shall use a seal similar to that of the State of Texas except the words "Texas Board of Architectural Examiners" shall replace the words "The State of 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, 2003.

TRD-200301143

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §3.12

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts the repeal of §3.12 which identifies the attorneys that the Board may engage. This rule is being repealed without changes and the text will not be republished. The proposal to repeal this rule was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8382). This rule is being repealed because it is superfluous in light of existing statutory language designating the attorneys that may represent the Board. The modifications are being made as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 3, Subchapter A, as mandated by Section 2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

The repeal of this rule will result in the elimination of unnecessary provisions in the rules and will make it easier to understand and apply the remaining provisions. The repeal will not impact small business significantly, and no significant economic cost to persons affected by the repeal is expected.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to repeal this rule.

The repeal is adopted pursuant to Section 4(a) of Article 249c, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provides the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and includes the implied authority to repeal rules that have been promulgated.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301144

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §3.13

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §3.13, pertaining to how the Board conducts business. The existing rule requires the Board to use Robert's Rules of Order to conduct the business of the Board unless required otherwise by law. The amendment is being adopted with changes. The proposal to amend this rule was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8383). The proposed amendment to this rule is intended to make a stylistic change in the language of the rule. The proposed amendment also capitalizes the term "board" because it is a defined term. The change involves substituting the words "this chapter" for "these rules" and substituting "the Board's business" for "business by the Board." The amendment to this rule is being adopted as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 3, Subchapter A as mandated by Section 2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

The amendment corrects an awkward stylistic aspect of the rule and also clearly identifies defined terms to let affected persons know they should refer to the definitions for further information. There is expected to be no impact on small business or additional cost to persons required to comply with the section.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to amend this rule.

The amendment is adopted pursuant to Section 4(a) of Article 249c, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provides the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules.

§3.13.Robert's Rules of Order.

Unless required otherwise by law or this chapter, Robert's Rules of Order shall be used in the conduct of the Board's business.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301145

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §§3.14 - 3.18

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts the repeal of §3.14, pertaining to what constitutes a quorum; §3.15, pertaining to who shall sign certificates of registration; §3.16, pertaining to the Board's official records; §3.17, pertaining to reimbursement for expenses incurred in the conduct of Board business; and §3.18 pertaining to the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB). These rules are being repealed without changes and the text will not be republished. The proposal to repeal these rules was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8383). These rules are being repealed because §3.14 is unnecessary because Robert's Rules of Order satisfactorily govern this issue; it is unnecessary to have a rule designating who shall sign certificates or registration; §3.16 is superfluous because other law requires the Board to maintain the designated records; §3.17 is unnecessary because other law governs the reimbursement of the Board and its staff; and §3.18 is being repealed so that the Board will have increased flexibility to determine whether to maintain membership in national and regional organizations. In addition, subsection (b) of the rule is unnecessary because the Board may direct staff to provide information regarding a registration examination at any time. Subsection (c) is unnecessary because in order for an outside entity to successfully administer a registration examination for the agency, the agency must offer such cooperation to the outside entity.

The modifications are being made as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 3, Subchapter A, as mandated by Section 2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

The repeal of these rules will result in the elimination of unnecessary provisions in the rules and will make it easier to understand and apply the remaining provisions. The repeal is not expected to impact small business significantly, and no significant economic cost to persons affected by the repeal is expected as a result of the repeal.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to repeal these rules.

The repeal is adopted pursuant to Section 4(a) of Article 249c, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provides the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and includes the implied authority to repeal rules that have been promulgated.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301146

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §3.14

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts new §3.14, pertaining to procedures for addressing the Board. The new rule is being adopted with changes. The proposal to adopt this new rule was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8384). The new rule is being adopted as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 3, Subchapter A, as mandated by Section 2001.039 of the Texas Government Code. The new rule sets forth guidelines for members of the general public to address the Board during regularly scheduled board meetings. The changes to the proposed rule include eliminating the requirement that individuals submit requests and summaries of the issues to be presented at least forty-five days before the scheduled date of the public meeting, adding a requirement for the Board to include "public comment" as a topic on each agenda, and specifying how the Board may respond to an inquiry regarding a subject not listed on the agenda.

The new rule will result in the public's being better informed of their right to address the Board. The new rule is expected to have no impact on small business and result in no additional cost to persons required to comply with the section.

The Board received no comments concerning the proposal to adopt the new rule.

The new rule is adopted pursuant to Section 4(a) of Article 249c, and Section 3(g) of Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules, including rules related to providing the public with a reasonable opportunity to appear before the Board.

§3.14.Procedure for Addressing the Board.

(a) The Board shall include "public comment" as a topic on the agenda for each regularly scheduled meeting of the Board.

(b) During the "public comment" portion of a meeting, any member of the general public may address the Board regarding any subject related to the business of the Board. Each member of the public shall be allotted five (5) minutes to make a presentation to the Board. The five-minute period may be extended at the Board's discretion.

(c) The Board may respond to an inquiry regarding a subject not listed on the agenda only with:

(1) a statement of specific factual information in response to the inquiry; or

(2) a recitation of existing policy in response to the inquiry.

(d) Except as allowed by subsection (c) of this section, any deliberation of or decision about a subject not listed on the agenda shall be limited to a proposal to place the subject on the agenda for a subsequent meeting.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301147

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


Chapter 5. INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Subchapter A. SCOPE; DEFINITIONS

22 TAC §5.1

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to rule §5.1 for Title 22, Chapter 5, Subchapter A, pertaining to the purpose for the Rules and Regulations of the Board. The rule indicates the purpose as being to interpret and implement Texas Civil Statutes, Article 249a. This amendment is being adopted without changes and the text will not be republished. The proposal to amend this rule was published in the September 6, 2002 issue of the Texas Register , (27 TexReg 8385). The amendment will simplify the rule without substantively changing the Board's authority or duties. The amendment to this rule is being adopted as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 5, Subchapter A as mandated by Section 2001.039 of the Texas Government Code

As a result of the amendment, the rule will be easier to understand and interpret. There will be no significant impact on small business, and no change in the cost to persons required to comply with the section.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to amend this rule.

The amendment is adopted pursuant to Section 5(d) of Article 249e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provides the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301148

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §§5.2 - 5.4

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts the repeal of §5.2, pertaining to citations; §5.3, pertaining to the Board's regulatory authority; and §5.4, pertaining to severability, for Title 22, Chapter 5, Subchapter A. These rules are being repealed without changes and the text will not be republished. The proposal to repeal these rules was published in the September 6, 2002 issue of the Texas Register , (27 TexReg 8385). These rules are being repealed because they are superfluous restatements of general provisions of the law and it is not necessary to include them in the Board's rules. The modifications are being made as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 5, as mandated by Section 2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

The repeal will result in the elimination of unnecessary provisions in the rules and will make it easier to understand and apply the remaining provisions. The repeal is not expected to impact small business significantly, and no significant economic cost to persons affected by the repeal is expected.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to repeal these rules.

The repeal is adopted pursuant to Section 5(d) of Article 249e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provides the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and includes the implied authority to repeal rules that have been promulgated.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301149

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §5.5

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to rule §5.5 for Title 22, Chapter 5, Subchapter A, pertaining to the definitions of words and terms used in Title 22, Chapter 5. The amendment is being adopted with changes. The proposal to amend this rule was published in the September 6, 2002 issue of the Texas Register , (27 TexReg 8385). The amendment to this rule is intended to update the definitions of words and terms on the list, remove obsolete words and terms from the list, and provide definitions for words and terms being added to the list. The changes involve further refining the definitions to enhance their clarity and effectiveness. Also, the term "Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation" has been added. The amendment to this rule is being adopted as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 5, Subchapter A as mandated by Section 2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

As a result of the amendment, the Board's rules will be more specific and easier to understand and follow because the terms used therein will be more clearly defined. The amendment is expected to have no additional impact on small business and result in no change in the cost to persons required to comply with the section.

The Board received no comments concerning the proposal to amend this rule.

The amendment is adopted pursuant to Section 5(d) of Article 249e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provides the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules.

§5.5.Terms Defined Herein.

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

(1) The Act -- The Interior Designers' Registration Law.

(2) Actual Signature -- A personal signature of the individual whose name is signed or an authorized copy of such signature.

(3) Administrative Procedure Act (APA) -- Texas Government Code §§2001.001 et seq.

(4) APA -- Administrative Procedure Act.

(5) Applicant -- An individual who has submitted an application for registration or reinstatement but has not yet completed the registration or reinstatement process.

(6) Architectural Interior Construction -- A building project that involves only the inside elements of a building and, in order to be completed, necessitates the "practice of architecture" as that term is defined in 22 Texas Administrative Code §1.5.

(7) Authorship -- The state of having personally created something.

(8) Barrier-Free Design -- The design of a facility or the design of an alteration of a facility which complies with the Texas Accessibility Standards, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines, or similarly accepted standards for accessible design.

(9) Board -- Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.

(10) Candidate -- An Applicant approved by the Board to take the interior design registration examination.

(11) CEPH -- Continuing Education Program Hour(s).

(12) Chairman -- The member of the Board who serves as the Board's presiding officer.

(13) Construction Documents -- Drawings; specifications; and addenda, change orders, construction change directives, and other Supplemental Documents issued by an Interior Designer for the purpose(s) of regulatory approval, permitting, and/or construction.

(14) Consultant -- An individual retained by an Interior Designer who prepares or assists in the preparation of technical design documents issued by the Interior Designer for use in connection with the Interior Designer's Construction Documents.

(15) Contested Case - A proceeding, including a licensing proceeding, in which the legal rights, duties, or privileges of a party are to be determined by a state agency after an opportunity for adjudicative hearings.

(16) Continuing Education Program Hour (CEPH) - At least fifty (50) minutes of time spent in an activity meeting the Board's continuing education requirements.

(17) Delinquent -- A registration status signifying that an Interior Designer

(A) has failed to remit the applicable renewal fee to the Board and

(B) is no longer authorized to use the title "interior designer" or the term "interior design" in Texas.

(18) Direct Supervision -- The amount of oversight by an individual overseeing the work of another whereby the supervisor and the individual being supervised work in close proximity to one another and the supervisor has both control over and detailed professional knowledge of the work prepared under his or her supervision.

(19) E-mail Directory -- A listing of e-mail addresses

(A) used to advertise interior design services and

(B) posted on the Internet under circumstances where the Interior Designers included in the list have control over the information included in the list.

(20) Emeritus Interior Designer (or Interior Designer Emeritus)-- An honorary title that may be used by an Inactive Interior Designer who has retired from the practice of Interior Design in Texas.

(21) Feasibility Study -- A report of a detailed investigation and analysis conducted to determine the advisability of a proposed interior design project from a technical interior design standpoint.

(22) FIDER -- Foundation for Interior Design Education Research.

(23) Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER) -- An agency that sets standards for postsecondary interior design education and evaluates college and university interior design programs.

(24) Good Standing --

(A) a registration status signifying that an Interior Designer is not delinquent in the payment of any fees owed to the Board or

(B) an application status signifying that an Applicant or Candidate is not delinquent in the payment of any fees owed to the Board, is not the subject of a pending TBAE enforcement proceeding, and has not been the subject of formal disciplinary action by an interior design registration board that would provide a ground for the denial of the application for interior design registration in Texas.

(25) Governmental Jurisdiction -- A governmental authority such as a state, territory, or country beyond the boundaries of Texas.

(26) Inactive -- A registration status signifying that an Interior Designer may not practice Interior Design in the State of Texas.

(27) Interior Design -- The identification, research, or development of creative solutions to problems relating to the function or quality of the interior environment; the performance of services relating to interior spaces, including programming, design analysis, space planning of non-load-bearing interior construction, and application of aesthetic principles, by using specialized knowledge of interior construction, building codes, equipment, materials, or furnishings; or the preparation of interior design plans, specifications, or related documents about the design of non-load-bearing interior spaces.

(28) Interior Designer -- An individual who holds a valid Texas interior design registration certificate granted by the Board.

(29) Interior Designer of Record -- An Interior Designer who has submitted an affidavit confirming that the Interior Designer is employed on a full-time basis by or, pursuant to Section 5.132, associated with a business entity that uses the title "interior designer" or the term "interior design" to describe itself or a service it offers or performs in Texas. The Interior Designer of Record for a business entity shall be responsible for answering or designating another individual to answer inquiries of the Board concerning matters under the jurisdiction of the Board which are related to the business entity's use of the title "interior designer" or the term "interior design."

(30) Interior Designers' Registration Law -- Article 249e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, and Chapter 1053, Texas Occupations Code.

(31) Interior Design Intern -- An individual participating in an internship to complete the experiential requirements for interior design registration by examination in Texas.

(32) Licensed -- Registered.

(33) Member Board -- An interior design registration board that is part of NCIDQ.

(34) National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) -- A nonprofit organization of state and provincial interior design regulatory agencies and national organizations whose membership is made up in total or in part of interior designers.

(35) NCIDQ - National Council for Interior Design Qualification

(36) Nonregistrant - An individual who is not an Interior Designer.

(37) Registrant -- Interior Designer.

(38) Reinstatement -- The procedure through which a cancelled, Surrendered, or revoked Texas interior design registration certificate is restored.

(39) Renewal -- The procedure through which an Interior Designer pays a periodic fee so that the Interior Designer's registration certificate will continue to be effective.

(40) Responsible Charge -- That degree of control over and detailed knowledge of the content of technical submissions during their preparation as is ordinarily exercised by registered interior designers applying the applicable interior design standard of care.

(41) Rules and Regulations of the Board -- 22 Texas Administrative Code §§5.1 et seq.

(42) Rules of Procedure of SOAH -- 1 Texas Administrative Code §§155.1 et seq.

(43) Secretary-Treasurer -- The member of the Board responsible for signing the official copy of the minutes from each Board meeting and maintaining the record of Board members' attendance at Board meetings.

(44) SOAH -- State Office of Administrative Hearings.

(45) State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) -- A Governmental Entity created to serve as an independent forum for the conduct of adjudicative hearings involving the executive branch of Texas government.

(46) Supervision and Control -- The amount of oversight by an interior designer overseeing the work of another whereby

(A) the interior designer and the individual performing the work can document frequent and detailed communication with one another and the interior designer has both control over and detailed professional knowledge of the work; or

(B) the interior designer is in Responsible Charge of the work and the individual performing the work is employed by the interior designer or by the interior designer's employer.

(47) Supplemental Document -- A document that modifies or adds to the technical interior design content of an existing Construction Document.

(48) Surrender -- The act of relinquishing a Texas interior design registration certificate along with all privileges associated with the certificate.

(49) Table of Equivalents for Education and Experience in Interior Design -- 22 Texas Administrative Code §§5.201 et seq. (Sections 5.201 - 5.203 of this Chapter).

(50) TBAE -- Texas Board of Architectural Examiners.

(51) TDLR -- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

(52) Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) -- A Texas state agency responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the Texas Architectural Barriers Act.

(53) Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation (TGSLC) -- A public, nonprofit corporation that administers the Federal Family Education Loan Program.

(54) TGSLC -- Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation .

(55) Vice-Chairman -- The member of the Board who serves as the assistant presiding officer and, in the absence of the Chairman, serves as the Board's presiding officer. If necessary, the Vice-Chairman succeeds the Chairman until a new Chairman is appointed.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301150

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §§5.6 - 5.8

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts the repeal of §5.6, pertaining to the Board's office location; §5.7, pertaining to the person for service of process; and §5.8, pertaining to meetings and notices thereof for Title 22, Chapter 5, Subchapter A. These rules are being repealed without changes and the text will not be republished. The proposal to repeal these rules was published in the September 6, 2002 issue of the Texas Register , (27 TexReg 8388). These rules are being repealed because they are outdated or superfluous and it is not necessary to include such provisions in the Board's rules. The modifications are being made as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 5, Subchapter A, as mandated by Section 2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

The repeal will result in the elimination of unnecessary provisions in the rules and will make it easier to understand and apply the remaining provisions. The repeal is not expected to impact small business significantly and no significant economic cost to persons affected by the repeal is expected as a result of the repeal.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to repeal these rules.

The repeal is adopted pursuant to Section 5(d) of Article 249e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provides the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and includes the implied authority to repeal rules that have been promulgated.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301151

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §5.9

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §5.9, pertaining to officers and employees of the Board. The amendment is being adopted with changes. The proposal to amend this rule was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8388). The amendment to this rule is intended to identify defined terms through the use of capitalization, delete provisions that are superfluous in light of §5.13 and in light of requirements specified in other law, and eliminate obsolete provisions such as those describing the responsibilities of the secretary-treasurer. The changes include noting that the Board members are appointed by the Governor, requiring the Board to employ an executive director who shall be responsible for hiring and managing additional staff, requiring the Board to establish an annual budget and requiring that all expenditures comply with applicable statutory provisions and rules. The amendment to this rule is being adopted as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 5, Subchapter A as mandated by Section 2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

The amendment to the rule will result in the elimination of superfluous and obsolete provisions and will enhance the rules' efficiency and usefulness. The amendment also will implement certain statutory requirements, such as the requirement that the Board adopt rules regarding the utilization of HUBs. The clear identification of defined terms will let affected persons know they should refer to the definitions for further information. The amendment is expected to have no impact on small business and no change in the cost to persons required to comply with the section.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to amend this rule.

The amendment is adopted pursuant to Section 5(d) of Article 249e and Section 3 of Article 249a, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules, including rules related to the Board's powers, duties, and functions.

§5.9.Officers and Employees.

(a) As prescribed by law, the Governor shall appoint a Chairman, and the Board, appointed by the Governor, shall elect a Vice-Chairman and a Secretary-Treasurer. The Chairman shall hold office until replaced by the Governor. The Vice-Chairman and Secretary-Treasurer shall hold office until their successors have been elected.

(b) The Board shall employ an executive director to conduct the affairs of the Board under the Board's direction. The executive director shall be responsible for hiring and managing additional staff as necessary to sustain the daily operations of the Board's office.

(c) The Board shall be responsible for establishing an annual budget to govern the expenditure of funds received by the Board. All expenditures must comply with applicable statutory provisions and rules, including the most recently adopted rules of the Texas Building and Procurement Commission relating to Historically Underutilized Businesses.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301152

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §5.10

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts new §5.10, pertaining to the appointment of committees necessary to conduct the business of the Board. This new rule is being adopted without changes and the text will not be republished. The proposal to adopt this new rule was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8389). The new rule is being adopted as a result of the Board's decision that committees are useful in increasing the board's efficiency with regard to certain types of tasks. The new rule also is being adopted as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 5, Subchapter A, as mandated by Section 2001.039 of the Texas Government Code. The new rule directs the Chairman to appoint members of the Board to serve on committees as necessary to conduct the business of the board.

As a result of the new rule, the Board will be able to complete some tasks, such as reviewing and revising rules, more efficiently. The new rule will have no impact on small business and there will be no cost to persons required to comply with the section.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to adopt this new rule.

The new rule is adopted pursuant to Section 5(d) of Article 249e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provides the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules, including rules.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301153

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §5.12

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts the repeal of §5.12, which identifies the attorneys that the Board may engage. This rule is being repealed without changes and the text will not be republished. The proposal to repeal this rule was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8390). This rule is being repealed because it is superfluous in light of existing statutory language designating the attorneys that may represent the Board. The modifications are being made as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 5, Subchapter A, as mandated by Section 2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

The repeal of this rule will result in the elimination of unnecessary provisions in the rules and will make it easier to understand and apply the remaining provisions. The repeal will not impact small business significantly, and no significant economic cost to persons affected by the repeal is expected.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to repeal this rule.

The repeal is adopted pursuant to Section 5(d) of Article 249e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provides the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and includes the implied authority to repeal rules that have been promulgated.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301154

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §5.13

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts an amendment to §5.13, pertaining to how the Board conducts business. The existing rule requires the Board to use Robert's Rules of Order to conduct the business of the Board unless required otherwise by law. The amendment is being adopted with changes. The proposal to amend this rule was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8390). The proposed amendment to this rule is intended to make a stylistic change in the language of the rule. The proposed amendment also capitalizes the term "board" because it is a defined term. The change involves substituting the words "this chapter" for "these rules" and substituting "the Board's business" for "business by the Board." The amendment to this rule is being adopted as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 5, Subchapter A as mandated by Section 2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

The amendment corrects an awkward stylistic aspect of the rule and also clearly identifies defined terms to let affected persons know they should refer to the definitions for further information. There is expected to be no impact on small business or additional cost to persons required to comply with the section.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to amend this rule.

The amendment is adopted pursuant to Section 5(d) of Article 249e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provides the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules, including rules.

§5.13.Robert's Rules of Order.

Unless required otherwise by law or this chapter, Robert's Rules of Order shall be used in the conduct of the Board's business.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301155

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §§5.14 - 5.18

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts the repeal of §5.14, pertaining to what constitutes a quorum; §5.15, pertaining to who shall sign certificates of registration; §5.16, pertaining to the Board's official records; §5.17, pertaining to reimbursement for expenses incurred in the conduct of Board business; and §5.18 pertaining to National Council for Interior Design Qualification. These rules are being repealed without changes and the text will not be republished. The proposal to repeal these rules was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8390). These rules are being repealed because §5.14 is unnecessary because Robert's Rules of Order satisfactorily govern this issue; it is unnecessary to have a rule designating who shall sign certificates or registration; §5.16 is superfluous because other law requires the Board to maintain the designated records; §5.17 is unnecessary because other law governs the reimbursement of the Board and its staff; and §5.18 is being repealed so that the Board will have increased flexibility to determine whether to maintain membership in national and regional organizations. In addition, subsection (b) of the rule is unnecessary because the Board may direct staff to provide information regarding a registration examination at any time. Subsection (c) is unnecessary because in order for an outside entity to successfully administer a registration examination for the agency, the agency must offer such cooperation to the outside entity.

The modifications are being made as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 5, Subchapter A, as mandated by Section 2001.039 of the Texas Government Code.

The repeal of these rules will result in the elimination of unnecessary provisions in the rules and will make it easier to understand and apply the remaining provisions. The repeal is not expected to impact small business significantly, and no significant economic cost to persons affected by the repeal is expected as a result of the repeal.

No comments were received concerning the proposal to repeal these rules.

The repeal is adopted pursuant to Section 5(d) of Article 249e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provides the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules and includes the implied authority to repeal rules that have been promulgated.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301156

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


22 TAC §5.14

The Texas Board of Architectural Examiners adopts new §5.14, pertaining to procedures for addressing the Board. The new rule is being adopted with changes. The proposal to adopt this new rule was published in the September 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 8391). The new rule is being adopted as a result of the agency's review of Title 22, Chapter 5, Subchapter A, as mandated by Section 2001.039 of the Texas Government Code. The new rule sets forth guidelines for members of the general public to address the Board during regularly scheduled board meetings. The changes to the proposed rule include eliminating the requirement that individuals submit requests and summaries of the issues to be presented at least forty-five days before the scheduled date of the public meeting, adding a requirement for the Board to include "public comment" as a topic on each agenda, and specifying how the Board may respond to an inquiry regarding a subject not listed on the agenda.

The new rule will result in the public's being better informed of their right to address the Board. The new rule is expected to have no impact on small business and result in no additional cost to persons required to comply with the section.

The Board received no comments concerning the proposal to adopt the new rule.

The new rule is adopted pursuant to Section 5(d) of Article 249e, and Section 3(g) of Article 249(a), Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, which provide the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners with authority to promulgate rules, including rules related to providing the public with a reasonable opportunity to appear before the Board.

§5.14.Procedure for Addressing the Board.

(a) The Board shall include "public comment" as a topic on the agenda for each regularly scheduled meeting of the Board.

(b) During the "public comment" portion of a meeting, any member of the general public may address the Board regarding any subject related to the business of the Board. Each member of the public shall be allotted five (5) minutes to make a presentation to the Board. The five-minute period may be extended at the Board's discretion.

(c) The Board may respond to an inquiry regarding a subject not listed on the agenda only with:

(1) a statement of specific factual information in response to the inquiry; or

(2) a recitation of existing policy in response to the inquiry.

(d) Except as allowed by subsection (c) of this section, any deliberation of or decision about a subject not listed on the agenda shall be limited to a proposal to place the subject on the agenda for a subsequent meeting.

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, 2003.

TRD-200301157

Cathy L. Hendricks, ASID/IIDA

Executive Director

Texas Board of Architectural Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: September 6, 2002

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


Part 9. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS

Chapter 183. ACUPUNCTURE

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §§183.1-183.4, 183.6 and the repeal and replacement of 183.7-183.18, concerning Acupuncture, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 10, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 417) and will not be republished.

The amendments are necessary for a general clean-up of the chapter.

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners previously proposed an amendment to §183.13 in the November 1, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 10287). That amendment was withdrawn in the January 3, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 55). The section was re-proposed in the January 10, 2003, Texas Register issue to incorporate all amendments at one time.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

22 TAC §§183.1 - 183.4, 183.6

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 14, 2003.

TRD-200301159

Donald W. Patrick. MD, JD

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 10, 2003

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


22 TAC §§183.7 - 183.18

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 14, 2003.

TRD-200301160

Donald W. Patrick, MD, JD

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 10, 2003

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


22 TAC §§183.7 - 183.18

The new rules 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 14, 2003.

TRD-200301161

Donald W. Patrick, MD, JD

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 10, 2003

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


Chapter 184. SURGICAL ASSISTANTS

22 TAC §§184.4, 184.6, 184.8

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §§184.4, 184.6 and 184.8, concerning licensure documentation, licensure renewal and examination, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 3, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 28) and will not be republished.

The amendments allow the board to prorate the initial annual renewal fees in order to set up a system to have surgical assistants renew their license on the same date and to clarify several other sections of the rule.

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 14, 2003.

TRD-200301162

Donald W. Patrick, MD, JD

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 3, 2003

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


Chapter 187. PROCEDURAL RULES

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §187.18 and §187.39, concerning procedural rules, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 3, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 29) and will not be republished.

The amendments regard costs of administrative hearings and informal settlement conferences based on personal appearance.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendments.

Subchapter B. INFORMAL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

22 TAC §187.18

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 14, 2003.

TRD-200301163

Donald W. Patrick, MD, JD

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 3, 2003

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


Subchapter D. FORMAL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

22 TAC §187.39

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 14, 2003.

TRD-200301164

Donald W. Patrick, MD, JD

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 3, 2003

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


Chapter 191. DISTRICT REVIEW COMMITTEES

22 TAC §§191.1, 191.3 - 191.5

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §§191.1, 191.3-191.5, concerning district review committees, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 3, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg 30) and will not be republished.

The amendments are necessary for general clean up to the chapter.

Elsewhere in this issue of the Texas Register , the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners contemporaneously adopts the rule review of Chapter 191.

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 14, 2003.

TRD-200301165

Donald W. Patrick, MD, JD

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 3, 2003

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


Chapter 193. STANDING DELEGATION ORDERS

22 TAC §193.6

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners adopts an amendment to §193.6, concerning standing delegation orders, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 3, 2003, issue of the Texas Register (28 TexReg ) and will not be republished.

The amendment regards supervision waiver requests.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the rule.

The amendment 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 14, 2003.

TRD-200301166

Donald W. Patrick, MD, JD

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Effective date: March 6, 2003

Proposal publication date: January 3, 2003

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


Part 10. TEXAS FUNERAL SERVICE COMMISSION

Chapter 201. LICENSING AND ENFORCEMENT--PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

22 TAC §201.2

The Texas Funeral Service Commission (commission) adopts the repeal of Title 22, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 201, §201.2, relating to Risk Based Inspection Procedures. The repeal is adopted without changes to the proposal as published in the December 27, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 12153).

The repeal of §201.2 is adopted because the section presently contains matters best expressed in commission internal policies.

The commission received no comments on the repeal.

The repeal of §201.2 is adopted under Texas Occupations Code, §651.152. The commission interprets §651.152 as authorizing it to adopt rules as necessary to administer Chapter 651.

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

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 13, 2003.

TRD-200301097

Cue D. Boykin

Assistant Attorney General

Texas Funeral Service Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2003

Proposal publication date: December 27, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-4219


22 TAC §§201.2 - 201.4

The Texas Funeral Service Commission (commission) adopts new §201.2, relating to Procedures and Criteria for Inspections of Funeral Establishments; §201.3, relating to Complaints and Investigations; and §201.4, relating to Subpoenas. Notice of the proposed new sections was published in the December 27, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 12153). The new sections are adopted with changes to the proposed text.

New §201.2 is adopted to establish clear procedures for the inspection of funeral establishments and set forth risk based inspection criteria required by Texas Occupations Code, §651.157. New §201.3 is adopted to establish clear complaint and investigation procedures and to eliminate redundancy in the rules. New §201.4 is adopted to establish standards for the issuance of subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum by the executive director, as required by Texas Occupations Code, §651.156.

The commission received comments on the proposed new sections from the Texas Funeral Directors Association (commenter). The commenter's comments on §201.2 and §201.3 are best characterized as being for the proposals, with changes.

Comment on §201.2: The commenter opined that the word "biannual" in subsection (b)(1) should be "biennial." The commission agrees. New subsection (b)(1) as adopted makes this change.

Comments on §201.3: Commenter suggested retitling the section to "Complaints." The commission agrees that the new section concerns complaints. Accordingly, the new section is retitled "Complaints and Investigations." The section addresses both subjects. Additionally, commenter observed that the proposed preamble's reference to Occupations Code, §651.156 as authority for the section is incorrect. The commission agrees.

Comments on §201.4: The comment is characterized as being against the proposal. Commenter expressed the view that the section as proposed is "too broad", and that "[l]anguage should be added in the first sentence, after the first statement of 'books, records, documents and/or/material' that reads 'relevant to the facility or persons under investigation or for which a hearing is set.'" The commission agrees that items subject to a subpoena should be relevant to the complaint under investigation or pending at the State Office of Administrative Hearings. The new section as adopted incorporates the spirit, though not the actual wording, of the comment. Finally, commenter recommended that the commission include language affording a person or establishment the opportunity to appeal a subpoena's issuance to the commission. The commission disagrees. The commission generally only meets quarterly. An appeals' process to the commission would delay investigations unnecessarily. Further, the courts are the proper forums to decide the validity of subpoenas.

The Commission's counsel has advised that the changes made in the sections as adopted affect no new persons, entities, or subjects other than those given notice and that compliance with the adopted sections will be less burdensome than under the proposed sections. Accordingly, republication of the adopted sections as new proposed rules is not required.

New §201.2 is adopted under Texas Occupations Code, §651.152 and §651.157. The commission interprets §651.152 as authorizing it to adopt rules as necessary to administer Chapter 651. The commission interprets §651.157 as requiring it to adopt rules establishing criteria for risk-based inspections.

New §201.3 is adopted under Texas Occupations Code, §651.152. The commission interprets §651.152 as authorizing it to adopt rules as necessary to administer Chapter 651.

New §201.4 is adopted under Texas Occupations Code, §651.156. The commission interprets §651.156 as requiring it to adopt rules establishing standards that enable the executive director to issue subpoenas or subpoenas duces tecum.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the new sections.

§201.2.Procedures and Criteria for Inspections of Funeral Establishments.

(a) Inspection Procedures

(1) All licensed funeral establishments shall be inspected at least once every two years.

(2) All inspections shall be unannounced.

(3) The inspector shall review prior inspection reports before inspecting a funeral establishment. If prior reports reveal problems, the inspector shall determine whether the establishment has corrected the previously identified problems or whether a pattern of violations or new violations exist.

(4) Inspectors shall use reasonable efforts to conduct most of their inspections between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., but funeral establishments are required to be open at all times to inspections for violations of Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 651, and Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapters 193 and 361.

(b) Criteria for Risk-Based Inspections

(1) History of Prior Violation. Funeral establishments shall be inspected annually until they are free of violations, if the commission previously found violations of Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 651, and Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapters 193 and 361 following biennial inspections.

(2) Sanctions. Funeral establishments that have received a reprimand or letter of warning, that have been assessed administrative penalties, that have had licenses suspended, or that have been restrained or enjoined for violations of Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 651 or commission rules are subject to inspection at anytime within three (3) years following the date that the commission's action became final.

(3) Pendency of Investigation. If the commission is in the process of conducting an investigation of a funeral establishment based on a consumer complaint, staff may determine that an inspection is warranted for the limited purpose of proving or disproving the validity of the complaint. The scope of inspections under this subsection shall be limited to matters relating to the subject of the complaint. For example, if the consumer complaint relates to a variance between price charged for an item on the funeral purchase agreement and the published price for the item on the retail price list, the inspector may inspect a representative number of documents to determine or disprove the existence of a pattern of similar variances.

§201.3.Complaints and Investigations.

(a) Any person may file a complaint with the commission concerning any licensee's violation of Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 651, the rules promulgated by the commission, Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapters 193, 361, and 711 - 715, or Texas Finance Code, Chapter 154. Staff will furnish a form that a person may use for the purpose of filing a complaint in writing. The form will include space for the following information:

(1) the name and business address of the person or establishment complained of;

(2) the time and place where acts occurred;

(3) the nature of the acts set out in sufficient detail to enable the commission to investigate the complaint and the person or entity complained of to identify the incident and prepare a defense;

(4) the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any persons who witnessed the acts; and

(5) any pertinent contracts, photographs, letters, advertisements or other documents.

(b) The executive director shall supervise all investigations by the commission, including the investigation of any circumstances involved with the renewal of any license provided for in Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 651.

(c) A person may file a complaint without using the commission's form.

§201.4.Subpoenas.

The executive director may issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, records, documents and/or other material relevant to the complaint under investigation or pending at the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

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 13, 2003.

TRD-200301088

Cue D. Boykin

Assistant Attorney General

Texas Funeral Service Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2003

Proposal publication date: December 27, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-4219


22 TAC §201.7, §201.13

The Texas Funeral Service Commission (commission) adopts the repeal of Title 22, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 201, §201.7, relating to Allegations and Investigations, and §201.13, relating to Inspections and Investigations. The repeals are adopted without changes to the proposal as published in the December 27, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 12155).

The repeal of §201.7 is adopted because the section is redundant and contains matters expressed elsewhere in the commission's rules. The repeal of §201.13 is adopted because the section contains matters best expressed in commission internal policies.

The commission received no comments on the proposed repeals.

The repeals are adopted under Texas Occupations Code, §651.152. The commission interprets §651.152 as authorizing it to adopt rules as necessary to administer Chapter 651.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the new sections.

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 13, 2003.

TRD-200301089

Cue D. Boykin

Assistant Attorney General

Texas Funeral Service Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2003

Proposal publication date: December 27, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-4219


22 TAC §201.12, §201.19

The Texas Funeral Service Commission (commission) adopts amendments to Title 22, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 201, §201.12, relating to Retired Licenses and §201.19, relating to Correspondence. Notice of the proposed amendments was published in the December 27, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 12155). The amended sections are adopted without changes to the proposed text and will not be republished.

Amended §201.12 removes subsection (c) because that subsection is superfluous to provisions found elsewhere in the commission's rules. Amended §201.19 allows commission-related correspondence to be sent to a post office box, or any other location as requested by the licensee or establishment owner, and establishes a mail box rule mirroring language of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.

The commission received comments on the proposed amendment to §201.12 from the Texas Funeral Directors Association (commenter). Commenter expressed opposition to the amendment.

The commenter disagreed with the preamble's statement that the subsection proposed for deletion duplicates the continuing education requirements of §203.30. Further, commenter is "highly opposed to the removal of this opportunity" and finds "the background language inaccurate and misleading." The commission disagrees. The deleted language created no opportunity. It placed limitations on a retired licensee's ability to pay a non-compliance penalty fee when converting from retired inactive to active retired status. The "opportunity" to which commenter refers is actually found in subsection (b) of this section which allows a licensee, when converting from a retired inactive status to a retired active statute, to "pay a $300 continuing education non-compliance fee in lieu of complying with the commission's continuing education requirements." Subsection (b) remains part of §201.12 and is not impacted by the deletion of subsection (c). Finally, the commission responds to the commenter assertion that the preamble's reference to §203.30 as being "inaccurate and misleading" by observing that the deleted language of subsection (c) is repeated practically verbatim in §203.30(i)(2)(A).

The amendments are adopted under Texas Occupations Code, §651.152. The commission interprets §651.152 as authorizing it to adopt rules as necessary to administer Chapter 651.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amended sections.

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 13, 2003.

TRD-200301091

Cue D. Boykin

Assistant Attorney General

Texas Funeral Service Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2003

Proposal publication date: December 27, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-4219


Chapter 203. LICENSING AND ENFORCEMENT--SPECIFIC SUBSTANTIVE RULES

22 TAC §203.4, §203.28

The Texas Funeral Service Commission (commission) adopts the repeal of Title 22, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 203, §203.4, relating to Transfer of Licenses Prohibited and §203.28, relating to Establishment Licenses. The repeals are adopted without changes to the proposal as published in the December 27, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 12156).

The repeals of §203.4 and §203.28 are adopted because both sections apply to funeral establishment licensure. Further, §203.4 presently fails to distinguish between new and renewal license applications and its caption does not adequately describe the rule's subject.

The commission received no comments on the repeals.

The repeals of existing §203.4 and §203.28 are adopted under Texas Occupations Code, §651.152. The commission interprets §651.152 as authorizing it to adopt rules as necessary to administer Chapter 651.

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

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 13, 2003.

TRD-200301092

Cue D. Boykin

Assistant Attorney General

Texas Funeral Service Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2003

Proposal publication date: December 27, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-4219


22 TAC §203.4

The Texas Funeral Service Commission (commission) adopts new §203.4, relating to Licensure of Funeral Establishments and Commercial Embalming Establishments and Display of License. Notice of the new section was published in the December 27, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 12156). The new section is adopted with changes to the proposed text.

New §203.4 combines the subjects of repealed §203.4 and §203.28 into a single rule.

The Texas Funeral Directors Association (commenter) commented against the proposed new section. The commenter first noted that current commission rule §203.29 permits a funeral establishment to be licensed under a trade name, as does Chapter 36 of the Texas Business Code. The commission agrees. The section as adopted provides that the license shall be issued in the establishment's name to the establishment's owner.

The commenter next stated that it disagreed with the interplay of §203.28(a)(2) and (4) which together require new license applications and inspections for establishment changes of name and ownership, as well as changes of physical location. The commenter also asserted that proposed §203.4 directly conflicts with existing §203.29. The commission agrees that changes of name or ownership should not automatically trigger inspections. Section 203.28(a)(2) as adopted requires inspections only for the initial licensure of a new establishment and for the licensure of an establishment that has changed its physical location. Under the new section as adopted, establishments that change name or ownership will not necessarily undergo inspection before receiving a new license.

Commenter suggested alternative wording for use in subsection (b)(6), asserting that the phrase "an administrative hearing or judicial review" should be substituted for the word "appeal" as proposed. The commission agrees. The adopted subsection contains the suggested phrase. The commission observes, too, that subsection (a)(5) as proposed uses the same language for which the commenter submitted alternative language in subsection (b)(6). Accordingly, subsection (a)(5) incorporates commenter's suggested phrase, as well.

Commenter expressed opposition to subsection (c) as well which, if adopted as proposed, would authorize the commission to refuse to issue a new license or to renew a license to or for an establishment if a person whose license was suspended or revoked possessed a pecuniary interest in the establishment. Commenter stated that "[s]uch a rule would adversely affect publicly traded companies in which a person may purchase stock. Companies have no control over who purchases stock when it is publicly sold." The commission agrees that publicly traded companies cannot control who purchases their stock. The commission disagrees, however, with commenter's apparent conclusion that a shareholder of a publicly traded corporation has a pecuniary interest in establishments owned by the corporation. A shareholder's pecuniary interest is in the corporation itself, not in specific corporate assets. Nevertheless, the adopted version of subsection (c) makes clear that this subsection applies only to ownership interests in the establishments themselves.

The Commission's counsel has advised that the changes made in the section as adopted affect no new persons, entities, or subjects other than those given notice and that compliance with the adopted section will be less burdensome than under the proposed section. Accordingly, republication of the adopted section as a new proposed rule is not required.

New §203.4 is adopted under Texas Occupations Code, §651.152 and §651.164. The commission interprets §651.152 as authorizing it to adopt rules as necessary to administer Chapter 651 and interprets §651.164 as authorizing it to adopt rules providing for a staggered system of licensure.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the new section.

§203.4.Licensure of Funeral Establishments and Commercial Embalming Establishments and Display of License.

(a) New License Applications

(1) Applications for licensure must be submitted on forms developed by the commission. Applications shall be accompanied by applicable licensing fees and embalming case report forms reflecting the establishment's name. Additionally, funeral establishments shall submit copies of all price lists and purchase agreement forms.

(2) The passage of an inspection is mandatory for a new establishment seeking its initial licensure and for previously licensed establishments that have changed physical location.

(3) The license shall be issued to the establishment's owner.

(4) A change of ownership, name, or physical address requires the submission of a new establishment license application. The application must be filed with the commission within 30 days following the occurrence of the event requiring the license application. The failure to timely file the application will result in the assessment of a late application fee of $100.

(5) A license will not be issued unless all fees and outstanding penalties, if any, have been paid or the commission is in possession of evidence that the applicant is current on a payment plan or that penalties previously assessed are the subject of an administrative hearing or judicial review. Staff shall notify the applicant of any unpaid penalties.

(6) A license issued under this subsection expires on the last day of the month twelve months from the date of issue.

(b) Outstanding Licenses and Fees

(1) Initial Expiration Date: Licenses outstanding on the effective date hereof expire September 30, 2003.

(2) Initial Renewal Period: The initial renewal period for a license described in paragraph (1) of this subsection is the number of months, not less than seven, from September to the month of the establishment's original licensure date. If the number of months under the first sentence hereof would be less than seven, then the initial renewal period is determined by adding twelve months to the number of months from September to the month of the establishment's original licensure date. The monthly fee for the initial renewal license, payable in a lump sum, is equal to one-twelfth (1/12) of the annual license fee.

(3) Subsequent Renewal Periods. The renewal period of a license described in paragraph (2) of this subsection is twelve months beginning on the 1st day of the month following the expiration of the initial renewal period and annually thereafter.

(4) A late renewal fee will be assessed for an application for renewal date stamped after its renewal date.

(5) Establishments may be inspected upon the submission of a renewal application.

(6) A renewal license will not be issued unless all fees and outstanding penalties, if any, have been paid or the Commission's records reflect that the applicant is current on a payment plan or that penalties previously assessed are the subject of an administrative hearing or judicial review. Staff shall notify the applicant of any unpaid penalties.

(c) Certain Grounds for Denial or Revocation of a License. The commission may refuse to issue a new license or to renew an outstanding license or may revoke an establishment's license if it determines that the license application contains material false information or that a person whose individual license to practice funeral directing or embalming is currently suspended or revoked owns the establishment or an interest in the establishment.

(d) Conspicuous Display of License. The license shall be conspicuously displayed in an area of the establishment open and accessible to the general public. A license is conspicuously displayed when it is placed in an area of the funeral establishment generally accessed by a consumer making funeral arrangements.

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 13, 2003.

TRD-200301093

Cue D. Boykin

Assistant Attorney General

Texas Funeral Service Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2003

Proposal publication date: December 27, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-4219


22 TAC §203.6

The Texas Funeral Service Commission adopts an amendment to Title 22, Texas Administrative Code, §203.6, relating to Provisional Licensees. Notice of the proposed amendment was published in the December 27, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 12157). The amended section is adopted without changes to the proposed text and will not be republished.

The adopted amendment provides for license expiration one year from the issue date.

The commission received no comments on the proposed amendment.

The amendment is adopted under the authority of the Texas Occupations Code, §651.152 which authorizes the Commission to issue such rules and regulations as may be necessary to administer Chapter 651. The amendment is also adopted under Texas Occupations Code, §651.164. The commission interprets §651.164 as authorizing it to adopt rules providing for a staggered system of licensure.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the 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 13, 2003.

TRD-200301090

Cue D. Boykin

Assistant Attorney General

Texas Funeral Service Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2003

Proposal publication date: December 27, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-4219


22 TAC §203.26

The Texas Funeral Service Commission (commission) adopts new Title 22, Texas Administrative Code, §203.26, relating to Licensure of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. Notice of the proposed new section was published in the December 27, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 12158). The section is adopted without changes to the proposed text and will not be republished.

New §203.26 provides for a phased-in system of staggered licensure for funeral directors and embalmers. Texas Occupations Code, §651.164 authorizes the commission to implement a staggered system of license renewal. The commission's new software is capable of tracking staggered license renewals. The new system will reduce the pressure on staff produced by the current license renewal system.

The commission received no comments on the proposed new section.

The new section is adopted under the authority of the Texas Occupations Code, §651.152 which authorizes the commission to issue such rules and regulations as may be necessary to administer Chapter 651. The new section is also adopted under Texas Occupations Code, §651.164. The commission interprets §651.164 as authorizing it to adopt rules providing for a staggered system of licensure.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the adopted 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 13, 2003.

TRD-200301094

Cue D. Boykin

Assistant Attorney General

Texas Funeral Service Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2003

Proposal publication date: December 27, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-4219


22 TAC §203.30

The Texas Funeral Service Commission (commission) adopts amendments to Title 22, Texas Administrative Code, §203.30, relating to Continuing Education. Notice of the proposed amendments was published in the December 27, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 12158). The amended section is adopted with changes to the proposed text.

The adopted amendments: (1) make nonsubstantive grammatical changes, in part, to conform to Texas Register formatting and grammatical preferences; (2) clarify continuing education requirements for licensees, including persons in Retired, Active and Retired, Inactive status; and (3) clarify responsibilities of approved providers.

The Texas Funeral Director's Association (commenter) filed comments.

Commenter reiterated its comment on "§203.12" and expressed strong support for the opportunity of retired, inactive licensees to return to active status. The commission considers the comment as being against the proposed amendment. The commission responds that §201.12(b), which is not affected by these amendments, allows a retired, inactive licensee to convert to a retired active status by the payment of "50% of the current renewal fee charged licensees not in a retired status;" provided that the person shows compliance with continuing education requirements or pays "a $300 continuing education non-compliance fee."

Commenter also stated that "we are unclear as to whether the deletion of §203.30(d)(2) prohibits the use of the listed entities as sources that may be approved for continuing education or if it was struck because it was determined such language was not necessary within the rule, but such sources would still be applicable." The commission responds that subsection (d)(2) merely provided examples of the types of continuing education programs that may merit approval. Commission staff will still consider approving the sources of education previously included in the deleted subsection.

Commenter next asserted that the proposed amendment to §203.30(d)(4) allowing the commission to refuse approval of any provider's application "for any reason" is "too broad and subjective." The commission disagrees with the commenter's characterization of the language and regrets that commenter failed to offer alternative wording. Nevertheless, the commission has changed the wording of the subsection as adopted in an attempt to address commenter's concerns without unduly hampering the commission's authority to approve or withhold approval of particular courses or providers.

Finally, the commission notes that §203.30(h)(5) as proposed contained an incorrect reference to subsection (i)(4). The reference should have been to subsection (h)(4) and the incorrect reference is corrected in the subsection, as adopted.

The Commission's counsel has advised that the changes made in the section as adopted affect no new persons, entities, or subjects other than those given notice and that compliance with the adopted section will be less burdensome than under the proposed section. Accordingly, republication of the adopted section as new proposed amendments is not required.

The amendments are adopted under the authority of the Texas Occupations Code, §651.152 and §651.266. The Commission interprets §651.152 as authorizing it to issue such rules and regulations as may be necessary to administer Chapter 651. The Commission interprets §651.266 as authorizing it to require continuing education, including ethics training, as a condition of license renewal.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the adopted amendments.

§203.30.Continuing Education.

(a) Purpose: Each person holding an active license and practicing as a funeral director or embalmer in this state is required to participate in continuing education as a condition of license renewal.

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

(1) Approved provider--Any person or organization conducting or sponsoring a specific program of instruction that has been approved by the commission.

(2) Approved program--A continuing education program activity that has been approved by the commission. The program shall contribute to the advancement, extension, and enhancement of the professional skills and knowledge of the licensee in the practice of funeral directing and embalming by providing information relative to the funeral service industry.

(3) Hour of continuing education--A 50 minute clock hour completed by a licensee in attendance at an approved continuing education program.

(c) Types of Acceptable Continuing Education: Acceptable sources of continuing education are institutes, seminars, workshops, conferences, independent study programs, college academic or continuing education courses which are related to or enhance the practice of funeral directing or embalming and are offered or sponsored by an approved provider.

(d) Approval of continuing education

(1) A person or entity seeking approval as a continuing education provider shall file a completed application on a form provided by the commission and include the continuing education provider fee and the fee for each course submitted. Governmental agencies are exempt from paying this fee.

(2) National or state funeral industry professional organizations may apply for approval of seminars or other courses of study given during a convention.

(3) An application for approval must be accompanied by a syllabus for each course submitted which specifies the course objectives, course content and teaching methods to be used, and the number of credit hours each course is requesting to be granted, and a brief resume or description of the instructor and the instructor's qualifications.

(4) A provider is not approved until the executive director communicates in writing that the application has been accepted and issues a Provider Number for the provider and a course number for each course offered under that Provider number. The commission may refuse to approve a provider's application for any valid reason, as determined by the commission.

(5) A Provider Number and Course number are valid for one year, expiring on December 31st of each year, regardless of when the number was granted.

(e) Responsibilities of Approved Providers

(1) The provider shall verify attendance at each program and provide a certificate of attendance to each attendee. The certificate of attendance shall contain:

(A) the name of the provider and approval number;

(B) the name of the participant;

(C) the title of the course or program, including the course or program number;

(D) the number of credit hours given;

(E) the date and place the course was held;

(F) the signature of the provider or provider's representative.

(G) the signature of each attendee.

(2) The provider shall maintain the attendance records for a minimum of two years on each course provided.

(3) The provider shall provide a mechanism for evaluation of the program by the participants, to be completed on-site or at the time the program concludes. A copy of the evaluations will be provided to the commission within 30 days following the presentation of each course, along with the course attendance roster.

(4) The provider shall provide a syllabus of each course offered, which may include a copy of any video offered for home study.

(5) The provider shall be responsible for ensuring that no licensee receives continuing education credit for time not actually spent attending the program.

(6) Commission staff may monitor any continuing education with or without prior notice.

(f) Credit Hours Required

(1) Licensed funeral directors and embalmers who actively practice in this state are required to obtain 20 hours of continuing education every two year renewal period. A licensee may receive credit for a course only once during a renewal period.

(2) The following are mandatory continuing education hours and subjects for each renewal period:

(A) Ethics--2 credit hours--this course must at least cover principals of right and wrong, the philosophy of morals, and standards of professional behavior.

(B) Law Updates--2 credit hours--this course must at least cover the most current versions of Texas Occupations Code Chapter 651, and 22 Texas Administrative Code Chapters 201 and 203.

(C) Vital Statistics Requirements and Regulations--2 credit hours--this course must at least cover Health and Safety Code Chapters 193, 711 - 715 and Texas Administrative Code Chapter 181.

(g) Credit Hour Eligibility. The commission will grant the following credit hours toward the continuing education requirements for license renewal.

(1) One credit hour is given for each hour of participation, except in accredited college courses taken for school credit. Such college courses will be evaluated by the executive director on an individual basis for a certification fee set by the commission. College hour credit does not count toward the mandatory hours and subjects described in subsection (f)(2) of this section.

(2) A person is eligible for a maximum of 5 credit hours per renewal period for provisional licensee supervision, regardless of the number of provisionals supervised.

(3) A presenter or instructor of approved continuing education is eligible for a maximum of 5 credit hours per renewal period for instruction, regardless of the number of times the course is presented.

(4) All required hours may be obtained through independent study, including home study or Internet presentation.

(5) A person is eligible for a maximum of 4 credit hours per renewal period for attendance at commission meetings, provided the licensee signs in and out and is present during this period of time.

(6) A licensee may carry over to the next renewal period up to 10 credit hours earned in excess of the continuing education renewal requirements, except for those courses listed in subsection (f)(2) of this section.

(7) It is the responsibility of the licensee to track the number of hours accumulated during a licensing period.

(8) When excessive hours are to be carried over to the next licensing period, the licensee must request and obtain permission in writing to carry over continuing education hours. This request will be kept in the permanent licensing file of the individual.

(h) Exemptions, waivers, reactivation, and conversion

(1) Continuing education requirements for individuals newly licensed by examination, except reciprocal licensees, shall be waived for the first-time renewal of license.

(2) Individuals licensed in Texas, but not practicing in the state, are exempt from the continuing education requirements set forth in this section. Any individual who returns to practice in this state shall, before the next license renewal period, meet the continuing education requirements.

(3) Persons in a "Retired, Inactive" status are exempt from the continuing education requirements.

(4) Persons in a "Retired, Active" status are required to obtain 10 hours of continuing education, including the mandatory hours and subjects of subsection (f)(2) of this section.

(5) Persons converting from a "Retired, Inactive" status to a "Retired, Active" status shall obtain the continuing education hours required in paragraph (4) of this subsection.

(6) Persons in an active military status are eligible for exemption from the continuing education requirements, upon request. A copy of the active duty orders must be included in the request. Upon release from active duty and return to residency in the state, the individual shall meet the continuing education requirements before the next renewal period after the release and return.

(7) The executive director may authorize full or partial hardship exemptions from the requirements of this section based on personal or family circumstances and may require documentation of such circumstances.

(A) The hardship request must be submitted in writing at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the license.

(B) Hardship exemptions will not be granted for consecutive licensing periods.

(i) Failure to comply.

(1) The commission will not renew the license of an individual who fails to obtain the continuing education requirements of this section, except as provided by paragraph (2) of this subsection.

(2) A $300 noncompliance fee must be paid before a license is subject to renewal if the individual has not obtained the required continuing education.

(A) The $300 noncompliance fee may only be used in lieu of obtaining the required continuing education for every other biennial renewal period.

(B) The noncompliance penalty fee and allowance for every other renewal period does not eliminate the necessity of obtaining continuing education hours in the mandatory courses listed in subsection (g)(2) of this section.

(C) The mandatory courses must be taken before the license expiration. If the mandatory courses do not total 20 hours, the noncompliance fee of $300 is due upon application for renewal.

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 13, 2003.

TRD-200301095

Cue D. Boykin

Assistant Attorney General

Texas Funeral Service Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2003

Proposal publication date: December 27, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-4219


Chapter 205. REGISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT--SPECIFIC SUBSTANTIVE RULES

22 TAC §205.1, §205.2

The Texas Funeral Service Commission (commission) adopts amendments to Title 22, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 205, §205.1, relating to Registration of Cemeteries and Crematories and §205.2, relating to Fees for Registration of Cemeteries and Crematories. Notice of the proposed amendments was published in the December 27, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 12161). The section is adopted without changes to the proposed text and will not be republished.

The adopted amendments provide for staggered registration expiration dates, describe how registration fees are determined, provide when the fees are payable, and recognize the statutory exemption from registration fees applicable to perpetual care cemeteries.

The commission received no comments on the proposed amendments.

The amendments are adopted under the authority of Texas Occupations Code, §651.152 and §651.164. The Commission interprets §651.152 as authorizing it to issue such rules and regulations as may be necessary to administer Chapter 651. The Commission interprets §651.164 as authorizing it to adopt rules providing for a staggered system of licensure.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amended sections.

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 13, 2003.

TRD-200301096

Cue D. Boykin

Assistant Attorney General

Texas Funeral Service Commission

Effective date: March 5, 2003

Proposal publication date: December 27, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 475-4219


Part 21. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF PSYCHOLOGISTS

Chapter 463. APPLICATIONS AND EXAMINATIONS

22 TAC §463.11

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists adopts amendments to §463.11, concerning Licensed Psychologist, with changes to the proposed text as published in the December 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 11369).

The amendments are being adopted in order to alert applicants to the conditions under which the Board might approve a gap in supervised experience years and to ensure that licensees from other jurisdictions seeking licensure in Texas do not have disciplinary action in those jurisdictions.

The adopted rule will make the rules easier for the licensees and public to follow and understand.

No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 501, which provides the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

§463.11.Licensed Psychologist.

(a) Application Requirements by Provisional Licensure. This application is provided free of charge to the applicant who has taken the oral examination. Upon passage of the oral examination, the applicant may submit the licensed psychologist application. An application for licensure as a psychologist includes, in addition to the requirements set forth in §463.5(1) of this title (relating to Application File Requirements):

(1) Documentation of current licensure as a provisionally licensed psychologist in good standing.

(2) Documentation indicating passage of the Board's Oral Examination.

(3) Documentation of two years of supervised experience from a licensed psychologist which satisfies the requirements of the Board. The formal year must be documented by the Director of Internship Training.

(4) Documentation of licensure in other jurisdictions, including information on disciplinary action and pending complaints, sent directly to the Board.

(b) Degree Requirements. The degree requirements for licensure as a psychologist are the same as for provisional licensure as stated in §463.10 of this title (relating to Provisionally Licensed Psychologist).

(c) Supervised Experience. In order to qualify for licensure, a psychologist must submit proof of two years of supervised experience, at least one year of which must have been received after the doctoral degree was officially conferred or completed, whichever is earliest, as shown on the official transcript, and at least one year of which must have been a formal internship. The formal internship year may be met either before or after the doctoral degree is conferred or completed. Supervised experience must be obtained in a minimum of two, and no more than three, calendar years, for full-time experience.

(1) General. All supervised experience for licensure as a psychologist, including the formal internship, must meet the following requirements:

(A) Experience may be obtained only in either a full-time or half-time setting.

(B) A year of full-time supervised experience is defined as a minimum of 35 hours per week employment/experience in not less than twelve consecutive calendar months in not more than two placements.

(C) A year of half-time supervised experience is defined as a minimum of 20 hours per week employment/experience in not less than 24 consecutive calendar months in not more than two placements.

(D) A year of full-time experience may be acquired through a combination of half-time and full-time employment/experience provided that the equivalent of a full-time year of supervision experience is satisfied.

(E) One calendar year from the beginning of ten consecutive months of employment/experience in an academic setting constitutes one year of experience.

(F) When supervised experience is interrupted , the Board may waive upon a showing of good cause by the supervisee, the requirement that the supervised experience be completed in consecutive months. Any consecutive experience obtained before or after the gap must be at least six months unless the supervisor remains the same. Waivers for such gaps are rarely approved and must be requested in writing and include sufficient documentation to permit verification of the circumstances supporting the request. No waiver will be granted unless the Board finds that the supervised experience for which the waiver is sought was adequate and appropriate. Good cause is defined as:

(i) unanticipated discontinuance of the supervision setting,

(ii) maternity or paternity leave of supervisee,

(iii) relocation of spouse or spousal equivalent,

(iv) serious illness of the supervisee, or serious illness in supervisee's immediate family.

(G) A rotating internship organized within a doctoral program is considered to be one placement.

(H) The experience requirement must be obtained after official enrollment in a doctoral program.

(I) All supervised experience must be received from a psychologist licensed at the time supervision is received.

(J) The supervising psychologist must be trained in the area of supervision provided to the supervisee.

(K) No experience which is obtained from a psychologist who is related within the second degree of affinity or within the second degree by consanguinity to the person may be considered.

(L) All supervised experience obtained for the purpose of licensure must be conducted in accordance with all applicable Board rules.

(M) Experience received from a psychologist while the psychologist is practicing subject to an Agreed Board Order or Board Order shall not, under any circumstances, qualify as supervised experience for licensure purposes regardless of the setting in which it was received. Psychologists who become subject to an Agreed Board Order or Board Order shall inform all supervisees of the Agreed Board Order or Board Order and assist all supervisees in finding appropriate alternate supervision.

(N) The supervisee shall be designated by a title that clearly indicates a supervisory licensing status such as "intern," "resident," "trainee," or "fellow." An individual who is a provisionally licensed psychologist may use this title so long as those receiving psychological services are clearly informed that the individual is under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. Use of a different job title is permitted only if the supervisee is providing services for a government facility or other facility exempted under §501.004 of the Act (Applicability) and the supervisee is using a title assigned by that facility.

(O) The supervisee and supervisor must clearly inform those receiving psychological services as to the supervisory status of the individual and how the patient or client may contact the supervising licensed psychologist directly.

(2) Formal Internship. At least one year of experience must be satisfied by one of the following types of formal internship:

(A) The successful completion of an internship program accredited by the American Psychological Association; or

(B) The successful completion of an organized internship meeting all of the following criteria:

(i) It must constitute an organized training program which is designed to provide the intern with a planned, programmed sequence of training experiences. The primary focus and purpose of the program must be to assure breadth and quality of training.

(ii) The internship agency must have a clearly designated staff psychologist who is responsible for the integrity and quality of the training program and who is actively licensed/certified by the licensing board of the jurisdiction in which the internship takes place and who is present at the training facility for a minimum of 20 hours a week.

(iii) The internship agency must have two or more full-time licensed psychologists on the staff as primary supervisors.

(iv) Internship supervision must be provided by a staff member of the internship agency or by an affiliate of that agency who carries clinical responsibility for the cases being supervised.

(v) The internship must provide training in a range of assessment and intervention activities conducted directly with patients/clients.

(vi) At least 25% of trainee's time must be in direct patient/client contact (minimum 375 hours).

(vii) The internship must include a minimum of two hours per week (regardless of whether the internship was completed in one year or two) of regularly scheduled formal, face-to-face individual supervision. There must also be at least two additional hours per week in learning activities such as: case conferences involving a case in which the intern was actively involved; seminars dealing with psychology issues; co-therapy with a staff person including discussion; group supervision; additional individual supervision.

(viii) Training must be post-clerkship, post-practicum and post- externship level.

(ix) The internship agency must have a minimum of two full-time equivalent interns at the internship level of training during applicant's training period.

(x) The internship agency must inform prospective interns about the goals and content of the internship, as well as the expectations for quantity and quality of trainee's work; or

(C) The successful completion of an organized internship program in a school district meeting the following criteria:

(i) The internship experience must be provided at or near the end of the formal training period.

(ii) The internship experience must occur on a full-time basis over a period of one academic year, or on a half-time basis over a period of two consecutive academic years.

(iii) The internship experience must be consistent with a written plan and must meet the specific training objectives of the program.

(iv) The internship experience must occur in a setting appropriate to the specific training objectives of the program.

(v) At least 600 clock hours of the internship experience must occur in a school setting and must provide a balanced exposure to regular and special educational programs.

(vi) The internship experience must occur under conditions of appropriate supervision. Field-based internship supervisors, for the purpose of the internship that takes place in a school setting, must be licensed as a psychologist and, if a separate credential is required to practice school psychology, must have a valid credential to provide psychology in the public schools. The portion of the internship which appropriately may take place in a non-school setting must be supervised by a psychologist.

(vii) Field-based internship supervisors must be responsible for no more than two interns at any given time. University internship supervisors shall be responsible for no more than twelve interns at any given time.

(viii) Field-based internship supervisors must provide at least two hours per week of direct supervision for each intern. University internship supervisors must maintain an ongoing relationship with field-based internship supervisors and shall provide at least one field-based contact per semester with each intern.

(ix) The internship site shall inform interns concerning the period of the internship and the training objectives of the program.

(x) The internship experience must be systematically evaluated in a manner consistent with the specific training objectives of the program.

(xi) The internship experience must be conducted in a manner consistent with the current legal-ethical standards of the profession.

(xii) The internship agency must have a minimum of two full-time equivalent interns at the internship level during the applicant's training period.

(xiii) The internship agency must have the availability of at least two full-time equivalent psychologists as primary supervisors, at least one of whom is employed full time at the agency and is a school psychologist.

(3) Industrial/Organizational Requirements. Individuals enrolled in an Industrial/Organizational doctoral degree program are exempt from the formal internship requirement and must complete two full years of supervised experience, at least one of which must be received after the doctoral degree is conferred and both of which must meet the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection. Individuals who do not undergo a formal internship pursuant to this paragraph should note that Board rules prohibit a psychologist from practicing in an area in which s/he does not have sufficient training and experience, of which a formal internship year is considered to be an integral requirement.

(d) Exceptions for Experience. For purposes of licensure as a psychologist, if an applicant has been licensed for 15 years or more in another jurisdiction as a psychologist and provides written verification of no disciplinary actions by the licensing entity of that jurisdiction or by any other licensing entity of a jurisdiction in which the applicant has held licensure as a psychologist, the following requirements for licensure may be applied:

(1) Subsection (c)(2)(B)(iii) of this section may be satisfied by having one full-time equivalent licensed psychologist as a primary supervisor;

(2) Subsection (c)(2)(B)(ix) of this section may be waived;

(3) Subsection (c)(2)(B)(xi) of this section may be waived;

(4) Subsection (c)(2)(C)(ix) of this section may be waived;

(5) Subsection (c)(2)(C)(xii) of this section may be waived; and

(6) Subsection (c)(2)(C)(xiii) of this section may be filled by having one full-time licensed psychologist as a primary supervisor who is employed full time at the agency and who is a school psychologist.

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 13, 2003.

TRD-200301109

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Effective date: March 5, 2003

Proposal publication date: December 6, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7700


Chapter 465. RULES OF PRACTICE

22 TAC §465.1

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists adopts amendments to §465.1, concerning Definitions, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 11369) and will not be republished.

The amendments are being adopted in order to add a definition for "recognized member of clergy" suggested by a recent Attorney General's opinion.

The adopted rule will make the rules easier for the licensees and public to follow and understand.

No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 501, which provides the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

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 13, 2003.

TRD-200301111

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Effective date: March 5, 2003

Proposal publication date: December 6, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7700


22 TAC §465.3

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists adopts amendments to §465.3, concerning Providers of Psychological Services, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 11369) and will not be republished.

The amendments are being adopted in order to allow for psychologists to serve as supervisors for interns of other mental health professions, thereby maintaining responsibility for the interns' work program.

The adopted rule will make the rules easier for the licensees and public to follow and understand.

No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 501, which provides the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

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 13, 2003.

TRD-200301108

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Effective date: March 5, 2003

Proposal publication date: December 6, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7700


22 TAC §465.33

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists adopts amendments to §465.33, concerning Improper Sexual Conduct, with changes to the proposed text as published in the December 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 11370).

The amendments are being adopted in order to expand the classes of persons with whom licensees may not have sexual relationships. In addition, the rule now makes clear that licensees cannot accept as clients former sexual partners.

The adopted rule will make the rules easier for the licensees and public to follow and understand.

No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 501, which provides the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

§465.33.Improper Sexual Conduct.

(a) "Sexual Harassment" includes solicitation, physical advances, or verbal or nonverbal conduct consisting of a single intense or severe act or of multiple persistent or pervasive acts by a licensee toward another individual that are sexual in nature and occur in connection with licensee's professional activities and that are unwelcome, offensive, or create a hostile workplace environment for that individual.

(b) "Sexual Impropriety" is deliberate or repeated comments, gestures, or physical acts of a sexual nature that include, but are not limited to:

(1) Behavior, gestures, or expressions which may reasonably be interpreted as inappropriately seductive or sexually demeaning;

(2) Making inappropriate comments about an individual's body;

(3) Making sexually demeaning comments to an individual;

(4) Making comments about an individual's potential sexual performance, except when the examination or consultation is pertinent to the issue of sexual function or dysfunction in therapy/counseling;

(5) Requesting details of a patient or client's sexual history when not clinically indicated for the type of consultation;

(6) Requesting a date;

(7) Initiating conversation regarding the sexual problems, preferences, or fantasies of either party; or

(8) Kissing of a sexual nature.

(c) A sexual relationship is the engaging in any conduct that is sexual or may be reasonably interpreted as sexual in nature including, but not limited to:

(1) Sexual intercourse;

(2) Genital contact;

(3) Oral to genital contact;

(4) Genital to anal contact;

(5) Oral to anal contact;

(6) Touching breasts or genitals;

(7) Encouraging another to masturbate in one's presence.

(8) Masturbation in another's presence; or

(9) Exposure of sexual organs, breast or buttocks for sexual gratification

(d) A licensee may not engage in sexual harassment, sexual impropriety, or a sexual relationship with a current patient or client, a former patient or client over whom the licensee has influence due to a therapeutic relationship, one of their students, or trainees, individuals who the licensee knows to be the parents, guardians, spouses, significant others, children, or siblings of current patients, or a supervisee over whom the licensee has administrative or clinical responsibility.

(e) Psychologists do not accept as clients individuals with whom they have engaged in sexual relationships.

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 13, 2003.

TRD-200301110

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Effective date: March 5, 2003

Proposal publication date: December 6, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7700


22 TAC §465.35

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists adopts amendments to §465.35, concerning Resolution of Allegations of Board Rule Violations, without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 11371) and will not be republished.

The amendments are being adopted in order to clarify the duties and responsibilities of licensees under investigation. It also makes clear that licensees are permitted to respond to allegations against their license under state law.

The adopted rule will make the rules easier for the licensees and public to follow and understand.

No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.

The amendments are adopted under Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 501, which provides the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

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 13, 2003.

TRD-200301112

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Effective date: March 5, 2003

Proposal publication date: December 6, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7700


22 TAC §465.36

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists adopts the repeal to §465.36, concerning Code of Ethics, without changes to the proposal as published in the December 6, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 11371) and will not be republished.

The rule is being deleted because of recent APA Code of Conduct changes. In addition, the rule is too subjective to be enforced.

The adopted rule will make the rules easier for the licensees and public to follow and understand.

No comments were received regarding the adoption of the repeal.

The amendments are adopted under Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 501, which provides the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

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 13, 2003.

TRD-200301113

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Effective date: March 5, 2003

Proposal publication date: December 6, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7700