TITLE 40.SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE

Part 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

Chapter 69. CONTRACTED SERVICES

Subchapter L. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

40 TAC §69.202

The Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) proposes to amend §69.202, concerning procurement, in its Contracted Services chapter. The purpose of the amendment is to bring §69.202 into compliance with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's (HHSC) purchasing rules and House Bill 3042, Section 7.07, 78th Legislature, 2003. The amendment adds subsection (d), outlining the means by which certain bidders and offerors, as well as certain prospective bidders and offerors, can informally protest DHS's competitive, sole source, and emergency contract awards. The proposal allows unsuccessful offerors and bidders to protest their nonselection and provides potential offerors and bidders the right to protest the award of sole source and emergency contracts. DHS is also amending §69.202(a) and (b) to update the language and to include definitions of "competition" and "bona fide emergency" that are consistent with those used by HHSC.

Bobby Halfmann, Chief Financial Officer, has determined that, for the first five-year period the proposed section is in effect, there are no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section.

Charles F. Lyon, Deputy Commissioner for Support Services, has determined that, for each year of the first five years the section is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section is that bidders, offerors, and certain prospective bidders and offerors will have a mechanism by which they can informally protest competitive, sole source, and emergency contract awards. The process will enhance accountability in DHS's competitive, sole source, and emergency contracting processes, thus enhancing accountability in the agency's use of public funds. There is no adverse economic effect on small or micro businesses, or on businesses of any size, as a result of enforcing or administering the section, because the protest process outlined in the amendment is informal, requiring neither legal expenses nor DHS review fees. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed section. There is no anticipated effect on local employment in geographic areas affected by this section.

Questions about the content of this proposal may be directed to Bill Gordon at (512) 438-2196 in DHS's Contract Policy section. Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to Supervisor, Rules and Handbooks Unit-181, Texas Department of Human Services E-205, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030, within 30 days of publication in the Texas Register .

Under §2007.003(b) of the Government Code, DHS has determined that Chapter 2007 of the Government Code does not apply to this rule. Accordingly, DHS is not required to complete a takings impact assessment regarding this rule.

The amendment is proposed under the Human Resources Code, Chapter 22, which authorizes DHS to administer contracts to accomplish the purposes of its programs; and under the Government Code, §2155.144, which authorizes DHS to purchase goods and services pursuant to HHSC's purchasing rules.

The amendment implements the Human Resources Code, §§22.0001 - 22.053; and the Government Code, §2155.144.

§69.202.Procurement.

(a) Extent of Competition.

(1) Competition means a contract or purchasing action in which two or more qualified or responsible entities, acting independently, may be solicited under a procedure that allows the contemporaneous and comparative evaluation of bids, proposals, offers, quotes, or other suitable expressions of interest by an entity.

(2) [ (1) ] Procurements are conducted so that they provide maximum open and free competition. The Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) develops enrollment and procurement packages based on clear and accurate descriptions of the services to be purchased. The package includes all requirements the offeror(s) or bidders(s) must fulfill for proposals and/or enrollments to be evaluated.

(3) [ (2) ] Service requirements should not unduly restrict competition by eliminating or limiting potential contractors' participation. DHS acts affirmatively to ensure that small and historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) have an equal opportunity to compete for and/or to be selected for the award of contracts and subcontracts. DHS also acts affirmatively to ensure that charitable and religious organizations have an equal opportunity to contract with DHS. Religious organizations that contract with DHS shall retain their independence from the state, including their control over the definition, development, practice, and expression of religious beliefs. Furthermore, DHS shall not require religious organizations to alter their form of internal governance or remove religious art, icons, scripture, or other symbols.

(b) Exemptions to Competition.

(1) Noncompetitive procurement methods may be used if authorized by law or [ , ] rule[ , or regulations ] and if:

(A) - (C) (No change.)

(D) a bona fide emergency constitutes an immediate threat to public health or safety or creates an imminent risk of loss to DHS that DHS documents and justifies in the procurement record. Despite the existence of a bona fide emergency, DHS uses its best efforts to conduct the procurement with as much competition as is practical under the circumstances [ in an emergency, it is necessary to provide uninterrupted services to clients ].

(2) (No change.)

(c) (No change.)

(d) Protests. Procurement protests apply to vendor contracts, not to grants or subgrants. Procurement protests are informal and are not conducted under the Government Code, Chapter 2001 or 2260. The area conducting the procurement may provide additional rights and requirements associated with its procurement protests.

(1) DHS provides an opportunity to request a review to:

(A) an offeror or bidder, if the award is made under the competitive procurement method and the protestor is not selected for the award; or

(B) a prospective offeror or bidder, if the award is a sole source or emergency procurement.

(2) The right to protest does not apply to:

(A) common commodities or services, including goods and services acquired for direct consumption or use by the agency in the day-to-day support of the agency's administrative operations, such as office supplies and equipment, building maintenance and cleaning services, or temporary employment services;

(B) goods and services purchased pursuant to the Interagency Cooperation Act (Government Code, Chapter 771) or to the Interlocal Cooperation Act (Government Code, Chapter 791);

(C) the lease, purchase, or lease-purchase of real property;

(D) interstate or international agreements executed in accordance with applicable law;

(E) a service of a public utility; or

(F) a service within the definition of "automated information system" under the Government Code, Chapter 2157.

(3) DHS posts the award on the Electronic State Business Daily within two workdays following a covered award procured according to applicable statute and rule.

(4) A protestor requests applicable procurement protest policies and procedures for submitting a protest from the DHS representative noted in the Electronic State Business Daily award posting.

(5) The protestor must limit the protest to matters relating to the protestor's qualifications, the suitability of the goods or services offered by the protestor, or alleged irregularities in the procurement process.

(6) The request for review must:

(A) be in writing;

(B) specify reason(s) for the request and provide supporting documentation;

(C) be signed by the person who signed the offer or bid on behalf of the protestor or his successor, unless the protest is of a sole source or emergency procurement;

(D) be delivered to the DHS official contact, as specified in applicable DHS procurement protest policies and procedures; and

(E) be received by DHS within 10 business days after the award notice is posted in the Electronic State Business Daily. If the tenth business day is on a state holiday, the due date rolls forward to the next DHS workday.

(7) DHS may not finalize a tentative procurement award until DHS provides a written resolution of the protest to the protestor, unless there is a bona fide emergency or if state or federal law require the award to be completed by a particular date. If the protest is upheld, a contract required by bona fide emergency or federal or state law is voidable.

(8) The review is conducted as follows:

(A) The DHS area making the procurement maintains authority for the protest review.

(B) DHS designates a person not involved in the procurement to conduct the review.

(C) DHS, at its sole discretion, may request supplemental oral or written information to complement the information submitted in paragraph (6)(B) of this subsection.

(D) To resolve the protest, the reviewer reviews information required in paragraph (6)(B) of this subsection and any additional oral or written supplemental information that DHS requests.

(E) DHS completes the review within five workdays of DHS's receipt of the request.

(F) DHS provides a written resolution to the protestor. It is mailed no later than the sixth workday after receipt of the request. The written resolution is DHS's official statement of resolution. Oral comments DHS makes about the protest are not binding.

(G) The time period for review and release of the written resolution may be extended at the sole discretion of DHS.

(9) The protestor has no further administrative recourse, unless the area conducting the procurement allows otherwise in its rules.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 11, 2003.

TRD-200304188

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 24, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Chapter 72. MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING WITH OTHER STATE AGENCIES

Subchapter H. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON INDIVIDUAL TRANSITION PLANNING FOR STUDENTS RECEIVING SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

40 TAC §72.1001

The Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) proposes to amend §72.1001, concerning the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on transition planning for students enrolled in special education, in its Memoranda of Understanding with Other State Agencies chapter. The purpose of the amendment is to reflect recent changes to the MOU, which added new participating agencies and specific agency responsibilities. The amendment incorporates the new name of the MOU, adds the names of the new participating agencies, and updates the Texas Administrative Code reference for the MOU, which appears in the Texas Education Agency's rule base.

Bobby Halfmann, Chief Financial Officer, has determined that, for the first five-year period the proposed section is in effect, there are no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section.

Bettye Mitchell, Deputy Commissioner for Long Term Care, has determined that, for each year of the first five years the section is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section is that information in DHS's rule base concerning this MOU will be correct. There is no adverse economic effect on small or micro businesses, or on businesses of any size, as a result of enforcing or administering the section, because the amendment concerns state agencies and does not affect the operation of businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed section. There is no anticipated effect on local employment in geographic areas affected by this section.

Questions about the content of this proposal may be directed to Susan Syler at (512) 438-3111 in DHS's Long Term Care Policy section. Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to Supervisor, Rules and Handbooks Unit-237, Texas Department of Human Services E-205, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030, within 30 days of publication in the Texas Register .

Under §2007.003(b) of the Government Code, DHS has determined that Chapter 2007 of the Government Code does not apply to this rule. Accordingly, DHS is not required to complete a takings impact assessment regarding this rule.

The amendment is proposed under the Human Resources Code, Chapter 22, which authorizes DHS to administer public assistance programs.

The amendment implements the Human Resources Code, §§22.0001 - 22.038.

§72.1001.Memorandum of Understanding on Individual Transition Planning for Students Receiving [ Enrolled in ] Special Education Services .

The [ Effective September 1, 1990, the ] Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) adopts by reference 19 TAC §89.1110 (relating to [ §89.246 concerning ] Memorandum of Understanding on Individual Transition Planning for Students Receiving [ Enrolled in ] Special Education Services) . This memorandum of understanding between the Texas Education Agency, Texas Rehabilitation Commission, Texas Workforce [ Employment ] Commission, Texas Commission for the Blind, Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, Texas Department of Health, Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Juvenile Probation Commission, Texas Youth Commission, and DHS will provide coordination of services necessary to prepare students enrolled in special education for a successful transition to life outside the public school system.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 11, 2003.

TRD-200304189

Paul Leche

General Counsel, Legal Services

Texas Department of Human Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 24, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Part 12. TEXAS BOARD OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY EXAMINERS

Chapter 364. REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE

40 TAC §364.4

The Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners proposes an amendment to §364.4, concerning Licensure by Endorsement. The amendment will require licensees applying for a Texas license to submit their score report from NBCOT rather than their Verification of Certification.

John P. Maline, Executive Director of the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment.

Mr. Maline also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendment is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the amendment will be clarification of the OT rules. There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the amendment as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Augusta Gelfand, OT Coordinator, Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-510, Austin, Texas, 78701, 305-6900, or through e-mail: augusta.gelfand@mail.capnet.state.tx.us.

The amendment is proposed under the Occupational Therapy Practice Act, Title 3, Subchapter H, Chapter 456, Occupations Code, which provides the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners with the authority to adopt rules consistent with this Act to carry out its duties in administering this Act.

Title 3, Subchapter H, Chapter 454 of the Occupations Code is affected by this amended section.

§364.4.Licensure by Endorsement.

(a) The board may issue a license by endorsement to applicants currently licensed in another state, District of Columbia or territory of the United States which has licensing requirements substantially equivalent to this state. Previous Texas licensees are not eligible for License by Endorsement. An Applicant seeking endorsement must:

(1) (No change.)

(2) arrange to have NBCOT's Score Report [ Verification of Certification ] form sent directly to the board;

(3) - (4) (No change.)

(b) (No change.)

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 11, 2003.

TRD-200304193

John Maline

Executive Director

Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 24, 2003

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


Chapter 367. CONTINUING EDUCATION

40 TAC §367.1

The Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners proposes an amendment to §367.1, concerning Continuing Education. The amendment will add clarification of the rules.

John P. Maline, Executive Director of the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment.

Mr. Maline also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendment is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the amendment will be clarification of the OT rules. There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the amendment as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Augusta Gelfand, OT Coordinator, Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-510, Austin, Texas, 78701, 305-6900, or through e-mail: augusta.gelfand@mail.capnet.state.tx.us.

The amendment is proposed under the Occupational Therapy Practice Act, Title 3, Subchapter H, Chapter 456, Occupations Code, which provides the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners with the authority to adopt rules consistent with this Act to carry out its duties in administering this Act.

Title 3, Subchapter H, Chapter 454 of the Occupations Code is affected by this amended section.

§367.1.Continuing Education.

(a) - (c) (No change.)

(d) All licensees, except those addressed in [ ( ]subsection ( c) of this section must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years during the period of time the license is current in order to renew the license. Those renewing a license more than 90 days late must submit proof of continuing education for the renewal.

(1) General information hereafter referred to as Type 1 continuing education is relevant to the profession of occupational therapy. Examples include but [ by ] are not limited to: supervision, education, documentation, quality improvement, administration, reimbursement and other occupational therapy related subjects. (AOTA's Category 3)

(2) A minimum of 15 hours of continuing education must be in skills specific [ relevant ] to occupational therapy practice with patients or clients hereafter referred to as Type 2. (AOTA's Category 1 or 2)

(A) - (B) (No change.)

(e) - (f) (No change.)

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 11, 2003.

TRD-200304195

John Maline

Executive Director

Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 24, 2003

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


Chapter 370. LICENSE RENEWAL

40 TAC §370.1

The Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners proposes an amendment to §370.1, concerning License Renewal. The amendment will add a method of reserve military to renew a license which expires during active duty.

John P. Maline, Executive Director of the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment.

Mr. Maline also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendment is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the amendment will be an effective way to renew licensees called into active military duty. There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the amendment as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Augusta Gelfand, OT Coordinator, Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-510, Austin, Texas, 78701, 305-6900, or through e-mail: augusta.gelfand@mail.capnet.state.tx.us.

The amendment is proposed under the Occupational Therapy Practice Act, Title 3, Subchapter H, Chapter 456, Occupations Code, which provides the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners with the authority to adopt rules consistent with this Act to carry out its duties in administering this Act.

Title 3, Subchapter H, Chapter 454 of the Occupations Code is affected by this amended section.

§370.1.License Renewal.

(a) Licensees are required to renew their licenses every two years by the end of their birth month. A licensee may not provide occupational therapy services without a current license or renewal certificate in hand. If a license expired after all required items are submitted but before the licensee received the renewal certificate, the licensee may not provide occupational therapy services until the renewal certificate is in hand.

(1) - (2) (No change.)

(3) Late Renewals. A renewal application is late if all required materials are not postmarked prior to the expiration date of the license. Licensees who do not complete the renewal process prior to the expiration date are subject to late fees as described.

(A) - (C) (No change.)

(D) If a reserve status licensee is called into active military service, and his or her license expires during service, the licensee may follow the requirements for renewal with no penalty if the licensee:

(i) submits the renewal within 90 days after return to reserve status; and

(ii) submits evidence of active service and its inclusive dates.

(b) - (c) (No change.)

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 11, 2003.

TRD-200304196

John Maline

Executive Director

Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 24, 2003

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


Chapter 373. SUPERVISION

40 TAC §373.3

The Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners proposes an amendment to §373.3, concerning Supervision of a Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant. The amendment will add clarification about the use of the COTA Log.

John P. Maline, Executive Director of the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment.

Mr. Maline also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendment is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the amendment will be clarification of Supervision rules. There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the amendment as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Augusta Gelfand, OT Coordinator, Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-510, Austin, Texas, 78701, 305-6900, or through e-mail: augusta.gelfand@mail.capnet.state.tx.us.

The amendment is proposed under the Occupational Therapy Practice Act, Title 3, Subchapter H, Chapter 456, Occupations Code, which provides the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners with the authority to adopt rules consistent with this Act to carry out its duties in administering this Act.

Title 3, Subchapter H, Chapter 454 of the Occupations Code is affected by this amended section.

§373.3.Supervision of a Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Licensees working part-time or less than a full month within a given month [ Part-time licensees ] may pro-rate these hours, but shall document no less than four hours of supervision per month, one hour of which includes face-to-face, real time interaction by the OTR(s) and LOT(s) observing the COTA or LOTA providing services with patients/clients. Those months where the licensee does not work, he or she shall write N/A in the COTA Supervision Log for that month.

(c) (No change.)

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 11, 2003.

TRD-200304197

John Maline

Executive Director

Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 24, 2003

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


Chapter 376. REGISTRATION OF FACILITIES

40 TAC §§376.1 - 376.10

The Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners proposes amendments to §§376.1 - 376.9 and new §376.10, concerning Registration of Facilities. The amendments reorganize the chapter to require that a facility be registered before the first patient treatment, require facilities owned by the same owner to synchronize their renewals, list clear examples of facility change of ownership, clarify restoration, closure and renewal, amend the notification of changes to 30 days, and eliminate unnecessary or redundant items. The new section explains when a change of ownership occurs.

John P. Maline, Executive Director of the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendments and new section are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amendments and new section.

Mr. Maline also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments and new section are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the amendments and new section will be clarification of facility registration. There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the amendments and new section as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Augusta Gelfand, OT Coordinator, Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-510, Austin, Texas, 78701, 305-6900, or through email: augusta.gelfand@mail.capnet.state.tx.us.

The amendments and new section are proposed under the Occupational Therapy Practice Act, Title 3, Subchapter H, Chapter 456, Occupations Code, which provides the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners with the authority to adopt rules consistent with this Act to carry out its duties in administering this Act.

Title 3, Subchapter H, Chapter 454 of the Occupations Code is affected by this proposal.

§376.1.Definitions.

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

(1) Occupational Therapy Facility--A physical site, such as a building, office, or portable facility, where the practice of occupational therapy takes place. An Occupational Therapy Facility [ occupational therapy facility ] must be under the direction of an occupational therapist, registered or licensed occupational therapist , licensed by the board. The definition of Occupational Therapy Facility does not include a physical site such as a building, office, or portable facility if it meets all three conditions:

(A) it is not in the care, custody or control of the individual or company providing occupational therapy services therein; and

(B) Occupational therapy services are not provided on a predictable or regular basis at any one location; and

(C) healthcare delivery is not the primary purpose, activity, or business of the site where the services are provided.

(2) OTR or LOT in Charge--An occupational therapist, registered or licensed occupational therapist who is designated on the application for registration and who has the authority and responsibility for the facility's compliance with the Act and Rules [ rules ] pertaining to the practice of occupational therapy in the facility.

§376.2.Requirement for Practice Setting of Licensees.

All licensees of this Act who practice in an Occupational Therapy Facility can do so only if that facility is registered or exempt under this rule. [ Texas can practice only in registered facilities or in practices or facilities that are exempted by the Act and rules. ] A facility shall not be required to register under this section if such facility or any person providing health care services at the facility does not perform or hold itself or themselves out as performing or offering to perform occupational therapy as defined in the Act.

§376.3.Requirements for Registration Application.

(a) Registration applications must include [ the following information ]:

(1) name of the Occupational Therapy Facility [ facility ];

(2) physical/ street address of the Occupational Therapy Facility [ facility ];

(3) mailing address, if different from the street address;

(4) the name and following information about the entity or individual (in the case of a sole proprietorship) holding themselves out as offering occupational therapy services at the facility [ if a corporation ]:

(A) Sole proprietor:

(i) name, home address, date of birth, social security number of the sole proprietor;

(ii) federal employer identification number if applicable.

(B) Partnership:

(i) name, home address, date of birth, social security number of the managing partner;

(ii) federal employer identification number.

(C) Corporation:

(i) names, home addresses, dates of birth, and social security numbers of managing officers (for purposes of this subsection, managing officers are defined as the top four executive officers, including the corporate officer in charge of occupational therapy Facility operations);

(ii) federal employer identification number.

(D) Governmental entity (federal, state, county, local):

(i) name, home address, date of birth, social security number of the individual completing the application;

(ii) federal employer identification number.

[(A) the name, address, and social security number of any person who directly or indirectly owns or controls 5.0% or more of the outstanding shares of stock in the facility in a privately held corporation and 25% or more in a publicly held corporation in the facility and the percentage of ownership:]

[(B) the name and address of each director; and]

(5) the name and license number of the OTR or LOT in Charge; [ the name, address, telephone number, and social security number of the sole proprietor or partners; ]

(6) the names and license numbers of other licensees of the Act who practice in the Occupational Therapy Facility; [ if any other type of organization, the type of organization, and the name, address, and telephone number of each owner; ]

(7) the Social Security Number and notarized signature of the individual, managing partner or officer or person authorized to complete the form. [ the total square feet of the facility; ]

(8) the non-refundable application fee, as set by the Executive Council. [ the name and license number of the OTR or LOT in charge and his notarized signature; ]

[(9) names and license numbers of other licensees of this Act who practice in the facility.]

(b) An individual or entity that holds themselves out as offering occupational therapy at more than one facility is required to submit one primary facility application and an additional facility application for each additional Occupational Therapy Facility registered. [ The signature of the person who submits the registration application must be notarized. ]

(c) Such additional Occupational Therapy Facility that is registered less than six months before the primary facility registration expires will receive an expiration date in the same month as the primary, but in the following year. An additional Occupational Therapy Facility registered six or more month before the primary facility expiration date will receive the same expiration date as for the primary facility. [ The board will not consider an application as officially submitted until the applicant pays the registration fee. The fee should accompany the application form. ]

(d) An Occupational Therapy Facility that has not been registered previously must complete the registration process and have the registration certificate before the first patient treatment. [ The board shall consider whether the proposed facility complies with the Act and this chapter of the rules. ]

(e) The Occupational Therapy Facility application is valid one year after it is received by the board. [ Reasons for the board to deny registration: ]

[(1) non-payment of registration fee;]

[(2) failure to submit all required information on the application form;]

[(3) falsification of information on the application form;]

[(4) violation of the Act or rules.]

(f) The Occupational Therapy Facility registration fee(s) for the primary site and/or additional site(s) will be waived if the facility application is for both OT and PT services at the same location with the same owner(s). The waiver form must accompany the application form. [ If the board does not register the entity which applies to be a registered facility, the application fee will not be returned. ]

(g) Waiver from Occupational Therapy Facility registration fees does not nullify all other sections as set forth in the TBOTE Rules, Chapter 376. [ If one or more facilities are owned by an individual, partnership, corporation, or other entity, the board requires one primary application and addendum pages for each additional site registered. ]

§376.4.Requirements for Registered Facilities.

(a) Each facility must have a designated OTR or LOT-in-charge. A registered facility is required to report the name and license number of the new OTR or LOT-in-charge no later than 30 days after the change occurs. [ An occupational therapy facility must be registered by the board. The registration application must be obtained from the board office. ]

(b) A registered facility must display the registration certificate in a prominent location in the facility where it is available for inspection by the public. A registration certificate issued by the board is the property of the board and must be surrendered on demand by the board. [ All occupational therapy facilities must register with the board and pay a registration fee no later than December 31, 1994, or within 60 days of the first patient treatment, whichever is later. A renewal fee will be required in the original month of registration in the year following the original registration year. ]

(c) A registered Occupational Therapy Facility is subject to inspection to verify compliance with the Act and this chapter by authorized personnel of the board at any reasonable time. [ A registered facility must display the registration certificate in a prominent location in the facility where it is available for inspection by the public, A registration certificate issued by the board is the property of the board and must be surrendered on demand by the board. ]

(d) An individual or entities that registers a facility under this Rule must notify the board within 30 days of any change to the physical/street address or mailing address. [ A registered facility is subject to inspection to verify compliance with the Act and this chapter by authorized personnel of the board at any reasonable time. ]

[(e) A registered facility must renew registration annually by completing a renewal application and submitting the required fee.]

[(f) A registered facility must have a licensed person to supervise the provision of occupational therapy in accordance with the Act and rules.]

[(g) A registered facility is required to adhere to the Occupational Therapy Practice Act and rules of the board.]

[(h) A registered facility is required to report any change in the OTR or LOT in charge of the facility to the board no later than ten days after it occurs.]

[(i) A registration issued under this chapter shall not be transferred or sold to another person or owner.]

[(j) Change in ownership requirements: ]

[(1) The new owner of an occupational therapy facility must apply for registration as a new applicant within 60 days.]

[(2) The former owner of a facility must return the registration certificate to the board within ten days of the sale of the facility.]

[(k) A registered facility may advertise as an "Occupational Therapy Facility Registered by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners." Facilities with are not registered by the board may not refer to themselves as registered facilities.]

§376.5.Exemptions to Registration.

A facility licensed under Subtitle B, Title 4, Health and Safety Code, is exempt from this definition, i.e., hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory surgical centers, birthing centers, abortion, continuing care, personal care, and special care facilities. Colleges, universities, schools, and home health settings are exempted from registration. These types of facilities are automatically exempt and are not required to obtain a formal exemption from the board.

[(1) The occupational therapy facility registration fee(s) for the primary site and/or additional site(s) will be waived upon meeting one of the following conditions:]

[(A) the facility is providing both occupational therapy (OT) services and physical therapy (PT) services, is currently registered and in good standing as a PT facility, and the OT facility has not registered or paid the OT facility registration fees;]

[(B) the facility is registered and in good standing as an OT facility and within this year the facility decides to offer PT services. The PT registration fee(s) must be paid for that year. However, upon the following renewal year, if the conditions set forth in this paragraph are met, then the OT facility registration fee(s) will be waived for the following year.]

[(2) The facility must submit to the board a written request for waiver of the OT facility registration fee(s). This request must be submitted in writing each renewal year. The waiver request must be made for the OT primary site and each additional OT site(s), if applicable. This request must be submitted within 60 days of the first patient treatment of OT services.]

[(3) No refunds for OT facility registration fees will be made.]

[(4) This rule will be implemented effective September 1, 1995.]

[(5) Waiver from OT facility registration fees does not nullify all other sections as set forth in the TBOTE rules, Chapter 376.]

§376.6.Renewal of Registration

(a) An individual or entity registered as an Occupational Therapy Facility under this Rule must renew its registration annually. Licensees may not provide occupational therapy services in a facility if the registration is not current. [ When issued, a registration is valid for one year commencing on the date of issuance of the initial registration. ]

(b) Requirements to renew a facility are: [ A registrant must renew the registration annually. ]

(1) A renewal signed by the owner, managing partner or officer, or a person authorized by the owner to complete the form and the OTR or LOT-in-charge;

(2) a list of all OTRs, LOTs, COTAs, and LOTAs working at the facility; and

(3) the renewal fee as set by the Executive Council, and any late fees, which may be due.

(4) The waiver form must accompany the renewal form if the renewal is for an Occupational Therapy Facility where the same owner(s) at the same location are also currently registered for PT services.

(c) The renewal date of a primary Occupational Therapy Facility registration is the last day of the month in which the registration was originally issued. The renewal date for an additional facility will be the same as the renewal date for the primary facility. [ The renewal date of a registration shall be the last day of the month in which the registration was originally issued. ]

(d) The board will notify the Occupational Therapy Facility at least 30 days before the registration expiration date. An individual or entity that holds themselves out as offering occupational therapy bears the responsibility for ensuring that the registration is renewed. Failure to receive a renewal notice from the board does not exempt the requirement to pay the renewal fee in a timely manner. [ The board shall not renew the registration of a facility that is in violation of this Act or chapter. ]

(e) The Occupational Therapy Facility renewal certificate must be displayed with the original certificate and is the property of the board. [ At least 30 days before the expiration of a facility's registration, the board will send notice to the facility of the expiration date of the registration and the amount of the renewal fee due and a registration renewal form. Failure to receive a renewal application from the board does not exempt the facility from paying the renewal fee in a timely manner. A facility which fails to receive a renewal application by the first day of the renewal month should contact the board immediately. ]

(f) An Occupational Therapy Facility will be allowed to renew without a late fee if the renewal application and fee are received prior to the expiration date. However, the board will not issue the certificate until the Board receives the signed and notarized OTR or LOT-in-Charge form and a list of the name(s) of the occupational therapy practitioners employed at that facility. [ The board shall issue to a facility which has met all requirements for the renewal a registration renewal card. It shall be affixed to or displayed with the original certificate and is the property of the board. ]

§376.7.Failure To Register.

Individuals or entities [ Facilities ] which fail to register an Occupational Therapy Facility with the board as required by Act and rule will be notified of their noncompliance with the Act and the disciplinary actions by this board to which they are subject. Additionally, all licensees of this Act employed at the facility will be notified that they are in violation of the Act and Rules [ rules ] and thereby subject to disciplinary action.

§376.8.Restoration of Registration.

(a) When an individual or entity fails to renew the registration of an Occupational Therapy Facility within the renewal month, the Occupational Therapy Facility may restore the registration by completing the renewal requirements including paying fees as set by the Executive Council. [ When a facility fails to renew the registration within the renewal month, the facility is subject to fees as set by the Executive Council. ]

(1) If the Occupational Therapy Facility [ facility ] registration has been expired for 90 days or less, the registration [ facility ] may be renewed [ renew ] by paying the required renewal fee and a restoration fee that is one-half of the renewal fee.

(2) If the Occupational Therapy Facility [ facility ] registration has been expired for more than 90 days but less than one year, the registration [ facility ] may be renewed [ renew ] by paying all unpaid renewal fees and a restoration fee that is equal to the renewal fee.

(3) If the Occupational Therapy Facility [ facility ] registration has been expired for one year or more, the registration [ facility ] may be renewed [ renew ] by paying all unpaid renewal fees and a restoration fee which is double the renewal fee.

(b) The owner may cancel an Occupational Therapy Facility registration if occupational therapy services will no longer be provided at that Occupational Therapy Facility. To cancel registration the owner must notify the board and return the registration certificate and the current renewal certificate (if applicable). If the owner decides to resume the provision of occupational services at a future date, the Occupational Therapy Facility registration may be restored with the previous expiration date by meeting the requirements in §376.6 of this title (relating to Renewal of Registration).

(c) An Occupational Therapy Facility may not be registered as a new facility in lieu of renewal or restoration of a previously registered facility in the same location.

§376.9.Disciplinary Action.

(a) The board may assign disciplinary action to an individual or entity registering a facility under this Rule [ a registered facility ] for violation of the Act or Rules [ rules ]. The disciplinary action may include: revocation or suspension of the registration; probation; penalty fees; or other appropriate disciplinary action.

(b) The processing of complaints against individuals or entities registering Occupational Therapy Facilities under this Rule [ applicants for registered facilities or registered facilities ] is accomplished in accordance with Chapter 374 [ 375 ] of this title (relating to Complaints).

(c) A revocation or suspension of a registration affects all facilities registered under one primary registration.

§376.10.Change in Occupational Therapy Facility Ownership.

(a) A registration cannot be transferred or sold to another person or owner. When an individual or entity offering occupational therapy services at a registered Occupational Therapy Facility changes ownership, the new entity that registered the Occupational Therapy Facility under this rule, must register it as a new Occupational Therapy Facility within 30 days. A change of ownership takes place when one of the following occurs:

(1) a sole proprietor (individual) incorporates or changes to a partnership;

(2) a partnership incorporates or changes to a sole proprietor;

(3) a corporation dissolves and changes its status to a partnership or sole proprietor;

(4) a sole proprietor (individual), partnership or corporation sells or transfers the ownership to another individual, partnership or corporation.

(b) If there is a change of managing officers in a partnership or corporation, the entity that registered the Occupational Therapy Facility must send the board written notification within 30 days. For purposes of this subsection, managing officers are defined as the top four executive officers, including the corporate officer in charge of occupational therapy facility operations. The written notification shall include the effective date of such change and the following information for the new managing officers:

(1) name and title;

(2) home address;

(3) date of birth; and

(4) social security number.

(c) The former or new individual or entity offering occupational therapy services at a previously registered facility must return the previous registration certificate and current renewal certificate to the board within 30 days of the sale of the Occupational Therapy Facility. In lieu of the actual documents, the Board may accept a notarized statement from the new or former owner that the certificates have been destroyed or lost.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 11, 2003.

TRD-200304198

John Maline

Executive Director

Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 24, 2003

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


Part 20. TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION

Chapter 835. SELF-SUFFICIENCY FUND

Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS REGARDING THE SELF-SUFFICIENCY FUND

40 TAC §835.2

The Texas Workforce Commission (Commission) proposes amendments to Chapter 835 Self-Sufficiency Fund, Subchapter A. General Provisions Regarding the Self-Sufficiency Fund, §835.2 Definitions.

In general, the Commission proposes amendments to the Self-Sufficiency Fund (SSF) rules to expand the eligibility criteria for the population to be trained through the SSF program.

Background. Employers have expressed the need for increased job training for lower level incumbent workers. Currently, the SSF rules limit eligibility to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients, TANF applicants who have been referred by the Texas Department of Human Services to attend a Workforce Orientation for Applicants (WOA), and food stamp households with dependent children. In order to maximize the flexibility of the eligibility criteria, a needy parent, both custodial and noncustodial, will be considered eligible if their annual income is equal to or below $37,000. The Commission is proposing this annual income because it approximates 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a family of four. Utilizing the wages of the incumbent worker will allow for a simplified identification of individuals who are eligible for SSF training.

To calculate the annual income, multiply an hourly wage by 2,080 hours (2,080 hours is calculated based on 52 weeks per year multiplied by 40 hours per week) and a monthly wage by 12 months. For example, if a worker is earning $12/hour, the wage is multiplied by 2,080, which equates to an annual income of $24,960. If a worker is earning $2,400/month, the wage is multiplied by 12, which equates to an annual income of $28,800. Under both of these scenarios, the worker is eligible for SSF training.

In Subchapter A, Section 835.2, the rule contains a revised definition for "individual at risk of becoming dependent on public assistance."

Coordination with Stakeholders: Prior to proposing these rule amendments, the Commission circulated a policy concept paper outlining the changes to the Board chairs, members, and executive directors, and the Workforce Leadership of Texas (WLT) Policy Committee. In addition, Commission staff, during a conference call with the Board executive directors, and at a WLT Policy Committee meeting, reviewed the policy concept paper and requested feedback from the Boards, on the draft policy changes.

Randy Townsend, Chief Financial Officer, has determined that for the first five-year period the rules are in effect, the following statements will apply:

there are no additional estimated costs to the state and to local governments expected as a result of enforcing or administering the rules;

there are no estimated reductions in costs to the state and to local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rules;

there are no estimated losses or increases in revenue to the state and to local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rules;

there are no foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenue of the state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rules; and

there are no anticipated economic costs to persons required to comply with the rules.

Mr. Townsend has determined that there is no anticipated adverse impact on small businesses as a result of enforcing or administering the rules because small businesses are not required to expend additional funds as a result of the rules.

James Barnes, Director of Labor Market Information, has determined that the proposed amendments will not affect employment. The Director of Labor Market Information does not expect any significant impact upon overall employment conditions in the state as a result of the proposed rules.

Luis Macias, Director of Workforce Division, has determined that for each year of the first five years the rules are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rules will be to provide employer-focused training activities in a more flexible manner to assist employers in developing a skilled workforce.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to John Moore, Office of General Counsel, Texas Workforce Commission, 101 East 15th Street, Room 608, Austin, Texas 78778-0001; fax (512) 463-1426. Comments may also be submitted via e-mail to Mr. Moore at ruleandpolicy.comments@twc.state.tx.us. Comments must be received by the Commission within thirty (30) days from the date this proposal is published in the Texas Register .

For information about the Commission, including services for employers and workers, please visit our web page at www.texasworkforce.org.

The amendments are proposed under Texas Labor Code, §301.061, which provides the Texas Workforce Commission with the authority to adopt, amend, or repeal such rules as it deems necessary for the effective administration of Commission activities and services.

Texas Labor Code, Title 4 and particularly Chapter 301 and Chapter 302 will be affected by the amendments as well as Texas Human Resources Code, Chapter 31 regarding public assistance.

§835.2.Definitions.

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

(1) Community-based organization (CBO)--A private nonprofit organization that is representative of a community or a significant segment of a community and that provides education, vocational education or rehabilitation, job training, or internship services or programs. The term includes a neighborhood group or corporation, union-related organization, employer-related organization, faith-based organization, tribal government, or organization serving Native Americans. The CBO must be certified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the IRS Code of 1986, as amended. A CBO providing services, which are regulated by the state, must provide evidence of required certification, license or registration.

(2) Customized job training project--A project designed for a business, business consortium, or trade union in partnership with a public community or technical college, state extension service, TEEX or community-based organization for the purpose of providing specialized workforce training to prospective employees of the business or business consortium, or members of the trade union with the intent of expanding the workforce.

(3) Director--The Executive Director of the Texas Workforce Commission.

(4) Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX)--A higher education agency and service established by the Board of Regents of the Texas A&M University System.

(5) Grant recipient--A public community or technical college, community-based organization, state extension service, or TEEX awarded a grant from the Self-Sufficiency Fund.

(6) Individual at risk of becoming dependent on public assistance--An individual who is a member of a food stamp household with dependent children , a TANF applicant [ or ] who has been referred to a Board contractor by the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) to attend a Workforce Orientation for Applicants session in accordance with DHS rule 40 TAC §3.7301 , or a parent, including a noncustodial parent, whose annual wages are at or below $37,000 .

(7) Private partner--A person, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, association, consortium, or private organization that enters into a partnership for a customized job training project with a public community or technical college, a community-based organization, state extension service, or TEEX.

(8) Public community college--A state funded two-year educational institution primarily serving its local taxing district and service area in Texas and offering vocational, technical and academic courses for certification or associate degrees.

(9) Public technical college--A state funded coeducational institution of higher education offering courses of study in vocational and technical education, for certification or associate degrees.

(10) Self-Sufficiency--Employment with wages reasonably calculated to make the employee independent of financial assistance under Texas Human Resources Code, Chapters 31, 33 and 34.

(11) State extension service--An education service that provides technical and vocational training and is sponsored by a higher education agency regulated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

(12) TANF recipient--A person who receives financial assistance under Texas Human Resources Code, Chapters 31, 33 and 34.

(13) Trade union--An organization, agency or employee committee, in which employees participate and which exists for the purpose of dealing with employers concerning grievances, labor disputes, wages, rates of pay, hours of employment or conditions of work.

(14) Training provider--Any public community or technical college, community-based organization, state extension service, or TEEX that provides training; or any person, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, association, consortium, governmental subdivision or public or private organization with whom a public community or technical college, community-based organization, state extension service, or TEEX has subcontracted to provide training.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 8, 2003.

TRD-200304120

John Moore

General Counsel

Texas Workforce Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 24, 2003

For further information, please call: (512) 463-2573