Emergency Sections
An agency may adopt a new or amended section or repeal an existing section on an
emergency basis if it determines that such action is necessary for the public
health, safety, or welfare of this state. The section may become effective
immediately upon filing with the Texas Register, or on a stated date less than
20 days after filing, for no more than 120 days. The emergency action is
renewable once for no more than 60 days.
Symbology in amended emergency sections. New language added to an existing
section is indicated by the use of bold text. [Brackets] indicate deletion of
existing material within a section.
TITLE 1. ADMINISTRATION
Part I. Office of the Governor
Chapter 3. Criminal Justice Division
Subchapter A. Criminal Justice
Administration of the Crime Victims Assistance
1 TAC sec.sec.3.603, 3.608, 3.609, 3.625
The Criminal Justice Division (CJD) of the Office of the Governor adopts on an
emergency basis amendments to sec.sec.3.603, 3.608, 3.609, and 3.625, concerning
Crime Victims Assistance Program rules. The CJD is now in the process of
developing applications for federal funds that are available under the federal
Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA). The amendments are being adopted on an
emergency basis to ensure that the applicants for VOCA funds have complete and
accurate information essential for the development and implementation of their
grant and are fully aware of statutory and administrative requirements that may
affect their proposed projects.
The amendments are adopted on an emergency basis under Texas Civil Statutes,
Article 4413(32a), sec.6(a)(11), which provide CJD with the authority to adopt
such rules, regulations, and procedures as may be necessary to carry out the
provisions of the Act.
sec.3.603. Compliance; Adoption by Reference. Grantee/applicants shall comply
with all applicable state and federal statutes, rules, regulations, and
guidelines. The Criminal Justice Division (CJD) adopts by reference the
following documents and forms. Information regarding these adoptions by
reference may be obtained from the Criminal Justice Division, Attention: Crime
Victims Assistance Section, P.O. Box 12428, Austin, Texas 78711, (512) 463-1919.
(1) (No change.)
(2) The annual Criminal Justice Plan for Texas
[ :Catalog of Program
Information. ]
(3) Crime Victims Assistance Program: Application Kit and Grant
Administration.
[(4) Crime Victims Assistance Program: Grant Administration Guidelines .]
(4)[(5)] U.S. Department of Justice, Final Program Guidelines for the
Victims of Crime Act Victims Assistance Grant Program, Federal Register,
Volume 54, Number 95, May 18, 1989 pages 21499-21508 .
(5)[(6)] Office of Justice Programs, OJP Guideline Manual, OJP
23>M7100.1d [M71001c ] Financial and Administrative Guide for Grants.
(6)[(7)] Audit guidelines:
(A) United States General Accounting Office, Standards for Audit for
Governmental Organizations, Programs, Activities, and Functions;
(B) United States General Accounting Office, Guidelines for Financial and
Compliance Audits of Federally Assisted Programs;
(C) Office of Management and Budget, Circular A-128, Audits of State and Local
Government;
(D) Office of Management and Budget, Circular A-133, Audits of
Institutions of Higher Education and Other Nonprofit Organizations.
(7)[(8)] Uniform Grant and Contract Management Standards developed
under directive of the Uniform Grant and Contract Management Act of 1981, Texas
Civil Statutes, Article 4413(g).
(8)[(9)] Criminal Justice Division forms for crime victims assistance
projects:
(A) statement of grant award;
(B) grantee acceptance notice;
(C) grantee's request for funds;
(D) grant adjustment notice;
(E) performance report;
(F) report of expenditure and status of funds. [;]
[(G) property inventory;]
sec.3.608 Grant Applications.
(a) (No change.)
(b) Grant applications may not request more than $35,000 [$50, 000] for
each proposed project.
(c) (No change.)
sec.3.609. Review of Grant Applications.
(a)-(c) (No change.)
(d) Recommendations shall be based on applicable statutory requirements, rules,
guidelines, fiscal constraints, administrative policies, comments provided under
the Texas Review and Comment System (TRACS), merit of the project, and quality
of the grant application. Merit of the project shall include consideration of
how well the applicant and the victim assistance program conform to the
requirements and intent of governing directives. Specifically, the following
factors will be included for consideration:
(1) (No change.)
(2) To what extent is the victim assistance program a separate, self-contained
unit, established exclusively to provide services directly to victims of crime
(if the entire applicant organization is not dedicated exclusively to that
purpose).
(3) How well does the program design assure that assistance is given in seeking
victim compensation benefits?
[(4) To what extent does the program provide service to victims of all types of
crimes.]
(4)[(5)] How fully are the activities of this program coordinated with
other service providers in the community so that the best interests of the
victims are served and interagency communication enhanced? Is there a structured
meeting schedule between efforts of apprehension, prosecution, adjudication, and
social service entities? Does the board of directors (where one exists)
represent a cross-section of the community, including law enforcement,
prosecution, adjudication, and citizens?
(5)[(6)] Is there an affirmative program of assistance in coordination
with prosecuting authorities for transportation and avail- ability of the
victim-witness?
(6)[(7)] Is there any planned media or public service announcement
campaign which advertises the availability of services to victims? Are services
to all victims emphasized?
(7)[(8)] Where an applicant proposes expansion of an existing program,
does an analysis of activities and financial history show that it achieves its
intended results in a cost-effective manner? Can it meet the test of having not
less than one completed year of effective services to victims of crime-a
principal criterion in qualifying for a grant?
(e) (No change.)
sec.3.625. Financial 23>and[,] Performance [, and Inventory] Reports. Each
grantee shall submit financial and [,] performance [, and inventory]
reports in accordance with the instructions provided by the Criminal Justice
Division (CJD). All reports shall be submitted in accordance with the prescribed
CJD forms for such reports. Financial [and inventory] reports must be signed by
the financial officer. Performance reports must be signed by the project
director. [Inventory reports are to accompany the final financial report.]
Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 6, 1992.
TRD-9203348
David A. Talbot, Jr.
General Counsel
Office of the Governor
Effective date: March 6, 1992
Expiration date: July 4, 1992
For further information, please call: (512) 463-1788
TITLE 16. ECONOMIC REGULATION
Part VIII. Texas Racing Commission
Chapter 309. Operation of Racetracks
Subchapter B. Horse Racetracks
Operations
16 TAC sec.309.194
The Texas Racing Commission adopts on an emergency basis an amendment to
sec.309.194, concerning helmets. The amendment clarifies the requirements for
wearing a helmet by individuals riding on horses at pari-mutuel racetracks.
The amendment is adopted on an emergency basis to ensure the safety of
individuals riding on horses at pari-mutuel racetracks.
The amendment is adopted on an emergency basis under Texas Civil Statutes,
Article 179e, sec.3.02, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules for
conducting racing with wagering and for administering the Texas Racing Act and
sec.6.06, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules relating to the
operation of racetracks.
sec.309.194. Helmets. An association may not permit an individual to gallop
or pony [be mounted on] a horse or ride a horse in a race unless the
individual is wearing a properly fastened helmet of a type approved by the
commission.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on February 28, 1992.
TRD-9203331
Paula Cochran Carter
General Counsel
Texas Racing Commission
Effective date: March 6, 1992
Expiration date: July 4, 1992
For further information, please call: (512) 794-8461
Chapter 313. Officials and Rules of Horse Racing
Subchapter B. Entries, Declarations, and Allowances
Entries
16 TAC sec.313.103
The Texas Racing Commission adopts on an emergency basis an amendment to
sec.313.103, concerning eligibility requirements. The amendment clarifies the
eligibility requirements for entering a horse in a race.
The amendment is adopted on an emergency basis to ensure that horses
participating in pari-mutuel races are fit and ready to run in races currently
being conducted. The failure of a horse to be fit and ready to run could result
in accidents endangering the safety of jockeys, horses, and other participants
in racing.
The amendment is adopted on an emergency basis under Texas Civil Statutes,
Article 179e, sec.3.02, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules for
conducting racing with wagering and for administering the Texas Racing Act and
sec.6.06, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules relating to the
operation of racetracks.
sec.313.103. Eligibility Requirements.
(a) To be entered in a race, a horse must [A horse may not enter a race
unless]:
(1) be [the horse is] properly registered with the appropriate national
breed registry;
(2) be [the horse has been] properly tattooed and the horse's
registration certificate showing the tattoo number of the horse must be
[is] on file with the racing secretary before scratch time for the race, unless
the stewards authorize the certificate to be filed at a later time;
(3) be in the care of a licensed trainer and owned by a licensed owner,
[the horse is owned by a licensed owner and is in the care of a licensed
trainer,] except that the owner and trainer of a horse entered in a stakes race
must be licensed before the horse may start in that race;
(4) be [the horse is] eligible to enter the race under the
conditions of the race [and is entered for the race];
(5) be [the horse is] present on association grounds not later than the
time prescribed by the commission veterinarian; and
(6) have [the horse has had] two published workouts and be
[been] approved by the licensed starter for proficiency in the starting gate, if
the horse is to start for the first time.
(b)-(e) (No change.)
(f) If a horse has started in a race in the 45-day period preceding a race,
there is no workout requirement for eligibility to start. If a horse has not
started in the 45-day period preceding a race, the horse must have one published
workout to be eligible to start in that race. [However, if a horse has not
started in the 60-day period preceding the race, the horse must have two
published workouts to be eligible to start in that race.]
(g) For a horse to be eligible to start in a race, an original certificate
indicating a negative Coggin's test for the horse during the six-month period
preceding the race must be attached to the horse's registration papers not later
than:
(1) scratch time, for a race for which there are "also eligible" horses; and
(2) one hour before post time for the first race of that day, for a race for
which there are not "also eligible" horses.
(h) To be entered in a race around a turn, a quarter horse must be approved
by the clocker, the outrider and, if the horse is worked from the gate, the
starter.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on February 28, 1992.
TRD-9203329
Paula Cochran Carter
General Counsel
Texas Racing Commission
Effective date: March 6, 1992
Expiration date: July 4, 1992
For further information, please call: (512) 794-8461
16 TAC sec.313.111
The Texas Racing Commission adopts on an emergency basis an amendment to
sec.313.111, concerning age restrictions. The amendment clarifies the age
limitation for a "maiden" horse.
The amendment is adopted on an emergency basis to ensure that horses
participating in pari-mutuel races are fit and ready to run in races currently
being conducted. The failure of a horse to be fit and ready to run could result
in accidents endangering the safety of jockeys, horses, and other participants
in racing.
The amendment is adopted on an emergency basis under Texas Civil Statutes,
Article 179e, sec.3.02, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules for
conducting racing with wagering and for administering the Texas Racing Act and
sec.6.06, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules relating to the
operation of racetracks.
sec.313.111. Age Restrictions.
(a)-(c) (No change.)
(d) A maiden may not start in a pari-mutuel race in this state if the maiden:
[(1) during 1990, is 13 years old or older;]
(1)[(2)] during 1992 and 1993 [1991], is seven years old or
older; or
(2)[(3)] during 1994 [1992,] and thereafter is six years old or
older.
(e) (No change.)
Issued in Austin, Texas, on February 28, 1992.
TRD-9203328
Paula Cochran Carter
General Counsel
Texas Racing Commission
Effective date: March 6, 1992
Expiration date: July 4, 1992
For further information, please call: (512) 794-8461
Subchapter C. Claiming Races
16 TAC sec.313.303
The Texas Racing Commission adopts on an emergency basis an amendment to
sec.313.303, concerning effective time of claim. The amendment clarifies the
time at which a valid claim to a horse takes effect.
The amendment is adopted on an emergency basis to ensure that pari-mutuel
claiming races are conducted fairly and honestly, to avoid defrauding the
wagering public.
The amendment is adopted on an emergency basis under Texas Civil Statutes,
Article 179e, sec.3.02, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules for
conducting racing with wagering and for administering the Texas Racing Act and
sec.6.06, which authorizes the commission to adopt rules relating to the
operation of racetracks.
sec.313.303. Effective Time of Claim.
(a) A person who has a valid claim to a horse becomes the owner of the horse
when [the stall door of the starting gate opens in front of] the horse goes
on to the racetrack for the race. This subsection applies regardless of
whether the horse reaches the starting gate and regardless of subsequent
injury to the horse during or after the race.
(b) (No change.)
Issued in Austin, Texas, on February 28, 1992.
TRD-9203330
Paula Cochran Carter
General Counsel
Texas Racing Commission
Effective date: March 6, 1992
Expiration date: July 4, 1992
For further information, please call: (512) 794-8461
TITLE 22. EXAMINING BOARDS
Part XXII. Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Chapter 501. Professional Conduct
Advertising and Soliciting
22 TAC sec.501.46
The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy adopts on an emergency basis an
amendment to sec.501.46, concerning form of practice. The amendment specifically
allows certificate and registration holders to practice public accountancy
through limited liability companies and limited liability partnerships. This
amendment is necessary in order to implement the recently enacted amendments to
the Public Accountancy Act of 1991.
The amendment is adopted on an emergency basis under Texas Civil Statutes,
Article 41a-1, sec.6(a) which provide the Texas State Board of Public
Accountancy with the authority to promulgate rules to effectuate the Act.
sec.501.46. Form of Practice. A certificate or registration holder may practice
public accountancy only in a proprietorship, a partnership, a limited
liability company, a registered limited liability partnership, or a
professional corporation organized in accordance with the Texas Professional
Corporation Act, or as an employee of one of these entities.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 6, 1992.
TRD-9203375
William Treacy
Executive Director
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Effective date: March 9, 1992
Expiration date: July 7, 1992
For further information, please call: (512) 450-7066
Chapter 505. The Board
22 TAC sec.505.10
The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy adopts on an emergency an amendment
to sec.505.10, concerning the responsibilities of the committees of the board.
This amendment is necessary in order to enable the board to manage major cases
and to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
The amendment is adopted on an emergency basis under Texas Civil Statutes,
Article 41a-1, sec.6(a), which provide the Texas State Board of Public
Accountancy with the authority to promulgate rules to effectuate the Act.
sec.505.10. Board Committees.
(a) Committee appointments. Appointments to standing committees and ad hoc
committees shall be made annually by the board chairman to assist in carrying
out the functions of the board under the provisions of the Public Accountancy
Act of 1991 [1979, as amended] (the Act). The board chairman shall be
an ex officio member of each standing committee and ad hoc committee and
chairman of the executive committee.
(b)-(d) (No change.)
(e) Standing committee structure and charge to committees. The standing
committees shall consist of the following individuals and shall be charges with
the following responsibilities.
(1) The Executive Committee shall comprise the board chairman, vice -chairman,
secretary, treasurer, immediate past chairman of the board if still serving
on the board, and [also may include, as an ex officio member, any]
one other officer [board member] elected [appointed] by
the board [chairman]. The functions of the Executive Committee shall be to
advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the board concerning matters
requested by the board chairman, litigation, and/or proposed changes in the
board rules of professional conduct (the rules). The Executive Committee may act
on behalf of the full board in matters of urgency, or when a meeting of the
board is not feasible; the Executive Committee's actions are subject to full
board ratification at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
(2)-(8) (No change.)
(9) The Quality [Report] Review Committee shall comprise at least two
board members, one of whom shall serve as chairman, assisted by any number of
non-board members who shall serve in an advisory capacity. The committee shall:
(A)-(B) (No change.)
(C) make recommendations to the board with regard to proposed changes in board
rules, opinions, and policies relating to the quality [report] review
program.
(10)-(11) (No change.)
(12) The Committee on Board [Substantive] Rule Changes shall
comprise at least one board member, one of whom shall serve as chairman,
assisted by any number of non-board members who shall serve in an advisory
capacity. The committee shall make recommendations to the board regarding
board [substantive] rules defined by the board chairman as requiring
action.
(13) The Regulatory Compliance Committee shall comprise at least two board
members, one of whom shall serve as chairman, assisted by any number of non-
board members who shall serve in an advisory capacity. The committee shall make
recommendations to the board regarding legislative oversight, including, but not
limited to, budget, performance measures, proposed changes in legislation
affecting the board, and computer utilization.
(14) The Major Case Enforcement Committee shall comprise at least two board
members, one of whom shall serve as chairman. At least one committee member
shall be a public member of the board. The committee shall make recommendations
to the board regarding legal matters on litigation or potential litigation, and
other major cases to which the board is a party. The committee shall have the
authority to act on behalf of the board in instances where disclosure of facts
to the full board could cause the board's objectivity to be jeopardized, subject
to final approval by the board. The board shall have sole authority to determine
whether cases shall be heard by the Major Case Enforcement Committee or other
enforcement committee.
(f)-(g) (No change.)
(h) Policy guidelines. All advisory committee members performing any duties
utilizing board facilities and/or who have access to board records, shall
conform and adhere to the standards, board [substantive] rules, and
personnel policies of the board as described in its personnel manual
[administrative guidelines] and to the laws of the State of Texas governing
state employees.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 6, 1992.
TRD-9203374
William Treacy
Executive Director
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Effective date: March 9, 1992
Expiration date: July 7, 1992
For further information, please call: (512) 450-7066
Chapter 513. Registration
Registration of Partnerships
22 TAC sec.513.31
The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy adopts on an emergency basis new
sec.513.31, concerning registration of limited liability companies with the
board. This amendment is necessary in order to implement the recently enacted
amendments to the Public Accountancy Act of 1991.
The new section is adopted on an emergency basis under Texas Civil Statutes,
Article 41a-1, sec.6(a), which provide the Texas State Board of Public
Accountancy with the authority to promulgate rules to effectuate the Act.
sec.513.31. General Rule. Every limited liability company (L.L.C.) engaged
or to be engaged in the practice of public accountancy whose articles of
organization are approved by the secretary of state and which meet the
requirements of the Texas Professional Corporation Act and the Public
Accountancy Act of 1991 shall register with the board.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 6, 1992.
TRD-9203376
William Treacy
Executive Director
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Effective date: March 9, 1992
Expiration date: July 7, 1992
For further information, please call: (512) 450-7066
22 TAC sec.513.32
The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy adopts on an emergency basis new
sec.513.32, concerning application for registration of a limited liability
company with the board. This amendment is necessary in order to implement the
recently enacted amendments to the Public Accountancy Act of 1991.
The new section is adopted on an emergency basis under Texas Civil Statutes,
Article 41a-1, sec.6(a), which provide the Texas State Board of Public
Accountancy with the authority to promulgate rules to effectuate the Act.
sec.513.32. Application for Registration of a Limited Liability Company.
(a) Application for registration of a limited liability company (L.L.C.) must be
made upon a form prescribed by the board and must be submitted to the executive
director. Application must be made upon the affidavit of an officer or manager
of the L.L.C. and must set out:
(1) the L.L.C. name;
(2) the post office address within the state;
(3) the address of the principal office of the L.L.C.;
(4) the principal office's phone number;
(5) the name of the person to contact regarding firm registration and license
renewal;
(6) complete listing of addresses and resident managers of offices including the
principal office located within Texas;
(7) date(s) firm organized and commenced practicing in Texas;
(8) any previous names of the firm;
(9) whether or not the firm has had an application for license denied,
suspended, or revoked by any state or federal agency; whether the firm or any
manager, officer, or member has been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor
involving fraud or deceit not previously reported to the board; or whether the
firm or any individual within the firm has been a party to legal proceedings as
described in sec.513.47 of this title (relating to Affidavit of Firm);
(10) a copy of the letterhead currently used by the firm;
(11) articles of organization which must be attached;
(12) a statement which identifies the purpose of the firm; and
(13) affidavit that all statements are true and correct.
(b) Each manager, member, and officer must hold a current license to practice
public accountancy in Texas.
(c) Texas franchise taxes must be current for any L.L.C. authorized to engage in
the practice of public accountancy in this state.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 6, 1992.
TRD-9203377
William Treacy
Executive Director
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Effective date: March 9, 1992
Expiration date: July 7, 1992
For further information, please call: (512) 450-7066
22 TAC sec.513.33
The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy adopts on an emergency basis new
sec.513.33, concerning sections and statutory requirements that apply to limited
liability companies. This amendment is necessary in order to implement the
recently enacted amendments to the Public Accountancy Act of 1991.
The amendment is adopted on an emergency basis under Texas Civil Statutes,
Article 414a-1, sec.6(a), which provide the Texas State Board of Public
Accountancy with the authority to promulgate rules to effectuate the Act.
sec.513.33. Partnership Rules Apply.
(a) All sections and statutory requirements applying to public accounting
partnerships shall also apply to limited liability companies (L.L.C.) engaged in
the practice of public accountancy.
(b) All sections and statutory requirements applying to partners of public
accounting partnerships shall also apply to managers, officers, and member of
L.L.Cs engaged in the practice of public accountancy.
(c) All sections and statutory requirements governing employees or agents of
public accounting partnerships shall also apply to employees or agents of L.L.
Cs engaged in the practice of public accountancy.
(d) An L.L.C. of certified public accountants of this state in good standing may
be a partner in a partnership.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 6, 1992.
TRD-9203378
William Treacy
Executive Director
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Effective date: March 9, 1992
Expiration date: July 7, 1992
For further information, please call: (512) 450-7066
22 TAC sec.513.34
The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy adopts on an emergency basis new
sec.513.34, concerning the name of a limited liability company. This amendment
is necessary in order to implement the recently enacted amendments to the Public
Accountancy Act of 1991.
The new section is adopted on an emergency basis under Texas Civil Statutes,
Article 41a-1, sec.6(a), which provide the Texas State Board of Public
Accountancy with the authority to promulgate rules to effectuate the Act.
sec.513.34. Limited Liability Company.
(a) In addition to other requirements of these sections with respect to the name
of a limited liability company (L.L.C.) engaged in the practice of public
accountancy, the name of each L.L.C. registered with this board must include one
of the following designations:
(1) "Limited";
(2) "Ltd.";
(3) "L.C.";
(4) "L.L.C."; or
(5) Limited Liability Company.
(b) If only one licensee is involved in the practice of the L.L.C. it cannot use
the term "and company," "and associates," or any other term which is misleading
to the general public as a part of the name. However, the term "and company" or
"and associates" may be used as long as the names of the employees licensed by
this board are shown on page three of the application.
(c) The words "limited liability company" or "L.L.C." must appear in or with the
firm name each time it is used.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 6, 1992.
TRD-9203379
William Treacy
Executive Director
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Effective date: March 9, 1992
Expiration date: July 7, 1992
For further information, please call: (512) 450-7066
22 TAC sec.513.35
The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy adopts on an emergency basis new
sec.513.35, concerning the certification of franchise tax status upon license
application. This amendment is necessary in order to implement the recently
enacted amendments to the Public Accountancy Act of 1991.
The new section is adopted on an emergency basis under Texas Civil Statutes,
Article 41a-1, sec.6(a), which provide the Texas State Board of Public
Accountancy with the authority to promulgate rules to effectuate the Act.
sec.513.35. Certification of Franchise Tax Status.
(a) Each limited liability company authorized to engage in the practice of
public accountancy in this state shall certify, as prescribed by the board, upon
application for registration, that the company's Texas franchise taxes are
current.
(b) The making of a false statement as to company franchise tax status on any
license application or renewal is grounds for suspension or revocation of the
license.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 6, 1992.
TRD-9203380
William Treacy
Executive Director
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Effective date: March 9, 1992
Expiration date: July 7, 1992
For further information, please call: (512) 450-7066
TITLE 25. Health Services
Part I. Texas Department of Health
Chapter 97. Communicable Diseases
Control of Communicable Diseases
25 TAC sec.97.16
The Texas Department of Health (department) adopts on an emergency basis the
repeal of existing sec.97.16, concerning the Texas HIV Medication Program. The
text of the section is being modified, restructured, and moved to Chapter 98 of
this title, where it becomes new sec.sec.98.101 - 98.111. This action is also
being proposed for permanent adoption in this issue of the Texas Register.
The department repeals sec.97.16 on an emergency basis for the following
reasons. By modifying, restructuring, and moving the text of sec.97.16 to new
sec.sec.98.101-98.111, the department will be able to more expeditiously provide
medications to HIV infected individuals. It is imperative that the department be
able to improve its ability to address this serious and imminent threat to
public health and safety by providing approved medications as soon as possible
to HIV infected individuals.
The repeal is adopted on an emergency basis under the Health and Safety Code,
sec.85.063, which provides the Board of Health with authority to adopt rules
covering procedures and guidelines for the HIV Medication Program; sec.12.001,
which provides the board with authority to adopt rules to implement every duty
imposed by law on the board, the department and the Commissioner of Health; and
Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6252-13a, sec.5, which provides the board with
authority to adopt emergency rules.
sec.97.16. Texas HIV Medication Program.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 6, 1992.
TRD-9203353
Robert A. MacLean, M.D.
Deputy Commissioner
Texas Department of Health
Effective date: March 6, 1992
Expiration date: July 4, 1992
For further information, please call:(512) 458-7357
Chapter 98. HIV and STD Control
Subchapter C. Texas HIV Medication Program
General Provisions
25 TAC sec.sec.98.101-98.111
The Texas Department of Health (department) adopts on an emergency basis new
sec.sec.98.101-98.111 concerning the Texas HIV Medication Program. The new
sections replace the existing s97.16 in Title 25 of the Texas Administrative
Code which is being repealed on an emergency basis in this issue of the Texas
Register. The new sections restructure and modify the repealed section and
implement the provisions of the Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Act,
Health and Safety Code, Chapter 85, concerning the establishment of an HIV
medication program in Texas. The program assists hospital districts, local
health departments, public or non-profit hospitals and clinics, nonprofit
community organizations, and HIV infected individuals in the purchase of
medications approved by the board that have been shown to be effective in
reducing hospitalizations due to HIV related conditions. Generally, the section
covers eligibility for participation; medication coverage; priority of
treatment; application process; confidentiality; payment for approved
medications; participating pharmacies; and an appeal procedure to resolve any
eligibility or funding disputes. The new sections also clarify the language,
simplify structure, and expand the formulary to include Fluconazole, Didanosine,
and Erythropoietin for eligible participants.
New sec.sec.98.101-98.111 are adopted on an emergency basis for the following
reasons. By restructuring, modifying, and moving the text of the repealed
sec.97. 16 to the new sections in Chapter 98, the department will be able to
provide medications more expeditiously to HIV-infected individuals. This will
enable the department to improve its ability to address this serious and
imminent threat to public health and safety. Also, the addition of the drug
Didanosine to the list of available drugs on an emergency basis will help
inhibit HIV-1 because Didanosine is the only alternative therapy for persons who
are intolerant of Zidovudine or who have demonstrated significant clinical or
immunological deterioration during Zidovudine therapy. The drug Erythropoietin
is being added on an emergency basis because it significantly reduces
hospitalization by offering an alternative to otherwise transfusion dependent
persons on Zidovudine. The drug Fluconazole is being added on an emergency basis
because it will assist hospitals, clinics, and individuals in funding treatment
for cryptococcal infection. It is imperative that these drugs be made available
as soon as possible to HIV-infected individuals through emergency adoption of
the new sections.
The new sections are adopted on an emergency basis under the Health and Safety
Code, sec.85.066, which provides the Texas Board of Health with the authority to
adopt rules concerning a Texas HIV Medication Program; sec.12.001, which
provides the Texas Board of Health with the authority to adopt rules for the
performance of every duty imposed by law on the Texas Board of Health, the Texas
Department of Health, and the Commissioner of Health; and Texas Civil Statutes,
Article 6252-13a, sec.5, which provides the board with authority to adopt
emergency rules.
sec.98.101. Purpose and Scope.
(a) Purpose. These sections will implement the provisions of the Texas HIV
Medication Program (program) as authorized by the Communicable Disease
Prevention and Control Act, Health and Safety Code, sec.sec.85.061-85.066. The
program shall assist hospital districts, local health departments, public or
nonprofit hospitals and clinics, nonprofit community organizations, and HIV-
infected individuals in obtaining medications indicated by the Food and Drug
Administration for the treatment of HIV-related conditions and approved by the
Texas Board of Health for program coverage.
(b) Scope. These sections cover eligibility, criteria for financial eligibility,
priority, application process, appeal procedures, confidentiality, procedures
for obtaining the application materials, payment for approved medications, and
participating pharmacies.
sec.98.102. Eligibility. A Texas resident is eligible to participate in the
Texas HIV Medication Program (program) if he or she:
(1) is diagnosed with HIV infection and meets the drug specific eligibility
criteria;
(2) is under the care of a licensed physician who prescribes the medication(s);
and
(3) meets the financial eligibility criteria of the program.
sec.98.103. Criteria for Financial Eligibility. A person is financially eligible
for the Texas HIV Medication Program (program) if he or she:
(1) is not covered for approved program medication(s) under the Texas Medicaid
Program;
(2) does not qualify for any other state or federal program available for
financing the purchase of approved program medication(s);
(3) is not covered for the medication(s) by any other third-party payer; and
(4) has an income, when combined with his or her spouse that does not exceed
200% of the most recently published federal poverty income guidelines. For
minors, the child's or parent's income should not exceed 200% of the most
recently published federal poverty income guidelines. The spouse or the parent
must be living in the same household at the time of application. The Department
of Health (department) will determine if the person satisfies this criterion
from information provided by the person on a form developed by the department.
sec.98.104. Medication Coverage.
(a) Zidovudine capsules must be provided in increments of 100 not to exceed 400
capsules per month. Zidovudine syrup must be provided in eight ounce bottles.
(b) Pentamidine for inhalation solution must be provided in one 300 mg. vial per
month.
(c) Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (DS) tablets must be provided in increments of
100 tablets for a maximum of 200 per month. Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim
suspension must be provided in bottles of 480 ML.
(d) Didanosine tablets must be provided in increments of 60 tablets not to
exceed 120 tablets per month.
(e) Fluconazole must be provided in increments of 30 tablets not to exceed 120
tablets in three months.
(f) Erythropoietin is provided through the Texas HIV Medication Program
(program) for children younger than 18 years of age. Adults and children that
meet the financial and drug specific criteria will be eligible to receive this
drug under the Ortho Biotech Program.
(g) Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) will be provided in 2.5 and 5 gm. vials.
(h) The program will reimburse the Texas Department of Health's Tuberculosis
Elimination Division for the following listed drugs used to treat atypical
mycobacterial infections in individuals that are HIV infected:
(1) Amikacin-1 g vial;
(2) Capreomycin-1 g vial;
(3) Ciprofloxacin-750 mg. tablets;
(4) Cycloserine-250 mg. capsules;
(5) Ethambutol-100 mg. tablets;
(6) Ethambutol-400 mg. tablets;
(7) Ethionamide-250 mg. tablets;
(8) Isoniazid (INH) syrup;
(9) Isoniazid (INH)-100 mg. tablets;
(10) Isoniazid (INH)-300 mg. tablets;
(11) Kanamycin-1 g vial;
(12) Pyrazinamide-500 mg. tablets;
(13) Pyridoxine (Vit.B-6)-50 mg. tablets;
(14) Rifampin-300 mg./Isoniazid (INH) 150 mg. capsules;
(15) Rifampin-300 mg. capsules;
(16) Sodium P.A.S. tablets; and
(17) Streptomycin-5 g.
sec.98.105. Drug Specific Eligibility Criteria. A person is eligible for:
(1) Zidovudine if he or she is younger than 18 years of age and has a diagnosis
of HIV infection; or has a positive HIV antibody test and is classified in Group
III or IV according to the Centers for Disease Control classification system, or
pending available funding classified in Group I or II with a CD4 cell count of
500 or less;
(2) Pentamidine for inhalation solution, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (DS)
tablets, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim suspension if he or she is diagnosed
with the HIV infection and a CD4 cell count of 200 or less and children under
the age of 13 with the following clinical indicators:
(A) all children who have had a previous episode of Pneumocystis Carinii
Pneumonia (PCP);
(B) all children less than 13 years of age who meet the Center for Disease
Control (CDC) definitions of HIV infection in children and who have CD4+ counts
less than 400/mm3;
(C) all children less than 15 months of age who have HIV isolated from blood,
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or tissues; or P24 antigen detected in blood/plasma
or CSF, regardless of CD4 count;
(D) all children less than 15 months of age who are HIV-seropositive and have
symptoms as defined by CDC Class P2, regardless of CD4 count. Children will
qualify in Class P2a if they have one symptom and persistent
hypergammaglobulinemia (2 measurements, one month apart);
(3) Didanosine if he or she has advanced HIV infection and is intolerant of
zidovudine therapy or who have demonstrated significant clinical or
immunological deterioration during zidovudine therapy;
(4) Erythropoietin if he or she soon would be or is currently transfusion
dependent, has a hematocrit less than or equal to 25% and has endogenous serum
erythropoietin levels equal to or less than 500 mU/mL;
(5) Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) if he or she is diagnosed with HIV
infection and is younger than 18 years of age; and
(6) Fluconazole if he or she has an established cryptococcal infection and for
prophylaxis after diagnosis.
sec.98.106. Priority. The Texas HIV Medication Program will coordinate with the
Texas Department of Health's Bureau of Chronically Ill and Disabled Children
Services for the provision of HIV medication for all applicants under 18 years
of age.
sec.98.107. Application Process. An application is made by the person by
submitting completed financial eligibility and medical certification forms.
Application documents must be mailed to the Division of Pharmacy, Texas
Department of Health, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756. An application
packet, containing instructions and all necessary forms may be requested by
writing to the Division of Pharmacy at the previously cited address or by
telephoning toll-free 1-800-255-1090.
sec.98.108. Appeal Procedures.
(a) This section establishes the appeal procedures that are available in the
event of an eligibility or funding conflict in the Texas HIV Medication Program
(program). To initiate the appeal process, a person must notify the Texas
Department of Health's (department) Division of Pharmacy that he/she wants to
appeal a program decision concerning either eligibility or funding. The written
notice must contain sufficient reasons for believing that an appeal is in order.
(b) A department review panel will hear the appeal. The panel consists of the
Chief of the Bureau of HIV and STD Control, Director of the Pharmacy Division,
and the HIV Medication Program Administrator. The appellants may appear in
person to present their views. After hearing all testimony, the panel will issue
a written decision which will be final.
sec.98.109. Confidentiality. No information that could identify an
individual applicant will be released except as authorized by law. Applicants
should realize that, in addition to the Texas Department of Health, their
physicians and pharmacists will be aware of their diagnosis.
sec.98.110. Payment for Approved Medication(s). Payment will be made using
specifications developed by the Texas Department of Health (department) and the
General Services Commission. If a person is withdrawn from the Texas HIV
Medication Program for any reason, the department will cease payment as of that
date. The department will not pay for more than one month's issue of the
medication(s) per month.
sec.98.111. Participating Pharmacy. The Texas HIV Medication Program will
use approved pharmacies and will approve additional pharmacies if a hardship
exists.
sec.98.112. Prescription Fees. A $5.00 copayment may be collected by a
participating pharmacy for each prescription in accordance with the existing
contract with the Texas Department of Health.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 6, 1992.
TRD-9203354
Robert A. MacLean, M.D.
Deputy Commissioner
Texas Department of Health
Effective date: March 6, 1992
Expiration date: July 4, 1992
For further information, please call: (512) 458-7537
TITLE 31. NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION
Part IX. Texas Water Commission
Chapter 334. Underground and Aboveground Storage Tanks
Subchapter L. Overpayment Prevention
31 TAC sec.sec.334.501-334.506
The Texas Water Commission adopts on an emergency basis new sec.sec.334. 501-
334.506, concerning overpayment prevention in the petroleum storage tank
reimbursement program.
These emergency sections create Subchapter L of 31 Texas Administrative Code,
Chapter 334 relating to overpayment protection. The new sections are adopted to
enhance the implementation of certain provisions of House Bill 1588 passed by
the 71st Texas Legislature. That bill created the petroleum storage tank
remediation fund for the purpose of cleaning up contamination from leaks of
petroleum products and substances from underground or aboveground storage tanks.
The amendments changed the process by which applications for reimbursement of
clean up costs are processed by the Texas Water Commission.
House Bill 1588 allows owners of petroleum storage tanks to qualify under that
bill to hire their own contractors for the purpose of cleaning up contamination
from leaking storage tanks. After the contractor has performed the cleanup work
and has been paid, the owner of the tank is eligible to submit an application
for reimbursement of those cleanup costs to the commission. That application to
date has been thoroughly reviewed to assure that the requested reimbursement
does in fact reflect reasonable and allowable costs of cleanup only. To date the
commission has attempted to make no payments until a thorough review of each
application has occurred. In some cases the commission has allowed the eligible
owner/operator to sign a subrogation agreement to facilitate faster
reimbursement while providing a mechanism for cost recovery. The sections
adopted herein change these procedures and provide commission rules whereby
reimbursements may be made prior to a full examination of each application. In
addition, a post-payment audit process is authorized by these sections. These
sections would therefore allow agency staff to view applications for
reimbursement before or after the payment is actually made.
In order to assure that inappropriate payments are not made, the agency has
adopted a process of auditing payments after the payment has occurred to assure
that costs which are reasonable and allowable are the only costs paid in the
reimbursement. This change is coupled with another change that authorizes agency
staff to recover overpayments to the contractors who do the work. Prior practice
involved a relationship only between the agency and the owner of the tank.
Because reimbursements are made after payment to the contractors has occurred,
it is appropriate to look directly to the contractor for repayment of any
reimbursement monies paid prior to full audit. In the event that an overpayment
is made, an overpayment notice will be sent to the contractor and that
contractor will have 30 days to submit a check to the agency in the amount of
overpayment. If the contractor fails to submit that check within the 30 day time
period, these sections provide that agency staff will file a petition with the
commission seeking an order to compel payment. If, after hearing, an order is
issued to compel payment and that order is not obeyed, then that order is
enforceable by all authorities available in the Texas Water Code, Chapter 26.
This includes the ability of the commissioners to levy a penalty of up to $10,
000 per day for each day of overdue payment. It also authorizes the commission
to refer the matter to the Texas Attorney General for proper execution of a
lawsuit. These sections also authorize agency staff to charge the cost of
hearing to the contractor who has failed to return the overpayment if a hearing
results in a finding by the commissioners that overpayment in fact did
originally occur.
It should be pointed out that the agency is also preparing an additional
subchapter of regulations which will require registration of petroleum storage
tank remediation contractors and which will impose performance requirements for
anyone who wishes to be registered as a contractor. At that point anyone who
wishes to qualify for work eligible for reimbursement from the petroleum storage
tank remediation fund will be required to have a registration. Once that program
is in place, the agency will also use the remedy of suspension or revocation of
contractor registrations to assure that overpayments are returned in a timely
manner. The consequence of failing to return overpaid amounts will be the
revocation or suspension of registration which will mean that the particular
contractor would not qualify to do work for money paid from the petroleum
storage tank remediation fund.
These sections also provide that contractors and owners of tanks must cooperate
fully with agency staff whenever an audit or an investigation of potential
overpayment is being conducted. Failure to cooperate with such an audit or
investigation will also result in agency staff seeking an order from the
commission to compel such cooperation. Again, if that order is not obeyed, it is
subjected to the full enforcement authorizations provided by the Texas Water
Code, Chapter 26.
These sections are adopted on an emergency basis because the agency has learned
that owners of petroleum storage tanks are conducting their cleanups on a phased
basis and seeking reimbursement after each phase. If the agency does not
reimburse owners of tanks very quickly, the next phase of the cleanup cannot go
forward. The consequence of this situation is that many petroleum contamination
cleanups take extremely long to remediate, which makes it possible for the
contamination to spread during the intervening period. This presents an
unacceptable situation for the environment and public health and safety.
Section 334.501 (relating to Purpose and Applicability of the Subchapter) lays
out the purpose of these sections and establishes that the subchapter applies to
all applications for reimbursement for monies in the petroleum storage tank
remediation fund.
Section 334.502 (relating to Duty of Persons Paid by Recipients of
Reimbursements Money from the Petroleum Storage Tank Remediation Fund)
establishes that each person who is paid for money reimbursed to owners for
petroleum storage tanks from the remediation fund have a duty to do good quality
work and charge only a reasonable cost for that work, as defined in sec.334.309
of the commission rules. The basic thrust of this duty is that unnecessary work
must not be undertaken and the work that is done that is necessary to remediate
contamination, must be done at a fair cost in light of technical demands of the
work involved and the going price in the area where the work is performed. This
section also imposes a duty to cooperate with any audit or investigation the
executive director may conduct regarding the quality of work performed or the
reasonableness of costs charged.
Section 334.503 (relating to What Payment Means) makes clear that just because
the executive director has sent a reimbursement check to the owner of a tank
does not necessarily mean that all costs noted in the reimbursement application
are considered allowable or reasonable. These sections allow for post-payment
audits and it will be after that audit that decisions about allowable costs and
reasonableness of cost and quality of work will be determined.
Section 334.504 (relating to Audits) makes clear that the executive director's
staff shall conduct a sufficient number of audits of reimbursements claimed and
payments made to assure achievement of the purposes of this subchapter and House
Bill 1588. These audits may occur prior to or after claims for reimbursement
have been made.
Section 334.505 (relating to Notice of Overpayment) makes clear that if an audit
establishes that an overpayment has been made because unreasonable prices were
charged or poor quality work was performed or costs which are not allowable were
included in the reimbursement application, then the executive director's staff
will issue a notice of overpayment. That notice of overpayment can go to the
contractor who actually performed the work and was paid by the owner of the tank
using reimbursement funds from the petroleum storage tank remediation fund. This
section requires persons who receive that notice to return the amount of
overpayment to the agency payable to the State of Texas-Petroleum Storage Tank
Remediation Fund.
Section 334.506 (relating to Failure to Return Overpayment or Cooperate with an
Audit or Investigation) makes clear that if someone who receives a notice of
overpayment refuses or fails to return the overpaid amount within 30 days, then
agency staff will seek an order from the commission compelling payment. It also
indicates that if, upon hearing, the commission issues an order compelling the
amount of overpayment, the person who had failed to submit the check may be
charged with the cost of the hearing, including the cost of the hearing
preparation. This section also makes clear that the commission may order a
person to cooperate with an audit or investigation of a possible overpayment.
This section also makes clear that once these orders are issued, if they are not
obeyed, they may be enforced by the usual means in the Texas Water Code, Chapter
26. This includes possible penalty of up to $10,000 per day for each day of non-
payment or referral of the matter to the Attorney General for prosecution of a
lawsuit.
The new sections are adopted on an emergency basis under House Bill 1588, which
requires the TWC to establish a Groundwater Protection Program, and to implement
a reimbursement program to responsible parties who clean-up sites on their own
initiative; and sec.5.103 and sec.5.105, which provide the Texas Water
Commission with the authority to adopt any sections necessary to carry out its
powers and duties under the Texas Water Code and other laws of the State of
Texas, and to establish and approve all general policy of the commission.
sec.334.501. Purpose and Applicability of this Subchapter.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this subchapter is to establish procedures
regarding the reimbursement of money expended from the petroleum storage tank
remediation fund, to assure the most efficient use of the money available and to
provide the most effective protection to the environment for the protection of
public health and safety.
(b) Applicability. This subchapter applies to all applications for reimbursement
from money in the petroleum storage tank remediation fund.
sec.334.502. Duty of Persons Paid by Recipients of Reimbursement Money from the
Petroleum Storage Tank Remediation Fund.
(a) Each person who performs work at an underground storage tank or aboveground
storage tank, who is paid by a person who anticipates being, or actually is,
reimbursed from the petroleum storage tank remediation fund, shall perform good
quality work and charge only "reasonable cost" as defined in sec.334.309 of this
title (relating to Reasonable Costs-Interim Period).
(b) Each person to whom the performance standard established by subsection (a)
of this section applies shall cooperate fully with any audit or investigation by
the executive director regarding the quality of work performed on the
reasonableness of costs charged.
sec.334.503. What Payment Means.
(a) Payment by the executive director of a reimbursement claim means only that
the claim is potentially subject to post-payment audit.
(b) By making payment of reimbursement claims to eligible owners or operators,
the executive director makes no statement or admission that the payments are for
necessary, reasonable or allowable costs, nor that the remedial action taken was
not in excess of Texas Water Commission clean-up standards for effective
protection of the environment, public health and safety.
sec.334.504. Audits. The executive director's staff shall conduct a sufficient
number of audits of reimbursements claimed and payments made to assure
achievements of the purposes of this chapter. Such audits may occur prior to or
after claims for reimbursement have been paid. Such audits shall include at a
minimum an investigation of the cost effectiveness and fiscal merits of the
corrective action taken, and the technical merits of the corrective action
taken.
sec.334.505. Notice of Overpayment.
(a) If the executive director conducts an audit or investigation and concludes
that reimbursement of a claim was for an amount which exceeded the necessary,
allowable or reasonable cost of corrective action a notice of overpayment may be
delivered to the persons who were paid by the reimbursement recipient.
(b) Upon receipt of a notice of overpayment, the person who was paid by the
reimbursement recipient shall submit a check returning the amount of
overpayment.
(c) All checks rendered to return overpayments shall be made out to "The State
of Texas-Petroleum Storage Tank Remediation Fund", and mailed to the Chief
Fiscal Officer, Texas Water Commission, P. O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-
3087 with the notation "LPST #_________, Application #_______, overpayment
return."
sec.334.506. Failure to Return Overpayment or Cooperate with Audit or
Investigation.
(a) If the overpayment has not been returned to the commission by the 30th
calendar day after mailing of the notice of overpayment, excluding the date of
mailing, the executive director shall file a petition seeking an order from the
commission to compel payment.
(b) If, upon hearing, the commission issues an order compelling return of
overpayment in any amount, the person found responsible for returning
overpayment shall also be required to reimburse the commission for all hearing
costs, including the costs of preparation.
(c) All commission orders issued pursuant to this subchapter shall be
enforceable in the same manner as any order issued pursuant to the Texas Water
Code, Chapter 26.
(d) The executive director may seek an order from the commission to compel
cooperation with an audit or investigation at any time.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on March 6, 1992.
TRD-9203340
Mary Ruth Holder
Director, Legal Division
Texas Water Commission
Effective date: March 6, 1992
Expiration date: July 4, 1992
For further information, please call: (512) 463-8069