TITLE 22.EXAMINING BOARDS

Part 4. TEXAS COSMETOLOGY COMMISSION

Chapter 89. GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

22 TAC §89.37

The Texas Cosmetology Commission proposes new §89.37, concerning invalidation of examination passing grades.

The section specifies the time period in which an applicant must apply for licensure before the examination results become invalid. The section is proposed to determine the time period during which a successful examinee must apply for licensure or certification.

The new section is proposed as a result of a need to protect the public from persons without current skills.

Mr. Henry O'Neal Holifield, Executive Director, Texas Cosmetology Commission, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Holifield also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be to ensure that all license and certificate holders have the necessary skills to properly practice cosmetology. There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal rule may be submitted to Mr. Henry O'Neal Holifield, Texas Cosmetology Commission, P.O. Box 26700, Austin, Texas 78755-0700.

The new section is proposed under Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1602, §1602.151, which provides the commission with the authority to "adopt rules consistent with this chapter", to protect the public's health and safety.

Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1602, is not affected by this proposed new section.

§89.37. Invalidation of Examination Passing Grades.

Passing grades on an examination may be used as the basis for issuing a license or certificate for no more than five years following the date of examination. After five years following the date of examination, passing grades not used as the basis for issuing a license or certificate will be invalid.

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 April 10, 2000.

TRD-200002529

Henry O'Neal Holifield

Executive Director

Texas Cosmetology Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 21, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 454-4675


Part 5. STATE BOARD OF DENTAL EXAMINERS

Chapter 103. DENTAL HYGIENE LICENSURE

22 TAC §103.2

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes amendments to §103.2, Licensure by Credentials, Dental Hygienists. There are two proposed changes. First, is the addition of new paragraph (8) which provides that applicants for licensure by credentials must have completed a dental hygiene clinical examination. The second is new paragraph (13) which requires applicants to submit proof of completion of 12 hours of continuing education within the past 12 months.

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the rule.

Mr. Hill has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be that the public will know that all dental hygienists licensed in Texas, by credentials will have demonstrated clinical competency equivalent to that required by those licensed by examination, and that they will have completed continuing education within the preceding 12 months in the same manner as all current Texas dental hygiene licensees.

It is unknown if there will be any fiscal implications for small businesses. Should such costs be incurred, they will not be of such magnitude to impact the economic viability of a small business. Therefore the SBDE has determined that compliance with the proposed amended rule will not have an adverse economic impact on small businesses when compared to large businesses as the cost of compliance, if any, will be minimal.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, 512-463-6400. To be considered all comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before May 22, 2000.

The amended rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et. seq .; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and promulgate rules consistent with the Dental Practice Act, and §256.101 which provides the Board with the authority to issue a license after a review of credentials.

The proposed amended rule does not affect other statutes, articles, or codes.

§103.2. Licensure by Credentials, Dental Hygienists.

The State Board of Dental Examiners will license dental hygiene applicants by credentials upon payment of a fee, in the amount set by the Board, who meet all SBDE and State of Texas minimum applicant requirements, general licensure qualifications, and all of the following criteria:

(1) - (7)

(No change.)

(8)

Has successfully passed a state or regional general dental hygiene clinical examination.

(9)

[ (8) ] Is reputable, as demonstrated by at least two letters of character reference which have been notarized.

(10)

[ (9) ] Practice experience described in paragraph (3) of this section must be subsequent to applicant having graduated from a dental hygiene school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.

(11)

[ (10) ] Each candidate for licensure by credentials must submit to the Credentials Review Committee of the Board the required documents and information prescribed in this rule and other documents or information that may be requested to enable the Committee to evaluate appropriately an application and make a recommendation to the Board for action on the application.

(12)

[ (11) ] Each applicant must show proof of current CPR certification as required by the Texas Dental Practice Act, Chapter 256, §256.101 [ Article 4545a, §1(a)(6) ].

(13)

Effective September 1, 2000, all applicants must submit proof of completion of 12 hours of continuing education taken within the 12 months preceding the date the licensure application is received by the SBDE. All hours shall be taken in accordance with the provisions as cited in §104.1(5), (6) and (7) of this title (relating to Requirements) and §104.2 of this title (relating to Providers).

(14)

[ (12) ] Applications must be delivered to the office of the State Board of Dental Examiners.

(15)

[ (13) ] An application for licensure is filed with the State Board of Dental Examiners when it is actually received, date-stamped, and logged-in by the State Board of Dental Examiners along with all required documentation and fee. An incomplete application for licensure and fee will be returned to applicant within three working days with an explanation of additional documentation or information needed.

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 April 7, 2000.

TRD-200002493

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 21, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


Chapter 107. DENTAL BOARD PROCEDURES

Subchapter C. ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES

22 TAC §107.400

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the State Board of Dental Examiners or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The State Board of Dental Examiners proposes the repeal of §107.400, Reportable Disciplinary Action.

Rule, §107.400, effective June, 1998, was intended to provide a method to allow certain licensees who have been disciplined by board order to clear their records on the licensing database. Licensees with board orders over a specified number of years old involving minor punishments where no patient injury was involved could make application for clearance of database records. Those who inquire concerning a licensee's status are given information from the licensing database which includes a statement that disciplinary action is on file for those licensees who have board orders of record. The board orders in question would remain in board records and, of course, available as public information. The effect of the current rule is to eliminate the reference to disciplinary action without removing the order.

The State Board of Dental Examiners is of the opinion that board orders should continue to be maintained without time limitations and that to avoid confusion, the database, should make reference to board orders of record, thus the proposal to repeal §107.400.

Jeffry R. Hill, Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, has determined for the first five-year period there will be no fiscal implications for local government as a result of enforcing or administering the repeal of the rule.

Mr. Hill also has determined that the rule in place leads to confusion concerning a licensee's status and that the public interest in accurate and clear information concerning licensees is not served by the rule.

The SBDE has determined that repeal of the rule will not have an adverse economic impact on small businesses when compared to large businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mei Ling Clendennen, Assistant Executive Director, State Board of Dental Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 463-6400. To be considered, all comments must be received by the State Board of Dental Examiners on or before May 22, 2000.

The proposed repeal of the rule is proposed under Texas Government Code §2001.021 et.seq ; Texas Civil Statutes, the Occupations Code §254.001 which provides the State Board of Dental Examiners with the authority to adopt and promulgate rules consistent with the Dental Practice Act .

The proposed repeal of the rule does not affect other statutes, articles, or codes

§107.400. Reportable Disciplinary Action.

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 April 7, 2000.

TRD-200002492

Jeffry R. Hill

Executive Director

State Board of Dental Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 21, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 463-6400


Part 9. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS

Chapter 193. STANDING DELEGATION ORDERS

22 TAC §193.9, §193.10

The Texas State Board of Medical Examiners proposes new §193.9 and §193.10, concerning pronouncement of death and collaborative management of glaucoma. Section 193.9 will enable physicians to make a pronouncement of death based on facts given to them by licensed vocational nurses through electronic communication. New §193.10 is proposed to implement the mandate of the 76th Legislature as it relates to the Optometry Act, Article 4552, Section 1.02, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, regarding the minimum standards for the collaborative management of glaucoma.

John S. Teer, General Counsel, Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, has determined that for the first five-year period the new sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications to state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the new sections as proposed.

Mr. Teer also has determined that for each year of the first five years the new sections as proposed is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the new sections will be clarified information needed to enable physicians to make a pronouncement of death based on information received from licensed vocational nurses and a new regulation regarding collaborative management of glaucoma. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the new sections as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Pat Wood, P.O. Box 2018, MC-901, Austin, Texas 78768-2018. A public hearing will be held at a later date.

The new sections are proposed under the authority of the Occupations Code, §153.001, which provides the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners to adopt rules and bylaws as necessary to: govern its own proceedings; perform its duties; regulate the practice of medicine in this state; and enforce this subtitle.

The Occupations Code, §157.001 is affected by the proposed new sections.

§193.9.Pronouncement of Death.

(a)

Purpose. These rules are promulgated under the authority of the Medical Practice Act, §3.06(d), to allow physicians to receive information from Texas licensed vocational nurses through electronic communication for the purpose of making a pronouncement of death. Electronic communication includes, but is not limited to telephone, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail.

(b)

Do not resuscitate order. A do not resuscitate (DNR) order must be kept in the patient's file.

(c)

Required information. In order to make a pronouncement of death through electronic communication, a physician must receive, at a minimum, the following information regarding the condition of the patient:

(1)

absence of palpable pulse for a minimum of 60 seconds;

(2)

absence of discernible blood pressure for a minimum of 60 seconds;

(3)

absence of evidence of respiration for a minimum of 60 seconds;

(4)

absence of evidence of heartbeat for a minimum of 60 seconds; and

(5)

other information as the physician may require.

(d)

Follow-up by physician. If a physician makes a pronouncement of death based on information received pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, the physician retains responsibility for all acts related to this pronouncement.

§193.10.Collaborative Management of Glaucoma.

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to implement the mandate of the 76th Legislature as it relates to the Optometry Act, Article 4552, Section 1.02, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, regarding the minimum standards for the collaborative management of glaucoma.

(b)

Minimum requirements. At a minimum, the treating ophthalmologist should follow the guidelines outlined in paragraphs (1)-(10) of this section.

(1)

An initial consultation must take place within 30 days of the diagnosis of glaucoma. The consultation must be a "face-to-face" confirmation of the diagnosis, at which time the ophthalmologist may, at his or her discretion, utilize the testing results from the optometrist or repeat such studies in the confirmation of the diagnosis of primary open angle glaucoma.

(2)

The ophthalmologist must communicate in both written and oral form the confirmation of the diagnosis, as well as the refinement of the treatment plan as recommended by the optometrist.

(3)

A proper medical record must be generated for each patient by the ophthalmologist and shall include all correspondence and testing results. The medical record must also include a copy of the written informed consent demonstrating that the patient understands that he or she is participating in a co-management of primary open angle glaucoma.

(4)

The ophthalmologist must have, at a minimum, one annual follow-up visit with the patient for review and refinement of the treatment plan.

(5)

The ophthalmologist must report any irregular behavior of the optometrist to the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners for referral to the Texas Optometry Board.

(6)

The ophthalmologist must enter into the patient's written medical records that the ophthalmologist has elected to enter into a co-management agreement with an optometrist.

(7)

The ophthalmologist must complete a clinical skills assessment with each optometrist in which a co-management arrangement exists. At that time, the ophthalmologist must also confirm the credentials of the therapeutic optometrist for completing the requirements to obtain the designation of optometric glaucoma specialist.

(8)

A physician may charge a reasonable consultation fee for a consultation given when a patient is referred with a diagnosis of primary open angle glaucoma.

(9)

A physician to whom a patient is referred by a therapeutic optometrist for treatment of primary open angle glaucoma shall forward to the therapeutic optometrist, not later than the 30th day after first seeing the patient, a written report on the results of the referral. A physician who, for a medically appropriate reason, does not return a patient to the therapeutic optometrist who referred the patient, shall state in the physician's report to the therapeutic optometrist the specific medical reason for failing to return the patient.

(10)

In order to enter into a co-management agreement with an optometrist, there must be an agreement between the two professionals that, following each visit, information about the patient examined will be forwarded to the other practitioner.

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 April 10, 2000.

TRD-200002552

Bruce A. Levy, M.D., J.D.

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 21, 2000

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


Part 23. TEXAS REAL ESTATE COMMISSION

Chapter 535. PROVISIONS OF THE REAL ESTATE LICENSE ACT

Subchapter I. LICENSES

22 TAC §§535.91, 535.92, 535.94, 535.95

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) proposes amendments to §535.91, concerning renewal applications, §535.92, concerning satisfaction of mandatory continuing education requirements (MCE), §535.94, concerning hearings on application disapprovals and §535.95, concerning miscellaneous license renewal provisions. The amendments are proposed in connection with TREC's on-going rule review process and generally are intended to shorten TREC rules by removing unnecessary sections and to make the rules easier to read and to use. A revised renewal application form also would be adopted by reference.

The amendment to §535.91 rewrites the section for clarity. To enable TREC to communicate more effectively with inactive real estate licensees, the amendment also would require inactive licensees to provide a permanent mailing address, rather than a residence address at the time of becoming inactive. In the event a licensee fails to provide the address, the last known business address of the licensee would be presumed to be the permanent mailing address for the licensee. The amendment also would specify that licensees must provide information requested by the commission in connection with a renewal within 30 days after receiving a request for the information. The renewal application form would be revised for entry of the licensee's permanent mailing address, and space would be added to permit licensees to furnish daytime telephone numbers or e-mail addresses on an optional basis to permit the TREC staff to communicate with them more readily.

The amendment to §535.92 would rewrite the section for brevity and add a provision under which licensees could choose to renew their licensees using the TREC Internet web site. If a course is taken to satisfy the continuing education requirements of another state, the amendment would permit the course to be used to satisfy MCE requirements in Texas only if the licensee holds an active license in the other state, the course is approved for real estate continuing education credit by the other state, and, if the course is offered by correspondence, the course was offered by an accredited college or university. These changes would ensure that the course was taken to satisfy real estate licensing requirements of the other state and make the requirements for acceptance of the out-of-state course consistent with the requirements for accepting a course offered in Texas. The amendment also would clarify that real estate inspection courses and core real estate courses at least 30 hours in length are acceptable to meet MCE requirements for renewal of a license.

The amendment to §535.94 would broaden the section to encompass persons seeking registration as an easement or right-of-way agent and would add a reference to the Administrative Procedure Act. Language also would be added to clarify that renewal of a probationary license may be subject to satisfaction of educational requirements.

The amendment to §535.95 would extend the application of the section to include easement or right-of-way agents registered with TREC, widen the scope of the military duty exception to defer any education that would have been required for timely renewal of the serviceperson's license and provide a reference to the Administrative Procedure Act.

Mark A. Moseley, General Counsel, has determined that for the first five-year period the sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for the state or for units of local government as a result of enforcing or administering the sections. There is no anticipated impact on small businesses, micro businesses or local or state employment as a result of implementing the sections.

Mr. Moseley also has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections as proposed are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be clarification of license renewal procedures and improved communications between licensees and TREC. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed sections.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mark A. Moseley, General Counsel, Texas Real Estate Commission, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas, 78711-2188.

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

The statute which is affected by this proposal is Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a.

§535.91.Renewal Applications.

(a)

Each real estate license expires on the date shown on the face of the license certificate issued to the licensee. The licensee has the responsibility to apply for renewal of a license by making proper application , paying the fee set by the commission and completing [ and to complete ] mandatory continuing education (MCE) courses within the time periods required by the Act [ the Real Estate License Act (the Act) ], §7A. The commission shall mail a renewal application form to the licensee's last known business address or, if the licensee is in an inactive status [ permitted by the Act ], to the licensee's last known permanent mailing [ residence ] address as shown in the commission's computerized records. An inactive licensee shall furnish a permanent mailing address at the time the licensee becomes inactive and report all subsequent address changes within 10 days after a change of address. If a licensee fails to provide a permanent mailing address at the time the licensee's license status becomes inactive, the last known business address for the licensee will be deemed to be the licensee's permanent mailing address. Applications must be made on the current renewal application form approved by the commission accompanied by the required fee. Failure to receive a license renewal application form does not relieve a licensee of the obligation to obtain the appropriate form and to apply for renewal of a license [ to maintain licensure ]. A licensee shall provide information requested by the commission in connection with an application to renew a license within 30 days after the commission requests the information. Failure to provide information requested by the commission in connection with a renewal application within the required time is grounds for disciplinary action under the Act, §15B(b).

(b)

The Texas Real Estate Commission adopts by reference Renewal Application Form 1-3 [ 1-2 ], approved by the commission in 2000 [ 1996 ]. This form is published by and available from the Texas Real Estate Commission, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas 78711-2188.

§535.92.Renewal: Time for Filing; Satisfaction of Mandatory Continuing Education Requirements.

(a)

A renewal application is timely filed if it is received by the commission or postmarked [ An application for renewal showing a postmark ] on or before the expiration date of the license [ is acceptable ]. If the license expires on a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which the headquarters office of the commission is not open for business, the renewal application is timely filed if the application is received or postmarked no later than the first business day after the expiration date of the license.

[(b)

When the last day of the renewal period falls on a nonbusiness day, renewal applications may be accepted if received or postmarked no later than the first business day following the last day of the renewal period. Nonbusiness days are Saturday, Sunday and state holidays designated in the General Appropriations Act or by other law.]

[(c)

Each real estate license expires on the date shown on the face of the license certificate issued to the licensee. The commission shall issue a license valid until the date designated; provided, however, the commission shall not issue a license valid more than 24 months.]

[(d)

An inactive broker or inactive salesperson may renew a license by complying with the renewal procedures established by the commission. An inactive licensee shall furnish a residence address at the time the licensee becomes inactive and report all subsequent address changes.]

[(e)

The commission shall establish a time period for each licensee to renew a license which shall end with the expiration date of the license involved.]

(b)

[ (f) Each licensee shall, as a condition of maintaining a license, pay the renewal fee no later than the day the current license expires. A licensee who fails timely to pay a renewal fee must apply for and receive a new active license in order to act as a real estate broker or salesperson. ] If an [ the ] application is filed within one year after the expiration of an existing license, the commission may issue the new license prior to completing the investigation of any complaint pending against the applicant or of any matter revealed by the application . The commission may thereafter [ without waiving the right to ] initiate an action to suspend or revoke the license after notice and hearing in accordance with Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a, (the Act) [ the Act ], §17.

(c)

[ (g) ] The commission shall advise each licensee of the time period for filing a renewal application and paying the renewal fee by mailing an appropriate notice to the licensee's last known business address, or if the licensee is in an inactive status [ salesperson ], to the licensee's last known permanent mailing [ residence ] address. The notice shall be mailed [ at least ] three months before expiration of the current license. If the licensee is subject to mandatory continuing education (MCE) requirements, the notice must also contain the number of MCE hours for which the licensee has been given credit and the number of additional MCE hours required for renewal of the license. The commission shall have no obligation to so notify an inactive licensee [ salesperson ] who has failed to furnish the commission with the person's [ salesperson's ] permanent mailing [ residence ] address or a corporation, limited liability company or partnership that has failed to designate an officer, manager or partner who meets the requirements of the Real Estate License Act (the Act). [ The commission may not renew a license issued to a corporation, limited liability company or partnership unless the corporation, limited liability company or partnership has designated an officer, manager or partner who meets the requirements of the Act, including satisfaction of MCE requirements. No person may act as designated officer, manager or partner if the person has failed to meet MCE requirements. For the purpose of this section, MCE requirements for the designated officer, manager or partner must be satisfied during the term of any individual broker license held by the officer, manager or partner. A designated partner who is not licensed individually as a broker on September 1, 1991, shall be considered to have been licensed as a broker on that date and must complete MCE required for a two-year license expiring on August 31, 1993, and for every two years thereafter in order to renew the license of the partnership. The commission shall assign a number to an unlicensed designated partner to use in lieu of an individual license number when completing MCE forms required by the commission. If the individual real estate broker license of a designated partner expires, the partnership may only renew its license if the designated partner has satisfied MCE requirements that would have been imposed if the license of the designated partner had not expired. ]

(d)

If the commission develops a system whereby licenses may be renewed electronically, a licensee also may renew an unexpired license by accessing the commission's Internet web site, entering the required information on the renewal application form, satisfying applicable education requirements and paying the appropriate fee in accordance with the instructions provided at the site by the commission.

(e)

The commission may not renew a license issued to a corporation, limited liability company or partnership unless the corporation, limited liability company or partnership has designated an officer, manager or partner who meets the requirements of the Act, including satisfaction of MCE requirements. No person may act as designated officer, manager or partner if the person has failed to meet MCE requirements. For the purpose of this section, MCE requirements for the designated officer, manager or partner must be satisfied during the term of any individual broker license held by the officer, manager or partner. A designated partner who is not licensed individually as a broker must complete MCE required for a two-year license within the term of the partnership's license in order to renew the license of the partnership. If the individual real estate broker license of a designated partner expires, the partnership may only renew its license if the designated partner has satisfied MCE requirements that would have been imposed if the license of the designated partner had not expired.

(f)

[ (h) ] Notwithstanding any provisions of the Act to the contrary, when a licensee in an active status files a timely application to renew a current license [ expiring on or after March 31, 1999, ] and has satisfied all requirements other than the completion of applicable MCE requirements, the commission shall renew the current license in an active status and notify the licensee in writing that if the licensee has not completed the required number of hours of MCE courses prior to the expiration date of the current license, the licensee must pay an additional fee of $200 and complete the required number of hours of MCE courses within 60 days after the effective date of the new license. For the purpose of this section, a renewed license is effective the day following the expiration of the current license. If the licensee does not complete the required number of hours of MCE courses prior to the expiration date of the current license, the licensee shall complete the required number of hours of MCE courses and pay the additional fee within 60 days after the effective date of the new license. MCE courses completed after expiration of the current license under this provision may not be applied to the following renewal of the license. Original applications and return to active status are subject to MCE requirements imposed by the Act.

(g)

[ (i) ] A real estate licensee may not receive MCE credit for a license renewal unless the licensee attends all of the MCE course. Credit will [ shall ] not be given for attendance of the same course more than once during the term of the current license or during the two-year period preceding the filing of an application for late renewal or return to active status. Each licensee attending all sessions of a course shall sign the course completion roster, MCE Form 8-3 and provide the information required for each licensee on the form. A false statement to the commission concerning attendance at an MCE course will be deemed a violation of the Act, §15(a)(2) and of this section.

(h)

[ (j) ] A course taken by a Texas licensee to satisfy continuing education requirements of another state may be approved on an individual basis for MCE credit in this state upon the commission's determination that:

(1)

the Texas licensee held an active real estate license [ was licensed ] in the other state at the time the course was taken;

(2)

the course was approved for continuing education credit for a real estate license by the other state and if a correspondence course, was offered by an accredited college or university ;

(3)

the Texas licensee's successful completion of the course has been evidenced by a course completion certificate, a letter from the provider , or such other proof as is satisfactory to the commission;

(4)

the subject matter of the course was predominately devoted to a subject acceptable for MCE credit in this state; and

(5)

the Texas licensee has filed MCE Form 10-0, MCE Out of State Course Credit Request, with the commission.

(i)

[ (k) ] To request MCE credit for real estate related courses approved by the State Bar of Texas for minimum continuing legal education participatory credit, a [ A ] licensee shall either file MCE Form 12-1, Individual MCE Credit Request for State Bar Course or sign MCE Form 12A-0, Provider MCE Credit Request for State Bar Course, which may be filed by the course provider with the commission [ to request MCE credit for real estate related courses approved by the State Bar of Texas for minimum continuing education participatory credit ].

(j)

Real estate licensees may receive MCE credit for core real estate courses or core real estate inspection courses that have been approved by TREC or that are accepted by TREC for satisfying educational requirements for obtaining or renewing a license. Core real estate courses must be at least 30 classroom hours in length to be accepted for MCE credit.

§535.94.Hearing on Application Disapproval. Probationary Licenses.

(a)

For the purposes of Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a, (the Act), §10 [ this section ], " declines or fails to register or license an applicant " means to disapprove an applicant for a real estate license [ application ] for failure to comply with the requirement of the Act [ Texas Real Estate License Act ], §6(b) , to satisfy the commission as to the applicant's honesty, trustworthiness , and integrity , or, if the applicant seeks registration as an easement or right-of-way agent, to disapprove an application for registration under §535.400 of this title (relating to Registration of Easement or Right-of-Way Agents.

(b)

(No change.)

(c)

The commission or an employee of the commission authorized to render final decisions in contested cases may, after notice and hearing as provided in §533.17 of this title (relating to Contested Case: Notice of Hearing) and the Administrative Procedure Act, Texas Government Code, §§2001.001, et seq , reprimand a probationary licensee or suspend or revoke a probationary license if the probationary licensee fails to comply with a term or condition of the probationary license.

(d)

Unless the order granting a probationary license specifies otherwise, a probationary licensee may renew the license after the probationary period by filing a renewal application , satisfying applicable education requirements and paying the prescribed renewal fee.

§535.95.Miscellaneous Provisions Concerning License or Registration Renewals.

(a)

As used in this section, the term "license" includes a registration issued by the commission, and the term "licensee" includes registrants.

(b)

[ (a) ] A licensee on active duty in the United States armed forces serving outside the State of Texas may renew an expired license without being subject to any increase in fee, any education or experience requirements , or examination if the licensee:

(1)

provides a copy of official orders or other official documentation acceptable to the commission showing that the licensee was on active duty outside the state during the licensee's last renewal period;

(2)

applies for the renewal within 90 days after the licensee's active duty ends; and

(3)

pays the renewal application fee in effect when the previous license expired.

(c)

[ (b) ] Education [ Salesperson annual education (SAE) ] requirements that would have been imposed for a timely renewal shall be deferred under this section to the next renewal of the license.

(d)

[ (c) ] Renewals of licenses issued by the commission are subject to the policies established by the Texas Education Code, §57.491. Before the commission declines to renew a license due to a default on a loan guaranteed by Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation (TGSLC), a default on a repayment agreement with TGSLC or a failure to enter a repayment agreement with TGSLC, the commission shall give notice and provide an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, Texas Government Code, §§2001.001, et seq [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6252-13a, §18 ]. The commission shall advise licensees in renewal notices and license application forms that default on a loan guaranteed by the TGSLC may prevent a subsequent renewal of a license.

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 April 6, 2000.

TRD-200002453

Mark A. Moseley

General Counsel

Texas Real Estate Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 21, 2000

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


22 TAC §535.93

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Texas Real Estate Commission or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) proposes the repeal of §535.93, concerning possession of a license as a prerequisite to acting as a real estate agent. Repeal of the section is proposed in connection with TREC's on-going rule review process. Section 535.93 merely restates a statutory prohibition against a license applicant's acting as a real estate agent prior to receiving a license issued by TREC.

Mark A. Moseley, General Counsel, has determined that for the first five-year period the repeal is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for the state or for units of local government as a result of enforcing or administering the repeal. There is no anticipated impact on small businesses, micro businesses or local or state employment as a result of implementing the repeal.

Mr. Moseley also has determined that for each year of the first five years the repeal as proposed is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the repeal will be the elimination of unnecessary rules. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed repeal.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mark A. Moseley, General Counsel, Texas Real Estate Commission, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas, 78711-2188.

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

The statute which is affected by this proposal is Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a.

§535.93.Licensing: Possession of a License as Prerequisite.

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 April 4, 2000.

TRD-200002415

Mark A. Moseley

General Counsel

Texas Real Estate Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 21, 2000

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


Subchapter J. FEES

22 TAC §535.101

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) proposes an amendment to §535.101, concerning fees. The amendment is proposed in connection with TREC's on-going review of its rules. The amendment is intended to make the section consistent with existing practice and to eliminate unnecessary provisions regarding payment of fees by schools accredited by TREC.

The amendment would rewrite the section for clarity. Fees are ordinarily due when a licensee or registrant files an application with TREC, and the section establishes a procedure for responding to a filing which is not accompanied by a required fee. TREC no longer charges a separate fee for a change of address or name reported in connection with a renewal of a license or registration, however, since the renewal of a license necessarily involves the name and address of the licensee. The section would be revised to be consistent with the current practice. The amendment also would delete as redundant the section's provisions relating to the filings for which fees are or are not charged. Fees which may be charged to accredited schools by TREC are specifically addressed by Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a, and it is not necessary to address them in the section. A provision also would be added to clarify TREC's authority to confirm a licensee's change of name by requesting written proof from the licensee.

Mark A. Moseley, General Counsel, has determined that for the first five-year period the section as proposed is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for the state or for units of local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section. There is no anticipated impact on small businesses, micro businesses or local or state employment as a result of implementing the section.

Mr. Moseley also 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 will be an elimination of unnecessary provisions in TREC's rules. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed section.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mark A. Moseley, General Counsel, Texas Real Estate Commission, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas, 78711-2188.

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

The statute which is affected by this proposal is Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a.

§535.101.Fees.

(a)

Fees for the issuance of a license due to a change of address, additional place of business or change of sponsoring broker are due [ The obligation for payment of fees for the issuance of licenses reflecting a change or addition of place of business or change of sponsoring broker accrues ] when requests for such licenses are received. A change of address or name submitted with an application to renew a license, however, does not require payment of a fee in addition to the fee for renewing the license.If the commission receives a request for issuance of a license certificate which requires payment of a fee, and the appropriate fee was not filed with the request, the commission shall return the request and notify the person filing the request that the person must pay the fee before the certificate will be issued. The commission may require written proof of a licensee's right to use a different name prior to issuing a license certificate reflecting a change of name. As used in this section, the term "license" includes a certificate of registration. [ Requests for the application for return to active status and appropriate fee have been mailed to or delivered to the commission. A broker o changes or additions made during the annual renewal period will require the payment of the prescribed fee(s) in addition to the appropriate renewal fee. ]

[(b)

Any request requiring the payment of a fee as set out in this section which is not accompanied by payment in full of such fee shall be returned to the person making such request. No other action will be taken on such requests until returned with the proper fee.]

(b)

[ (c) ] The commission shall charge and collect the following fees:

(1)

a fee of $75 for the filing of an original application for a real estate broker license;

(2)

a fee of $30 for annual renewal of a real estate broker license;

(3)

a fee of $50 for the filing of an original application for a real estate salesperson license;

(4)

a fee of $30 for annual renewal of a real estate salesperson license;

(5)

a fee of $35 for an application for a license examination;

(6)

a fee of $20 for filing a request for a license for each additional office or place of business;

(7)

a fee of $20 for filing a request for a license for a change of place of business change of name, return to active status or change of sponsoring broker;

(8)

a fee of $20 for filing a request to replace a license lost or destroyed;

(9)

a fee of $400 for filing an application for accreditation [ approval ] of an education program under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a (the Act), §7(f);

(10)

a fee of $200 a year for operation of a real estate education program under the Act, §7(f);

(11)

a fee of $15 for transcript evaluation;

(12)

a fee of $10 for preparing a license history; and

(13)

a fee of $25 for the filing of an appllication for a moral characte determination.

[(d)

The fee specified in §11(a)(9) is for an original application for accreditation of an educational program or courses of study. After a school receives original accreditation, it may apply for approval of additional courses of study without paying an additional fee.]

[(e)

The fee specified in §11(a)(10) is for each year of operation of an educational program or in which a course or courses of study are offered. Such fee will not be charged for offering a commission-approved course at more than one location.]

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 April 4, 2000.

TRD-200002419

Mark A. Moseley

General Counsel

Texas Real Estate Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 21, 2000

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


Subchapter K. PLACE OF BUSINESS

22 TAC §535.111

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Texas Real Estate Commission or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) proposes the repeal of §535.111, concerning use of a residence as a real estate broker's office. Repeal of the section is proposed in connection with TREC's on-going rule review process. The language in §535.111 relating to use of the residence as an office is unnecessary, because the law does not prohibit a broker from using a residence as an office. The language regarding the address shown on the broker's license duplicates provisions elsewhere in TREC's rules and can be eliminated.

Mark A. Moseley, General Counsel, has determined that for the first five-year period the repeal is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for the state or for units of local government as a result of enforcing or administering the repeal. There is no anticipated impact on small businesses, micro businesses or local or state employment as a result of implementing the repeal.

Mr. Moseley also has determined that for each year of the first five years the repeal as proposed is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the repeal will be the elimination of unnecessary rules. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed repeal.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mark A. Moseley, General Counsel, Texas Real Estate Commission, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas, 78711-2188.

The repeal is proposed under Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a, §5(h), which authorize the Texas Real Estate Commission to make and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for the performance of its duties. The statute which is affected by this proposal is Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a.

§535.111.Residence.

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 April 4, 2000.

TRD-200002416

Mark A. Moseley

General Counsel

Texas Real Estate Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 21, 2000

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


22 TAC §535.112, §535.113

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) proposes amendments to §535.112, concerning branch office licenses and to §535.113, concerning display of licenses. The amendments are proposed in connection with TREC's on-going review of its rules.

The amendment to §535.112 rewrites the section for clarity and deletes unnecessary provisions which either restate the law or duplicate other sections. The amendment to §535.113 rewrites the section to make it clearer that the license of a salesperson may be displayed either in the sponsoring broker's main office or in one of the broker's branch offices. Adoption of these amendments would continue the process of shortening TREC's rules and making them easier to use.

Mark A. Moseley, General Counsel, has determined that for the first five-year period the sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for the state or for units of local government as a result of enforcing or administering the sections. There is no anticipated impact on small businesses, micro businesses or local or state employment as a result of implementing the sections.

Mr. Moseley also has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections as proposed are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be a reduction in the number of rules governing TREC's licensees. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed sections.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mark A. Moseley, General Counsel, Texas Real Estate Commission, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas, 78711-2188.

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

The statute which is affected by this proposal is Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a.

§535.112.Branch Office.

[(a)

A branch office license is required when the public would reasonably construe that the broker has an office at a location other than the location of the broker's main office address.]

[ (b) ]

A broker shall apply for a branch office license if the [ A branch office license must be applied for and obtained if a ] broker maintains more than one place of business. A "place of business" means a place where the licensee meets with clients and customers to transact business. A license is required for each branch office maintained by the broker, and the license certificate for each branch office must display the address at which the broker's office is located. [ Even though an office is used only by salespersons, it remains the broker's office as the broker is responsible for all business activities conducted from it. ]

[(c)

A branch office license is not required for a licensee selling property under exemption of the Real Estate License Act (Act), §3(6).]

[(d)

A licensed broker may have as many offices and use as many assumed business names as the broker desires, provided branch office licenses are obtained and the assumed names are filed with the commission.]

[(e)

A broker's branch office license shall reflect the address at which the broker's branch office is actually located, provided, however, that a post office box number in the same city may also be shown on the license.]

§535.113.Display of Licenses.

If a broker maintains more than one office, the broker shall display the license of any salesperson sponsored by the broker either in the broker's main office or in one of the broker's branch offices [ it is sufficient for the broker to display a salesperson's license in only one of the offices ].

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 April 4, 2000.

TRD-200002417

Mark A. Moseley

General Counsel

Texas Real Estate Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 21, 2000

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


Subchapter L. TERMINATION OF SALESPERSON'S ASSOCIATION WITH SPONSORING BROKER

22 TAC §535.121, §535.122

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) proposes amendments to §535.121, concerning inactive licenses and to §535.122, concerning reactivation of a license. The amendments are proposed in connection with TREC's on-going review of its rules. The amendment to §535.121 rewrites the section for clarity and removes unnecessary provisions. The amendment also lists additional events which may cause a license to become inactive and clarifies that if the licensee is a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, the entity's license will become inactive if the license of the broker authorized to act for the entity becomes inactive. This change would make the section consistent with the law and the agency's actual practice. The amendment to §535.121 also would clarify that sponsoring brokers are no longer responsible for the conduct of a salesperson when the salesperson's license certificate or sponsorship request from a new broker is received by TREC, whichever is first to occur, which is the actual practice of the agency. The amendment to §535.122 would clarify that documentation of completion of mandatory continuing education (MCE) requirements must be received by TREC before an inactive license is returned to active status. The amendment also would remove language which is no longer operative due to the passage of time.

Mark A. Moseley, General Counsel, has determined that for the first five-year period the sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for the state or for units of local government as a result of enforcing or administering the sections. There is no anticipated impact on small businesses, micro businesses or local or state employment as a result of implementing the sections.

Mr. Moseley also has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections as proposed are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be ensuring that the agency's rules reflect its current practices. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed sections.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mark A. Moseley, General Counsel, Texas Real Estate Commission, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas, 78711-2188.

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

The statute which is affected by this proposal is Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6573a.

§535.121.Inactive License.

(a)

The license of a salesperson immediately becomes inactive upon each of the following circumstances:

(1)

the death of the salesperson's sponsoring broker;

(2)

the expiration, suspension, revocation or inactivation of the license of the sponsoring broker;

(3)

if the sponsoring broker is a corporation, the dissolution of the corporation or the forfeiture of its charter, which also places the license of the entity on inactive status; or

(4)

if the sponsoring broker is a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, the expiration, suspension, revocation or inactivation of the license of the person designated as broker, manager, or partner on the license certificate of the entity, which also places the license of the entity on inactive status.

[(a)

If an application for renewal of a license has not been timely filed, an original application for a license must be filed and approved by the commission for the applicant to regain licensure.]

[(b)

Death of a sponsoring broker places the salesperson's license on inactive status, and the salesperson is not authorized to act as a salesperson until the salesperson becomes sponsored by another broker.]

(b)

[ (c) ] When the sponsorship of a salesperson ends, the broker shall immediately return the salesperson's license certificate to the commission. The commission will no longer consider the broker to sponsor the salesperson upon receipt of the license certificate or upon receipt of a written request from a new sponsoring broker to sponsor the salesperson, whichever first occurs. If the sponsorship has ended because the broker has terminated the sponsorship, the broker shall immediately so notify the salesperson [ salesman ] in writing. If the sponsorship has ended because the salesperson has left the sponsorship, the salesperson shall immediately so notify the broker in writing. If the commission receives a request from a broker to sponsor a salesperson shown in the commission's records as sponsored by another broker, the commission shall notify the former broker of the change in sponsorship and request the former broker to return the license certificate to the commission.

[(d)

This agency is not authorized to enforce agreements between brokers and salespersons concerning obligations incident to their working relationships.]

§535.122.Reactivation of License.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

When a salesperson whose license status is inactive enters the sponsorship of a broker and the salesperson is subject to mandatory continuing education (MCE) requirements, the salesperson is not returned to active status until MCE requirements are satisfied and the commission has received documentation of course completion in a form satisfactory to the commission . A salesperson [ whose license from an original application was effective prior to August 31, 1991, or whose license was issued from a renewal of a license expiring prior to November 30, 1991, or ] whose original application or renewal application was subject to educational requirements imposed by the Real Estate License Act (Act) §7, is not subject to MCE requirements as a condition of returning to active status during the term of the license issued from the original application or renewal application. [ The commission may not issue a license reflecting the sponsorship or otherwise confirm that the salesperson is authorized to act as a real estate agent until the commission has received documentation of satisfaction of any required MCE courses in a form acceptable to the commission and all other requirements have been met to return the salesperson's license to active status. For the purposes of this section, the commission may accept as documentation a course completion certificate or letter from an approved MCE provider or such other proof as is satisfactory to the commission. ]

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 April 4, 2000.

TRD-200002418

Mark A. Moseley

General Counsel

Texas Real Estate Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 21, 2000

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