TITLE 25.HEALTH SERVICES

Part 4. ANATOMICAL BOARD OF THE STATE OF TEXAS

Chapter 471. OFFICERS

25 TAC §§471.1, 471.3, 471.4

The Anatomical Board of the State of Texas (board) proposes amendments to §§471.1, 471.3, 471.4, concerning officers. The proposed amendments refer to the officers using gender neutral titles, clarify that the secretary-treasurer is responsible for calling and scheduling annual meetings, combine the secretary-treasurer's duties, and clarify that officers are eligible for re-election without restrictions. These amendments are proposed in response to the board's initial review of its rules as required by Texas Government Code, §2001.039 which requires agencies to review their rules every four years.

Dr. Andrew F. Payer, Ph.D., the board's Secretary-Treasurer, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendments are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amended sections.

Dr. Payer also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended sections are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing them will be a recognition that the board's officers may be male or female, a recognition that the secretary-treasurer performs both office's duties simultaneously, and a recognition that officers are eligible for reelection without term limitations. There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted by mail to Andrew F. Payer, Ph.D., Secretary-Treasurer, Anatomical Board of the State of Texas; University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas 77555-0846 or by email to afpayer@utmb.edu for a period of 45 days from the date of publication of this notice.

The amendments are proposed under Health and Safety Code, §691.007, which authorizes the board to adopt rules for its administration.

The following section of the Health and Safety Code is affected by the proposed amendments: §691.007.

Chair [ Chairman ] of the Board.

(a)

Term of office. The chair [ chairman ] shall be elected from among the members of the board at the annual meeting in odd-numbered years for a term of two years.

(b)

Duties. The chair [ chairman ] of the board shall be the chief executive officer of the board and [ , call its meetings, ] preside over all meetings of the board and of its executive committee. The chair [ He ] shall represent the board before legislative bodies, official boards, and in the business of the board concerning public relations. Expenditures other than those related to the ordinary conduct of the business of the board shall require the approval of the chair [ chairman ].

(c)

Vacancy. In the event that the chairmanship is vacated, the vice chair [ chairman ] shall succeed to that office for the remainder of the unexpired term, and if required, a new vice chair [ chairman ] will be elected by mail ballot to fill the unexpired term.

§471.3.Secretary-Treasurer of the Board.

(a)

Term of office. The secretary-treasurer shall be elected from among the members of the board at the annual meeting in odd numbered years for a term of two years.

(b)

Duties [ as secretary ]. The secretary-treasurer [ As secretary, he ] shall

(1)

keep minutes of all meetings of the board and a record of other actions of the board and of its executive committee ; [ . He shall ]

(2)

give notice of meetings and conduct the correspondence of the board ; [ . He shall ]

(3)

prepare annually a report of the number of cadavers procured and used and of the number of students in courses in anatomy that required use of cadavers ; [ . He shall perform such other duties as may be directed by statute, the board or its executive committee. ]

[ (c)

Duties as executive secretary. As executive secretary, he shall ]

(4)

conduct all routine business of the board that does not require formal action of the board or of its executive committee ; [ . ]

[ (d)

Duties as treasurer. As treasurer, he shall ]

(5)

receive and disburse all monies belonging to the board ; [ . The treasurer shall ]

(6)

maintain both a checking and a savings account in an insured bank in the name of the Anatomical Board of the State of Texas ; [ . Withdrawals of monies committed to savings shall only be withdrawn ]

(7)

withdraw monies from savings only with the approval of the board as attested by the signature of the chair [ chairman ] ; [ . The treasurer shall ]

(8)

prepare an annual financial report and send copies to all members of the board ; [ . He shall ] and perform such other duties as may be directed by the board or its executive committee.

(c)

[ (e) ] Bonding and audit. The secretary-treasurer [ As treasurer, he ] shall be bonded as an individual in an amount not less than $10,000, costs of said bond to be paid by the board. If so directed by the board or its executive committee, the accounts of the board shall be audited by an expert accountant employed by the board.

(d)

[ (f) ] Vacancy. In the event that the office of secretary-treasurer is vacated, the executive committee shall appoint an individual to perform the duties of the secretary-treasurer for the remainder of the unexpired term.

§471.4.Eligibility for Re-Election.

Officers of the board are eligible for re-election to the office without limitations [ other than as provided by Texas Civil Statutes Article 4583 ].

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 3, 2000.

TRD-200004605

Dr. Andrew F. Payer, Ph.D.

Board's Secretary-Treasurer

Anatomical Board of the State of Texas

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 13, 2000

For further information, please call: (409) 772-1166


Chapter 473. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

25 TAC §473.1

The Anatomical Board of the State of Texas (board) proposes an amendment to §473.1, concerning the executive committee. The proposed amendment refers to the officers using gender neutral titles. The amendment is proposed in response to the board's initial review of its rules as required by Texas Government Code, §2001.039 which requires agencies to review their rules every four years.

Dr. Andrew F. Payer, Ph.D., the board's Secretary-Treasurer, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amended section.

Dr. Payer also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended section is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing it will be a recognition that the board's officers may be male or female. There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the amended section as proposed.

Comments on the proposed amendment may be submitted by mail to Andrew F. Payer, Ph.D., Secretary-Treasurer, Anatomical Board of the State of Texas; University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas 77555-0846 or by email to afpayer@utmb.edu for a period of 45 days from the date of publication of this notice.

The amendment is proposed under Health and Safety Code, §691.007, which authorizes the board to adopt rules for its administration.

The following section of the Health and Safety Code is affected by the proposed amendment: §691.007.

§473.1.Executive Committee.

The executive committee shall be composed of the chair [ Chairman ], the vice chair [ chairman ], and the[ , ] secretary-treasurer. It shall be authorized to transact all necessary business of the board between meetings. Actions taken by the executive committee shall be reported to the full board at its next meeting.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 3, 2000.

TRD-200004606

Dr. Andrew F. Payer, Ph.D.

Board's Secretary-Treasurer

Anatomical Board of the State of Texas

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 13, 2000

For further information, please call: (409) 772-1166


Chapter 475. MEETINGS

25 TAC §§475.1 - 475.3, 475.5

The Anatomical Board of the State of Texas (board) proposes amendments to §§475.1-475.3 and 475.5, concerning meetings. The proposed amendments clarify that the secretary-treasurer is responsible for calling the annual meetings, delete references to "executive secretary" and substitute the term "secretary-treasurer," and require all special meetings of the board or executive committee to be held in accordance with the Open Meetings Act. These amendments are proposed in response to the board's initial review of its rules as required by Texas Government Code, §2001.039 which requires agencies to review their rules every four years.

Dr. Andrew F. Payer, Ph.D., the board's Secretary-Treasurer, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendments are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amended sections.

Dr. Payer also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended sections are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing them will be greater certainty in placing responsibility in a single person for calling annual meetings of the board, and a recognition of the public's right of access to the meetings of the board and executive committee. There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted by mail to Andrew F. Payer, Ph.D., Secretary-Treasurer, Anatomical Board of the State of Texas; University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas 77555-0846 or by email to afpayer@utmb.edu for a period of 45 days from the date of publication of this notice.

The amendments are proposed under Health and Safety Code, §691.007, which authorizes the board to adopt rules for its administration.

The following section of the Health and Safety Code is affected by the proposed amendments: §691.007.

§475.1.Annual Meeting.

An annual meeting shall be held at least once each year, normally in the spring, at a place and a time designated by the secretary-treasurer [ executive secretary ] as best suited to the convenience of the board. Thirty days written notice of the meeting shall be given to all members by the secretary-treasurer [ executive secretary ].

§475.2.Special Meetings.

Special meetings may be called from time to time by the chair [ chairman ], the secretary-treasurer [ executive secretary ], the executive committee, or upon written request of representatives of four member institutions. In such situations, the secretary-treasurer [ executive secretary ] shall set a time and a place for such a special meeting and shall give each member of the board 10 days written notice. Special meetings may be held by [ mail ballot or ] conference call[ . ] , if authorized by the Open Meetings Act.

§475.3.Meetings of the Executive Committee.

The executive committee shall meet from time to time at the pleasure of the chair [ chairman ] or the secretary-treasurer [ executive secretary ]. Such meetings may be held by conference call[ . ] , if authorized by the Open Meetings Act.

§475.5.Reimbursement for Travel to Meetings.

The secretary- treasurer is authorized to reimburse members of the board for expenses incurred by a member in attending any meeting of the board or of its committees. Requests for reimbursement shall conform in format and amounts claimed to similar requests of the parent institution of the member.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 3, 2000.

TRD-200004607

Dr. Andrew F. Payer, Ph.D.

Board's Secretary-Treasurer

Anatomical Board of the State of Texas

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 13, 2000

For further information, please call: (409) 772-1166


Chapter 477. DISTRIBUTION OF BODIES

25 TAC §§477.1, 477.4 - 477.8

The Anatomical Board of the State of Texas (board) proposes amendments to §§477.1 and 477.4-477.8, concerning distribution of bodies. The proposed amendments recognize the codification of the board's enabling legislation in the Health and Safety Code, clarify who is authorized to transport cadavers, correct a typographical error and use the correct title in references to the secretary-treasurer. These amendments are proposed in response to the board's initial review of its rules as required by Texas Government Code, §2001.039 which requires agencies to review their rules every four years.

Dr. Andrew F. Payer, Ph.D., the board's Secretary-Treasurer, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendments are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amended sections.

Dr. Payer also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended sections are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing them will be easier access to the board's enabling legislation and greater certainty in knowing who is authorized to transport cadavers. There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted by mail to Andrew F. Payer, Ph.D., Secretary-Treasurer, Anatomical Board of the State of Texas; University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas 77555-0846 or by email to afpayer@utmb.edu for a period of 45 days from the date of publication of this notice.

The amendments are proposed under Health and Safety Code, §691.007, which authorizes the board to adopt rules for its administration and under §691.031, which directs the board to adopt rules to ensure that all bodies received or distributed by the board are properly transported.

The following sections of the Health and Safety Code are affected by the proposed amendments: §691.007 and §691.031.

§477.1.Jurisdiction of the Board.

(a)

Anatomical donations. The board exercises jurisdiction over "anatomical donations," meaning a human body or part of a human body delivered to the Anatomical Board of the State of Texas under Health and Safety Code, Chapter 691 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4584 ], or donated under the Texas Anatomical Gift Act, Health and Safety Code, Chapter 692, and over individuals, corporations, associations, institutions, research organizations, or other legal entities authorized to receive anatomical donations under Chapters 691 or 692 [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4584 or the Texas Anatomical Gift Act ].

(b)

Exceptions. Neither parts of a human body used for transplantation or other medical therapy nor surgical specimens fall under the jurisdiction of the board. Skeletal material or other prepared specimens obtained from commercial sources do not fall under the jurisdiction of the board.

§477.4.Transportation of Bodies.

(a)

Transport of Bodies. The transfer and transport of cadavers from one institution to another, or for export from the state, shall be done in an appropriate, secured vehicle operated by a licensed funeral director, [ mortician or ] ambulance service , or by a public carrier authorized by the board [ an authorized institution. ]. Violations may result in revocation of authorization to receive and hold bodies.

(b)

Importation. Notification of the intent to import a body or bodies from outside of the State of Texas shall be given to the board in writing. Such bodies shall fall under the jurisdiction of the board upon entering the State of Texas, and all rules regulating such material shall apply.

(c)

Exportation. No body or body part under the jurisdiction of the board shall be shipped out of the State of Texas, unless special permission for such shipment has been granted by the board.

(1)

The Board may grant approval of exportation of a body or a body part provided:

(A)

a written request has been received from an institution that would be an approved institution were it located in Texas which describes the need for the body or body part, and describing the facilities available for holding the body or body part;

(B)

the body or body part has been declared in excess of the need of the holding institution by the identified individual of the holding institution, and in excess of the needs of other institutions in the State of Texas by the executive secretary of the board; and

(C)

the board has found that the proposed receiving state has a reciprocal policy concerning such matters.

(2)

The executive secretary may issue the necessary transit documents when full payment of all costs and expenses, including an appropriate transfer fee related to an approved export of a body or body part, has been received.

(3)

If, in the opinion of the identified individual of the holding institution or the executive secretary, a site visit to the requesting institution is desirable or necessary, such a visit shall be made and a report made to the executive secretary before transit documents are issued. The expenses incurred by such a site visit shall be reimbursed by the potential receiving institution, and shall have been paid before transit documents are issued.

(d)

Proscription of local removal. Bodies, or parts thereof, shall not be removed or relocated from the designated premises of the institution or individual which have been authorized by this board to receive, hold, or dispose of bodies, or parts thereof, without the written permission of the identified individual. Violation of this proscription may be construed as "abuse of (a) corpse " [ ' ] (Texas Penal Code 42.10).

(e)

Violation of this rule. Should it appear that an organization, institution, or individual may be in violation of any section regarding the transportation of a body or a body part, the board shall proceed as required by §483.1 of this title (relating to Hearing Procedures).

§477.5.Transfer of Bodies.

(a)

Application for transfer. Institutions desiring the transfer of a body to their institution must make written request to the secretary -treasurer of the board. Reasons for the need for a body must be stated.

(b)

Approval of transfer. Approval to transfer bodies requires a majority vote of the full membership of the board. Although the law provides for private physicians to be authorized to receive bodies, it is the belief of the board that, in general, a physician should arrange to do anatomical work at a medical or dental school or at an authorized hospital.

(c)

Availability. While the secretary -treasurer of the board shall make diligent efforts to locate a source of bodies for transfer, final authorization for such transfer shall be dependent on the willingness of a member institution to provide the required body or bodies. Costs of the body and for transportation shall be borne by the institution receiving the transferred body.

(d)

Disposal of transferred bodies. Unless other suitable arrangements have been made and approved [ approval ] by the board in advance, transferred bodies on which dissection has been completed shall be returned to the institution originally providing the body for final disposition.

§477.6.Assessment Fees.

(a)

Fees for bodies received directly or by transfer. An assessment, the amount of which shall be set from time to time by the board, shall be levied on each institution, organization, or individual for each body received either directly or by transfer. This assessment shall be remitted to the secretary- treasurer.

(1)

A body received by one member institution for and in the name of a second member institution, solely for the purpose of embalming and temporary holding, shall be considered as received directly by the second member institution, and the SAB form shall so reflect. The assessment fee shall be paid only by the second institution.

(2)

A body, other than one received as described in paragraph (1) of this subsection, which shall later be transferred from the receiving institution to another institution, is a body received by transfer by the second institution, and the SAB form shall so reflect. A transfer assessment fee shall be paid by the second institution.

(3)

A body, other than one received as described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, is a body received directly, and the SAB form shall so reflect. The assessment fee shall be paid by the receiving institution.

(4)

A body that is removed from the receiving institution to a second institution but which at all times remains totally under the control and supervision of the original receiving institution shall not be considered as a transferred body. No new SAB form or transfer assessment fee is required.

(b)

Penalty for failure to remit fees. The authority to receive and hold bodies shall be forfeited upon failure to transmit such assessments. Forfeiture shall be automatic after the determination by the secretary- treasurer that no assessment fee has been received within 30 days after final warning to the delinquent organization, institution, or individual. No appeal to the board of this automatic forfeiture may be made. Fees may be paid under protest and then contested by a hearing (see §483.1 of this title (relating to Hearing Procedures)).

(c)

Use of fees collected. Assessments received by the secretary- treasurer shall be used to meet the actual expenses of the board as allowed by law and authorized by the board or the executive committee.

§477.7.Report Forms.

(a)

SAB form. Each body received, directly or by transfer, shall be identified and reported on a SAB form prescribed by the board. Copy A shall be filed with the secretary of the board. Copy B shall be retained by the receiving institution. Copy C shall be signed by the receiving institution and returned to the appropriate agent of the board. Copy D shall be retained as a temporary record by the appropriate agent of the board. The SAB registration number shall be the same as that of the SAB tag affixed to the body. In the case of transferred bodies, the SAB registration number shall be prefixed with the letters "TR."

(b)

Yearly cadaver procurement and use report. Each institution which has received, directly or by transfer, and/or used a body during the prior year shall complete, sign, and file with the secretary -treasurer [ of the board ] the yearly cadaver procurement and use report prescribed by the board. This report shall be filed not later than December 31 of each year for the prior annual period September 1 through August 31.

(c)

Interim cadaver procurement and use report. Each institution which has received, directly or by transfer, and/or used a body during the first 1/2 of the year shall complete, sign, and file with the secretary -treasurer [ of the board ] the interim cadaver procurement and use report prescribed by the board. This report shall be filed promptly, and no later than the date of the annual meeting of the board, and shall cover the period from September 1 through March 31.

(d)

Obtaining forms. Copies of the SAB forms, yearly cadaver procurement and use report, and interim cadaver procurement and use report, may be obtained at the following address: Secretary-Treasurer, Anatomical Board of the State of Texas, [ by contacting Dr. Glenn V. Russell, executive secretary of the board, Department of Anatomy, ] University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555 [ 77550 ], and are available for public inspection at the office of the Secretary of State [ State's office ], Texas Register Division, 1019 Brazos Room 245 [ Sam Houston Building, Room 503E ], Austin, Texas 78711 .

§477.8.Forms for Recording of Willed and Donated Bodies.

(a)

Member institutions operating a willed body program, and institutions or individuals receiving donated bodies shall prepare suitable forms which record the intent to will or donate a body. A copy of such forms shall be deposited, as a sample, with the secretary -treasurer. [ of the board. ]

(b)

Forms for recording of all bodies involved in the willed body program (see chapter 481 of this title relating to Willed Body Program), and for recording the donation of a body under the Anatomical Gift Act , Health and Safety Code, Chapter 692 , [ (See Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4590-2) ] shall incorporate the following:

(1)

"Complaints or inquiries regarding a willed or donated body should be directed to the [ executive ] secretary -treasurer of the Anatomical Board of the State of Texas. The name and address of this individual may be obtained from the institution to which the body was delivered and is listed in the Texas State Telephone Directory. " [ ' ]

(2)

"I authorize the Anatomical Board of the state to transport the willed/donated body hereon described out of the State of Texas in the event that the holding institution and the [ executive ] secretary -treasurer of the board have determined that an excess of bodies currently exists in the State [ state ] of Texas. "

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 3, 2000.

TRD-200004608

Dr. Andrew F. Payer, Ph.D.

Board's Secretary-Treasurer

Anatomical Board of the State of Texas

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 13, 2000

For further information, please call: (409) 772-1166


Chapter 479. FACILITIES: STANDARDS AND INSPECTIONS

25 TAC §479.2, §479.5

The Anatomical Board of the State of Texas (board) proposes amendments to §479.2 and §479.5, concerning standards for and inspections of facilities. The proposed amendments substitute the term "secretary-treasurer" for "secretary," the term "chair" for "chairman" and provide that investigative findings will be held in confidence to the extent allowed by law. These amendments are proposed in response to the board's initial review of its rules as required by Texas Government Code, §2001.039 which requires agencies to review their rules every four years.

Dr. Andrew F. Payer, Ph.D., the board's Secretary-Treasurer, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendments are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amended sections.

Dr. Payer also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended sections are in effect there will be neither public benefit nor harm. The amendments are nonsubstantive. There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the rules as proposed.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted by mail to Andrew F. Payer, Ph.D., Secretary-Treasurer, Anatomical Board of the State of Texas; University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas 77555-0846 or by email to afpayer@utmb.edu for a period of 45 days from the date of publication of this notice.

The amendments are proposed under Health and Safety Code, §691.007, which authorizes the board to adopt rules for its administration and under §691.022, which directs the board to adopt rules to ensure that all bodies in the board's custody or in the custody of an institution represented on the board are treated with respect.

The following sections of the Health and Safety Code are affected by the proposed amendments: §691.007 and §691.022.

§479.2.Application and Inspection of Facilities.

(a)

Application. An institution applying for authorization to receive and hold bodies must apply in writing to the secretary -treasurer of the board. Such application must contain a short description of the facilities to be utilized and should suggest suitable dates for a site visit by designated members of the board. All authorized institutions planning significant alterations of their facilities should advise the board early in the process of changes proposed.

(b)

Inspection.

(1)

The inspection team.

(A)

New facilities. An inspection subcommittee of the board, composed of at least two members of the board, shall visit all new facilities, including any existing facilities that have undergone major renovation. Such inspections shall be made within 60 days of the receipt of a request for inspection.

(B)

Inspection. Approved facilities. All approved facilities shall be reinspected from time to time on a periodic basis not less than every five years by at least one member of the board from an institution other than the facility being inspected. Advance notice of such reinspections shall be given.

(C)

Facilities where deficiencies have been cited. All facilities which have been disapproved, or where a deficiency has been cited on inspection or reinspection, may be visited by a reinspection subcommittee composed of at least one member of the board from an institution other than the facility being reinspected. This reinspection, when deemed necessary, shall be made within 60 days of notice to the secretary -treasurer that the corrections have been accomplished. Advance notice of such reinspections shall be given.

(2)

Reports of inspection and reinspection.

(A)

Approved facilities. Where the inspection subcommittee finds no reason to deny approval of the inspected facilities, they so report in writing to the secretary -treasurer. [ of the board. ] Upon acceptance of the report by a majority of the board, the secretary -treasurer shall notify the institution concerned of such approval of its facilities and authorize it to receive and hold bodies.

(B)

Disapproved facilities.

(i)

Needed corrections cited in writing. When the inspection subcommittee notes deficiencies which require remedy before approval can be granted, they shall so report, in detail, in writing to the secretary -treasurer of the board, who shall notify the institution promptly of these deficiencies. It would be well if the inspection subcommittee discussed deficiencies found with the concerned institution personnel before departing from the site.

(ii)

Requirement for immediate action. When an institution is advised of deficiencies uncovered by an inspection subcommittee, it is obligated to effect immediate correction of the deficiency or deficiencies. Delay in effecting the required corrections will delay granting approval of new facilities and may threaten continued approval of existing facilities.

(iii)

Suspension of authorization. Unnecessary delay in making required correction(s) of deficiencies uncovered by inspection or reinspection may, by majority vote of the board, result in denial or withdrawal of approval of the facility and withholding or suspension of authorization to receive and hold bodies. Shall an organization, institution, or individual object to such determination by the board, it may request a hearing pursuant to §483.1 of this title (relating to Hearing Procedures).

(3)

Costs of inspection and reinspection. All costs attendant on the program of inspection and reinspection shall be borne by the board.

§479.5. Abuse of a Corpse.

(a)

Definition. Abuse of a corpse is defined in Texas Penal Code §42.10. In the code dissection in an authorized institution by authorized persons is specifically exempted from this provision. The board has determined:

(1)

dissection of human cadaveric materials in health science, and related, education and research, and activities found by the board to be related to dissection (see paragraph (2) of this subsection) are a special privilege and are legally authorized for members and students of the health, and related, professions for the purpose of the advancement of knowledge in these fields. Exercise of this authority is accompanied by solemn obligations to conduct all activities related to such dissection with respect and dignity. Authorized dissection shall take place under supervision of trained and qualified persons, and only in specified locations that have been approved by the board and which meet the standards set forth in §479.3 of this title (relating to Standards for Facilities) bodies, or parts of a body, shall not be removed from the specified locations without permission of the board or of an authorized representative of the board;

(2)

the following activities are integrally related to dissection:

(A)

procurement of bodies:

(i)

removal from the place of death, hospital, morgue, medical examiner's office, or mortuary; and transfer to a proper site for embalming;

(ii)

transfer to storage site or dissecting facility approved by the board;

(B)

distribution of bodies: removal from one storage site and transfer to another approved facility designated by the board;

(C)

handling of bodies:

(i)

embalming;

(ii)

placement in storage;

(iii)

removal from storage;

(iv)

placement on dissecting table in a facility designated approved by the board;

(D)

dissection: cutting or otherwise separating body components for the purpose of demonstrating or investigating structural relationships of tissues, organs, or systems.

(E)

use of bodies in biomedical research: removal of body parts or constituents and subjection thereof to further manipulation for the purpose of advancing scientific knowledge;

(F)

disposal of remains:

(i)

removal from the dissecting table;

(ii)

transfer to crematory or burial site;

(iii)

cremation or burial;

(iv)

final disposition of cremains.

(b)

Reporting of incidents. Whenever and wherever an individual(s) or institution(s) authorized by this board to receive, hold, or dispose of a body, or parts thereof, becomes aware of the possible abuse of a corpse, the following actions shall be taken.

(1)

Reporting. The [ executive ] secretary -treasurer [ of the board ] shall be promptly advised, in confidence, of the possible violation.

(2)

Investigation. A full and detailed confidential investigation of the possible violation shall be conducted.

(3)

Final report. A full and detailed confidential final report of the investigation shall be filed with the [ executive ] secretary -treasurer. [ of the board. ] This report shall include the allegations made, the facts found, the conclusions reached and the disciplinary action recommended, if any.

(c)

Committee of inquiry.

(1)

Composition of the committee. The committee of inquiry required by this section shall be appointed by the [ executive ] secretary -treasurer [ of the board ] after consultation with the executive committee of the board. The committee shall consist of a member of the board from an institution other than that concerned as chair [ chairman ], an individual to be named by the chief executive officer of the institution concerned, and a third member selected by the first two members and agreeable to both. Expenses of the chair [ chairman ] and the third member will be defrayed by the Anatomical Board of the State of Texas.

(2)

Duties of the committee. The committee of inquiry shall gather all of the acts relating to the possible violation of this section, hear all witnesses who have knowledge of the possible violation, conclude whether a violation has occurred or has not occurred, and file with the [ executive ] secretary -treasurer [ of the board ] a final report. If the committee finds that a violation has occurred, the committee shall further determine whether it is a violation of academic processes, of institutional discipline, and/or if it is possibly criminal in nature; and shall make recommendations to be forwarded to the chief executive officer of the institution concerned of the disciplinary action, including possible criminal prosecution, deemed appropriate based on the facts found and the conclusions reached. A copy of the final report shall be forwarded to the chief executive officer of the institution concerned, and shall be reported to the full board by the [ executive ] secretary -treasurer .

(3)

Confidentiality and due process. In that disciplinary actions beyond those of institutional academic processes and/or criminal prosecution may result from the hearings required by this section, it is essential that all individuals involved be accorded due process during any hearings, and that all actions taken under this section be held in confidence , to the extent allowed by law .

(4)

Duties of the chief executive officer of the institution concerned. In addition to the obligation of promptly appointing the second member of the committee of inquiry, the chief executive officer of the institution concerned is required to act on disciplinary recommendations contained in the final report within 15 days of receipt of the final report, unless within these 15 days the chief executive officer of the institution concerned shall fail to agree with the findings and recommendations, and shall so advise the [ executive ] secretary -treasurer [ of the board ] together with his reasons for disagreeing. Shall there be disagreement, the [ executive ] secretary -treasurer [ of the board ] shall promptly convene a meeting of the full board at the location of the institution concerned to review the final report and the recommendations contained therein, to hear the objections and recommendations of the chief executive officer of the institution concerned, and to render a judgment on the action that the full board propose that the chief executive officer of the institution concerned should take together with the reasons therefor. Failure of the chief executive officer of the institution concerned to take prompt action upon these recommendations may cause the Anatomical Board to invoke subsection (d) of this section.

(d)

Violation of this section. Any person having duties imposed upon him by this section, and who shall fail, refuse, or neglect to properly perform any such duty shall subject himself and/or the institution concerned with revocation of the authorization from this board to receive, hold, or dispose of human bodies, or parts thereof, said bodies or parts being under the control of this board, or to such lesser penalty as the full board shall determine.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 3, 2000.

TRD-200004609

Dr. Andrew F. Payer, Ph.D.

Board's Secretary-Treasurer

Anatomical Board of the State of Texas

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 13, 2000

For further information, please call: (409) 772-1166


Chapter 481. WILLED BODY PROGRAM

25 TAC §481.1

The Anatomical Board of the State of Texas (board) proposes an amendment to § 481.1, concerning the willed body program. The proposed amendment substitutes the term "secretary-treasurer" for "secretary" and corrects a typographical error by changing the word "will" to "willed". The amendment is proposed in response to the board's initial review of its rules as required by Texas Government Code, § 2001.039 which requires agencies to review their rules every four years.

Dr. Andrew F. Payer, Ph.D., the board's Secretary-Treasurer, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amended section.

Dr. Payer also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended section is in effect there will be neither public benefit nor harm. The amendment is nonsubstantive. 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 proposed amendment may be submitted by mail to Andrew F. Payer, Ph.D., Secretary-Treasurer, Anatomical Board of the State of Texas; University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas 77555-0846 or by email to afpayer@utmb.edu for a period of 45 days from the date of publication of this notice.

The amendment is proposed under Health and Safety Code, Chapter 692, which describes the procedures for making anatomical gifts.

The following sections of the Health and Safety Code are affected by the proposed amendment: §§692.001-692.016.

§481.1.Statement of the Program.

Each authorized institution or organization which avails itself of the options of conducting a willed body program should provide the secretary -treasurer of the board with a statement of its program. Those making application for authorization for the first time should include a statement of the provisional willed [ will ] body program in its application.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 3, 2000.

TRD-200004610

Dr. Andrew F. Payer, Ph.D.

Board's Secretary-Treasurer

Anatomical Board of the State of Texas

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 13, 2000

For further information, please call: (409) 772-1166


Chapter 483. HEARING PROCEDURES

25 TAC §483.1

The Anatomical Board of the State of Texas (board) proposes an amendment to §483.1, concerning hearings procedures. The proposed amendment substitutes the term "secretary-treasurer" for "board" and provides that a hearing to suspend or revoke an institution's or individual's authority to receive and hold bodies and to dissect bodies will be conducted by the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) and that the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act and SOAH's procedural rules apply. The amendment is proposed in response to the board's initial review of its rules as required by Texas Government Code, §2001.039 which requires agencies to review their rules every four years.

Dr. Andrew F. Payer, Ph.D., the board's Secretary-Treasurer, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amended section.

Dr. Payer also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amended section is in effect the public benefit will be the assurance of a fair and impartial hearing before an impartial administrative law judge before any action is taken to suspend or revoke an institution's or individual's authority to receive and hold cadavers or to dissect bodies. 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 proposed amendment may be submitted by mail to Andrew F. Payer, Ph.D., Secretary-Treasurer, Anatomical Board of the State of Texas; University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston, Texas 77555-0846 or by email to afpayer@utmb.edu for a period of 45 days from the date of publication of this notice.

The amendment proposed under Health and Safety Code, §691.034, which provides that institutions or individuals are entitled to a hearing before the board may revoke their authorization to receive and hold cadavers and to dissect them.

The following section of the Health and Safety Code is affected by the proposed amendment: §691.034.

§483.1.Hearing Procedures.

(a)

A hearing may be required pursuant to the provisions of §§477.4(e), 477.6(b), 479.1(c), or 479.2(b)(2)(B)(iii) of this title (relating to Transportation of Bodies, Assessment Fees, Institutions Authorized to Receive and Hold Bodies and Application and Inspection of Facilities).

(b)

Prior to the determination by the board that an organization, institution or individual is not authorized to receive and hold bodies and to dissect them , the secretary-treasurer [ board ] shall issue an [ its ] order requesting that cause be shown as to why such authorization should not be refused , [ or ] suspended or revoked . The organization, institution or individual may request a hearing before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). [ full board. Upon request for such a hearing, the executive secretary shall give public notice of a meeting of the board for the purpose of conducting a contested hearing. At the hearing the board shall consider offers of evidence from the appropriate board officer or committee and from the party. Cross-examination of witnesses shall be permitted. Final arguments, if requested, shall be allowed. Any member of the public who appear shall be given reasonable opportunity to speak. The board shall draw its conclusion of law. ] The proceeding shall be conducted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), Government Code Chapter 2001 and SOAH's procedural rules at 1 TAC 155 et seq. The board's final decision shall be in writing, shall include its finding of fact, its reasoned account thereof, its conclusions, and the board's resulting order.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on July 3, 2000.

TRD-200004611

Dr. Andrew F. Payer, Ph.D.

Board's Secretary-Treasurer

Anatomical Board of the State of Texas

Earliest possible date of adoption: August 13, 2000

For further information, please call: (409) 772-1166