TITLE 22.EXAMINING BOARDS

Part 2. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF BARBER EXAMINERS

Chapter 51 PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

Subchapter D. BARBER SHOPS

22 TAC §51.93

The Texas State Board of Barber Examiners adopts new §51.93, concerning Sanitation Rules for Barber Shops, Schools and Colleges without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 26, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 3421) and will not be republished. The new rule is pursuant to Senate Bill 660, 77th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, and sets forth the criteria governing sanitary conditions of barber shops, barber schools and colleges.

Public comment was received from Nancy King, Director, Association of Electric File Manufacturers. She suggested that all tools and implements that come in direct contract with a patron must be disinfected by total immersion in an EPA disinfectant and that an ultraviolet cabinet is not an accepted method of disinfection. The Board noted that a germicidal ultraviolet light is mentioned in the rule but that an ultraviolet cabinet is not mentioned in the rule; further, the germicidal ultraviolet light that is mentioned in the rule is in addition to an EPA-approved disinfectant, germicide, or bactericide. Further, the Board noted that total immersion would be inappropriate for some barbering tools, e.g., clippers. Accordingly, the Board adopted the proposed rule without the suggestions from Nancy King.

The new rule is adopted under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1601, §1601.152, which directs the board to adopt reasonable rules on sanitation for the operation of barber shops, specialty shops, and barber schools, and Chapter 1601, §1601.151, which vests the board with the authority to make and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for the performance of its duties, to establish standards of conduct and ethics for all persons licensed or practicing under the provision of the Texas Barber Law, and to regulate the practice and teaching of barbering in keeping with the intent of the Texas Barber Law and to ensure strict compliance with the Texas Barber Law.

No other article or statute is affected by this new rule.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 21, 2002.

TRD-200203919

Douglas A. Beran, Ph.D.

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Barber Examiners

Effective date: July 11, 2002

Proposal publication date: April 26, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 458-1091


Subchapter G. PERSONNEL--QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES

22 TAC §51.121

The Texas State Board of Barber Examiners adopts an amendment to §51.121, concerning Barber Inspector without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 26, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 3422) and will not be republished. The amendment provides that an applicant for the position of barber inspector must be a licensed barber and must have practiced barbering for at least three (rather than five) years immediately prior to applying for the position of barber inspector.

The amendment is adopted under the Texas Occupations Code, §§1601.101 and 1601.104, and 1601.151 which vests the board with the authority to make and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for the performance of its duties, to establish standards of conduct and ethics for all persons licensed or practicing under the provision of the Texas Barber Law, and to regulate the practice and teaching of barbering in keeping with the intent of the Texas Barber Law and to ensure strict compliance with the Texas Barber Law.

No other article or statute is affected by this amendment.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 21, 2002.

TRD-200203920

Douglas A. Beran, Ph.D.

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Barber Examiners

Effective date: July 11, 2002

Proposal publication date: April 26, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 458-1091


Subchapter H. INFORMAL HEARING DISPOSITION

22 TAC §51.131

The Texas State Board of Barber Examiners adopts amendments to §51.131, concerning Informal Disposition without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 26, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 3423) and will not be republished. The proposed amendments are pursuant to the Texas Occupations Code, §1601.706. The amendments rename §51.131 Informal Disposition as Administrative Procedures Regarding Disciplinary Actions Against Licensees and adds a subsection (b) such that the Executive Director may sign a Board Order once a Proposal for Decision has been ratified by the Board.

The amendments are adopted under the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1601, §1601.706 and the Texas Occupations Code, §1601.151 which vest the board with the authority to make and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for the performance of its duties, to establish standards of conduct and ethics for all persons licensed or practicing under the provision of the Texas Barber Law, and to regulate the practice and teaching of barbering in keeping with the intent of the Texas Barber Law and to ensure strict compliance with the Texas Barber Law.

No other article or statute is affected by this amendment.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 21, 2002.

TRD-200203921

Douglas A. Beran, Ph.D.

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Barber Examiners

Effective date: July 11, 2002

Proposal publication date: April 26, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 458-1091


Subchapter I. DEFINITIONS

22 TAC §51.141

The Texas State Board of Barber Examiners adopts amendments to §51.141, concerning Definitions without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 26, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 3424) and will not be republished. The amendments provide that (1) the use of any blade, drill, or cutting tool for the purpose of removing corns or calluses is considered a medical practice and is prohibited and that (2) the use of any drill or similar tool designed for use by a manicurist or pedicurist is prohibited without proof of certification of training of that manicurist or pedicurist through a program approved by the Texas State Board of Barber Examiners.

Public comment was received from Nancy King, Director, Association of Electric File Manufacturers. Mrs. King's comments were responses to questions asked by board staff and did not pertain to the substance of the rule. Accordingly, the board adopted the amendments without changes.

The amendments are adopted under the Texas Occupations Code, §1601.151 which vests the board with the authority to make and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for the performance of its duties, to establish standards of conduct and ethics for all persons licensed or practicing under the provision of the Texas Barber Law, and to regulate the practice and teaching of barbering in keeping with the intent of the Texas Barber Law and to ensure strict compliance with the Texas Barber Law.

No other article or statute is affected by this amendment.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 21, 2002.

TRD-200203922

Douglas A. Beran, Ph.D.

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Barber Examiners

Effective date: July 11, 2002

Proposal publication date: April 26, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 458-1091


Part 21. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF PSYCHOLOGISTS

Chapter 465. RULES OF PRACTICE

22 TAC §465.38

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists adopts amendments to §465.38, concerning Psychological Services in the Schools, without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 26, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 3427).

The amendments are being adopted in order to clarify that non-LSSPs may not perform contracted school psychological services.

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

No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.

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

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 19, 2002.

TRD-200203848

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Effective date: July 9, 2002

Proposal publication date: April 26, 2002

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


Chapter 470. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE

22 TAC §470.8

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists adopts amendments to §470.8, concerning Informal Disposition of Complaints, without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 26, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 3428).

The amendments are being adopted in order to clarify that the Disciplinary Review Panel cannot issue a default judgment against a licensee who does not appear at an informal conference and to make clear that informal conferences will occur in executive session in order to preserve the confidentiality of the ongoing investigation.

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

No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.

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

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 19, 2002.

TRD-200203849

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Effective date: July 9, 2002

Proposal publication date: April 26, 2002

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


22 TAC §470.11

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists adopts new Board rule §470.11, concerning Service in Non-rulemaking Proceedings, without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 26, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 3428).

The new rule is being adopted in order to clarify the appropriate form of service upon parties in contested case proceedings.

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

No comments were received regarding the adoption of the new rule.

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

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 19, 2002.

TRD-200203850

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Effective date: July 9, 2002

Proposal publication date: April 26, 2002

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


22 TAC §470.18

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists adopts new Board rule §470.18, concerning The Record, without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 26, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 3429).

The new rule is being adopted in order to clarify what the Board may appropriately consider in terms of evidence when hearing a contested case. The rule conforms to the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 2001, Texas Government Code).

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

No comments were received regarding the adoption of the new rule.

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

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 19, 2002.

TRD-200203851

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Effective date: July 9, 2002

Proposal publication date: April 26, 2002

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


22 TAC §470.20

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists adopts new Board rule §470.20, concerning Computation of Time, without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 26, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 3429).

The new rule is being adopted in order to clarify how time is computed for purposes of deadlines which exist in the rest of Chapter 470, as well as other deadlines established by the State Office of Administrative Hearings and for proceedings under Chapter 2001 of the Texas Government Code (the Administrative Procedure Act).

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

No comments were received regarding the adoption of the new rule.

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

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 19, 2002.

TRD-200203852

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Effective date: July 9, 2002

Proposal publication date: April 26, 2002

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


22 TAC §470.21

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists adopts amendments to §470.21, concerning Disciplinary Guidelines, without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 26, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 3430).

The amendments are being adopted in order to clarify that reprimands are not for specific periods of time, but are a one-time disciplinary action against a license.

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

No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.

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

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 19, 2002.

TRD-200203853

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Effective date: July 9, 2002

Proposal publication date: April 26, 2002

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


Chapter 473. FEES

22 TAC §473.1, §473.2

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists adopts amendments to §473.1, concerning Application Fees (Not Refundable), and §473.2, concerning Examination Fees (Not Refundable) without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 26, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 3430).

The amendments are being adopted in order to fulfill requirements of contingent revenue for Fiscal Year 2002-2003 appropriations for the Board. The amendments were previously adopted on an emergency basis to enable the agency to comply with House Bill 604 mandating an internal audit of the agency by the 77th Legislature.

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

No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.

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

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 19, 2002.

TRD-200203854

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Effective date: July 9, 2002

Proposal publication date: April 26, 2002

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


22 TAC §473.3

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists adopts the repeal of §473.3, concerning Annual Renewal Fees (Not Refundable), without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 26, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 3431).

The repeal is being adopted in order to clarify fee changes in new Board rule §473.3.

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

No comments were received regarding the adoption of the repeal.

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

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 19, 2002.

TRD-200203855

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Effective date: September 1, 2002

Proposal publication date: April 26, 2002

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


22 TAC §473.3

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists adopts new Board rule §473.3, concerning Annual Renewal Fees (Not Refundable), with changes to the proposed text as published in the April 26, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 3431).

The new rule is being adopted in order to comply with Texas Online fee determinations authorized by Senate Bill 187 and House Bill 645 passed by the 77th Legislature requiring on-line renewals and profiles of licensed psychologists. The effective date will be September 1, 2002.

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

No comments were received regarding the adoption of the new rule.

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

§473.3. Annual Renewal Fees (Not Refundable).

(a) Psychological Associate Licensure - $90

(b) Psychological Associate Licensure over the age of 70 - $15

(c) Provisionally Licensed Psychologist - $85

(d) Provisionally Licensed Psychologist over the age of 70 - $15

(e) Psychologist Licensure - $180

(f) Psychologist Licensure over the age of 70 - $15

(g) Psychologist with Health Service Provider Status - $20

(h) Psychologist with Health Service Provider status over the age of 70 - No Fee

(i) Licensed Specialist in School Psychology - $33

(j) Licensed Specialist in School Psychology over the age of 70 - $13

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 19, 2002.

TRD-200203856

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Effective date: September 1, 2002

Proposal publication date: April 26, 2002

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


22 TAC §473.4

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists adopts amendments to §473.4, concerning Late Fees for Renewals (not Refundable), without changes to the proposed text as published in the April 26, 2002, issue of the Texas Register (27 TexReg 3432).

The amendments are being adopted in order to comply with Texas Online fee determinations authorized by Senate Bill 187 and House Bill 645 passed by the 77th Legislature requiring on-line renewals and profiles of licensed psychologists. The effective date will be September 1, 2002.

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

No comments were received regarding the adoption of the amendments.

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

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 19, 2002.

TRD-200203857

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Effective date: September 1, 2002

Proposal publication date: April 26, 2002

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


Part 24. TEXAS BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICAL EXAMINERS

Chapter 571. LICENSING

Subchapter A. EXAMINATION

22 TAC §571.3

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §571.3 concerning Eligibility for Examination and Licensure without change to the proposed text as published in the Texas Register on March 15, 2002 (27 TexReg 1974). The amendments update the name of the organization responsible for administering the national veterinary licensing examination; increase the passing score on the state licensing examination from 75 percent to 85 percent; and require that graduates of veterinary schools not accredited by the Board take and pass an English proficiency test prior to sitting for the national examination. The new passing grade requirement will require more diligence of veterinarians who wish to practice in Texas and helps to enhance the knowledge and professionalism of Texas veterinarians. A required English proficiency test will allow the national examination process to be more efficient by ensuring that the examination does not need to be repeated because of a failure to comprehend basic English.

No comments were received concerning this section.

The amended section is adopted under the authority of the Texas Occupations Code, §801.151 (a) which authorizes the Board to adopt rules necessary to administer the Veterinary Licensing Act.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 2002.

TRD-200203781

Ron Allen

Executive Director

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Effective date: July 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: March 15, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7555


22 TAC §571.4

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §571.4 concerning Special Licenses without change to the proposed text as published in the Texas Register on March 15, 2002 (27 TexReg 1975).

Special licenses may be issued to members of the staff of the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical School and veterinary employees of the Texas Animal Health Commission and the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, and to licensed veterinarians in other states whose specialty practices are unrepresented or under represented in Texas.

The amendment will raise the passing examination grade from 75 to 85 percent. This requirement will demand more diligence of veterinarians who wish to practice in Texas and help to enhance the knowledge and professionalism of Texas veterinarians.

No comments were received concerning this section.

The amended section is adopted under the authority of the Texas Occupations Code, §801.151 (a) which authorizes the Board to adopt rules necessary to administer the Veterinary Licensing Act.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 2002.

TRD-200203782

Ron Allen

Executive Director

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Effective date: July 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: March 15, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7555


22 TAC §571.18

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §571.18 concerning Provisional License without change to the proposed text as published in the Texas Register on March 15, 2002 (27 TexReg 1976).

Provisional licenses are issued to applicants for regular licensure who want to practice prior to taking the regular examination on its regularly scheduled date. The amendment will raise the passing examination grade from 75 to 85 percent. This requirement will require more diligence of veterinarians who wish to practice in Texas and helps to enhance the knowledge and professionalism of Texas veterinarians.

No comments were received concerning this section.

The amended section is adopted under the authority of the Texas Occupations Code, §801.151 (a) which authorizes the Board to adopt rules necessary to administer the Veterinary Licensing Act.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 2002.

TRD-200203783

Ron Allen

Executive Director

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Effective date: July 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: March 15, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7555


Chapter 573. RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Subchapter B. SUPERVISION OF PERSONNEL

22 TAC §573.11

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §573.11 concerning Responsibility for Unlicensed and Licensed Employees without change to the proposed text as published in the Texas Register on March 15, 2002 (27 TexReg 1976).

This section amends the previous section which required that veterinarians be responsible only for the unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine by unlicensed persons in the veterinarian's employ. Because the Board has found several cases where licensed veterinarians have been employed despite their not having other necessary credentials, such as Texas Department of Public Safety and Drug Enforcement Administration certifications for handling controlled substances, the section is expanded to include a new responsibility of the employing or supervising veterinarian to ensure that the employee veterinarian is properly credentialed in all aspects. This amendment will increase the confidence of the public that veterinarians, including employers, supervisors, and employees, are maintaining proper licenses and certificates.

One comment was received concerning this section. Mr. Ellis Gilleland stated that the revised section creates a "loophole" which allows unlicensed veterinary technicians to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine. The Board disagrees with this statement. The section as revised still holds a veterinarian responsible for the acts of unlicensed technicians working in his employment or under his supervision. Unlicensed persons themselves are also liable for any acts that constitute the practice of veterinary medicine under other provisions of the Veterinary Licensing Act and the rules of the Board.

The amended section is adopted under the authority of the Texas Occupations Code, §801.151 (a) which authorizes the Board to adopt rules necessary to administer the Veterinary Licensing Act.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 2002.

TRD-200203785

Ron Allen

Executive Director

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Effective date: July 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: March 15, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7555


Subchapter G. OTHER PROVISIONS

22 TAC §573.64

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners adopts amendments to §573.64 concerning Continuing Education Requirements with a change to the proposed text as published in the Texas Register on March 29, 2002 (27 TexReg 2398).

The amendments were proposed to update the requirements for continuing education (CE) for veterinarians to require two additional hours of CE and expand the methods by which CE can be acquired by acknowledging the increasing availability of electronic methods of delivery. The veterinarian will benefit by being able to choose among several methods of acquiring CE, including on-line presentations, audio tapes, video tapes, and other approved methods. By increasing the number of required CE hours from 15 to 17 annually, the Board encourages veterinarians to increase their knowledge of this constantly changing profession and thus promote public confidence in the profession.

The Board received a comment from Lois M. Marshman, D.V.M., who indicated that requiring two extra CE hours will cause a financial hardship for those veterinarians who must bear the increasing cost of additional hours. The Board believes that the two additional hours can be acquired by the average veterinarian without incurring a significant financial hardship in light of the expanded universe of CE delivery systems proposed in this section. No change will be made in the section based on this comment.

Another comment was received from Mr. Ellis Gilleland who opposed any provision allowing veterinarians to acquire CE by listening to audio tapes or viewing video devices or participating in on-line programs because such CE participation cannot be verified. The Board disagrees with this statement and notes that such CE hours are limited to five hours for tapes and seven hours for on-line programs. The Board notes that on-line CE participation is verifiable because two-way participation is usually required and recorded by the on-line provider. The Board feels that allowing five hours of CE by listening to or viewing tapes without requiring independent verification does not threaten the integrity of the profession. No change will be made in this section based on this comment.

One change is made in subsection (a)(1)(B) of the section which clarifies the effective date of the new hours requirement and corrects the dates in the example for hours that can be carried over from year to year.

The amended section is adopted under the authority of the Texas Occupations Code, §801.151 (a) which authorizes the Board to adopt rules necessary to administer the Veterinary Licensing Act.

§573.64.Continuing Education Requirements.

(a) Requirements

(1) Seventeen (17) hours of acceptable continuing education shall be required annually for renewal of all types of Texas licenses except as provided in subsection (e) of this section. Licensees who successfully complete the Texas State Board Licensing Examination shall be allowed to substitute the examination for the continuing education requirements of their examination period.

(A) A licensee shall obtain the required 17 hours of acceptable continuing education during the calendar year immediately preceding the licensee's application for license renewal. Should a licensee obtain acceptable continuing education hours during the year in excess of the required 17 hours, the licensee may carry over and apply the excess hours to the requirement for the next year. A maximum of 17 hours may be carried over each year.

(B) Effective Date. Seventeen hours of continuing education shall be required in 2003 for license renewal in 2004. Beginning with the continuing education requirement for license renewal in 2004, licensees may carry over acceptable continuing education hours pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(A) of this section. For example, acceptable continuing education hours obtained in 2003 which are in excess of the 17 hours required for renewal in 2004, may be carried over and applied to the continuing education requirement for renewal in 2005, subject to the provisions of subsection (a)(1)(A).

(2) Hardship extensions may be granted by appeal to the Executive Director of the Board. The executive director shall only consider requests for a hardship extension from licensees who were prevented from completing the required continuing education hours due to circumstances beyond the licensee's control. Requests for a hardship extension must be received in the Board offices by December 15. Should such extension be granted, thirty-four (34) hours of continuing education shall be obtained in the two-year period of time that includes the year of insufficiency and the year of extension. Licensees receiving a hardship extension shall maintain records of the thirty-four (34) hours of continuing education obtained and shall file copies of these records with the Board by attaching the records to the license renewal application submitted following the extension year.

(b) Proof of Continuing Education. The licensee shall sign a statement on the license renewal form attesting to the fact that the required continuing education hours have been obtained. The licensee shall maintain records which support the signed statement. Such records may include continuing education certificates, attendance records signed by the presenter, and/or receipts for meeting registration fees. These documents must be maintained for the last three (3) complete renewal cycles and shall be available at the practice location for inspection to Board investigators upon request.

(c) Acceptable Continuing Education.

(1) Acceptable continuing education hours shall be hours earned by:

(A) attending meetings sponsored or co-sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), AVMA's affiliated state veterinary medical associations and/or their continuing education organizations, AVMA recognized specialty groups, regional veterinary medical associations, local veterinary medical associations, and veterinary medical colleges;

(B) taking correspondence courses;

(C) listening to audio tapes or CD's, or viewing video tapes or other devices that transmit a video image, or by participating in other telecommunications discussions;

(D) participating in on-line courses and discussions; or

(E) any other methods approved by the Executive Director and a veterinarian Board member appointed by the Board President, or approved by the Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards.

(2) The Board shall accept continuing education hours obtained as a requirement of disciplinary action.

(d) Distribution of Continuing Education Hours.

(1) Of the required seventeen (17) hours of continuing education, no more than five (5) hours may be derived from either:

(A) correspondence courses; or

(B) practice management courses.

(2) Hours claimed for listening to audio and viewing video devices or participating in telecommunications presentations shall be limited to no more than five (5) hours.

(3) Interactive on-line hours that are verifiable may be claimed without limitation up to seven (7) hours.

(e) Exemption from Continuing Education Requirements. A licensee is not required to obtain or report continuing education hours, provided that the licensee submits to the Board sufficient proof that during the preceding year the licensee was:

(1) in retired status,

(2) a veterinary intern or resident, or

(3) out-of-country on charitable or special government assignments for at least 9 months or

(4) on inactive status. Licensees on inactive status may voluntarily acquire continuing education for purposes of reinstating his/her license to regular status.

(f) Disciplinary Action for Non-Compliance. Failure to complete the required hours without obtaining a hardship extension from the executive director, failure to maintain required records, falsifying records, or intentionally misrepresenting programs for continuing education credit shall be grounds for disciplinary action by the Board.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 17, 2002.

TRD-200203784

Ron Allen

Executive Director

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Effective date: July 7, 2002

Proposal publication date: March 29, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7555