TITLE 22.EXAMINING BOARDS

Part 11. BOARD OF NURSE EXAMINERS

Chapter 223. FEES

22 TAC §223.1

The Board of Nurse Examiners proposes an amendment to §223.1, concerning Fees. This section establishes the fees necessary for the administration of the Board's functions. On July 20, 2001, the Board originally met and approved increased fees to fund the Board's appropriation. The 77th Legislature in Rider 2 of the Fiscal Year 2002-2003 Appropriations Act approved budget appropriations for the Board contingent on those appropriations being paid through Board fee collections. The fees were adopted on an emergency basis in order to comply with the legislative mandate to cover all appropriations through fees which appeared in the August 17, 2001, issue of the Texas Register (26 TexReg 6071). The amendment became effective August 6, 2001, and the fees were applied beginning September 1, 2001. On December 4, 2001, the emergency adoption expired without the fees being subsequently proposed and adopted on a permanent basis.

In addition to the necessary fees for revenue, the amendment will increase the renewal fee for registered nurses by an additional $2 and for advanced practice nurses by $4 to cover the Board's participation in the Texas Online Project beginning May 1, 2002. The collection of fees for revenue for fiscal year 2002 will become effective upon adoption of the proposed amendment, but the fees for the Texas Online Project will not take effect until May 1, 2002. Section 2054.252 of the Texas Government Code creates the Texas Online Authority and the Texas Online Project. The legislation encourages the Board and other licensing agencies to participate in the project. Subsection (d) of §2054.2606 authorizes the Texas Online Authority to set the amount of fee that a participating licensing agency may charge its license holders. The increase in fees must be in effect in order to raise the necessary revenue for fiscal year 2002 and to offset the additional administrative costs incurred by the Board from its participation in the Texas Online Project.

Katherine A. Thomas, MN, RN, Executive Director, has determined that the rule amendment is necessary to cover an estimated shortfall in revenue in excess of $800,000.00 from the 2002-2003 legislative appropriation. The fee change is projected to cover the revenue shortfall and the new administrative costs associated with the Texas Online Project. In addition, the additional $2 increase in renewal fees for registered nurses and $4 renewal fee for advanced practice nurses which begin May 1, 2002, will cover the costs of implementing the online services. Other than the increase in fees, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government for the first five-year period as a result of enforcing or administering the amended rule.

Ms. Thomas has determined that the public benefit for the first five-year period of the proposed amendment will be greater protection for the people of Texas and greater efficiency in the licensing of registered nurses. There will be no cost to small businesses, but the amended rule will affect all applicants applying for initial licensure or endorsement, all currently licensed registered nurses and advanced practice nurses who renew their licenses. The rule will also affect initial approval fees for advanced practice nurses; and all new licensure requests which will require a declaratory order or licensure eligibility determination.

Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to Katherine A. Thomas, MN, RN, Executive Director, Board of Nurse Examiners, PO Box 430, Austin, Texas 78767-0430.

This amendment is proposed under §301.151 of the Texas Occupations Code which provides the Board of Nurse Examiners with the authority and power to make and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for the performance of its duties and conducting of proceedings before it.

No other rules, codes, or statues will be affected by this proposed amendment.

§223.1.Fees.

(a) The Board of Nurse Examiners has established reasonable and necessary fees for the administration of its functions.

(1) - (4) (No change.)

(5) endorsement-- $125.00 [ $100.00 ]

(6) licensure (each biennium)-- $45.00 [ $42.00 ]; effective May 1, 2002, $47.00

(7) - (13) (No change.)

(14) advanced practice nurse--initial credentials-- $75.00 [ $50.00 ];

(15) declaratory order of eligibility-- $150.00 [ $100.00 ];

(16) eligibility determination-- $150.00 [ $100.00 ];

(17) - (18) (No change.)

(19) advanced practice nurse renewal--$50.00; effective May 1, 2002, $54.00

(20) - (22) (No change.)

(b) all fees are non-refundable.

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 March 1, 2002.

TRD-200201291

Katherine A. Thomas

Executive Director

Board of Nurse Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 14, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 305-6823


Part 15. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY

Chapter 283. LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR PHARMACISTS

22 TAC §283.1, §283.6

The Texas State Board of Pharmacy proposes amendments to §283.1, concerning Purpose, and §283.6, concerning Preceptor Requirements. The amendments, if adopted, will (1) change a pharmacist preceptor's certification renewal period to coincide with his or her pharmacist license renewal period; (2) require three hours of preceptor training every two years rather than every three years; and (3) update citations to the new codified Texas Pharmacy Act.

Gay Dodson, R.Ph., Executive Director/Secretary, has determined that, for the first five- year period the rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. There are no anticipated fiscal implications for local government.

Ms. Dodson has determined that, for each year of the first five-year period the rule will be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be increased training for pharmacist preceptors who in turn train pharmacist interns. The majority of preceptor pharmacists get their preceptor training free because they precept students for a college of pharmacy offering training. The few remaining preceptor pharmacists will pay approximately $25.00 for a training course every two years rather than every three years as is currently required. There is no additional fiscal impact anticipated for small or large businesses.

Written comments on the proposed rules may be submitted to Steve Morse, R.Ph., Director of Professional Services, Texas State Board of Pharmacy, 333 Guadalupe Street, Box 21, Austin, Texas, 78701-3942, FAX (512) 305-8082. Comments must be received by 5 p.m., May 2, 2002.

The amendment is proposed under §551.002, and §554.051 of the Texas Pharmacy Act (Chapters 551-566, Texas Occupations Code). The Board interprets §551.002 as authorizing the agency to protect the public through the effective control and regulation of the practice of pharmacy. The Board interprets §554.051 as authorizing the agency to adopt rules for the proper administration and enforcement of the Act.

The statutes affected by this rule: Chapters 551-566, Texas Occupations Code.

§283.1.Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive, coherent regulatory scheme for the licensing of those wishing to engage in the practice of pharmacy in this state. The provisions of this chapter govern in conjunction with the Texas Pharmacy Act (Chapters 551-566, Occupations Code, as amended) [ (Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4542a-1) ] the method for the issuance of a certificate to act as a pharmacist in Texas. This chapter also provides a framework for any board-approved internship program.

§283.6.Preceptor Requirements.

(a) Preceptors shall be pharmacists whose license to practice pharmacy in Texas is current and not on inactive status with the board.

(b) Preceptors are required to be approved and certified by the board. A preceptor shall publicly display the preceptor certificate with his/her license to practice pharmacy and the license renewal certificate.

(c) For certification as a preceptor a pharmacist must:

(1) have at least:

(A) one year of experience in the type of internship practice setting; or

(B) six months of residency training if the pharmacy resident is in a program accredited by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists ; [ . ]

(2) have completed :

(A) for initial certification, three hours [ 3 hours ] of preceptor training developed by a Texas college of pharmacy and provided by an ACPE approved provider within the previous two years; or [ 3 years; ]

(B) to continue certification, three hours of preceptor training developed by a Texas college of pharmacy and provided by an ACPE approved provider within the preceptor pharmacist's current license renewal period; and

[ (3) complete 3 hours of preceptor training developed by a Texas college of pharmacy and provided by an ACPE approved provider every 3 years; and]

(3) [ (4) ] meet the requirements of subsection (f) of this section.

(d) Beginning July 1, 2002, approval and certification as a preceptor shall coincide with the preceptor pharmacist's license renewal period. For preceptors whose preceptor certification expires on or after July 1, 2002, the Board shall extend their preceptor expiration date to the next expiration date of the preceptor pharmacist's license. [ Any preceptor approved and certified by the board shall be approved and certified for a three-year period commencing on the date of such approval and certification. ]

(e) A preceptor may supervise only one pharmacist-intern at any given time. Texas Colleges of Pharmacy may request a different preceptor to pharmacist-intern ratio during the board's annual review and approval of their college based, structured internship program. Any such ratio shall apply only to the internship experience acquired as a part of the college based, structured internship program. [ For the purpose of this subsection, the approval of internship programs previously granted by the Board shall remain in effect through August 31, 1996. ]

(f) No pharmacist may serve as a preceptor if his or her license to practice pharmacy has been the subject of an order of the board imposing any penalty set out in the Act, §565.051, [ §28(a), ] during the period he or she is serving as a preceptor or within the three-year period immediately preceding application for approval as a preceptor. Provided, however, a pharmacist who has been the subject of such an order of the board may petition the board, in writing, for approval to act as a preceptor.

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 March 4, 2002.

TRD-200201301

Gay Dodson, R.Ph.

Executive Director/Secretary

Texas State Board of Pharmacy

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 14, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8082


Chapter 291. PHARMACIES

Subchapter A. ALL CLASSES OF PHARMACIES

22 TAC §291.1, §291.4

The Texas State Board of Pharmacy proposes amendments to §291.1, concerning Pharmacy License Application, and §291.4, concerning Change of Ownership. The amendments, if adopted, will help ensure that pharmacy licenses are issued to individuals who plan to operate a bona fide business activity.

Gay Dodson, R.Ph., Executive Director/Secretary, has determined that, for the first five- year period the rule is in effect, there will be fiscal implications for state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. There are no anticipated fiscal implications for local government. Fiscal implications for state government will primarily be the cost to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy for computer programming necessary to implement the rule. The estimated cost to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy for the next five years will be: FY2002 - $2,682.33; FY2003 - $633; FY2004 - $633; FY2005 - $633; and FY2006 - $633.

Ms. Dodson has determined that, for each year of the first five-year period the rule will be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be increased confidence that pharmacy licenses are issued for legitimate purposes. Fiscal impact anticipated for small or large businesses will be the cost for pharmacy license applicants to comply with the rule. It is anticipated that approximately 533 pharmacy applications per year will be required to comply with these new requirements. Cost to each of these pharmacies to gather and submit additional requirements is anticipated to be less than $25 per application.

Written comments on the proposed rules may be submitted to Steve Morse, R.Ph., Director of Professional Services, Texas State Board of Pharmacy, 333 Guadalupe Street, Box 21, Austin, Texas, 78701-3942, FAX (512) 305-8082. Comments must be received by 5 p.m., May 2, 2002.

The amendment is proposed under sections 551.002, 554.051, and 560.052 of the Texas Pharmacy Act (Chapters 551-566, Texas Occupations Code). The Board interprets section 551.002 as authorizing the agency to protect the public through the effective control and regulation of the practice of pharmacy. The Board interprets section 554.051 as authorizing the agency to adopt rules for the proper administration and enforcement of the Act. The Board interprets section 560.052 as authorizing the agency to require information on a pharmacy application that the Board determines necessary for the proper administration and enforcement of the Act.

The statutes affected by this rule: Chapters 551-566, Texas Occupations Code.

§291.1.Pharmacy License Application.

(a) To qualify for a pharmacy license, the applicant must submit an application including the following information:

(1) name and address of pharmacy;

(2) type of ownership;

(3) names, home addresses, dates of birth, phone numbers, and social security numbers of all owners; if a partnership or corporation, the name, title, home address, home phone number, date of birth, and social security number of all managing officers;

(4) name and license number of the pharmacist-in-charge and of other pharmacists employed by the pharmacy;

(5) anticipated date of opening and hours of operation ;

(6) copies of the following documents:

(A) [ copy of ] lease agreement or alternatively, a notarized statement signed by the lessee and lessor certifying the existence of a lease agreement, or if the location of the pharmacy is owned by the applicant, a notarized statement certifying such location ownership;

(B) social security card and birth certificate of owner, or if the pharmacy is owned by a partnership or corporation, copy of social security card and birth certificate of each executive officer;

(C) Certificate of Authority, if applicant is an out-of-state corporation;

(D) Articles of Incorporation, if the applicant is a corporation;

(E) current Texas Franchise Tax Certificate of Good Standing; and

(F) approved credit application from primary wholesaler or documents showing credit worthiness;

(7) the signature of the pharmacist-in-charge;

(8) the notarized signature of the owner, or if the pharmacy is owned by a partnership or corporation, the notarized signature of an executive officer; [ and ]

(9) current driver license or state issued photo ID card of owner, or if the pharmacy is owned by a partnership or closely held corporation, a current driver license or state issued photo ID card for each executive officer;

(10) federal tax ID number;

(11) description of business services that will be offered and reason for business;

(12) name and address of malpractice insurance carrier or statement that the business will be self-insured; and

(13) [ (9) ] any other information requested on the application.

(b) A fee as specified in §291.6 of this title (relating to Pharmacy License Fees) will be charged for the issuance of a pharmacy license.

(c) For purpose of this section, [ subsection, ] managing officers are defined as the top four executive officers, including the corporate officer in charge of pharmacy operations, who are designated by the partnership or corporation to be jointly responsible for the legal operation of the pharmacy.

(d) If the applicant holds an active pharmacist license in Texas, the applicant is not required to provide copies of a social security card or birth certificate as set forth in subsection (a)(6)(B) of this section.

(e) Prior to the issuance of a pharmacy license, the board shall conduct an on-site inspection of the pharmacy in the presence of the pharmacist-in-charge and owner or representative of the owner, to ensure that the pharmacist-in-charge and owner can meet the requirements of the Texas Pharmacy Act and Board Rules.

(f) If the applicant holds an active pharmacy license in Texas as of June 1, 2002, the following is applicable:

(1) the applicant is not required to provide with the pharmacy application, the documents set forth in subsections (a)(6)(B)-(F) of this section; and

(2) the board may waive the pre-licensing on-site inspection as set forth in subsection (e) of this section.

§291.4.Change of Ownership.

(a) When a pharmacy changes ownership, a new/completed pharmacy application must be filed with the board and the licensed issued to previous owner shall be returned to the board.

(b) The new application shall include the following information:

(1) the name and address of pharmacy;

(2) the type of ownership;

(3) names, home addresses, dates of birth, phone numbers, and social security numbers of all owners; if a partnership or corporation, the name, title, home address, home phone number, date of birth, and social security number of all managing officers; [ the names and addresses of all owners; if a partnership or corporation, the name, title, and address of managing officers; ]

(4) the name and license number of the pharmacist-in-charge and of other pharmacists employed by the pharmacy;

(5) the hours of operation;

(6) copies of the following documents:

(A) [ (5) ] a copy of lease agreement or alternatively, a notarized statement signed by the lessee and lessor certifying the existence of a lease agreement, or if the location of the pharmacy is owned by the applicant, a notarized statement certifying such location ownership;

(B) [ (6) ] a copy of the purchase contract or mutual agreement between the buyer and seller, or a notarized statement of intent to convey ownership signed by both the buyer and seller, stating the proposed date of ownership change;

(C) social security card and birth certificate of owner, or if the pharmacy is owned by a partnership or corporation, copy of social security card and birth certificate of each executive officer;

(D) Certificate of Authority, if applicant is an out-of-state corporation;

(E) Articles of Incorporation, if the applicant is a corporation;

(F) current Texas Franchise Tax Certificate of Good Standing; and

(G) approved credit application from primary wholesaler or documents showing credit worthiness;

(7) the signature of the pharmacist-in-charge;

(8) the notarized signature of the owner, or if the pharmacy is owned by a partnership or corporation, the notarized signature of an executive officer; [ and ]

(9) current driver license or state issued photo ID card of owner, or if the pharmacy is owned by a partnership or closely held corporation, a current driver license or state issued photo ID card for each executive officer;

(10) federal tax ID number;

(11) description of business services that will be offered and reason for business;

(12) name and address of malpractice insurance carrier or statement that the business will be self-insured; and

(13) [ (9) ] any other information requested on the application.

(c) A fee as specified in §291.6 of this title (relating to Pharmacy License Fees) will be charged for issuance of a new license.

(d) If the applicant holds an active pharmacist license in Texas, the applicant is not required to provide copies of a social security card or birth certificate as set forth in subsection (a)(6)(C) of this section.

(e) If the applicant holds an active pharmacy license in Texas as of June 1, 2002, the applicant is not required to provide with the pharmacy application, the documents set forth in subsections (a)(6)(C)-(G) of this section.

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 March 4, 2002.

TRD-200201302

Gay Dodson, R.Ph.

Executive Director/Secretary

Texas State Board of Pharmacy

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 14, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8028


22 TAC §291.11

The Texas State Board of Pharmacy proposes new §291.11, concerning Operation of a Pharmacy. The new rule, if adopted, will clarify what constitutes operation of a pharmacy.

Gay Dodson, R.Ph., Executive Director/Secretary, has determined that, for the first five- year period the new rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. There are no anticipated fiscal implications for local government.

Ms. Dodson has determined that, for each year of the first five-year period the rule will be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be an increased understanding by pharmacy owners of what constitutes proper operation of a pharmacy. There is no additional fiscal impact anticipated for small or large businesses.

Written comments on the proposed new rule may be submitted to Steve Morse, R.Ph., Director of Professional Services, Texas State Board of Pharmacy, 333 Guadalupe Street, Box 21, Austin, Texas, 78701-3942, FAX 512/305-8082. Comments must be received by 5 p.m., May 2, 2002.

The new rule proposed under sections 551.002, and 554.051 of the Texas Pharmacy Act (Chapters 551-566, Texas Occupations Code). The Board interprets section 551.002 as authorizing the agency to protect the public through the effective control and regulation of the practice of pharmacy. The Board interprets section 554.051 as authorizing the agency to adopt rules for the proper administration and enforcement of the Act.

The statutes affected by this rule: Chapters 551-566, Texas Occupations Code.

§291. 11.Operation of a Pharmacy.

(a) For the purposes of §565.002(7) fo the Texas Pharmacy Act, the following words and terms shall be defined as follows.

(1) "Failure to engage in the business described in the application for a license" means the holder of a pharmacy license has not commenced operating the pharmacy within six months of the date of issuance of the license.

(2) "Ceased to engage in the business described in the application for a license" means the holder of a pharmacy license, once it has been in operation, discontinues operating the pharmacy for a period of six months or longer.

(b) For the purposes of this section, the term "operating the pharmacy" means the pharmacy shall demonstrate observable pharmacy business activity on a regular, routine basis, including a sufficient number of transactions of receiving, processing, or dispensing prescription drug orders or medication drug orders.

(c) No person may operate a pharmacy in a personal 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 March 4, 2002.

TRD-200201303

Gay Dodson, R.Ph.

Executive Director/Secretary

Texas State Board of Pharmacy

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 14, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8028


Chapter 295. PHARMACISTS

22 TAC §§295.5, 295.7, 295.9

The Texas State Board of Pharmacy proposes amendments to §295.5, concerning Pharmacist License or Renewal Fees, §295.7, concerning Pharmacist License Renewal, and §295.9 concerning Inactive License. The proposed amendments, if adopted, will: (1) permit a pharmacist, who is at least 72 years old and not actively practicing pharmacy, to renew his or her license without payment of a renewal fee; and (2) updates citations to the new codified Texas Pharmacy Act and makes other changes necessary due to the codification.

Gay Dodson, R.Ph., Executive Director/Secretary, has determined that, for the first five- year period the new rule is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. There are no anticipated fiscal implications for local government.

Ms. Dodson has determined that, for each year of the first five-year period the rule will be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be to no longer require a pharmacist who is at least 72 years old to bear the burden of renewal fees if he or she is not actively practicing pharmacy. There is no additional fiscal impact anticipated for small or large businesses.

Written comments on the proposed new rule may be submitted to Steve Morse, R.Ph., Director of Professional Services, Texas State Board of Pharmacy, 333 Guadalupe Street, Box 21, Austin, Texas, 78701-3942, FAX 512/305-8082. Comments must be received by 5 p.m., May 2, 2002.

The amendments are proposed under sections 551.002, 554.051, and 554.006 of the Texas Pharmacy Act (Chapters 551-566, Texas Occupations Code). The Board interprets section 551.002 as authorizing the agency to protect the public through the effective control and regulation of the practice of pharmacy. The Board interprets section 554.051 as authorizing the agency to adopt rules for the proper administration and enforcement of the Act. The Board interprets section 554.006 as authorizing the agency to establish reasonable fees sufficient to cover the costs of administering the Texas Pharmacy Act.

The statutes affected by this rule: Chapters 551-566, Texas Occupations Code.

§295.5.Pharmacist License or Renewal Fees.

(a) (No change.)

(b) The license of a pharmacist who has been licensed by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy for at least 50 years or who is at least 72 years old [ and which such pharmacist is not actively practicing pharmacy, ] shall be renewed without payment of a fee provided such pharmacist is not actively practicing pharmacy . The renewal certificate of such pharmacist issued by the board shall reflect an inactive status. A person whose license is renewed pursuant to this subsection may not engage in the active practice of pharmacy without first paying the fee as set out in subsection (a) of this section.

(c)-(d) (No change.)

§295.7.Pharmacist License Renewal.

For the purposes of the Act, Chapter 559, Subchapter A. [ Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4542a-1, §24. ]

(1) (No change.)

(2) Before the expiration date of the license [ Timely receipt of the completed application and renewal fee ] means the receipt in the board's office of a completed [ such ] application and renewal fee on or before the last day of the assigned expiration month.

(3) As specified in §559.003, [ subsections (d)-(f) of Texas Civil Statutes, Article 4542a-1, §24, ] if the completed application and renewal fee is not received on or before the last day of the assigned expiration month, the person's license to practice pharmacy shall expire. A person shall not practice pharmacy with an expired license. An expired license may be renewed according to the following schedule.

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

§295.9.Inactive License.

(a) Placing a license on inactive status. A person who is licensed by the board to practice pharmacy but who is not eligible to renew the license for failure to comply with the continuing education requirements of the Act, Chapter 559, Subchapter A, [ §24, ] and who is not engaged in the practice of pharmacy in this state, may place the license on inactive status at the time of license renewal or during a license period as follows.

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

(b) (No change.)

(c) Reactivation of an inactive license.

(1) A holder of a license that is on inactive status may return the license to active status by:

(A) (No change.)

(B) providing copies of completion certificates from approved continuing education programs as specified in §295.8(e) of this title (relating to Continuing Education Requirements) for the number of hours that would otherwise have been required for the renewal of the license, up to 45 [ 36 ] hours. Approved continuing education earned within two years prior to the licensee applying for the return to active status may be applied toward the continuing education requirement; and

(C) (No change.)

(2) (No change.)

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 4, 2002.

TRD-200201305

Gay Dodson, R.Ph.

Executive Director/Secretary

Texas State Board of Pharmacy

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 14, 2002

For further information, please call: (512) 305-8028


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 ("Board") proposes amendments to §571.3 concerning Eligibility for Examination and Licensure. This section contains the requirements for regular veterinary licensure in Texas. The purpose of the amendments is to make changes in the name of the board that is responsible for administering and scoring the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE); change the passing score on the State Board Examination (SBE) from 75 to 85 percent; and clarify the requirements for an applicant to sit for the NAVLE. The amendments require that an applicant for the NAVLE must, prior to sitting for the examination, take and pass an English proficiency test. The Board believes that raising the passing score on the SBE will encourage applicants to better prepare for the examination. The Board has observed that because applicants who are deficient in English language skills often fail to pass the NAVLE, thus wasting fees and testing time, a pre-NAVLE English proficiency test should be implemented.

Mr. Ron Allen, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the amended section is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section.

Mr. Allen has also determined that for the first five years the section is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the amended section will be to (a) increase the knowledge and professionalism of license applicants who are required to meet more stringent test scores, and increase the confidence of the public in the veterinarians that are licensed in Texas; and (b) increase the communicative skills of persons that are required to pass an English proficiency test prior to those persons taking the examination, and increase the efficiency of the testing procedures. There will be no effect on small businesses. There will be no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the amended section as proposed.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted in writing to Judy Huppert, Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-330, Austin, Texas 78701-3998, phone (512) 305-7555, and must be received by May 1, 2002.

The amendments are proposed under the authority of the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, Section 801.151 (a) which states that the Board may adopt rules necessary to administer the chapter.

The amendments affect the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, Section 801.252 which pertains to licensing eligibility requirements.

§571.3.Eligibility for Examination and Licensure.

(a) Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meaning:

(1) Board - the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

(2) Locally derived scaled score - the equivalent of the criterion referenced passing point for the national examination or the NAVLE.

(3) National Board of [ Examination Committee for ] Veterinary Medical Examiners (NBVME) [ Medicine (NBEC) ] - the organization responsible for producing, administering and scoring the NAVLE.

(4) National examination - the examination in existence and effective prior to the inauguration date of the NAVLE and which consists of the national board examination (NBE) and the clinical competency test (CCT).

(5) North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) - the examination which replaced [ replaces ] the national examination in the year 2000.

(6) Passing score - an examination score of at least 75 percent on [ which for ] the national examination and NAVLE which is based on a locally derived scaled score [ . ] , and an examination score of at least 85 percent on the SBE.

(7) Testing window - a period of consecutive days of the year specified by NBVME [ NBEC ] when qualified candidates can sit for the NAVLE.

(8) Texas State Board Licensing Examination (SBE) - the state examination developed and administered by the Board.

(b) - (c) (No Change)

(d) Licensing Examination

(1) Eligibility

(A) An applicant may sit for the [ NAVLE or ] SBE provided that the requirements of subsection (c) of this section have been met and the applicant is a graduate of:

(i) an approved and accredited veterinary medical school or college, as defined in subsection (b) (1) (C) of this section; or

(ii) a veterinary medical school or college not approved and accredited, as defined in subsection (b) (1) (C) of this section, but who has obtained an ECFVG Certificate or a PAVE Certificate.

(B) An applicant may sit for the NAVLE provided that the requirements of subsection (c) of this section have been met and the applicant is a graduate of:

(i) an approved and accredited veterinary medical school or college, as defined in subsection (b) (1) (C) of this section; or

(ii) a veterinary medical school or college not approved and accredited, as defined in subsection (b) (1) (C) of this section, but who is enrolled in the ECFVG or has received a certificate from PAVE.

(C) Prior to sitting for the NAVLE , an applicant who is a graduate of a veterinary medical school or college not approved and accredited, as defined in subsection (b) (1) (C) of this section, and is enrolled in the ECFVG, must take and pass all English language proficiency tests required, or have completed the PAVE certification program.

(D) [ (B) ] A person must first take and pass the national examination or the NAVLE in order to sit for the SBE.

(2) Eligibility Prior to Graduation. An applicant who has not graduated from veterinary medical school may sit for examinations provided the following conditions have been complied with:

(A) To sit for the SBE, an applicant must be enrolled in an approved and accredited veterinary medical school or college as defined in subsection (b) (1) (C) of this section and must obtain a document from the dean [ Dean ] of the school or college from which the applicant expects to graduate certifying that the applicant is within 60 days of completion of a veterinary college program and is expected to graduate.

(B) An applicant enrolled in a joint or combined degree program who has completed the applicant's veterinary medical education but has not received a diploma or transcript certifying award of the applicant's DVM degree, must obtain a letter from the dean [ Dean ] of the school or college of veterinary medicine stating the applicant did in fact graduate before the applicant is eligible to sit for the SBE or the NAVLE.

(C) To sit for the NAVLE, a candidate must, at the time an application is submitted, demonstrate that the candidate is within six months of the expected graduation date falling within the appropriate testing window and comply with all of the NBVME's [ NBEC's ] testing requirements for the NAVLE.

(3) Results of Examinations. The Board will accept certified scores issued by the:

(A) American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) [ Interstate Reporting Service of the Professional Examination Service ], or its successor, for the national examination; and

(B) the official reporting service for the NAVLE.

(4)-(6) (No change.)

(7) Appearance for Examinations

(A) An applicant for the SBE must submit a new application and the current fees prior to admission for examination if the applicant:

(i) does not appear for the scheduled examination; or

(ii) fails to attain a passing score on the scheduled examination.

(B) A candidate for the NAVLE must take the examination within the testing [ test ] window in which the candidate is authorized for testing.

(i) A candidate who fails to take the examination within the appropriate testing [ test ] window shall forfeit the candidate's fees.

(ii) A candidate who desires to take the examination during a subsequent testing [ test ] window must have the candidate's eligibility reconfirmed by the Board and the candidate must pay new fees.

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 March 4, 2002.

TRD-200201314

Ron Allen

Executive Director

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Proposed date of adoption: June 13, 2002

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


22 TAC §571.4

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners ("Board") proposes amendments to §571.4 concerning Special Licenses. 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 practice is unrepresented or under represented in Texas. The amended section will raise the required passing score for the special license examination (jurisprudence examination) from 75 percent to 85 percent. The Board believes that raising the passing score on the jurisprudence examination will encourage applicants to better prepare for the examination.

Mr. Ron Allen, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the amended section is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering this section.

Mr. Allen has also determined that for the first five years the section is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the amended section will be to increase the knowledge and professionalism of license applicants who are required to meet more stringent test scores, and increase the confidence of the public in veterinarians that are licensed in Texas. There will be no effect on small businesses. There will be no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the amended section as proposed.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted in writing to Judy Huppert, Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-330, Austin, Texas 78701-3998, phone (512) 305- 7555, and must be received by May 1, 2002.

The amendments are proposed under the authority of the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, §801.151 (a) which states that the Board may adopt rules necessary to administer the chapter.

The amendments affect the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, §801.252 which pertains to licensing eligibility requirements.

§571.4.Special Licenses

(a) General requirements for licensure; examination scores; issuance and renewal.

(1) - (3) (No Change)

(4) The applicant must submit with his application a written statement from his employer describing the applicant's official duties that require the issuance of a special license under §801.256 (a) (1) - (3), Texas Occupations Code. Upon completion of the jurisprudence examination, the board shall notify the applicant by letter of his score. [ the pass/fail results. A grade of 75% has been established as the minimum passing grade. ] For [ successful ] candidates who attain a passing score of 85 percent , the letter shall constitute the special license for limited practice in the State of Texas.

(5) - (7) (No Change)

(b) - (d) (No Change)

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 4, 2002.

TRD-200201313

Ron Allen

Executive Director

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Proposed date of adoption: June 13, 2002

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


22 TAC §571.18

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners ("Board") proposes amendments to §571.18 concerning Provisional Licensure. Provisional licenses may be issued to applicants for regular licensure who want to practice prior to taking the regular examination on its scheduled date. The amended section will raise the required passing score for the provisional license examination (jurisprudence examination) from 75 percent to 85 percent. The Board believes that raising the passing score on the jurisprudence examination will encourage applicants to better prepare for the examination.

Mr. Ron Allen, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the amended section is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering this section.

Mr. Allen has also determined that for the first five years the section is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the amended section will be to increase the knowledge and professionalism of license applicants who are required to meet more stringent test scores, and increase the confidence of the public in veterinarians that are licensed in Texas. There will be no effect on small businesses. There will be no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the amended section as proposed.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted in writing to Judy Huppert, Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-330, Austin, Texas 78701-3998, phone (512) 305- 7555, and must be received by May 1, 2002.

The amendments are proposed under the authority of the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, Section 801.151 (a) which states that the Board may adopt rules necessary to administer the chapter.

The amendments affect the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, Section 801.252 which pertains to licensing eligibility requirements.

§571.18.Provisional Licensure.

(a) (No change)

(b) The Board may grant a provisional license containing specific practice restrictions to a person who meets the following criteria:

(1) proof of a current license in good standing in another state or jurisdiction of the United States that has licensing requirements that are substantially equivalent to the requirements of the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 801.

(2) proof of receipt of a passing score on the national examination or NAVLE. The Board may, upon written petition of the applicant, provide an exception to this requirement based on the applicant's satisfaction of the other requirements of this section and consideration of factors set out in section 571.3 (b) (2).

(3) proof of sponsorship by a veterinarian licensed by the Board who will directly supervise the provisional licensee's practice during the term of the provisional license. An applicant requesting waiver of the sponsorship requirement due to hardship must make a personal appearance before the Board to obtain a waiver.

(4) a passing score of 85 percent on the Board's [ state board ] jurisprudence examination.

(5) payment of the required application fee.

(6) proof of graduation from a college of veterinary medicine accredited by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or an Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) Certificate or a Program for Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) Certificate.

(7) proof of veterinary experience. This requirement can be satisfied by letter of reference from at least two veterinary employers or persons with direct knowledge of the applicant's veterinary practice and experience.

(c) - (g) (No change)

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 4, 2002.

TRD-200201312

Ron Allen

Executive Director

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Proposed date of adoption: June 13, 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 ("Board") proposes amendments to §573.11 concerning Responsibility for Unlicensed and Licensed Employees. The Board has determined that occasionally a person employed or supervised by a veterinarian to practice veterinary medicine does not possess proper credentials such as a veterinary license or controlled substance certificates from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) or Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The amended rule expands the responsibility of veterinarians for acts of an unlicensed or uncredentialed employee by requiring that an employing or supervising veterinarian be responsible for assuring that the employee is licensed and possesses the appropriate DEA and DPS certificates.

Mr. Ron Allen, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the amended section is en effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section.

Mr. Allen has also determined that for the first five years the section is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the amended section will be to better protect the public from persons who are not authorized to practice veterinary medicine or who are not properly certified to handle and dispense controlled substances. There will be no effect on small businesses. There will be no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the amended section as proposed.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted in writing to Judy Huppert, Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-330, Austin, Texas 78701-3998, phone (512) 305-7555, and must be received by May 1, 2002.

The amendments are proposed under the authority of the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, §801.151 (a) which states that the Board may adopt rules necessary to administer the chapter.

The amendments affect the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, Subchapter H, which pertains to practice by veterinarians.

§573.11. Responsibility for Unlicensed and Licensed Employees. [ Discouragement of Unauthorized Practice ]

(a) A veterinarian who employs and/or supervises an unlicensed person shall be responsible for any acts of the unlicensed person committed within the scope of the person's employment that constitute the unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine.

(b) A veterinarian who employs and/or supervises a person practicing veterinary medicine shall assure that the person is:

(1) licensed; and

(2) meets the requirements of Rule 573.43 for registration with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). [ A licensed veterinarian shall be professionally and legally responsible for the unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine by unlicensed employees within the scope of their employment. An employee's unauthorized practice of veterinary medicine without a license constitutes grounds for the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to take action against the licensed veterinarian. ]

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 March 4, 2002.

TRD-200201311

Ron Allen

Executive Director

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Proposed date of adoption: June 13, 2002

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