TITLE 22.EXAMINING BOARDS

Part 21. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF PSYCHOLOGISTS

Chapter 473. FEES

22 TAC §473.3

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists proposes amendments to §473.3, concerning Annual Renewal Fees (Not Refundable). These amendments are being proposed to correct implementation of HB 2985 which requires the agency to raise annual licensure renewal fees.

Sherry L. Lee, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Ms. Lee also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be to make the rules adhere to legislative mandate. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Brenda Skiff, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-450, Austin, TX 78701, (512) 305-7700.

The amendments are proposed 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.

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

§473.3.Annual Renewal Fees (Not Refundable).

(a) Psychological Associate Licensure--$91.

(b) Psychological Associate Licensure over the age of 70--$16.

(c) Provisionally Licensed Psychologist--$86.

(d) Provisionally Licensed Psychologist over the age of 70--$16.

(e) Psychologist Licensure--$181.

(f) Psychologist Licensure over the age of 70--$16.

(g) Psychologist Health Service Provider Status-- $20 [ $21 ].

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

(i) Licensed Specialist in School Psychology--$34.

(j) Licensed Specialist in School Psychology over the age of 70--$14.

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 February 19, 2004.

TRD-200401167

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 4, 2004

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


22 TAC §473.5

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists proposes amendments to §473.5, concerning Miscellaneous Fees (Not Refundable). These amendments are being proposed to clarify miscellaneous fees.

Sherry L. Lee, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Ms. Lee also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be to make the rules simplier. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Brenda Skiff, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-450, Austin, TX 78701, (512) 305-7700.

The amendments are proposed 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.

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

§473.5.Miscellaneous Fees (Not Refundable).

(a) - (f) (No change.)

[(g) Application packets--$5.]

(g) [ (h) ] Cost of destroyed, lost or stolen annual renewal permits--$10.

(h) [ (i) ] Cost of replacement renewal notice--$10

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 February 19, 2004.

TRD-200401168

Sherry L. Lee

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 4, 2004

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


Part 23. TEXAS REAL ESTATE COMMISSION

Chapter 535. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Subchapter E. REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE

22 TAC §535.51

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) proposes amendments to §535.51, concerning general requirements for licensure. The amendments propose to adopt by reference changes to two real estate broker application forms and one salesperson application form to change the fees referenced in the forms. The amendments to the fee provisions in the forms are proposed in conjunction with Government Code Chapter 2054, Subchapter I, Section 2054.252, which requires TREC to participate in an electronic system using the Internet for licensing applications and renewals. Section 2054.252 requires TREC to pay a subscription fee to the TexasOnline Authority for participation and to increase application and renewal fees to cover the cost of the subscription fees charged by the TexasOnline Authority. The proposed revisions include an additional $2 fee for salesperson original applications, and an additional $5 for individual broker original applications and broker late renewal applications. The proposed fee increases will apply to each license type when online application for each license type is effectuated in conjunction with TexasOnline. The $2 will apply to salesperson original applications as of May 10, 2004. The proposed fee increase of $5 will apply June 1, 2004 to broker original applications and September 1, 2004 to broker late renewal applications.

Loretta R. DeHay, general counsel, has determined that for the first five-year period the sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for the state as a result of enforcing or administering the sections. There are no anticipated fiscal implications for units of local government. There is no anticipated impact on small businesses, micro businesses or local or state employment as a result of implementing the sections. Ms. DeHay also has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections as proposed are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be a streamlined application filing process. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed sections.

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

The amendments are proposed under Texas Occupations Code, §1101.151, which authorizes the Texas Real Estate Commission to make and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for the performance of its duties and to establish standards of conduct and ethics for its licensees in keeping with the purposed and intent of the Act to insure compliance with the provisions of the Act and Government Code section 2054.252(g) which requires TREC to increase occupational license issuance or renewal fees by an amount sufficient to cover the cost of the subscription fee imposed on TREC under subsection (e) of section 2054.252.

The statutes affected by this proposal is Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1101, and Texas Government Code, Chapter 2054. No other statute, code or article is affected by the adopted amendments.

§535.51.General Requirements.

(a)-(d) (No change.)

(e) The commission adopts by reference the following forms approved by the commission which are published by and available from the Texas Real Estate Commission, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas 78711-2188:

(1) Effective June 1, 2004, application [ Application ] for a Real Estate Broker License, TREC Form BL- 8 [ 7 ];

(2) (No change.)

(3) Effective September 1, 2004, application [ Application ] for Late Renewal of A Real Estate Broker License, TREC Form BLR- 7 [ 6 ];

(4) (No change.)

(5) Application for Real Estate Salesperson License, TREC Form SL- 10 [ 9 ];

(6)-(10) (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 February 13, 2004.

TRD-200401071

Loretta DeHay

General Counsel

Texas Real Estate Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 4, 2004

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


Subchapter F. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, TIME PERIODS AND TYPE OF LICENSE

22 TAC §535.65

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) proposes amendments to §535.65 concerning changes in ownership or operation of school; presentation of courses. The amendment to §535.65(d) would permit accredited real estate schools to request MCE credit to be given to instructors of real estate core courses by filing a completed MCE Form 11-3, Instructor Credit Request. Currently, schools are required to request credit on school letterhead. The change would provide consistency in the credit application process as it would make the process similar to §535.72(m) which permits continuing education providers to request MCE credit to be given to MCE instructors. The amendment to §535.65(j) permits a school to provide a roster of students who take alternate delivery method or correspondence courses 10 days after the end of the month in which the course was taken.

Loretta R. DeHay, general counsel, has determined that for the first five-year period the section is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for the state as a result of enforcing or administering the sections. There are no anticipated fiscal implications for units of local government. There is no anticipated impact on small businesses, micro businesses or local or state employment as a result of implementing the sections.

Ms. DeHay also has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections as proposed are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be consistency in the credit approval process. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed sections.

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

The amendments are proposed under Texas Occupations Code, §1101.151, which authorizes the Texas Real Estate Commission to make and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for the performance of its duties and to establish standards of conduct and ethics for its licensees in keeping with the purposed and intent of the Act to insure compliance with the provisions of the Act.

The statute affected by this proposal is Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1101. No other statute, code or article is affected by the adopted amendments.

§535.65.Changes in Ownership or Operation of School; Presentation of Courses, Advertising, and Records.

(a)-(c) (No change.)

(d) Instructors.

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

(5) Schools may request MCE credit be given to instructors of real estate core courses subject to the following guidelines.

(A) The instructors may receive credit for only those portions of the course which they teach by filing a completed MCE Form 11-3, Instructor Credit Request .

(B) (No change.)

(e)-(h) (No change.)

(i) Course credit and records.

(1) Within ten days following the completion of other than an alternative delivery method course or correspondence course , a school shall provide the commission with a class roster in a format approved by the commission. For an alternative delivery method course or correspondence course , a school shall provide a roster of those students completing the course within 10 days after the end of the month in which the student completed the course. The listing of students must be numbered and in alphabetical order, with each student's last name shown first, and must show after each student's name the final grade of either passed, failed, incomplete, or dropped, in language or symbols that can be correlated with these categories. The school shall explain any other grade concisely but clearly. The school shall list all instructors used in the course on the roster.

(A)-(D) (No change.)

(2)-(5) (No change.)

(j) (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 February 13, 2004.

TRD-200401072

Loretta DeHay

General Counsel

Texas Real Estate Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 4, 2004

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


Subchapter J. FEES

22 TAC §535.101

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) proposes amendments to §535.101, concerning fees paid by licensees and applicants.

The amendments to subsections 535.101(b)(1)-(3) are proposed in conjunction with Government Code Chapter 2054, Subchapter I, Section 2054.252, which requires TREC to participate in an electronic system using the Internet for licensing applications and renewals. Section 2054.252 requires TREC to pay a subscription fee to the TexasOnline Authority for participation and to increase application and renewal fees to cover the cost of the subscription fees charged by the TexasOnline Authority. The proposed revisions include an additional $5 fee for a corporation broker renewal, $2 fee for salesperson original applications, and $5 for individual broker original applications and broker late renewal applications. The proposed fee increases will apply to each license type when online application in conjunction with TexasOnline is effectuated. The $2 will apply to salesperson original applications as of May 10, 2004. The proposed fee increase of $5 will apply June 1, 2004 to broker original applications and September 1, 2004 to broker late renewal applications. An increase of $2.50 for annual renewal of a real estate broker corporation license will apply on September 1, 2004.

Alan Waters, staff services director, has determined that for the first five-year period revisions to section 535.101 are in effect there will be fiscal implications for the state. Revenue from fees received for broker and salesperson original applications is anticipated to increase $8,962.00 for Fiscal Year 2004. Revenue from fees received for broker original applications (including late renewals), corporation renewals, and salesperson original applications is anticipated to increase $45,255.00 for Fiscal Year 2005 and for each year of the five year period following adoption of the amendment. No fiscal implications are anticipated for units of local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section. There is no anticipated impact on small businesses, micro businesses or local or state employment as a result of implementing the section.

Loretta R. DeHay, general counsel, has determined that for each year of the first five years the section as proposed is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be conforming TREC rules with statutory requirements of Government Code Chapter 2054. The anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed section is an additional $5 fee for a corporation broker renewal, $2 fee for salesperson applications, and $5 for individual broker applications and late renewal applications.

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

The amendments are proposed under Texas Occupations Code, §1101.151, which authorizes the Texas Real Estate Commission to make and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for the performance of its duties and to establish standards of conduct and ethics for its licensees in keeping with the purposed and intent of the Act to insure compliance with the provisions of the Act and Government Code section 2054.252(g) which requires each licensing entity to shall increase the occupational license issuance or renewal fees imposed by the licensing entity by an amount sufficient to cover the cost of the subscription fee imposed on the licensing entity under subsection (e).

The statutes affected by this proposal is Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1101, and Texas Government Code, Chapter 2054. No other statute, code or article is affected by the adopted amendments.

§535.101.Fees.

(a) (No change.)

(b) The commission shall charge and collect the following fees:

(1) a fee not to exceed [ of ] $80 [ $75 ] for the filing of an original application for a real estate broker license;

(2) a fee not to exceed [ of ] $33.50 for annual renewal of a real estate broker license;

(3) a fee not to exceed [ of ] $52 [ $50 ] for the filing of an original application for a real estate salesperson license;

(4) - (14) (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 February 13, 2004.

TRD-200401073

Loretta DeHay

General Counsel

Texas Real Estate Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 4, 2004

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


Subchapter R. REAL ESTATE INSPECTORS

22 TAC §§535.212, 535.218, 535.223

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) proposes amendments to §§535.212 concerning education and experience requirements for an inspector license, 535.218 concerning continuing education, and 535.223 concerning standard inspection reports.

The amendments to §535.212 are proposed in conjunction with the passage of H.B. 1508 by the 78th Legislature (2003), which, in part amended Texas Occupations Code section 1102.111 to increase from 60 to 320 the number of additional classroom hours that the commission may require of inspector applicants for substitution of additional education in lieu of the number of inspections and previous licensure requirements for licensing. An applicant for a real estate inspector or professional inspector license may substitute professional experience ("alternate experience") or additional education ("alternate education") in lieu of the number of real estate inspections required by Chapter 1102, Texas Occupations Code and in lieu of the requirement that the applicant has previously been licensed for a specified time as an apprentice inspector or a real estate inspector. Under section 1102.111 the alternate education requirement may not exceed 320 hours. In addition, under Chapter 1102, the commission by rule may specify the length and content of core courses, including alternate education courses under section 1102.111.

The Real Estate Inspector Committee has recommended that the Commission increase the alternate education requirements for applicants for a professional inspector license that would require 320 additional education hours for professional inspector applications submitted after January 1, 2005. The alternate education hours would be in addition to the hours required under the traditional track application process. Thus, a professional inspector applicant under the proposed alternate education track would be required to have completed 128 hours in core education courses and 320 additional education hours.

Professional Inspector applicants under the alternate education track would be required to take specific courses with the course content and length as defined in the proposed rule. The alternate education courses would be considered core education courses for purposes of licensure through traditional track licensure, but applicants could not use the alternate education courses more than once. In addition, a course approved to satisfy the additional education requirements could be used by a licensee to satisfy continuing education requirements as long as the licensee completed the full course.

The Real Estate Inspector Committee recommends these changes to the Commission due to concerns that applicants for professional inspector licenses who apply based on additional education do not have sufficient education or experience compared to those who apply through the traditional process which requires both education and experience, or the alternate experience process which requires both traditional education requirements and additional experience in related construction fields.

The proposed amendments to §535.218 would permit currently licensed inspectors to use a course approved as an alternate education course to satisfy continuing education requirements as long the as the licensee attended the entire course.

The proposed amendments to §535.223 would exempt an inspector licensee who conducts a code compliance inspection of a new home for a builder from using the standard inspection report form if the builder required use of the builder's form and the inspector included a specific disclosure in the alternate form which addresses the differences between a standard inspection and an inspection conducted under the exemption.

Loretta R. DeHay, general counsel, has determined that for the first five-year period the section is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for the state as a result of enforcing or administering the sections. There are no anticipated fiscal implications for units of local government. There is no anticipated impact on small businesses, micro businesses or local or state employment as a result of implementing the sections.

Ms. DeHay also has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections as proposed are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be better educated licensed professional inspectors who become licensed under the alternate education track under Chapter 1102. The anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed sections would be the cost of taking the additional education hours for licensure as a professional inspector under the alternate education track.

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

The amendments are proposed under Texas Occupations Code, §1101.151, which authorizes the Texas Real Estate Commission to make and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for the performance of its duties and to establish standards of conduct and ethics for its licensees in keeping with the purposed and intent of the Act to insure compliance with the provisions of the Act.

The statute affected by this proposal is Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1102. No other statute, code or article is affected by the adopted amendments.

§535.212.Education and Experience Requirements for an Inspector License.

(a) Education requirements.

(1) To be accepted for inspector licensing, a course must meet each of the following requirements.

(A) The course was devoted to a subject listed in Texas Occupations Code, Section 1102.001(5) [ Civil Statutes, Article 6573a (the Act), §§23(a)(3) ] or this section ; provided, however, no more than 30 cumulative classroom hours in course credit may be accepted by the commission for inspection-related business, legal, report writing or ethics courses.

(B)-(E) (No change.)

(2)-(3) (No change.)

(4) Providers may obtain prior approval of a classroom course by submitting the following items to the commission:

(A)-(B) (No change.)

(C) a copy of any textbook, course outline, syllabus or other written course material provided to students; [ and ]

(D) a cross reference to the course material which demonstrates in a manner that is satisfactory to the commission where the required subject matter is covered in the course; and

(E) a copy of the written final examination which measures a student's mastery of the course.

(5) The following subjects shall be considered core real estate inspection courses for purposes of additional education requirements under subsection (b)(1)(B) of this section.

(A) Foundations, which shall include the following topics:

(i) site analysis/location;

(ii) grading;

(iii) foundations;

(iv) flat work;

(v) material;

(vi) foundation walls;

(vii) foundation drainage;

(viii) foundation waterproofing and damp proofing;

(ix) columns; and

(x) under floor space.

(B) Roof Systems, which shall include the following topics:

(i) review - rafters, roof joist, ceiling joist, collar ties, knee walls, purling, trusses, wood I joist, roof sheathing, steel framing

(ii) roof water control;

(iii) skylights;

(iv) flashing;

(v) ventilation/non-ventilation;

(vi) attic access;

(vii) re-roofing;

(viii) slopes -step roof/low slope/near flat;

(ix) materials -asphalt, fiberglass, wood shake, wood shingle, slate, clay tile, concrete tile, fiber cement (asbestos cement, mineral cement), metal, roll, build up, modified bitumen, synthetic rubber (EPDM), plastic (PVC); and

(x) valleys.

(C) Framing, which shall include the following topics:

(i) flashing;

(ii) wood frame - stick/balloon;

(iii) roof structure - rafters/trusses;

(iv) floor structure;

(v) porches/decks/steps/landings/balconies;

(vi) doors;

(vii) ceilings;

(viii) interior walls;

(ix) stairways;

(x) guardrails/handrails/balusters;

(xi) fireplace/chimney;

(xii) sills/columns/beams/joist/sub-flooring;

(xiii) wall systems/structure -headers;

(xiv) rammed earth;

(xv) straw bale;

(xvi) ICF;

(xvii) panelized;

(xviii) masonry;

(xix) wood I joist;

(xx) roof sheathing;

(xxi) wood wall;

(xxii) steel wall;

(xxiii) wood structural panel; and

(xiv) conventional concrete.

(D) Electrical Systems, which shall include the following topics:

(i) general requirements, equipment location and clearances;

(ii) electrical definitions;

(iii) services;

(iv) branch circuit and feeder requirements;

(v) wiring methods;

(vi) power and lights distribution;

(vii) devices and light fixtures; and

(viii) swimming pool.

(E) HVAC Systems which shall include the following topics:

(i) heating;

(ii) ventilation;

(iii) air conditioning; and

(iv) evaporative coolers.

(F) Plumbing, which shall include the following topics:

(i) water supply systems;

(ii) fixtures;

(iii) drains;

(iv) vents;

(v) water heaters (gas and electric);

(vi) gas lines; and

(vii) hydro-therapy equipment.

(G) Building Enclosure, which shall include the following topics:

(i) review of foundation and roofing relation;

(ii) review of flashing;

(iii) cladding;

(iv) windows/glazing;

(v) weather barriers;

(vi) vapor barriers;

(vii) insulation;

(viii) energy codes; and

(ix) ingress/egress.

(H) Appliances, which shall include the following topics:

(i) dishwasher;

(ii) food waste disposer;

(iii) kitchen exhaust hood;

(iv) range, cooktop, and ovens (electric and gas);

(v) microwave cooking equipment;

(vi) trash compactor;

(vii) bathroom exhaust fan and heater;

(viii) whole house vacuum systems;

(ix) garage door operator;

(x) doorbell and chimes; and

(xi) dryer vents.

(I) Standards of Practice/Legal/Ethics, which shall include the following topics:

(i) review of general principals;

(ii) inspection guidelines for structural systems;

(iii) inspection guidelines for mechanical systems;

(iv) inspection guidelines for electrical systems;

(v) inspection guidelines for optional systems;

(vi) ethics; and

(vii) legal

(J) Standard Report Form/Report Writing, which shall include the following topics:

(i) required use of report form REI 7A-0;

(ii) allowed reproductions;

(iii) allowed changes;

(iv) exceptions from use of the form;

(v) review of typical comments for each heading in the report; and

(iv) review of generally accepted technical writing techniques.

(K) Other Approved Courses as they relate to real estate inspections, which shall include the following topics:

(i) Environmental Protection Agency;

(ii) Consumer Product Safety Commission; and

(iii) general business practices.

(6) A course approved to satisfy the additional education hours required by subsection (b)(1)(B) of this section in lieu of the number of real estate inspections required by Chapter 1102, Texas Occupations Code, and in lieu of the requirement that the applicant has previously been licensed for a specified time as an apprentice inspector or a real estate inspector must meet each of the following requirements.

(A) The course must cover one subject only.

(B) The course must include all the topics as described for each subject under subsection (a)(5) of this section.

(C) The total hours of credit to be awarded for the course must be equal to the hours required for each subject under subsection (b)(1)(B) of this section.

(7) A course that combines more than one subject into a composite course may be approved by the commission to satisfy core course education requirements under Texas Occupations Code §§1102.108 and 1102.109; however, composite courses will not satisfy the additional education requirements to obtain a professional inspector license under Texas Occupations Code §1102.111 and subsection (b)(1)(B) of the section.

(8) A course approved under subsection (a)(5) of this section may not be used more than once by an applicant to satisfy education course requirements under Texas Occupations Code §§1102.108 and 1102.109, and additional education course requirements under Texas Occupations Code §1102.111.

(9) An applicant must not have completed more than one course with substantially the same course content within a two year period.

(b) Experience and additional education requirements.

(1) An applicant may substitute the following experience or additional education in lieu of the number of real estate inspections required by [ the Act ] Chapter 1102, Texas Occupations Code and in lieu of the requirement that the applicant has previously been licensed for a specified time as an apprentice inspector or a real estate inspector:

(A) For a real estate inspector license, the applicant must have completed at least 30 additional hours of core real estate inspection courses acceptable to the commission, with at least 10 hours of credit each for the structural, mechanical (including appliances, plumbing, and HVAC components) and electrical systems found in improvements to real property, or the applicant must provide documentation satisfactory to the commission to establish that the person has been licensed or registered at least three years as an architect, professional engineer, or engineer-in-training, or has at least five years of personal experience inspecting, installing, servicing, repairing or maintaining each of the structural, mechanical and electrical systems found in improvements to real property. Documentation of experience must include two reference letters [ be in verified form and ] from persons other than the applicant who have personal knowledge of the applicant's occupation and work.

(B) Prior to January 1, 2005, for [ For ] a professional inspector license, the applicant must have completed at least 60 additional hours of core real estate inspection courses acceptable to the commission, with at least 20 hours of credit each for the structural, mechanical (including appliances, plumbing, and HVAC components) and electrical systems found in improvements to real property, or provide documentation satisfactory to the commission to establish that the person has been licensed or registered at least five years as an architect, professional engineer, or engineer-in-training, or has at least seven years of personal experience inspecting, installing, servicing, repairing or maintaining each of the structural, mechanical and electrical systems found in improvements to real property. Documentation of experience must be in verified form and from persons other than the applicant who have personal knowledge of the applicant's occupation and work.

(C) Effective January 1, 2005, for a professional inspector license, the applicant must have completed at least 320 additional hours of education acceptable to the commission. The additional 320 education hours must include 45 hours in Foundation Systems, 40 hours in Roof Systems, 45 hours in Framing, 40 hours in Electrical Systems, 40 hours in HVAC Systems, 40 hours in plumbing, 20 hours in Building Enclosure, 10 hours in Appliances, 15 hours in Standards of Practice/Legal/Ethics,15 hours in Standard Report Form/Report Writing, and 10 hours of other approved courses or provide documentation satisfactory to the commission to establish that the person has been licensed or registered at least five years as an architect, professional engineer, or engineer-in-training, or has at least seven years of personal experience inspecting, installing, servicing, repairing or maintaining each of the structural, mechanical and electrical systems found in improvements to real property. Documentation of experience must include two reference letters from persons other than the applicant who have personal knowledge of the applicant's occupation and work.

(2) (No change.)

§535.218.Continuing Education.

(a) Except as provided by this section, core real estate inspection courses submitted by professional inspectors or real estate inspectors to satisfy the requirements of Texas Occupations Code §1102.205 [ Civil Statutes, Article 6573a (the Act), §§23(k) ] for continuing education must comply with §535.212 of this title (relating to Education and Experience Requirements for a License).

(b)-(d) (No change.)

(e) In addition to the core real estate inspection courses defined in Texas Occupations Code, §1102.001(5) and §§535.212 of this title [ the Act ], the commission also will accept a course related to wood-destroying insects, radon, asbestos, lead, or other hazardous substances to satisfy continuing education requirements.

(f)-(g) (No change.)

(h) The commission will accept a course approved to satisfy the additional education hours required by §535.212(b)(1)(B) of this title to satisfy continuing education requirements, provided that the licensee attends the entire course.

§535.223.Standard Inspection Reports.

(a)-(d) (No change.)

(e) This section does not apply to [ the following: ]

[ (1) ] inspections performed for a lender or for a person other than the prospective buyer or prospective seller. [ ; ]

(f) [ (2) ] This section does not apply to quality control construction inspections of new homes, including phased construction inspections, inspections performed solely to determine compliance with building codes, warranty or underwriting requirements, or inspections required by a municipality and the builder requires use of a different report, and the first page of the report contains a notice either in bold or underlined reading substantially similar to the following: "This report was prepared for a builder or builder's employee in accordance with the builder's requirements. The report is not intended as a substitute for an inspection of the property by an inspector of the buyer's choice. Standard inspections performed by a Texas Real Estate Commission licensee and reported on Texas Real Estate Commission promulgated report forms may contain additional information a buyer should consider in making a decision to purchase." If a report form required for use by the builder or builder's employee does not contain the notice, the inspector may attach the notice to the first page of the report at the time the report is prepared by the inspector. If the inspector attaches the notice, the inspector is not required to use a form adopted by the commission to report the inspection. [ ; ]

(g) This section does not apply to the following:

(1) [ (3) ] inspections of remodeling or re-inspections;

(2) [ (4) ] inspections for which federal or state law requires use of a different report; or

(3) [ (5) ] inspections for which a relocation company or a seller's employer requires use of a different report, and the first page of the report contains a notice either in bold or underlined print reading substantially similar to the following: "This report was prepared for a relocation company or seller's employer in accordance with the company's requirements. The report is not intended as a substitute for an inspection of the property by an inspector of the buyer's choice. Standard inspection reports required by the Texas Real Estate Commission may contain additional information a buyer should consider in making a decision to purchase." If the report form required by the relocation company or seller's employer does not contain the notice, the inspector may attach the notice to the first page of the report at the time the report is prepared by the inspector. If the inspector attaches the notice, the inspector is not required to use a form adopted by the commission to report the inspection.

[ (f) ] (h) Failure to comply with this section is grounds for the suspension or revocation of an inspector's license or the imposition of an administrative penalty by the commission.

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

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 13, 2004.

TRD-200401074

Loretta DeHay

General Counsel

Texas Real Estate Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 4, 2004

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


Part 33. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF PERFUSIONISTS

Chapter 761. PERFUSIONISTS

22 TAC §§761.2, 761.3, 761.12, 761.13, 761.15, 761.17, 761.19 - 761.21

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Perfusionists (board) proposes amendments to §§761.2-761.3, 761.12-761.13, 761.15, 761.17, and 761.19, and new §761.20 and §761.21, concerning the licensure of and regulation of Perfusionists.

Specifically, the amendments cover language on policy against discrimination; fees; clarification on student loan default; update continuing education requirements to follow the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion; administrative penalties for a violation; delete the word "settlement" in an informal disposition; and amend language regarding non-payment of child support. New §§761.2-761.21 cover relevant factors and severity level and sanction guide.

The amendments are necessary to implement House Bill 2985, 78th Legislature, 2003, which added Occupations Code, Chapter 101, Subchapter G, which established the Office of Patient Protection and requires additional fees to fund it; Senate Bill 1152, 78th Legislature, 2003, which amends Government Code, Chapter 2054, to require participation in Texas Online; and Senate Bill 161, 78th Legislature, 2003, which amends Occupations Code, Chapter 603, relating to emergency suspensions and administrative penalties. The licensing fee amendments are required as a result of revisions to the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 12, §§12.0111 and 12.0112, pursuant to House Bill 2292, 78th Legislature, 2003.

Pam Kaderka, Executive Secretary of the board, has determined that for each of the first five years the sections will be in effect there will be fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the sections as proposed. The estimated increase in general revenue cannot be established because the number of persons required to comply with the proposed sections cannot be determined. For all applications and renewal applications; the department is authorized to collect subscription and convenience fees, in amounts determined by the Texas Online Authority, to recover costs associated with application and renewal application processing through Texas Online.

Ms. Kaderka has also determined that for each of the first five years the proposed sections are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections as proposed will be to ensure the appropriate regulation of respiratory therapists. There will be no impact on small businesses or micro-businesses. The cost to persons required to comply with the sections would be $40 for student loan default reinstatement. There is no anticipated impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Pam Kaderka, Executive Secretary, Texas State Board of Examiners of Perfusionists, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756-3183, (512) 834-6751. Comments will be accepted for 30 days following publication of the proposal in the Texas Register .

The amendments and new sections are proposed under Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 603, which provides the Texas State Board of Examiners of Perfusionists with the authority to adopt rules concerning the regulation of perfusion.

The amendments and new sections affect the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 603.

§761.2.The Board's Organization and Administration.

(a) - (d) (No change.)

(e) Policy against discrimination. The board shall make no decision [ decisions ] in the discharge of its statutory authority with regard to [ without discrimination based on ] any person's race, creed, gender, religion, national origin, geographical distribution, age, physical condition, [ or ] economic status , sexual orientation, or genetic information .

(f) - (q) (No change.)

(r) Fees.

(1) The board has established reasonable and necessary fees to provide the funds to support the activities listed in paragraph (4) [ (2) ] of this subsection and other activities required by the Act.

(2) For all applications and renewal applications, the board will authorized to collect subscription and convenience fees, in amounts determined by the Texas Online Authority, to recover costs associated with application and renewal application processing through Texas Online.

(3) For all applications and renewal applications, the board will authorized to collect fees to fund the Office of Patient Protection, Health Professions Council, as mandated by law.

(4) [ (2) ] Schedule of fees for licensure as a perfusionist and a provisional licensed perfusionist is as follows:

(A) application and initial license fees--$175;

(B) license fee for upgrade of provisional licensed perfusionist--$75;

(C) a license issued for a one-year term--$175;

(D) a license issued for a two-year term--$350;

[ (C) renewal fee--$175;]

(E) [ (D) ] late renewal fee--$100;

(F) [ (E) ] license certificate and identification card replacement fee--$10;

(G) [ (F) ] child support reinstatement fee--$40; [ and ]

(H) student loan default reinstatement fee--$40; and

(I) [ (G) ] verification fee--$10 per licensee.

(5) [ (3) ] An applicant whose check for the application fee is not honored by the financial institution may reinstate the application by remitting to the board a money order or check for guaranteed funds within 30 days of the date of receipt of the board's notice. An application will be considered incomplete until the fee has been received and cleared through the appropriate financial institution.

(6) [ (4) ] A licensee whose check for the renewal fee is not honored by the financial institution may remit to the board a money order or check for guaranteed funds within 30 days of the date of receipt of the board's notice. Otherwise, the license shall not be renewed. If a renewal card has already been issued, it shall be subject to revocation.

(7) [ (5) ] Fees paid to the board by applicants are not refundable.

(8) [ (6) ] Any remittance submitted to the board in payment of a required fee must be in the form of a personal check, certified check, or money order.

(9) [ (7) ] The board shall make periodic reviews of its fee schedule and make any adjustments necessary to provide funds to meet its expenses without creating an unnecessary surplus. Such adjustments shall be through rule amendments.

(s) (No change.)

§761.3.Professional and Ethical Conduct.

(a) Code of ethics. These rules shall constitute a code of ethics as authorized by the Act, §603.151(6).

(1) (No change.)

(2) Professional relationships.

(A) - (D) (No change.)

(E) A licensee shall practice perfusion without discrimination based on race, creed, gender, religion, national origin, age , sexual orientation, or genetic information .

(F) - (G) (No change.)

(3) - (4) (No change.)

(b) - (c) (No change.)

§761.12.License Renewal.

(a) General.

(1) (No change.)

(2) A licensee must renew the license annually or biannually, as determined by the board .

(3) - (7) (No change.)

(8) A licensee who has been notified of a student loan default shall surrender their license until the loan payment has been resolved to the satisfaction of the National Student Loan Center.

(9) A licensee shall pay a reinstatement fee as set out in §761.2 of this title (relating to The Board's Organization and Administration) prior to issuance of the license under this section.

(b) - (e) (No change.)

§761.13.Minimum Continuing Education Requirements.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Completion of CE requirements without current certification by the ABCP. Licensed perfusionists without current certification by the ABCP at the time of license renewal must meet the following criteria.

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

(3) One CEU or contact hour activity is defined as 50 minutes spent in an organized, structured or unstructured learning experience. Categories of CEU activities are:

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

(D) A minimum of 40 clinical perfusions per year are required of every licensed perfusionist. A maximum of 15 activities may be documented as intraoperative pump standbys.

(E) 40 cases are required each year as the Primary Perfusionist for Cardiopulmonary bypass, ECMO, VAD, Isolated Limb Perfusion, or VENO-VENO bypass , or documented intraoperative pump standby . For each ECMO or VAD case, one case credit will be awarded for initiated anD/or managing an eight-hour shift.

(4) (No change.)

(c) (No change.)

§761.15.Violations, Complaints, Investigations, and Procedures.

(a) - (d) (No change.)

(e) Final action by the board.

(1) - (6) (No change.)

(7) The board may assess administrative penalties for a violation of the Act or this chapter in accordance with the procedures established in Occupations Code, §§603.501 - 603.511.

(f) - (g) (No change.)

§761.17.Informal [ Settlement ] Conference.

(a) Informal disposition of any complaint or contested case involving a licensee or an applicant for licensure may be made through an informal [ settlement ] conference held to determine whether an agreed [ settlement ] order may be approved.

(b) If the executive secretary or a member of the complaint [ complaints ] committee of the board determines that the public interest might be served by attempting to resolve a complaint or contested case by an agreed order in lieu of a formal hearing, the provisions of this section shall apply. A licensee or applicant may request an informal [ settlement ] conference; however, the decision to hold a conference shall be made by the executive secretary or the complaint [ complaints ] committee.

(c) (No change.)

(d) The executive secretary shall decide upon the time, date, and place of the informal [ settlement ] conference and provide written notice to the licensee or applicant of the same. Notice shall be provided no less than ten days prior to the date of the conference by certified mail, return receipt requested to the last known address of the licensee or applicant or by personal delivery. The 10 days shall begin on the date of mailing or personal delivery. The licensee or applicant may waive the 10 day notice requirement.

(1) The notice shall inform the licensee or applicant of the following:

(A) - (E) (No change.)

(F) that the informal [ settlement ] conference shall be canceled if the licensee or applicant notifies the executive secretary that he or she or his or her legal counsel will not attend.

(2) A copy of the board's rules concerning informal disposition shall be enclosed with the notice of the informal [ settlement ] conference.

(e) The notice of the informal [ settlement ] conference shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the complainant at his or her last known address or personally delivered to the complainant. The complainant shall be informed that he or she may appear and testify or may submit a written statement for consideration at the informal [ settlement ] conference. The complainant shall be notified if the conference is canceled.

(f) A member of the complaint [ complaints ] committee may be present at an informal [ a settlement ] conference.

(g) The [ settlement ] conference shall be informal and shall not follow the procedures established in this chapter for contested cases and formal hearings.

(h) (No change.)

(i) The board's legal counsel will be requested to attend each informal [ settlement ] conference. The complaint [ complaints ] committee member or executive secretary may call upon the board attorney at any time for assistance in the informal [ settlement ] conference.

(j) - (k) (No change.)

(l) At the discretion of the executive secretary or the committee members, a tape recording may be made of none or all of the informal [ settlement ] conference.

(m) The complainant shall not be considered a party in the informal [ settlement ] conference but shall be given the opportunity to be heard if the complainant attends. Any written statement submitted by the complainant shall be reviewed at the conference.

(n) At the conclusion of the informal [ settlement ] conference, the executive secretary may make recommendations for informal disposition of the complaint or contested case. The recommendations may include any disciplinary action authorized by the Act. The executive secretary may also conclude that the board lacks jurisdiction, conclude that a violation of the Act or this chapter has not been established, or refer the matter for further investigation.

(o) At the time of the informal conference, the [ The ] licensee or applicant may either accept or reject [ at the conference ] the conference [ settlement ] recommendations. If the recommendations are accepted, an agreed [ settlement ] order shall be prepared by the board office or the board's legal counsel and forwarded to the licensee or applicant. The order shall contain agreed findings of fact and conclusions of law. The licensee or applicant shall execute the order and return the signed order to the board office within ten days of his or her receipt of the order. If the licensee or applicant fails to return the signed order within the stated time period, the inaction shall constitute rejection of the conference [ settlement ] recommendations.

(p) If the licensee or applicant rejects the proposed recommendations [ settlement ], the matter shall be referred to the executive secretary for appropriate action.

(q) - (r) (No change.)

(s) Upon an affirmative majority vote, the board shall enter an agreed order approving the accepted [ settlement ] recommendations. The board may not change the terms of a proposed order but may only approve or disapprove an agreed order unless the licensee or applicant is present at the board meeting and agrees to other terms proposed by the board.

(t) - (u) (No change.)

§761.19.Suspension of License for Failure to Pay Child Support or Compliance with Child Custody Order .

(a) On receipt of a final court order or attorney general's order suspending a license due to failure to pay child support or failure to be in compliance with a court order relating to child custody , the executive secretary shall immediately determine if the board has issued a license to the obligator named on the order. If a license has been issued the executive secretary shall:

(1) - (3) (No change.)

(b) - (h) (No change.)

§761.20.Relevant Factors.

When a licensee has violated the Act or this chapter, three general factors combine to determine the appropriate sanction which include: the culpability of the licensee; the harm caused or posed; and the requisite deterrence. It is the responsibility of the licensee to bring exonerating factors to the attention of the complaint committee or administrative law judge. Specific factors are to be considered as set forth herein.

(1) Seriousness of violation. The following factors are identified:

(A) the nature of the harm caused, or the risk posed to the health, safety and welfare of the public, such as emotional, physical or financial;

(B) the extent of the harm caused, or the risk posed, to the health, safety and welfare of the public; such as whether the harm is low, moderate or severe, and the number of persons harmed or exposed to risk; and

(C) the frequency and time-periods covered by the violations, such as whether there were multiple violations, or a single violation, and the period of time over which the violations occurred.

(2) Nature of the violation. The following factors are identified:

(A) the relationship between the licensee and the person harmed, or exposed to harm, such as a dependent relationship of a client-counselor, or stranger to the licensee;

(B) the vulnerability of the person harmed or exposed to harm;

(C) the moral culpability of the licensee, such as whether the violation was:

(i) intentional or premeditated;

(ii) due to blatant disregard or gross neglect; or

(iii) resulted from simple error or inadvertence; and

(D) the extent to which the violation evidences the lack of character, such as lack integrity, trustworthiness, or honesty.

(3) Personal accountability. The following factors are identified:

(A) admission of wrong or error, and acceptance of responsibility;

(B) appropriate degree or remorse or concern;

(C) efforts to ameliorate the harm or make restitution;

(D) efforts to ensure future violations do not occur; and

(E) cooperation with any investigation or request for information.

(4) Deterrence. The following factors are identified:

(A) the sanction required to deter future similar violations by the licensee;

(B) sanctions necessary to ensure compliance by the licensee of other provisions of the Act or this chapter; and

(C) sanctions necessary to deter other licensees from such violations.

(5) Miscellaneous Factors. The following factors are identified:

(A) age and experience at time of violation;

(B) presence or absence of prior or subsequent violations;

(C) conduct and work activity prior to and following the violations;

(D) character references; and

(E) any other factors justice may require.

§761.21.Severity Level and Sanction Guide.

The following severity levels and sanction guides are based on the relevant factors in §761.20 of this title (relating to Relevant Factors).

(1) Level One--Revocation of license. These violations evidence intentional or gross misconduct on the part of the license, and/or cause or pose a high degree of harm to the public, and/or may require severe punishment as a deterrent to the licensee, or other licensees. The fact that a license is ordered revoked does not necessarily mean the licensee can never again regain licensure.

(2) Level Two--Extended suspension of license. These violations involve less misconduct, harm, or need for deterrence than Level One violations, but may require termination of licensure for a period of not less than one year.

(3) Level Three--Moderate suspension of license. These violations are less serious than Level Two violations, but may require termination of licensure for a period of time less than a year.

(4) Level Four--Probated suspension of licensure. These violations do not involve enough harm, misconduct, or need for deterrence to warrant termination of licensure, yet are severe enough to warrant monitoring of the licensee to ensure future compliance. Probationary terms may be ordered as appropriate.

(5) Level Five--Reprimand. These violations involve inadvertent or relatively minor misconduct and/or rule violations not directly involving the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

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 February 19, 2004.

TRD-200401162

Debra Sue Douglas

Chairman

Texas State Board of Examiners of Perfusionists

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 4, 2004

For further information, please call: (512) 458-7236


Part 37. TEXAS BOARD OF ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS

Chapter 821. ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS

22 TAC §§821.2, 821.3, 821.5 - 821.7, 821.23, 821.25, 821.27, 821.29, 821.39, 821.41, 821.43

The Texas Board of Orthotics and Prosthetics (board) proposes amendments to §§821.2, 821.3, 821.5, 821.6, 821.7, 821.23, 821.25, 821.27, 821.29, 821.39, 821.41, and 821.43, concerning the licensure and regulation of orthotists, prosthetists, assistants, technicians, students, and orthotic and prosthetic facilities.

Specifically, the amendments add a definition for safety manager; incorporate amendments to the Sunset Advisory Commission's Occupational Licensing Model; ensure that fee increases mandated by the 2003 Texas Legislature are billed and collected; add a fee to change the safety manager at accredited facilities; correct citations; add requirement that scaled floor plans for new facility applications clearly show the location of parallel bars; require the on-site practitioner in charge to list all facilities where they are the practitioner in charge and submit a work schedule; require new facility applications to list the licensee or registrant who is designated as the safety manager; require that all photographs submitted with facility applications be labeled; require that labeled photographs of the facility entrance showing wheelchair accessibility be submitted with new facility applications; require that labeled photographs of lab and fabrication areas be submitted with new facility applications; include the authority for emergency suspensions; and add the imposition of administrative penalties as a disciplinary action. The amendments are necessary to implement House Bill 2985, 78th Legislature, 2003, which added Occupations Code, Chapter 101, Subchapter G relating to fees; Senate Bill 1152, 78th Legislature, 2003, which amends Government Code, Chapter 2054, to require participation in Texas Online; Senate Bill 161, 78th Legislature, 2003, which amends Occupations Code, Chapter 605, relating to emergency suspensions and administrative penalties.

Heather Muehr, Executive Director of the board, has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect, there will be fiscal implications as a result of administering the sections as proposed. The effect on state government will be related to the additional fee for accredited facilities to change the designated safety manager. Assuming an effective date of July 1, 2004, for the revised fee schedule, there will not be an increase in revenue for fiscal year 2004. However, there will be an increase in general revenue to the state estimated to be $500 in fiscal year 2005, $500 in fiscal year 2006, $500 in fiscal year 2007, and $500 in fiscal year 2008. There will be no fiscal implications for local government. Senate Bill 1152, 78th Legislature, Regular Session, directs all department administered licensing programs to participate in Texas Online, an electronic fee payment system developed and maintained by the Texas Online Authority. Wording is added that authorizes the board to collect subscription and convenience fees, in amounts to be determined by the Texas Online Authority, to recover costs associated with application and renewal application processing.

Ms. Muehr has also determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect, the public benefit as a result of enforcing or administering the proposed sections will be to insure the appropriate regulation of orthotists, prosthetists and accredited facilities. There will be economic costs for micro-businesses, small businesses and persons who are required to comply with the new sections. Accredited facilities will be required to pay a $100 fee to change the designated safety manager. There will be no anticipated impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Heather Muehr, Executive Director, Texas Board of Orthotics and Prosthetics, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756-3183, (512) 834-6768. Comments will be accepted for 30 days following publication of the proposal in the Texas Register .

The amendments are proposed under Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 605, which provides the Texas Board of Orthotics and Prosthetics with the authority to adopt rules concerning the regulation of orthotists and prosthetists.

The amendments affect the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 605.

§821.2.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in these rules, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. Words and terms defined in the Orthotics and Prosthetics Act shall have the same meaning in these rules:

(1) - (41) (No change.)

(42) Safety Manager--A licensee or registrant who is assigned to develop, carry out and monitor an accredited facility's safety program.

§821.3.Board's Operation.

(a) - (m) (No change.)

(n) Committees.

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

[ (3) The presiding officer of the board may appoint nonboard members to serve as committee members on a consultant or voluntary basis, subject to board approval.]

(3) [ (4) ] Committee chairs shall make regular reports to the board in interim written reports and/or at regular meetings, as needed.

(4) [ (5) ] Committees shall direct reports or other materials to the executive director for distribution.

(5) [ (6) ] Committees shall meet when called by the committee chair or when so directed by the board.

(6) [ (7) ] At a minimum, the presiding officer shall appoint the following standing committees.

(A) The rules committee shall be composed of two board members who are licensed prosthetists or licensed orthotists and one public member of the board. The committee shall review the board rules at least once annually to ensure that the rules are current in relation to prosthetic and orthotic practice. The committee may recommend adoption of rules to the board. The committee shall consider petitions for adoption of rules and shall recommend disposition of these petitions to the board.

(B) The education and facility standards committee shall be composed of three board members who are licensed prosthetists or licensed orthotists. The committee shall periodically review board rules relating to educational standards for training students in prosthetic and orthotic practices, rules relating to continuing education, and rules relating to facility accreditation. The committee may recommend adoption of rules to the rules committee.

(C) The public information committee shall be composed of two board members who are licensed prosthetists or licensed orthotists and one public member of the board. The committee shall recommend to the board for approval, action regarding proposed publications. The committee shall recommend to the executive director the publication of board approved public information related to the board and shall guide the preparation of consumer information related publications.

(o) (No change.)

§821.5.Fees.

(a) (No change.)

(b) For all applications and renewal applications, the board is authorized to collect subscription and convenience fees, in amounts determined by the Texas Online Authority, to recover costs associated with application and renewal application processing through Texas Online.

(c) For all applications and renewal applications, the board is authorized to collect fees to fund the Office of Patient Protection, Health Professions Council, as mandated by law.

(d) [ (b) ] Schedule of fees. The board has established the schedule of fees as follows:

(1) prosthetist or orthotist license or license renewal--$300;

(2) prosthetist/orthotist license or license renewal--$400;

(3) prosthetist or orthotist assistant license or license renewal--$200;

(4) prosthetist/orthotist assistant license or license renewal--$250;

(5) prosthetic or orthotic technician registration or registration renewal--$100;

(6) prosthetic/orthotic technician registration or registration renewal--$150;

(7) prosthetic or orthotic student registration or registration renewal--$75;

(8) prosthetic/orthotic student registration or registration renewal--$100;

(9) prosthetist or orthotist temporary license or temporary license renewal--$150;

(10) prosthetist/orthotist temporary license or temporary license renewal--$200;

(11) prosthetist or orthotist provisional license or provisional license renewal--$300;

(12) prosthetist/orthotist provisional license or provisional license renewal--$400;

(13) prosthetic or orthotic facility accreditation or accreditation renewal--$400;

(14) prosthetic/orthotic facility accreditation or accreditation renewal--$500;

(15) license, registration, or accreditation duplicate or replacement--$25;

(16) orthotic or prosthetic examination--shall be determined by the Texas Department of Health (department) and shall consist of the examination fee in accordance with the current examination contract plus an administrative fee;

(17) upgrade for student registrant, provisional licensees and temporary licensees after passing the examination:

(A) one category--$200;

(B) two categories--$300;

(18) license reinstatement following suspension of a license under the Family Code--the renewal fee for the license or registration and an additional $100;

(19) returned check--$25;

(20) written license/certification verification--$25 each;

(21) adding orthotics or prosthetics to a facility accreditation issued in one category, including the designation of a practitioner in charge for the new category--$400;

(22) changing the location or name of an accredited facility--$400;

(23) changing the ownership of an accredited facility--$400; [ and ]

(24) changing the name of the on-site practitioner in charge of an accredited facility--$100 ; and

(25) changing the name of the safety manager of an accredited facility--$100.

(e) [ (c) ] Returned checks. Returned checks will be subject to the following procedure:

(1) A licensee, registrant, or accredited facilities, whose check is returned due to insufficient funds, account closed, payment stopped, or other reason, shall remit a money order or check for guaranteed funds to the board within 30 days of the date of the board's notice.

(2) The application or renewal shall be considered incomplete until the replacement fee has been received and cleared through the appropriate financial institutions.

(3) If a license, registration, accreditation, or renewal has already been issued, it shall be invalid until the replacement fee is received.

(4) If a money order or check for guaranteed funds is not received within 30 days of the date of the board's notice, the board shall notify the applicant and the applicant's employer that the application is incomplete or the license, registration, or accreditation has been invalidated due to a returned check.

(f) [ (d) ] Review of the fee schedule. The executive director shall make periodic reviews of the fee schedule and recommend adjustments necessary to provide sufficient funds to meet the expenses of the board without creating an unnecessary surplus. Adjustments shall be made through rule amendments approved by the board.

§821.6.General Application Procedures.

(a) (No change.)

(b) General.

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

(3) The board will not consider an application as officially submitted until the applicant pays the appropriate fee. The initial licensing fee and all other applicable fees must accompany the application form, as set out in §821.5 of this title (relating to Fees).

(4) - (5) (No change.)

(c) Required application materials.

(1) (No change.)

(2) The board will accept as proof of completion of a degree or course work an official transcript from a regionally accredited college or university.

(3) - (8) (No change.)

(d) - (j) (No change.)

§821.7.General Licensing Procedures.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Issuance of licenses.

(1) (No change.)

(2) A license shall be issued for one year plus an additional period ending on the last day of the licensee's birth month. A license shall not be issued for less than 13 months, nor more than two years. A license may be renewed on or before the expiration date in accordance with §821.33 of this title (relating to License Renewal). The renewal period shall be for a two - year period, unless otherwise specified.

(3) (No change.)

(4) A temporary license shall be issued for a one - year period, and may be renewed for not more than one year.

(5) A student registration shall be issued or renewed for a two - year period, unless issued or renewed under §821.27(e) or (f) of this title (relating to Student Registration).

(c) - (g) (No change.)

§821.23.Temporary License.

(a) - (d) (No change.)

(e) Renewal requirements. A temporary license may be renewed once for one additional one - year period if the applicant:

(1) - (3) (No change.)

(f) (No change.)

§821.25.Provisional License.

(a) - (c) (No change.)

(d) Renewal of a provisional license. A provisional license may be renewed for an additional two - year period. However, in no case will a renewal extend beyond January 1, 2005.

(e) - (h) (No change.)

§821.27.Student Registration.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Eligibility. The board shall issue or renew a student registration certificate to a person who:

(1) - (3) (No change.)

(4) is actively engaged in either:

(A) (No change.)

(B) completing the clinical experience described in subsections (f) [ (c) ](1), (g) [ (d) ](1) or (h) [ (e) ](1) of §821.17 of this title; or

(C) (No change.)

(c) - (i) (No change.)

§821.29.Accreditation of Prosthetic and Orthotic Facilities.

(a) - (b) (No change.)

(c) Accreditation application.

(1) Accreditation applications must include the following information:

(A) - (F) (No change.)

(G) a scaled floor plan indicating the total square feet in the facility and clearly showing the location of parallel bars ;

(H) the name and Texas license number of the prosthetist, orthotist, or prosthetist/orthotist who is designated as the on-site practitioner in charge and his or her notarized signature. If the on-site practitioner in charge is in charge of more than one facility, a list of all facilities at which the practitioner is in charge and a work schedule for the practitioner in-charge must be included. A person who holds a temporary or provisional license or a student registration may not serve as the on-site practitioner in charge;

(I) the name and Texas license number of the licensee or registrant that is designated as the safety manager;

(J) [ (I) ] the name and Texas license number of other licensees of this Act who practice in the facility;

(K) [ (J) ] the signature of the on-site practitioner(s) in charge of the facility; [ and ]

(L) [ (K) ] labeled photographs of each room and [ or ] hallway clearly showing wheelchair accessibility and privacy for patients ; [ . ]

(M) labeled photographs of the facility entrance clearly showing wheelchair accessibility; and

(N) labeled photographs of all lab and fabrication areas.

(2) - (6) (No change.)

(d) (No change.)

(e) Requirements for accredited facilities.

(1) - (10) (No change.)

(11) An accredited facility must designate at least one licensee or registrant as the safety manager. The safety manager is responsible for developing, carrying out, and monitoring the safety program for the accredited facility. To change the designation of the safety manager(s), the facility shall notify the board in writing of the name and license number of the safety manager(s) and the effective date of the change. The written notice shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee as set out in §821.5 of this title (relating to Fees). The notice and fee shall be submitted to the board before the change is effective.

(f) - (j) (No change.)

(k) Disciplinary actions.

(1) The executive director, on behalf of the board, may propose disciplinary action against a facility for violation of the Act or rules. The disciplinary action may include imposition of an administrative penalty, letter of [ a ] reprimand, revocation or suspension of the accreditation, probation, or other appropriate disciplinary action.

(2) - (4) (No change.)

(l) - (r) (No change.)

§821.39.Complaints.

(a) - (b) (No change.)

(c) Board assistance in processing complaints.

(1) (No change.)

[ (2) The presiding officer may appoint one or more licensed prosthetists and orthotists who are not board members to serve as consultants to the executive director. These appointments are subject to the approval by a majority of the board. The consultants may not be paid for their services.]

(2) [ (3) ] The executive director may call upon one appointed board member [ and one or more consultants ] for assistance to resolve a particular complaint, as needed.

(3) [ (4) ] Board members who participate in processing a complaint will not participate in the decision concerning a final order in that matter.

(4) [ (5) ] An appointed board member [ or consultant ] will review the complaint and the proposed action by the executive director when revocation, suspension, or denial of licensure is proposed.

(d) (No change.)

(e) Formal disciplinary actions.

(1) The board may take the following formal disciplinary action for a violation of the Act or these rules: deny a license, registration, or facility accreditation; suspend or revoke a license, registration, or facility accreditation; probate the suspension of a license, registration, or facility accreditation; issue a reprimand to a licensee, registrant, or accredited facility, [ or ] impose a civil penalty pursuant to the Act, §605.354 , impose an administrative penalty pursuant to the Act, §605.401, or suspend a license on an emergency basis in accordance with the procedures established in the Act, §605.3535 .

(2) - (4) (No change.)

(f) - (i) (No change.)

§821.41.Professional Standards and Disciplinary Provisions.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of a material fact. A license, registration, or facility accreditation may be denied, revoked, suspended, probated, reprimanded, or have an administrative or [ a ] civil penalty [ may be ] imposed when a license is obtained by fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of a material fact, which includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) - (5) (No change.)

(c) Fraud or deceit concerning services provided. A license, registration, or facility accreditation may be denied, revoked, suspended, probated, reprimanded, or have an administrative or [ a ] civil penalty [ may be ] imposed for fraud or deceit concerning services provided, which includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) - (15) (No change.)

(d) Unprofessional or unethical conduct. A license, registration, or facility accreditation may be denied, revoked, suspended, probated, reprimanded, or have an administrative or [ a ] civil penalty [ may be ] imposed for unprofessional or unethical conduct, as defined in subsections (b) and (c) of this section. Other action which may cause a license, registration, or facility accreditation to be denied, not renewed, revoked, suspended, or an administrative or [ a ] civil penalty to be imposed include, but are not limited to:

(1) - (29) (No change.)

(e) Gross negligence or malpractice. A license, registration, or facility accreditation may be denied, revoked, suspended, probated, reprimanded, or have an administrative or [ a ] civil penalty [ may be ] imposed for gross negligence or malpractice, which includes, but is not limited to, the following.

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

(f) Interference with an investigation. A license, registration, or facility accreditation may be denied, revoked, suspended, probated, reprimanded, or have an administrative or [ a ] civil penalty [ may be ] imposed for interference with a board investigation by the willful misrepresentation of facts to the board or its authorized representative or by the use of threats or harassment against any person.

(g) Frivolous complaints. A license, registration, or facility accreditation may be denied, revoked, suspended, probated, reprimanded, or have an administrative or [ a ] civil penalty [ may be ] imposed for filing a complaint with the board that is frivolous or made in bad faith.

(h) Disciplinary actions. A license, registration, or facility accreditation may be denied, not renewed, revoked, suspended, or have an administrative or [ a ] civil penalty [ may be ] imposed for violations of this Act or these rules. The executive director may issue a reprimand, a letter of concern, an advisory letter, or a cease and desist letter.

§821.43.Licensing Persons with Criminal Backgrounds.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Guidelines. The board may deny an application or revoke, suspend, [ or ] place on probation , or impose an administrative penalty against an existing license or registration if an applicant, licensee, or registration holder has been convicted of a crime (felony or misdemeanor) according to the following guidelines.

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

(3) The executive director will review the criminal convictions and determine what disciplinary action should be taken, and may ask that an appointed board member [ or consultant ] help in making the decision. The executive director shall give written notice to the person that the board intends to deny, suspend, [ or ] revoke , or impose an administrative penalty against the license [ after hearing ] in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 2001, and the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 53. The written notice must include:

(A) - (D) (No change.)

(c) (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 February 20, 2004.

TRD-200401186

Scott B. Atha

Presiding Officer

Texas Board of Orthotics and Prosthetics

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 4, 2004

For further information, please call: (512) 458-7236