PROPOSED
RULES
Before an agency may permanently adopt a new or amended section or repeal an
existing section, a proposal detailing the action must be published in the
Texas Register at least 30 days before action is taken. The 30-day time period
gives interested persons an opportunity to review and make oral or written
comments on the section. Also, in the case of substantive action, a public
hearing must be granted if requested by at least 25 persons, a governmental
subdivision or agency, or an association having at least 25 members.
Symbology in proposed amendments. New language added to an existing section is
indicated by the use of bold text. [Brackets] indicate deletion of existing
material within a section.
TITLE 25. HEALTH SERVICES
Part I. Texas Department of Health
Chapter 289. Radiation Control
The Texas Department of Health (department) proposes the repeal of existing
sec.289.128; and proposes new sec.289.251 concerning the control of radiation.
The section proposed for repeal adopts by reference Part 40, titled "Exemptions,
General Licenses, and General License Acknowledgements" of the Texas Regulations
for Control of Radiation (TRCR). The proposed new section incorporates language
from Part 40 that has been re-written in Texas Register format and includes
requirements for general licensees and general license acknowledgement holders
to report to the department incidents involving events that prevent immediate
protective actions necessary to avoid exposures to or releases of radioactive
materials that could exceed regulatory limits (events may include fires,
explosions, toxic gas releases, etc.). The section clarifies which manufacturers
of generally-licensed devices must be specifically licensed by the United States
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and which may be specifically licensed by
the NRC, an Agreement State, or a Licensing State. It also specifies the type of
licensee to which a generally-licensed device may be transferred. The section
further clarifies that tests for leakage of radioactive material and proper
operation of the "on-off" mechanism and indicator must be performed in
accordance with instructions provided by the labels or by a person specifically
licensed to perform such tests. These are items of compatibility with the NRC,
and as an Agreement State, Texas must adopt them.
The repeal and new section are part of the first phase in the process for
converting existing sections that adopt by reference the various parts of the
TRCR to Texas Register format.
Mrs. Ruth E. McBurney, C.H.P., Director, Division of Licensing, Registration
and Standards, Bureau of Radiation Control, has determined that for the first
five-year period the section is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications
for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the
section as proposed.
Mrs. McBurney also has determined that for each year of the first five years
the section is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of
enforcing the section will be to ensure that general licensees and general
license acknowledgement holders will report to the department incidents
involving releases of or exposures to radioactive materials. No impact is
anticipated on small businesses, or individuals who are required to comply with
these rules or on local employment as a result of implementing this section.
Comments on the proposal may be presented in writing to Ruth E. McBurney, C.
H.P., Director, Division of Licensing, Registration and Standards, Bureau of
Radiation Control, Texas Department of Health, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin,
Texas 78756-3189, (512) 834-6688. Public comments will be accepted for 30 days
following publication of these proposed changes in the Texas Register. In
addition, a public hearing will be held at 9:00 a.m., Thursday, May 18, 1995, in
Conference Room N218, Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control,
located at the Exchange Building, 8407 Wall Street, Austin, Texas.
Texas Regulations for the Control of Radiation
25 TAC sec.289.128
(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not
be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Texas Department
of Health or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building,
1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)
The repeal is proposed under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 401, which
provides the Board of Health with the authority to adopt rules and guidelines
relating to the control of radiation; and sec.12.001, which provides the Board
of Health with authority to adopt rules to implement every duty imposed by law
on the board, the department, and the commissioner of health.
This repeal will affect Health and Safety Code, Chapter 401.
sec.289.128. Exemptions, General Licenses, and General License
Acknowledgements.
This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal
counsel and found to be within the agency's authority to adopt.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on April 17, 1995.
TRD-9504688
Susan K. Steeg
General Counsel
Texas Department of Health
Earliest possible date of adoption: May 22, 1995
For further information, please call: (512) 458-7236
25 TAC sec.289.251
The new section is proposed under the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 401,
which provides the Board of Health with the authority to adopt rules and
guidelines relating to the control of radiation; and sec.12.001, which provides
the Board of Health with authority to adopt rules to implement every duty
imposed by law on the board, the department, and the commissioner of health.
This section will affect Health and Safety Code, Chapter 401.
sec.289.251. Exemptions, General Licenses, and General License
Acknowledgements.
(a) Scope and purpose. This section provides for exemptions to licensing
requirements, general licensing of radioactive material, and acknowledgement of
general licenses. Except as otherwise authorized, no person shall receive,
possess, use, transfer, own, or acquire radioactive material except as
authorized in a general license or general license acknowledgement issued in
accordance with this section, or in a specific license issued in accordance with
sec.289.115 of this title (relating to Radiation Safety Requirements and
Licensing and Registration Procedures for Industrial Radiography), sec.289.127
of this title (relating to Licensing of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material
(NORM)), sec.289.252 of this title (relating to Licensing of Radioactive
Material), or sec.289.254 of this title (relating to Licensing of Radioactive
Waste Processing and Storage Facilities).
(b) Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this chapter,
shall have the following meanings, unless the text clearly indicates otherwise.
(1) General license-An authorization granted in accordance with this section.
General licenses provided in this section are effective without the filing of
applications with the agency or the issuance of licensing documents to the
particular persons. The general licensee is subject to all other applicable
portions of this chapter and any limitations of the general license.
(2) General license acknowledgement-A written recognition of a general license
issued in accordance with this section. General license acknowledgements require
the submission of an application to the agency and the issuance of a written
acknowledgement of a general license granted in accordance with this section.
The holder of a general license acknowledgement is subject to all other
applicable portions of this chapter as well as any limitations specified in the
acknowledgement document.
(c) Exemptions for source material.
(1) Any person is exempt from this section and sec.289.252 of this title if
that person receives, possesses, uses, or transfers source material in any
chemical mixture, compound, solution, or alloy in which the source material is
by weight less than 1/20 of 1.0% (0.05%) of the mixture, compound, solution, or
alloy.
(2) Any person is exempt from this section and sec.289.252 of this title if
that person receives, possesses, uses, or transfers unrefined and unprocessed
ore containing source material; provided that, except as authorized in a
specific license, such person shall not refine or process such ore. This
exemption does not apply to the mining of ore containing source material.
(3) Any person is exempt from this section and sec.289.252 of this title if
that person receives, possesses, uses, or transfers:
(A) any quantities of thorium contained in:
(i) incandescent gas mantles;
(ii) vacuum tubes;
(iii) welding rods;
(iv) electric lamps for illuminating purposes provided that each lamp does not
contain more than 50 milligrams of thorium;
(v) germicidal lamps, sunlamps, and lamps for outdoor or industrial lighting
provided that each lamp does not contain more than 2 grams of thorium;
(vi) rare earth metals and compounds, mixtures, and products containing not
more than 0.25% by weight thorium, uranium, or any combination of these; or
(vii) personnel neutron dosimeters, provided that each dosimeter does not
contain more than 50 milligrams of thorium;
(B) source material contained in the following products:
(i) glazed ceramic tableware, provided that the glaze contains not more than
20% by weight source material;
(ii) glassware containing not more than 10% by weight source material, but not
including commercially manufactured glass brick, pane glass, ceramic tile, or
other glass or ceramic used in construction;
(iii) glass enamel or glass enamel frit containing not more than 10% by weight
source material imported or ordered for importation into the United States, or
initially distributed by manufacturers in the United States, before July 25,
1983; or
(iv) piezoelectric ceramic containing not more than 2.0% by weight source
material;
(C) photographic film, negatives, and prints containing uranium or thorium;
(D) any finished product or part fabricated of, or containing, metal-thorium
alloys, provided that the thorium content of the alloy does not exceed 4.0% by
weight and that the exemption contained in this subparagraph shall not be deemed
to authorize the chemical, physical, or metallurgical treatment or processing of
any such product or part;
(E) depleted uranium contained in counterweights installed in aircraft,
rockets, projectiles, and missiles, or stored or handled in connection with
installation or removal of such counterweights, provided that:
(i) the counterweights are manufactured in accordance with a specific license
issued by the commission authorizing distribution by the licensee in accordance
with 10 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 40;
(ii) each counterweight has been impressed with the following legend clearly
legible through any plating or other covering: "DEPLETED URANIUM," (The
requirements specified in this clause need not be met by counterweights
manufactured prior to December 31, 1969, provided that such counterweights are
impressed with the legend, "CAUTION-RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL-URANIUM," as previously
required by this chapter);
(iii) each counterweight is durably and legibly labeled or marked with the
identification of the manufacturer and the statement: "UNAUTHORIZED ALTERATIONS
PROHIBITED," (The requirements specified in this clause need not be met by
counterweights manufactured prior to December 31, 1969, provided that such
counterweights are impressed with the legend, "CAUTION-RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL-
URANIUM," as previously required by this chapter); and
(iv) the exemption contained in this subparagraph shall not be deemed to
authorize the chemical, physical, or metallurgical treatment or processing of
any such counterweights other than repair or restoration of any plating,
covering, or labeling;
(F) depleted uranium used as shielding constituting part of any shipping
container, provided that:
(i) the shipping container is conspicuously and legibly impressed with the
legend "CAUTION-RADIOACTIVE SHIELDING-URANIUM;" and
(ii) the uranium metal is encased in a one-eighth inch minimum wall thickness
of mild steel or equally fire resistant material;
(G) thorium contained in finished optical lenses, provided that each lens does
not contain more than 30% by weight of thorium, and that the exemption contained
in this subparagraph shall not be deemed to authorize either:
(i) the shaping, grinding, or polishing of such lens or manufacturing
processes other than the assembly of such lens into optical systems and devices
without any alteration of the lens; or
(ii) the receipt, possession, use, or transfer of thorium contained in
contact lenses, or in spectacles, or in eyepieces in binoculars or in other
optical instruments;
(H) uranium contained in detector heads for use in fire detection units,
provided that each detector head contains not more than 0.005 microcurie of
uranium; or
(I) thorium contained in any finished aircraft engine part containing nickel-
thoria alloy, provided that:
(i) the thorium is dispersed in the nickel-thoria alloy in the form of finely
divided thoria (thorium dioxide); and
(ii) the thorium content in the nickel-thoria alloy does not exceed 4.0% by
weight.
(4) The exemptions in subsection (c)(3) of this section do not authorize the
manufacture of any of the products described.
(d) Exemptions for radioactive material other than source material.
(1) Exempt concentrations.
(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, any person is
exempt from this section and sec.289.252 of this title if that person receives,
possesses, uses, transfers, or acquires products or materials containing
radioactive material in concentrations not in excess of those listed in
subsection (q)(1) of this section.
(B) No person may introduce radioactive material into a product or material,
including waste, knowing or having reason to believe that it will be transferred
to persons exempt in accordance with subparagraph (A) of this paragraph or
equivalent regulations of the commission, any agreement state, or any licensing
state, except in accordance with a specific license issued in accordance with
sec.289.252(h)(1) of this title or the general license provided in
sec.289.252(s) of this title.
(2) Exempt quantities.
(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (C) of this paragraph, any person is
exempt from these rules if that person receives, possesses, uses, transfers, or
acquires radioactive material in individual quantities, each of which does not
exceed the applicable quantity set forth in subsection (q)(2) of this section.
(B) Any person who possesses radioactive material received or acquired in
accordance with the general license provided in subsection (g) (1)(B) of this
section is exempt from the requirements for a license set forth in sec.289.252
of this title if that person possesses, uses, or transfers such radioactive
material.
(C) This paragraph does not authorize the production, packaging, or
repackaging of radioactive material for purposes of commercial distribution, or
the incorporation of radioactive material into products intended for commercial
distribution.
(D) No person may, for purposes of commercial distribution, transfer
radioactive material in quantities greater than the individual quantities set
forth in subsection (q) (2) of this section, knowing or having reason to believe
that such quantities of radioactive material will be transferred to persons
exempt in accordance with this paragraph or equivalent regulations of the
commission, any agreement state, or any licensing state, except in accordance
with a specific license issued by the commission in accordance with 10 CFR 32.18
or by the agency in accordance with sec.289.252(h)(2) of this title, which
states that the radioactive material may be transferred by the licensee to
persons exempt in accordance with this paragraph or the equivalent regulations
of the commission, any agreement state, or any licensing state.
(E) The schedule of quantities set forth in subsection (q)(2) of this section
applies only to radioactive materials distributed as exempt quantities in
accordance with a specific license issued by the agency, another licensing
state, or the commission. Subsection (q)(2) of this section does not apply to
radioactive materials that have decayed from quantities not originally exempt
and does not make such material, or the sources or devices in which the material
is contained, exempt from the licensing requirements in this section or sec.289.
252 of this title.
(3) Exempt items.
(A) Certain items containing radioactive material.
(i) Except for persons who apply radioactive material to, or persons who
incorporate radioactive material into the following products, any person is
exempt from this chapter if that person receives, possesses, uses, transfers, or
acquires the following products:
(I) timepieces, hands, or dials containing not more than the following
specified quantities of radioactive material and not exceeding the following
specified levels of radiation:
(-a-) 25 millicuries of tritium per timepiece;
(-b-) 5 millicuries of tritium per hand;
(-c-) 15 millicuries of tritium per dial (bezels when used shall be considered
as part of the dial);
(-d-) 100 microcuries of promethium-147 per watch or 200 microcuries of
promethium-147 per any other timepiece;
(-e-) 20 microcuries of promethium-147 per watch hand or 40 microcuries of
promethium-147 per other timepiece hand;
(-f-) 60 microcuries of promethium-147 per watch dial or 120 microcuries of
promethium-147 per other timepiece dial (bezels when used shall be considered as
part of the dial);
(-g-) the levels of radiation from hands and dials containing promethium-147
will not exceed, when measured through 50 milligrams per square centimeter of
absorber:
(-1-) for wrist watches, 0.1 millirad per hour at 10 centimeters from
any surface;
(-2-) for pocket watches, 0.1 millirad per hour at 1 centimeter from any
surface; and
(-3-) for any other timepiece, 0.2 millirad per hour at 10 centimeters
from any surface; or
(-h-) 1 microcurie of radium-226 per timepiece in timepieces, hands, or dials
manufactured or initially distributed prior to January 1, 1986;
(II) lock illuminators containing not more than 15 millicuries of tritium or
not more than 2 millicuries of promethium-147 installed in automobile locks. The
levels of radiation from each lock illuminator containing promethium-147 will
not exceed 1 millirad per hour at 1 centimeter from any surface when measured
through 50 milligrams per square centimeter of absorber;
(III) balances of precision containing not more than 1 millicurie of tritium
per balance or not more than 0.5 millicurie of tritium per balance part;
(IV) automobile shift quadrants containing not more than 25 millicuries of
tritium;
(V) marine compasses containing not more than 750 millicuries of tritium gas
and other marine navigational instruments containing not more than 250
millicuries of tritium gas;
(VI) thermostat dials and pointers containing not more than 25 millicuries of
tritium per thermostat;
(VII) electron tubes; provided that each tube does not contain more than one
of the following specified quantities of radioactive material and that the
levels of radiation from each electron tube containing byproduct material do not
exceed 1 millirad per hour at 1 centimeter from any surface when measured
through 7 milligrams per square centimeter of absorber: (For purposes of this
clause, "electron tubes" include spark gap tubes, power tubes, gas tubes
including glow lamps, receiving tubes, microwave tubes, indicator tubes, pick-up
tubes, radiation detection tubes, and any other completely sealed tube designed
to control electrical currents):
(-a-) 150 millicuries of tritium per microwave receiver protector tube or 10
millicuries of tritium per any other electron tube;
(-b-) 1 microcurie of cobalt-60;
(-c-) 5 microcuries of nickel-63;
(-d-) 30 microcuries of krypton-85;
(-e-) 5 microcuries of cesium-137; or
(-f-) 30 microcuries of promethium-147;
(VIII) ionizing radiation measuring instruments containing, for purposes of
internal calibration or standardization, a source of radioactive material not
exceeding the applicable quantity set forth in subsection (q)(2) of this section
or 0.05 microcurie of americium-241; or
(IX) spark gap irradiators containing not more than 1 microcurie of cobalt-60
per spark gap irradiator for use in electrically ignited fuel oil burners having
a firing rate of at least 3 gallons per hour.
(ii) Authority to transfer possession or control by the manufacturer,
processor, or producer of any equipment, device, commodity, or other product
containing source material or byproduct material whose subsequent possession,
use, transfer, and disposal by all other persons are exempted from regulatory
requirements may be obtained only from the United States Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, Washington, DC 20555.)
(B) Self-luminous products containing tritium, krypton-85, promethium-147, or
radium-226.
(i) Except for persons who manufacture, process, or produce self-luminous
products containing tritium, krypton-85, or promethium-147, any person is exempt
from this chapter if that person receives, possesses, uses, transfers, owns, or
acquires tritium, krypton-85, or promethium-147 in self-luminous products
manufactured, processed, produced, imported, or transferred in accordance with a
specific license issued by the commission in accordance with 10 CFR 32.22, which
authorizes the transfer of the product to persons who are exempt from regulatory
requirements. The exemption in this subparagraph does not apply to tritium,
krypton-85, or promethium-147 used in products for frivolous purposes or in toys
or adornments.
(ii) Any person is exempt from this chapter if that person receives,
possesses, uses, transfers, or owns articles acquired prior to January 1, 1986,
each of which contains less than 0.1 microcurie of radium-226.
(C) Gas and aerosol detectors containing radioactive material.
(i) Except for persons who manufacture, process, or produce gas and aerosol
detectors containing radioactive material, any person is exempt from this
chapter if that person receives, possesses, uses, transfers, owns, or acquires
radioactive material in gas and aerosol detectors designed to protect life or
property from fires and airborne hazards provided that:
(I) detectors containing radioactive material shall have been manufactured,
imported, or transferred in accordance with a specific license issued by the
commission in accordance with 10 CFR 32.26, or an agreement state or a licensing
state in accordance with sec.289.252(h)(3) of this title; and
(II) the specific license issued in accordance with s289.252 of this title
authorizes the transfer of the detectors to persons who are exempt from
regulatory requirements.
(ii) Authority to transfer possession or control by the manufacturer,
processor, or producer of any equipment, device, commodity, or other product
containing source material or byproduct material whose subsequent possession,
use, transfer, and disposal by all other persons are exempted from regulatory
requirements may be obtained only from the United States Nuclear Regulatory
Commission, Washington, DC 20555.
(iii) Gas and aerosol detectors previously manufactured and distributed to
general licensees in accordance with a specific license issued by an agreement
state or a licensing state shall be considered exempt in accordance with clause
(i) of this subparagraph, provided that the devices are labeled in accordance
with the specific license authorizing distribution of the generally licensed
device, and provided further that they meet the requirements of sec.289.252 of
this title.
(D) Resins containing scandium-46 and designed for sand consolidation in oil
wells. Any person is exempt from this chapter if that person receives,
possesses, uses, transfers, or acquires synthetic plastic resins containing
scandium-46, which are designed for sand consolidation in oil wells. Such resins
shall have been manufactured or imported in accordance with a specific license
issued by the commission, or shall have been manufactured in accordance with the
specifications contained in a specific license issued by the agency or any
agreement state to the manufacturer of such resins in accordance with licensing
requirements equivalent to those in 10 CFR 32.16 and 32.17. This exemption does
not authorize the manufacture of any resins containing scandium-46.
(e) General licenses. In addition to the requirements of this section, all
general licenses, unless otherwise specified, are subject to the requirements of
sec.289.112 of this title (relating to Hearing and Enforcement Procedures),
sec.289.126 of this title (relating to Fees for Certificates of Registration,
Radioactive Material(s) Licenses, Emergency Planning and Implementation, and
Other Regulatory Services), and sec.289.201 of this title (relating to General
Provisions), 21.1201(a), (b), and (c) of Texas Regulations for Control of
Radiation (TRCR) as adopted by reference in sec.289. 113 of this title (relating
to Standards for Protection Against Radiation), and sec.289.252(r) of this
title.
(f) General licenses for source material.
(1) A general license is hereby issued authorizing commercial and industrial
firms, research, educational and medical institutions, and state and local
government agencies to use and transfer not more than 15 pounds of source
material at any one time for research, development, educational, commercial, or
operational purposes. A person authorized to use or transfer source material, in
accordance with this general license, may not possess more than a total of 150
pounds of source material in any one calendar year.
(2) Persons who receive, possess, use, or transfer source material in
accordance with the general license in paragraph (1) of this subsection are
prohibited from administering source material, or the radiation therefrom,
either externally or internally, to humans except as may be authorized by the
agency in a specific license.
(3) A general license is hereby issued to own source material without regard
to quantity. This general license does not authorize any person to receive,
possess, use, or transfer source material.
(4) A general license is hereby issued to mine, transport, and transfer ores
containing source material without regard to quantity. Notwithstanding the
provisions of subsection (e) of this section, persons who mine, transport, and
transfer ores containing source material in accordance with this part shall also
comply with the provisions of 21.301, 12.1001, and 21.1003 of TRCR Part 21 as
adopted by reference in sec.289. 113 of this title.
(5) A general license is hereby issued to receive, acquire, possess, use, or
transfer depleted uranium contained in products or devices for the purpose of
providing shielding, including beam shaping and collimation, in accordance with
the provisions of subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of this paragraph.
(A) The general license in this paragraph applies only to products or devices
that have been manufactured either in accordance with a specific license issued
by the agency to the manufacturer of the products or devices in accordance with
s289.252(h)(12) of this title or in accordance with a specific license issued to
the manufacturer by another agreement state or the commission that authorizes
manufacture of the products or devices for distribution to persons generally
licensed by another agreement state or the commission.
(B) Persons who receive, acquire, possess, or use depleted uranium in
accordance with the general license in this paragraph shall notify the agency
within 30 days after the first receipt of acquisition of such depleted uranium.
The general licensee shall furnish the following information and such other
information as may be required by the agency:
(i) name and address of the general licensee;
(ii) a statement that the general licensee has developed and will maintain
procedures designed to establish physical control over the depleted uranium in
accordance with this paragraph and designed to prevent transfer of such depleted
uranium in any form, including metal scrap, to persons not authorized to receive
the depleted uranium; and
(iii) name and/or title, address, and telephone number of the individual duly
authorized to act for and on behalf of the general licensee in supervising the
procedures identified in clause (ii) of this subparagraph.
(C) The general licensee possessing or using depleted uranium in accordance
with the general license in this paragraph shall report in writing to the agency
any changes in information furnished by the general licensee. The report shall
be submitted within 30 days after the effective date of such change.
(D) A person who receives, acquires, possesses, or uses depleted uranium in
accordance with the general license in this paragraph:
(i) shall not introduce such depleted uranium, in any form, into a chemical,
physical, or metallurgical treatment or process, except a treatment or process
for repair or restoration of any plating or other covering of the depleted
uranium;
(ii) shall not abandon such depleted uranium;
(iii) shall transfer or dispose of such depleted uranium only in accordance
with the provisions of sec.289.252(p) of this title. In the case where the
transferee receives the depleted uranium in accordance with the general license
in this paragraph or equivalent rule of the commission or an agreement state,
the transferor shall furnish the transferee a copy of this paragraph;
(iv) in each calendar quarter, shall report in writing to the agency the name
and address of the person receiving the depleted uranium in accordance with such
transfer; and
(v) shall not export such depleted uranium except in accordance with a license
issued by the commission in accordance with 10 CFR Part 110.
(E) Any person receiving, acquiring, possessing, using, or transferring
depleted uranium in accordance with the general license in this paragraph is
exempt from the requirements of sec.289. 113 of this title (relating to
Standards for Protection Against Radiation) and sec.289.114 of this title with
respect to the depleted uranium covered by that general license.
(g) General licenses for radioactive material other than source material.
(1) Certain devices and equipment. A general license is hereby issued to
transfer, receive, acquire, possess, and use radioactive material incorporated
in the devices or equipment specified in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this
paragraph that have been manufactured, tested, and labeled by the manufacturer
in accordance with a specific license issued to the manufacturer by the
commission authorizing distribution in accordance with this general license or
its equivalent. A general license is hereby issued to transfer, receive,
acquire, possess, and use radioactive material incorporated in the devices or
equipment specified in subparagraph (C) of this paragraph that have been
manufactured, tested, and labeled by the manufacturer in accordance with a
specific license issued to the manufacturer by the commission, an agreement
state, or a licensing state authorizing distribution in accordance with this
general license or its equivalent. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection
(e) of this section, this general license is subject to the provisions of 21.902
through 21.906 of TRCR Part 21 as adopted by reference in sec.289.113 of this
title, subsections (d)(1)(B) and (j) of this section, and s289.252(p) and (t)
of this title.
(A) Static elimination devices designed for use as static eliminators that
contain, as a sealed source or sources, radioactive material totaling not more
than 500 microcuries of polonium-210 per device. The general license in
subparagraph (A) of this paragraph does not authorize the manufacture of devices
containing radioactive material.
(B) Ion generating tubes designed for ionization of air that contain, as a
sealed source or sources, radioactive material totaling not more than 500
microcuries of polonium-210 per device or a total of not more than 50
millicuries of tritium per device.
(C) Other devices designed and manufactured for the purpose of producing light
or an ionized atmosphere. Any person who receives, possesses, uses, or transfers
radioactive material in a device in accordance with the general license in this
subparagraph:
(i) shall assure that all labels affixed to the device at the time of receipt,
and bearing a statement that removal of the label is prohibited, are maintained
thereon, are clearly visible and legible, and shall comply with all instructions
and precautions provided by such labels;
(ii) shall assure that the device is tested for leakage of radioactive
material and proper operation of the "on-off" mechanism and indicator, if any,
at no longer than six-month intervals or at such other intervals as specified in
the label; however:
(I) devices containing only krypton need not be tested for leakage of
radioactive material; and
(II) devices containing only tritium or not more than 100 microcuries of other
beta and/or gamma emitting material or 10 microcuries of alpha emitting material
and devices held in storage in the original shipping container prior to initial
installation need not be tested for any purpose; provided that each source is
tested for leakage within six months prior to being used or transferred;
(iii) shall assure that the tests required by clause (ii) of this subparagraph
and other testing, installation, servicing, and removal from location of
installation involving the radioactive materials, shielding or containment, are
performed in accordance with the instructions provided by the labels or by a
person holding a specific license from the agency, the commission, an agreement
state, or a licensing state to perform such activities;
(iv) shall maintain records showing compliance with the requirements of
clauses (ii) and (iii) of this subparagraph. The records shall show the test
results. The records also shall identify the device tested by manufacturer,
model number, serial number of the device and serial number of the sealed
source, show the dates of performance and the names of persons performing
testing, installation, servicing, and removal from location of installation, of
the radioactive material, its shielding or containment;
(v) upon the occurrence of failure or damage to, or any indication of a
possible failure or damage to, the radioactive material shielding or the "on-
off" mechanism, or upon the detection of 0.005 microcuries or more of removable
radioactive contamination, shall immediately suspend operation of the device
until it has been repaired by the manufacturer or other person holding a
specific license from the agency, the commission, an agreement state, or a
licensing state to repair such devices, or disposed of by transfer to a person
authorized by a specific license to receive the radioactive material contained
in the device and, within 30 days, furnish the agency with a report containing a
brief description of the event and the remedial action taken;
(vi) shall not abandon the device containing radioactive material;
(vii) except as provided in clause (viii) of this subparagraph, shall transfer
or dispose of the device containing radioactive material only by transfer to a
specific licensee of the agency, the commission, an agreement state, or a
licensing state, whose specific license authorizes the receipt of the device,
and within 30 days after transfer of a device to a specific licensee, shall
furnish the agency with a report containing identification of the device by
manufacturer's name, model number, serial number of the device and serial number
of the sealed source, and address of the person receiving the device; and
(viii) shall transfer the device to another general license(e) only:
(I) where the device remains in use at a particular location. In such case,
the transferor shall give the transferee a copy of this rule and any safety
documents identified in the label on the device and, within 30 days of the
transfer, report to the agency the manufacturer's name and model number of
device transferred, the serial number of the sealed source transferred, the name
and address of the transferee, and the name and/or position of an individual who
may constitute a point of contact between the agency and the transferee; or
(II) where the device is stored in the original shipping container at its
intended location of use prior to initial use by the holder of a general license
acknowledgement.
(2) Luminous safety devices for aircraft.
(A) A general license is hereby issued to receive, acquire, possess, and use
tritium or promethium-147 contained in luminous safety devices for use in
aircraft, provided:
(i) each device contains not more than 10 curies of tritium or 300 millicuries
of promethium-147; and
(ii) each device has been manufactured, assembled, or imported in accordance
with a specific license issued by the commission, or each device has been
manufactured or assembled in accordance with the specifications contained in a
specific license issued by the agency or any agreement state to the manufacturer
or assembler of such device in accordance with licensing requirements equivalent
to those in 10 CFR 32.53.
(B) The general license in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph does not
authorize the manufacture, assembly, or repair of luminous safety devices
containing tritium or promethium-147.
(C) The general license in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph does not
authorize the receipt, acquisition, possession, or use of tritium or promethium-
147 contained in instrument dials.
(D) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (e) of this section, the
general license in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph is subject to the
provisions of sec.289.252(t) of this title.
(3) Ownership of radioactive material. A general license is hereby issued to
own radioactive material without regard to quantity. Notwithstanding any other
provisions of this section, this general license does not authorize the
manufacture, production, transfer, receipt, possession, or use of radioactive
material.
(4) Calibration, stabilization, and reference sources.
(A) A general license is hereby issued to those persons listed below to
receive, acquire, possess, use, and transfer, in accordance with the provisions
of subparagraphs (B) and (C) of this paragraph, americium-241, plutonium, and/or
radium-226, in the form of calibration, stabilization, or reference sources:
(i) any person who holds a specific license issued by the agency that
authorizes that person to receive, possess, use, and transfer radioactive
material; and
(ii) any person who holds a specific license issued by the Commission that
authorizes that person to receive, possess, use, and transfer radioactive
material.
(B) The general license in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph applies only to
calibration, stabilization, or reference sources that have been manufactured in
accordance with the specifications contained in a specific license issued to the
manufacturer or importer of the sources by the commission in accordance with 10
CFR 32.57 or 10 CFR 70.39 or that have been manufactured in accordance with the
authorizations contained in a specific license issued to the manufacturer by the
agency, any agreement state, or any licensing state, in accordance with
licensing requirements equivalent to those contained in 10 CFR 32.57 or 10 CFR
70.39.
(C) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (e) of this section, the
general license provided in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph is subject to the
provisions of sec.289.252(t) of this title. In addition, persons who receive,
acquire, possess, use, or transfer one or more calibration or reference sources
in accordance with these general licenses:
(i) shall not possess at any one time, at any one location of storage or use,
more than 5 microcuries each of americium-241, plutonium-238, plutonium-239, and
radium-226 in such sources;
(ii) shall not receive, possess, use, or transfer such source unless the
source or the storage container bears a label that includes the following
statements, or a substantially similar statement that contains the information
in the following statements:
(I) option 1, as appropriate:
Figure 1: 25 TAC, sec.289.251(g)(4)(C)(ii)(I)
(II) option 2, as appropriate:
Figure 2: 25 TAC, sec.289.251(g)(4)(C)(ii)(II)
(iii) shall not transfer, abandon, or dispose of such source except by
transfer to a specific person authorized by a specific license from the agency,
the commission, an agreement state, or a licensing state to receive the source;
(iv) shall store such source, except when the source is being used, in a
closed container designed and constructed to contain americium-241, plutonium-
238, plutonium-239, or radium-226; and
(v) shall not use such source for any purpose other than the calibration of
radiation detectors or the standardization of other sources.
(D) The general license in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph does not
authorize the manufacture of calibration or reference sources containing
americium-241, plutonium-238, plutonium-239, or radium-226.
(5) Ice detection devices.
(A) A general license is hereby issued to receive, acquire, possess, use, and
transfer strontium-90 contained in ice detection devices, provided each device
contains not more than 50 microcuries of strontium-90 and each device has been
manufactured or imported in accordance with a specific license issued by the
commission or each device has been manufactured in accordance with the
authorizations contained in a specific license issued by the agency or any
agreement state to the manufacturer of such device in accordance with licensing
requirements equivalent to those in 10 CFR 32.61.
(B) Persons who receive, acquire, possess, use, or transfer strontium-90
contained in ice detection devices in accordance with the general license in
subparagraph (A) of this paragraph:
(i) shall, upon occurrence of visually observable damage, such as bend or
crack or discoloration from overheating to the device, discontinue use of the
device until it has been inspected, tested for leakage, and repaired by a person
holding a specific license from the commission or an agreement state to
manufacture or service such devices; or shall dispose of the device by transfer
to a person authorized by a specific license from the agency, the commission, or
an agreement state; and
(ii) shall assure that all labels affixed to the device at the time of
receipt, and which bear a statement prohibiting removal of the labels, are
maintained thereon.
(C) The general license in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph does not
authorize the manufacture, assembly, disassembly, or repair of strontium-90 in
ice detection devices.
(D) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (e) of this section, the
general license in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph is subject to the
provisions of sec.289.252(t) of this title.
(h) Intrastate transportation of radioactive material.
(1) A general license is hereby issued to any common or contract carrier to
transport and store radioactive material in the regular course of their carriage
for another or storage incident thereto, provided the transportation and storage
is in accordance with the applicable requirements of the regulations,
appropriate to the mode of transport, of the United States Department of
Transportation (DOT) insofar as such regulations relate to the loading and
storage of packages, placarding of the transporting vehicle, and incident
reporting. Any notification of incidents referred to in those requirements shall
be filed with the agency and the DOT. Persons who transport and store
radioactive material in accordance with the general license in this paragraph
are exempt from the requirements of sec.289.113 of this title and 289. 114 of
this title (relating to Notices, Instructions, and Reports to Workers;
Inspections).
(2) A general license is hereby issued to any private carrier to transport
radioactive material, provided the transportation is in accordance with the
applicable requirements of the regulations, appropriate to the mode of
transport, of the DOT insofar as such regulations relate to the loading and
storage of packages, placarding of the transporting vehicle, and incident
reporting. Any notification of incidents referred to in those requirements shall
be filed with the agency and the DOT.
(i) General license acknowledgements. In addition to the requirements of this
section, all general license acknowledgement holders, unless otherwise
specified, are subject to the requirements of sec.sec.289.112, 289.126, and
289.201 of this title, and 21.1201(a), (b), and (c), 21.1202(a) and (b) of TRCR
Part 21 as adopted by reference in sec.289.113 of this title, and s289.252(r)
of this title.
(j) General license acknowledgements for radioactive material other than
source material.
(1) Certain measuring, gauging, and controlling devices.
(A) A general license is hereby issued to commercial and industrial firms and
to research, educational, and medical institutions, individuals in the conduct
of their business, and state or local government agencies to receive, acquire,
possess, use, or transfer in accordance with the provisions of subparagraphs
(B), (C), (D), and (E) of this paragraph, radioactive material, excluding
special nuclear material, contained in devices designed and manufactured for the
purpose of detecting, measuring, gauging or controlling thickness, density,
level, interface location, radiation, leakage, or qualitative or quantitative
chemical composition.
(B) The general license in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph applies only to
radioactive material contained in devices that have been manufactured and
labeled in accordance with the authorizations contained in a specific license
issued by the agency in accordance with sec.289.252(h)(4) of this title or in
accordance with the authorizations contained in a specific license issued by the
commission, an agreement state, or a licensing state, which authorizes
distribution of devices to persons generally licensed by the commission, an
agreement state, or a licensing state.
(C) Within 30 days following the receipt, acquisition, or possession of
radioactive material in a device, except for calibration, stabilization, and
reference sources, issued in accordance with the general license in subparagraph
(A) of this paragraph, the general licensee shall file an application for an
acknowledgement on a form prescribed by the agency. The application shall be
signed by the individual duly authorized to act for or on behalf of the general
licensee.
(D) If the general licensee is a corporation in accordance with the Texas
Business Corporation Act, TRC Form 12-2 shall be submitted with the application
to confirm that no tax owed the state in accordance with Tax Code, Chapter 171,
is delinquent.
(E) Any person who receives, acquires, possesses, uses, or transfers
radioactive material in a device in accordance with the general license in
subparagraph (A) of this paragraph:
(i) shall assure that all labels affixed to the device at the time of receipt,
and bearing a statement that removal of the label is prohibited, are maintained
thereon, are clearly visible and legible, and shall comply with all instructions
and precautions provided by such labels;
(ii) shall assure that the device is tested for leakage of radioactive
material and proper operation of the "on-off" mechanism and indicator, if any,
at no longer than six-month intervals or at such other intervals as specified in
the label; however:
(I) devices containing only krypton need not be tested for leakage of
radioactive material; and
(II) devices containing only tritium or not more than 100 microcuries of other
beta and/or gamma emitting material or 10 microcuries of alpha emitting material
and devices held in storage in the original shipping container prior to initial
installation need not be tested for any purpose, provided that each source is
tested for leakage within six months prior to being used or transferred;
(iii) shall assure that the tests required by clause (ii) of this subparagraph
and other testing, installation, servicing, and removal from location of
installation involving the radioactive materials, shielding or containment, are
performed in accordance with the instructions provided by the labels or by a
person holding a specific license from the agency, the commission, an agreement
state, or a licensing state to perform such activities;
(iv) shall maintain records showing compliance with the requirements of
clauses (ii) and (iii) of this subparagraph. The records shall show the test
results. The records also shall identify the device tested by manufacturer,
model number, serial number of the device and serial number of the sealed
source, and show the dates of performance of and the names of persons performing
testing, installation, servicing, and removal from location of installation, of
the radioactive material, its shielding or containment;
(v) shall maintain assignment records for portable or mobile devices for
inspection by the agency at the location listed in the general license
acknowledgement. These records shall include:
(I) a unique identification (e.g. serial number) of each portable or mobile
device;
(II) the location(s) where each portable or mobile device is assigned; and
(III) the date(s) each portable or mobile device is assigned to the
location(s) in accordance with subclause (II) of this clause.
(vi) shall maintain utilization records for each portable or mobile device
used at the location(s) in accordance with clause (v)(II) of this subparagraph
for inspection by the agency at that location(s);
(vii) shall have a copy of the appropriate operating and instruction manual at
each temporary site for agency inspection;
(viii) upon the occurrence of failure or damage to, or any indication of a
possible failure or damage to, the radioactive material shielding or the "on-
off" mechanism, or upon the detection of 0.005 microcuries or more of removable
radioactive contamination, shall immediately suspend operation of the device
until it has been repaired by the manufacturer or other person holding a
specific license from the agency, the commission, an agreement state, or a
licensing state to repair such devices, or disposed of by transfer to a person
authorized by a specific license to receive the radioactive material contained
in the device and, within 30 days, furnish the agency with a report containing a
brief description of the event and the remedial action taken;
(ix) shall not abandon the device containing radioactive material;
(x) except as provided in clause (xi) of this subparagraph, shall transfer or
dispose of the device containing radioactive material only by transfer to a
person holding a specific license issued by the agency in accordance with
sec.289.252(h)(4) of this title, the commission, an agreement state, or a
licensing state, whose specific license authorizes the receipt of the device, or
as otherwise authorized by the agency in writing, and within 30 days after
transfer of a device to a specific licensee, shall furnish the agency with a
report containing identification of the device by manufacturer's name, model
number, serial number of the device and serial number of the sealed source, and
address of the person receiving the device; and
(xi) shall transfer the device to another general license(e) only:
(I) where the device remains in use at a particular location. In such case,
the transferor shall give the transferee a copy of this rule and any safety
documents identified in the label on the device and, within 30 days of the
transfer, report to the agency the manufacturer's name and model number of
device transferred, the serial number of the sealed source transferred, the name
and address of the transferee, and the name and/or position of an individual who
may constitute a point of contact between the agency and the transferee, or
(II) where the device is stored in the original shipping container at its
intended location of use prior to initial use by the holder of a general license
acknowledgement.
(F) The general license in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph does not
authorize the manufacture of devices containing radioactive material.
(2) General license acknowledgements for use of radioactive material for
certain in vitro clinical or laboratory testing. (The New Drug provisions of
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act also govern the availability and use of
any specific diagnostic drugs in interstate commerce.)
(A) A general license is hereby issued to any physician, veterinarian,
clinical laboratory, or hospital to receive, acquire, possess, transfer, or use,
for any of the following stated tests, in accordance with the provisions of
subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D) of this paragraph, the following radioactive
materials in prepackaged units:
(i) iodine-125, in units not exceeding 10 microcuries each for use in in
vitro clinical or laboratory tests not involving internal or external
administration of radioactive material, or the radiation therefrom, to humans or
animals;
(ii) iodine-131, in units not exceeding 10 microcuries each for use in in
vitro clinical or laboratory tests not involving internal or external
administration of radioactive material, or the radiation therefrom, to humans or
animals;
(iii) carbon-14, in units not exceeding 10 microcuries each for use in in
vitro clinical or laboratory tests not involving internal or external
administration of radioactive material, or the radiation therefrom, to humans or
animals;
(iv) hydrogen-3 (tritium), in units not exceeding 50 microcuries each for use
in in vitro clinical or laboratory tests not involving internal or external
administration of radioactive material, or the radiation therefrom, to humans or
animals;
(v) iron-59, in units not exceeding 20 microcuries each for use in in
vitro clinical or laboratory tests not involving internal or external
administration of radioactive material, or the radiation therefrom, to humans or
animals;
(vi) selenium-75, in units not to exceed 10 microcuries each for use in in
vitro clinical or laboratory tests not involving internal or external
administration of radioactive material, or the radiation therefrom, to humans or
animals;
(vii) mock iodine-125 reference or calibration sources, in units not exceeding
0.05 microcurie of iodine-129 and 0.005 microcurie of americium-241 each for use
in in vitro clinical or laboratory tests not involving internal or external
administration of radioactive material, or the radiation therefrom, to humans or
animals; or
(viii) cobalt-57, in units not exceeding 10 microcuries each for use in in
vitro clinical or laboratory tests not involving internal or external
administration of radioactive material, or the radiation therefrom, to humans or
animals.
(B) No person shall receive, acquire, possess, use, or transfer radioactive
material in accordance with the general license in subparagraph (A) of this
paragraph until that person has filed an application for an acknowledgement on a
form prescribed by the agency and has received from the agency an
acknowledgement with an assigned number. The applicant shall furnish the
following information and such other information as may be required by the
agency:
(i) name and address of the physician, veterinarian, clinical laboratory, or
hospital;
(ii) the location of use;
(iii) a statement that the physician, veterinarian, clinical laboratory, or
hospital has appropriate radiation measuring instruments to carry out in
vitro clinical or laboratory tests with radioactive material as authorized
in accordance with the general license in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph,
and that such tests will be performed only by personnel trained specifically in
the use of such instruments and in the handling of the radioactive material;
(iv) name, title, address, and telephone number of the individual duly
authorized to act for and on behalf of the general licensee supervising the use
of radioactive material authorized by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph; and
(v) if the general licensee is a corporation in accordance with the Texas
Business Corporation Act, TRC Form 12-2 shall be submitted with the application
to confirm that no tax owed the state in accordance with Tax Code, Chapter 171,
is delinquent.
(C) A person who receives, acquires, possesses, or uses radioactive material
in accordance with the general license in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph
shall comply with the following.
(i) The holder of the general license acknowledgement shall not possess at any
one time, at any one location of storage or use, a total amount of iodine-125,
iodine-131, selenium-75, iron-59, and/or cobalt- 57 in excess of 200
microcuries.
(ii) The holder of the general license acknowledgement shall store the
radioactive material in the original shipping container or in a container
providing equivalent radiation protection and meeting the requirements of 21.904
of TRCR Part 21 as adopted by reference in sec.289.113 of this title until used.
(iii) The holder of the general license acknowledgement shall use the
radioactive material only for the uses authorized by subparagraph (A) of this
paragraph.
(iv) The holder of the general license acknowledgement shall not transfer the
radioactive material to a person who is not authorized to receive it in
accordance with a specific license issued by the agency, the commission, any
agreement state, or any licensing state, nor transfer the radioactive material
in any manner other than in the unopened, labeled shipping container as received
from the supplier.
(v) The holder of the general license acknowledgement shall dispose of the
mock iodine-125 reference or calibration sources described in subparagraph
(A)(vii) of this paragraph as required by 21. 1001 of TRCR Part 21 as adopted by
reference in sec.289.113 of this title.
(D) The holder of the general license acknowledgement in accordance with the
general license in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph shall not receive,
acquire, possess, or use radioactive material:
(i) except as prepackaged units that are labeled in accordance with the
provisions of an applicable specific license issued in accordance with sec.289.
252(h)(8) of this title or in accordance with the provisions of a specific
license issued by the commission, any agreement state, or any licensing state
that authorizes the manufacture and distribution of iodine-125, iodine-131,
carbon-14, hydrogen-3 (tritium), iron-59, selenium-75, cobalt-57, or mock
iodine-125 to persons holding general license acknowledgements in accordance
with this paragraph or its equivalent; and
(ii) unless one of the statements in the following figures, as appropriate, or
a substantially similar statement that contains the information called for in
one of the following statements, appears on a label affixed to each prepackaged
unit or appears in a leaflet or brochure that accompanies the package:
(I) option 1, as appropriate:
Figure 3: 25 TAC sec.289.251(j)(2)(D)(ii)(I)
(II) option 2, as appropriate:
Figure 4: 25 TAC sec.289.251(j)(2)(D)(ii)(II)
(k) Issuance of general license acknowledgements.
(1) Upon a determination that the information submitted by the applicant meets
the requirements of the Texas Radiation Control Act (Act) and the rules of the
agency, the agency will issue a general license acknowledgement recognizing the
proposed activity in such form and containing such conditions and limitations as
it deems appropriate or necessary.
(2) The agency may incorporate in any general license acknowledgement at the
time of issuance, or thereafter by amendment, additional requirements and
conditions governing the receipt, possession, use, transfer, and disposal of
radioactive material subject to this section as it deems appropriate or
necessary in order to:
(A) minimize danger to public health and safety or the environment;
(B) require such reports and the keeping of such records, and to provide for
such inspections of activities in accordance with the license as may be
appropriate or necessary; and
(C) prevent loss or theft of material subject to this section.
(l) Specific terms and conditions.
(1) Each general license acknowledgement issued in accordance with this
section shall be subject to the applicable provisions of the Act, now or
hereafter in effect, and to the applicable rules and orders of the agency.
(2) Each person holding a general license acknowledgement issued by the agency
in accordance with this section shall confine use and possession of the material
licensed to the locations and purpose authorized in the general license
acknowledgement.
(3) Each holder of a general license acknowledgement shall notify the agency,
in writing, immediately following the filing of a voluntary or involuntary
petition for bankruptcy in accordance with any Chapters of Title 11 (Bankruptcy)
of the United States Code (11 U.S.C.) by or against:
(A) a holder of a general license acknowledgement;
(B) an entity, (as that term is defined in 11 U.S.C. 101(14)) controlling the
holder of a general license acknowledgement or listing the general license
acknowledgement or the holder of the general license acknowledgement as property
of the estate; or
(C) an affiliate, (as that term is defined in 11 U.S.C. 101(2)) of the holder
of a general license acknowledgement.
(4) The notification in paragraph (3) of this subsection must indicate:
(A) the bankruptcy court in which the petition for bankruptcy was filed; and
(B) the date of the filing of the petition.
(5) A copy of the "Petition for Bankruptcy" shall be submitted to the agency
with the written notification.
(m) Expiration and termination of general license acknowledgements.
(1) Each general license acknowledgement expires at the end of the day, in the
month and year stated in the general license acknowledgement.
(2) Each holder of a general license acknowledgement shall notify the agency
immediately, in writing, and request termination of the general license
acknowledgement when the holder of the general license acknowledgement decides
to terminate all activities involving materials authorized in accordance with
the general license acknowledgement.
(3) No less than 30 days before the expiration date specified in a general
license acknowledgement, the holder of the general license acknowledgement shall
submit an application for general license acknowledgement renewal in accordance
with subsection (n) of this section.
(4) Each holder of a general license acknowledgement shall, no less than 30
days before vacating or relinquishing possession of control of premises that
have been used as a place of storage or use of radioactive material as a result
of general licensed activities, notify the agency in writing of intent to
vacate.
(5) If a holder of a general license acknowledgement does not submit an
application for renewal in accordance with subsection (n) of this section, such
person shall on or before the expiration date specified in the general license
acknowledgement:
(A) terminate use of radioactive material; and
(B) dispose of radioactive material in accordance with this section and/or
21.1001 of TRCR Part 21 as adopted by reference in sec.289.113 of this title.
(n) Renewal of general license acknowledgements.
(1) Applications for renewal of general license acknowledgements shall be
filed in accordance with subsection (j)(1)(C) or (2) (B) of this section, as
applicable.
(2) If a holder of a general license acknowledgement has properly filed a
renewal application for the same activities at least 30 days before the
expiration of the existing general license acknowledgement in accordance with
this section, such existing general license acknowledgement shall not expire
until the application has been finally determined by the agency.
(o) Amendment of general license acknowledgements.
(1) The holder of the general license acknowledgement in accordance with the
general license in subsections (j)(1)(A) and (2)(A) of this section shall report
in writing to the agency any changes in information furnished by the holder of
the general license acknowledgement. The report shall be submitted within 30
days after the effective date of such change.
(2) Applications for amendments of a general license acknowledgement shall be
filed in accordance with subsection (j)(1)(C) or (2) (B) of this section, as
applicable, and shall specify the respects in which the holder of a general
license acknowledgement desires a general license acknowledgement to be amended
and the grounds for such amendment.
(p) Modification and revocation of general licenses and general license
acknowledgements.
(1) The terms and conditions of all general license acknowledgements shall be
subject to amendment, revision, or modification.
(2) A general license acknowledgement may be suspended or revoked by reason of
amendments to the Act, or by reason of rules and orders issued by the agency.
The agency may incorporate in the general license acknowledgement at the time of
issuance or thereafter by appropriate rule, regulation, or order, such
additional requirements and conditions with respect to the general license
acknowledgement holder's possession, use, and transfer of radioactive material
as it deems appropriate or necessary.
(3) Any general license acknowledgement may be revoked, suspended, or
modified, in whole or in part:
(A) for any material false statement in the application or any statement of
fact required in accordance with provisions of the Act;
(B) because of the Act;
(C) because of conditions revealed by such application or statement of fact or
any report, record, or inspection, or other means that would warrant the agency
to refuse to grant a general license acknowledgement on an original application;
(D) for violation of, or failure to observe, any of the terms and conditions
of the Act or of the general license acknowledgement; or
(E) of any rule or order of the agency.
(4) Except in cases of willfulness or those in which the public health,
interest, or safety requires otherwise, no general license acknowledgement shall
be modified, suspended, or revoked unless, prior to the institution of
proceedings therefore, facts or conduct that may warrant such action shall have
been called to the attention of the holder of the general license
acknowledgement in accordance with sec.289.112 of this title and the holder of
the general license acknowledgement has an opportunity to demonstrate or achieve
compliance with all lawful requirements.
(q) Appendices.
(1) Exempt concentrations.
Figure 5: 25 TAC sec.289.251(q)(1)
(2) Exempt quantities.
Figure 6: 25 TAC sec.289.251(q)(2)
This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal
counsel and found to be within the agency's authority to adopt.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on April 17, 1995.
TRD-9504689
Susan K. Steeg
General Counsel
Texas Department of Health
Earliest possible date of adoption: May 22, 1995
For further information, please call: (512) 458-7236
TITLE 28. INSURANCE
Part II. Texas Workers' Compensation Commission
Chapter 166. Accident Prevention Services
The Texas Workers' Compensation Commission (TWCC) proposes new sec.sec.166. 1-
166.9; and the simultaneous repeal of existing sec.sec.166.2, 166.100-166.109,
and 166.111-166.113, concerning accident prevention services. The new rules and
repeal of existing rules are proposed to add and revise provisions regarding
accident prevention services required of insurance companies, and to add
reasonable service requirements to assist policyholders with injury reduction,
as well as to implement the commission's ongoing goal of rules consolidation and
simplification. The vast majority of the changes proposed to these rules meet
the latter goal.
The original 14 rules have been refined and consolidated into nine, with a more
conventional numbering system (sec.sec.166.1-166.9). Definitions were added for
the terms "on-site" and "other appropriate" services, to distinguish between the
two categories of service. Service requirements (the major area of change) were
consolidated with respect to premium categories and loss ratios and expanded to
include service based on a fatality and the A.M. Best Hazard Index. Specific
requirements were established for "on site" visits, removing some options for
"other appropriate" service. Provisions relating to the commission's enhanced
compliance initiative (already in place) were added, including the questionnaire
and expanded inspections when non-compliance areas are detected.
To assist in review of this rule proposal, the commission has attempted to
state in this preamble which rules are being repealed, consolidated, revised, or
proposed as new rules. The commission has also attempted to summarize what it
believes are the principle substantive changes to the various rules. The notion
of what constitutes a substantive revision is an individual one, however, so the
commission urges each person interested in these rule changes to review the
exact language of each rule proposal to determine what all of the changes are.
The proposed consolidations and simplifications are discussed as follows.
Current sec.166.2 (proposed for repeal) has become proposed new sec.166. 1-the
existing definitions were revised and definitions were added.
Current sec.166.100 (proposed for repeal) was consolidated with current
sec.166.112 (proposed for repeal) to become proposed new sec.166.4-text revised.
Current sec.166.101 (proposed for repeal) has become proposed new sec.166. 2-
text revised.
Current sec.166.102 (proposed for repeal) has been consolidated with sec.166.
103 (proposed for repeal) to become proposed new sec.166.5-text revised.
Current sec.166.103 (proposed for repeal) was consolidated with current
sec.166.102 (proposed for repeal) to become proposed new sec.166.5-text revised.
Current sec.166.104 (proposed for repeal) was consolidated with current
sec.166.106 (proposed for repeal) to become proposed new sec.166.6-text revised.
Current sec.166.105 (proposed for repeal) was consolidated with current
sec.166.107 (proposed for repeal) and sec.166.108 (proposed for repeal) to
become proposed new sec.166.7-text revised.
Current sec.166.106 (proposed for repeal) was consolidated with current
sec.166.104 (proposed for repeal) to become proposed new sec.166.7-text revised.
Current sec.166.107 (proposed for repeal) was consolidated with current
sec.166.105 (proposed for repeal) and sec.166.108 (proposed for repeal) to
become proposed new sec.166.7-text revised.
Current sec.166.108 (proposed for repeal) was consolidated with current
sec.166.105 (proposed for repeal) and sec.166.107 (proposed for repeal) to
become proposed new sec.166.7-text revised.
Current sec.166.109 (proposed for repeal) has become proposed new sec.166. 8-
text revised.
Current sec.166.111 (proposed for repeal) has become proposed new sec.166. 9-
text revised.
Current sec.166.112 (proposed for repeal) was consolidated with current
sec.166.100 (proposed for repeal) to become proposed new sec.166.4-text revised.
Current sec.166.113 (proposed for repeal) has become proposed new sec.166. 3-
text revised.
The proposed new rules include the following new provisions.
In new sec.166.1, the number of defined terms has increased to provide for
clarity and consistency throughout the Chapter 166 rules.
New sec.166.2: Subsection (a)(1) requires an insurance company to submit their
accident prevention services program for evaluation and approval by the division
when submitting a request to enter the workers' compensation insurance market.
Subparagraph (A) provides the insurance company with a resolution mechanism
should they disagree with the evaluation of the division. Subparagraphs (A)-(C)
provide administrative procedures for the division regarding approval of
accident prevention services plans.
In subsection (a)(2), the time frame within which the insurance company's
services will be initially inspected by the division has been changed, so that
an insurance company new to the workers' compensation insurance market will have
written sufficient policies to allow for a comprehensive inspection of its
accident prevention services.
Subsection (a)(3) provides direction to insurance companies that are reinsurers
or excess insurers.
Subsection (b) was expanded to include those companies who were previously
approved and writing workers' compensation insurance, exited the market for a
period of time, and are now re-entering the market.
New sec.166.3 provides the insurance company with clearer direction on when and
how to complete the annual report.
New sec.166.4: This proposed new rule combines information pertaining to
"required accident prevention services" under one rule.
Subsection (a) distinguishes insurance companies writing workers' compensation
insurance from those desiring to write. The procedures for those desiring to
write are listed under new sec.166.2.
Subsection (c) establishes a 12-month time frame in which services must be
provided. Previously, the use of the word "annual" in current sec.166.100(c)(1)
and (c)(2)(B)-(E) (proposed for repeal) created confusion as to whether it meant
calendar year, policy year or a 12-month period.
Subsection (c)(2) was changed to emphasize required service, rather than the
personnel performing the service.
Subsection (c)(2)(A) provides that requested services, which might be provided
to policyholders without a visit to the work site, be provided within 15 days.
The required timeframe that requests for on-site visits be provided within 60
days was changed to 30 days.
Subsection (c)(2)(B)(i) adds an A.M. Best Hazard Index of 7 or higher as a
criterion for an on site visit or other appropriate services.
Subsection (c)(2)(C) requires an on-site visit at least every 12 months to each
policyholder with both an A.M. Best Hazard Index of 7 or above and a premium of
$25,000 or more; or a premium of less than $25,000 and a loss ratio greater than
100%. The loss ratio was reduced from 150% to 100% for all policyholders with a
premium below $5,000.
Subsection (c)(2)(D) establishes a requirement that a safety professional visit
a policyholder site that has experienced a fatality.
Subsection (c)(2)(E) clarifies that the Notification to Policyholders of
Accident Prevention Services, which is required by proposed new sec.166.4(c)(7)
to be included on the front of each policy delivered or issued for delivery in
Texas, does not fulfill the requirement for 12-month solicitation established in
proposed new sec.166.4(c)(2)(E).
Subsection (c)(4) consolidates and clarifies all requirements for written
procedures into one paragraph.
Subsection (c)(6) requires written notification of actual claims experience
every 12 months. The word "periodic" in current sec.166.100(c)(7) (proposed for
repeal) offered no definitive time frame in which claims experience and accident
analysis must be provided to policyholders.
Subsection (c)(7) contains the "Notification to Policyholders of Accident
Prevention Services" originally in current sec.166.112 (proposed for repeal).
Subsection (c)(8) provides a new requirement for a written notification to
every policyholder which specifies the free accident prevention services
available to them.
New sec.166.5: Subsection (a) eliminates reference to a time frame associated
with a certificate of inspection. Paragraph (a)(1) and proposed new sec.166.7
provide information on issuance of certificates.
Subsection (a)(3) identifies mailing as the method of notification for upcoming
inspection. The change clarifies the method of notification.
Subsection (b)(2) allows insurance companies with no office in Texas to request
that TWCC inspectors travel to the insurance company home office at the
insurance company's expense for the inspection. Presently insurance companies
with no office in Texas are required to travel to TWCC headquarters.
New sec.166.6: Subsection (a)(1)(A) identifies material required by TWCC for
use in performing the inspection of the insurance company. This material is used
to identify those accounts to be reviewed by TWCC and was previously requested
by TWCC letter. Incorporating the requirement for specific information in the
rules will facilitate the flow of necessary material.
Subsection (a)(3) incorporates a questionnaire required for the inspection.
This questionnaire has been used since August, 1993.
Subsection (b)(1) clarifies the "as of" date for the information necessary for
the inspection.
Subsection (b)(1)(D) includes information regarding fatalities as necessary for
the inspection. The information is necessary to properly assess the insurance
company's performance following the fatality.
Subsection (b)(1)(G) allows procurement of additional information if an
expanded inspection (such as described in proposed new sec.166.7(a)(3)) is
necessary.
Subsection (b)(3) identifies a procedure to be followed by the division
inspector which allows procurement of authenticated documents.
New sec.166.7: Subsection (a)(1)(A) clarifies the "as of" date for TWCC's
inspection of insurance company services.
Subsection (a)(3) allows for an extended inspection should inspectors determine
possible non-compliance.
Subsection (b)(3) eliminates quarterly progress reports and requires insurance
companies to respond to all discrepancies noted and not just those so serious as
to result in an unsatisfactory rating. Inspectors establish reporting dates
based upon the gravity and complexity of the discrepancies identified.
Subsection (b)(4) allows insurance companies a means to appeal ratings.
New sec.166.8: No significant changes.
New sec.166.9: The title of the rule was changed to more closely reflect the
contents of the rule.
Subsection (b) establishes that only accredited educational institutions may
apply for approval to conduct occupational health and safety education programs.
In subsection (d), the five-year approval period was changed to three years.
This provides for more frequent oversight to ensure programs are meeting
commission requirements.
Subsection (e) specifies that organizations approved to conduct occupational
health and safety education programs will submit an annual report for review by
the commission. This change allows the division to track active education
programs.
Subsection (f) adds language to allow on-site monitoring of approved
occupational health and safety education programs to insure standardization and
compliance with TWCC direction.
Janet Chamness, Chief of Budget, has determined that for the first five-year
period the sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state
or local government, over and above current costs, for proposed new
sec.sec.166.1, 166.3, 166.4-166.6, and 166.8 as a result of enforcing or
administering the rules. The costs cannot be quantified at this time because new
procedures are proposed and the commission cannot estimate the number of
companies which may take advantage of them. The following listed rules could
result in cost increases to the state, over and above those currently in effect,
as a result of enforcing and administering the rules.
Proposed new sec.166.2: The potential exists for an increase in costs to the
commission should the insurance company contest the evaluation of its accident
prevention plan and desire a hearing. The cost would be associated with
administering the hearing.
Proposed new sec.166.7: This rule allows for an extended inspection should the
insurance company's performance in accident prevention services be suspect
during the initial inspection. The additional time required of TWCC inspectors
in analyzing this data will result in added costs. Additionally, the insurance
company could contest the findings of the commission through a hearing process.
Both events will result in an increase in administrative and labor costs.
Proposed new sec.166.9: Under this rule, TWCC inspectors will inspect the
accident prevention services training programs to insure standardization and
compliance with TWCC direction. This process will result in additional
administrative and labor costs for the commission.
There are potential economic costs, other than those currently in effect, to
insurance companies who are required to comply with the proposal. Again, the
commission cannot quantify the costs because the commission cannot estimate the
number of companies which may be impacted by them. The costs are associated with
the implementation of the following rules.
Proposed new sec.166.2: The potential exists for an increase in costs to an
insurance company should it contest the evaluation of its accident prevention
services program. The additional cost would be associated with participating in
the hearing.
Proposed new sec.166.4: This rule contains additional circumstances under which
insurance companies are required to provide service to policyholders. Since the
criteria have increased, insurance companies may, dependent upon previous levels
of service provided, incur an increase in up-front costs due to travel, labor,
and administrative requirements. However, the additional service to
policyholders will likely result in a decrease in potential injuries and a
resultant decrease in claims paid. Premium rates could also decrease.
Proposed new sec.166.5: Inspections of insurance companies are normally
performed at the company home office in Texas. Should no office exist in Texas,
this rule allows the insurance company to request TWCC inspectors travel to
their location out of state. The insurance company will be required to bear all
cost for travel, lodging, and per diem should this occur. Since insurance
company representatives would otherwise have to travel to Austin with all
required documentation, the insurance company may realize a reduction in cost
for the inspection.
Proposed new sec.166.6: Should the performance of the insurance company in
administering its accident prevention services be suspect, the inspectors may
request additional information on which to base final ratings. The additional
time and administrative support required of the insurance company in complying
with the TWCC request may result in added costs.
Proposed new sec.166.7: This rule allows for an extended inspection should the
insurance company's performance in accident prevention services be suspect
during the initial inspection. This extended inspection will result in
additional costs to the insurance company due to administrative and labor costs.
Additionally, the insurance company could contest the findings of the commission
through a hearing process. This would further increase their costs.
There is no difference in the cost of compliance with the proposed rules for
small businesses as compared with large businesses.
Ms. Chamness also has determined that for each year of the first five years the
sections are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing
the sections is a potential reduction in workplace accidents and worker
injuries. The criteria for required visits to the insured by the insurance
company loss control personnel are more inclusive and, consequently, the number
of visits/surveys of policyholder operations will increase. This increase in
visits to policyholders will likely result in a decrease in the potential for
injuries/accidents. This decrease should promote reduction in claim payout,
savings to the insurance company and, ultimately, the policyholder, increased
production for the employer, and maintenance of a healthy, safe workplace for
Texas workers. The expansion of the rule regarding training programs will ensure
the Accident Prevention Services branch is aware of and includes these companies
in the inspection cycle.
Comments on the proposal may be submitted for at least 30 days after the date
of publication to Elaine Crease, Office of the General Counsel, Mail Stop 4D,
Texas Workers' Compensation Commission, Southfield Building, 4000 South IH-35,
Austin, Texas 78704-7491.
28 TAC sec.sec.166.1-166.9
The new rules are proposed under the Texas Labor Code, s402.061, which
authorizes the commission to adopt rules necessary to administer the Act;
sec.401.011, General Definitions; and sec.sec.411.061-411.068, which require an
insurance company to provide accident prevention services and notice of those
services, set certain specifications for the program, require an insurance
company to annually submit information to the commission; and require bi-annual
inspections by the division.
The new rules affect the Texas Labor Code sec.sec.402.061, 401.011, and 411.
061-411.068, and existing rules 28 TAC sec. s166.2 and 166.100-166.113.
sec.166.1. Definitions of Terms. The following words and terms, when used in
this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise.
Accident prevention facilities-All personnel, procedures, equipment,
materials, documents, buildings and programs necessary to provide accident
prevention services to the policyholder.
Division-The Workers' Health and Safety Division of the Texas Workers'
Compensation Commission.
Field safety representative-An individual providing accident prevention
services to workers' compensation policyholders. Qualification as a field safety
representative under this chapter does not qualify the individual as an approved
professional source, as described in sec.164.9 of this title (relating to
Approval of Professional Sources for Safety Consultations).
Nature of the policyholders' operations-Type of business or industry with
specific reference to potential for accident, injury or disease determined by
the standard hazards associated with the most hazardous industrial operations in
which the policyholder is engaged.
On-site visit-A survey or consultation, or training conducted on the premises
of the policyholder.
Other appropriate services-Services provided in lieu of on-site visits which
require direct contact between the insurance company and the policyholder and
are specifically tailored to the nature and loss history of each policyholders'
operations.
sec.166.2. Initial Licensing and Resumption of Writing of Workers'
Compensation Insurance.
(a) Initial Licensing.
(1) An insurance company seeking to obtain its initial license to write
workers' compensation insurance in Texas shall file with the division a plan
describing the accident prevention services that the company will provide. The
plan shall describe how the company will meet all requirements listed in
sec.166.4(c) of this title (relating to Required Accident Prevention Services).
(A) The division shall evaluate the plan's compliance with the requirements
listed in sec.166.4(c) of this title (relating to Required Accident Prevention
Services) and resolve any discrepancies with the insurance company. If the
insurance company disagrees with the evaluation rendered by the division, the
insurance company may request a hearing as provided by Chapter 145 of this title
(relating to Dispute Resolution-Hearings Under the Administrative Procedure
Act).
(B) Upon completion of the evaluation and successful resolution of any
disputes, the division shall issue a letter of approval to the insurance company
and the Texas Department of Insurance.
(C) The insurance company receiving the approval of the plan shall notify the
division, in writing, within 30 days of the start date of the first written
policy having exposures in Texas.
(2) The insurance company's accident prevention services will be inspected
initially by the division no sooner than six months nor longer than one year
after the effective date of the first policy having Texas exposures.
(3) An insurance company seeking license to act exclusively as a workers'
compensation excess insurer or reinsurer is not required to submit an accident
prevention services plan, but must provide to the division a legally binding
document confirming it will not act as a primary insurer. Should the insurance
company subsequently elect to become a primary insurer, it will submit an
accident prevention services plan as described in subsection (a) of this section
for evaluation and approval prior to writing insurance as a primary provider.
(b) Notification to the Commission when Resuming Writing of Workers'
Compensation Insurance. Any insurance company, which has not written workers'
compensation insurance with exposures in Texas for 12 months or more, shall
notify the division, in writing, within 60 days of writing its first such
policy.
sec.166.3. Annual Report to the Commission.
(a) Each insurance company writing workers' compensation insurance in Texas
must make an annual report on its accident prevention services to the
commission.
(b) The report shall be filed no later than March 1 of each year.
(c) The report shall be made on the form and in the manner prescribed by the
commission and contain the information required by the Texas Labor Code,
sec.411.065.
(d) On December 1 of each year, the division shall issue a list of additional
information which it shall require in the annual report under the Texas Labor
Code, sec.411.065. The additional information shall not be required until 12
months have expired.
(e) The report shall not include the expenses or the costs of underwriting
visits to a policyholder's premises unless accident prevention services are
provided during the visit. In that case, the proportionate costs of the accident
prevention services may be included in the report.
sec.166.4. Required Accident Prevention Services.
(a) An insurance company writing workers' compensation insurance in Texas
shall maintain or provide accident prevention facilities and services and shall
have them inspected by the division.
(b) An insurance company shall provide accident prevention services to
policyholders at no charge.
(c) An accident prevention service program as required by the Texas Labor
Code, sec.411.061, shall provide, at a minimum:
(1) an evaluation of the policyholder's need for accident prevention services
every 12 months based on the following criteria:
(A) hazard, including classification by hazard group, probability of serious
or catastrophic type accidents, probability of frequent accidents, probability
of occupational illness or disease, and exposure indices;
(B) experience, including loss ratio, experience modifiers, frequency rate,
and severity rate; and
(C) size, including total number of employees, number of locations per
policyholder business and number of employees per location;
(2) service in accordance with the following requirements:
(A) provide services requested by policyholders within 15 days of the date
services are first requested, if appropriate services can be provided from the
insurance company offices and within 30 days of the date of first request, if
the services require an on-site visit;
(B) an on-site visit, or provision of other appropriate services, on a
periodic basis and at least every 12 months to each policyholder with:
(i) an A.M. Best Hazard Index of 7 or above; or
(ii) a premium of $25,000 or more;
(C) an on-site visit on a periodic basis and at least every 12 months to each
policyholder with:
(i) both an A.M. Best Hazard Index of 7 or above and a premium of $25,000 or
more; or
(ii) a premium of less than $25, 000 and a loss ratio greater than 100%;
(D) an on-site visit within three working days of notification and/or
knowledge of a fatality for any policyholder who has experienced a fatality; and
(E) solicitation of comments from all policyholders not serviced under
subparagraphs (B) or (C) of this paragraph, by phone or mail at least every 12
months to determine the need for safety information or assistance. This
requirement is in addition to the requirements in paragraph (7) of this
subsection;
(3) a sufficient number of qualified personnel performing the duties of field
safety representative to provide service at the frequency required in paragraph
(2) of this subsection;
(4) written procedures for:
(A) determining the appropriate accident prevention services to be provided
to a policyholder;
(B) the time frame and manner in which the services identified under paragraph
(2) of this subsection will be delivered to a policyholder;
(C) providing safety training to policyholders and providing promotional and
course materials that are available for each safety training program; and
(D) providing written reports to the insurance company and the policyholders
which identify hazardous conditions and work practices on the policyholders'
premises;
(5) written records, reports, and evidence of all accident prevention services
provided to each policyholder;
(6) written notification at least every 12 months to policyholders of actual
claims experience and, if the policyholder meets the criteria of paragraph
(2)(B), (C) or (D) of this subsection, a loss analysis;
(7) evidence that each workers' compensation insurance policy delivered or
issued for delivery in Texas shall contain the following notice on the front of
the policy in at least ten-point bold type: "(Name of company) is required by
law to provide its policyholders with certain accident prevention services as
required by the Texas Labor Code, sec.411.066, at no additional cost. If you
would like more information call (insurance company's loss control division or
provider's telephone number). If you have any questions about this requirement,
call the Division of Workers' Health and Safety, Texas Workers' Compensation
Commission at 1-800-452-9595.";
(8) written notification to each policyholder, at least every 12 months,
specifically explaining that accident prevention services including surveys,
recommendations, training programs, consultations, analyses of accident causes,
industrial hygiene and industrial health services are available free of charge.
Such notification shall be provided directly to the policyholder; and
(9) annual reports as required by sec.166.3 of this title (relating to Annual
Report to the Commission).
sec.166.5. Required Periodic Inspections of Accident Prevention Services and
Site of Inspection.
(a) Required Periodic Inspections.
(1) The division shall inspect the accident prevention services of each
insurance company at least every two years and may inspect more frequently even
though the insurance company has a valid certificate of inspection.
(2) Affiliated companies of an insurer may be inspected together if the same
facilities, programs, and personnel are used by each of the companies.
(3) At least 60 days prior to an inspection, the division shall mail the
inspection notification to the insurance company. The notice shall specify the
date on which the inspection will occur.
(b) Site of Inspection.
(1) The inspection of the insurance company's accident prevention services
shall take place at:
(A) the insurance company office in Texas, as designated and agreed to by the
division and the insurance company; or
(B) the commission's Austin headquarters or other agreed location if the
insurance company has no office in Texas.
(2) An insurance company may make a written request for its accident
prevention services to be inspected at a location outside the state of Texas on
a reimbursement basis. If the request is approved by the division, the insurance
company shall reimburse the commission pursuant to the Act and the commission
rules and policies for the costs of accommodating the request to perform the
inspection at the desired location. Reimbursement costs shall include, but not
be limited to, transportation, lodging, meals and personnel travel time while en
route. No fees shall be charged to the insurance company for the actual
inspection of the company's accident prevention services.
sec.166.6. Exchange of Information for the Inspection.
(a) Pre-Inspection Exchange of Information.
(1) At least 45 days prior to the date set for inspection, the insurance
company shall provide the division with:
(A) a list of policyholder accounts by policyholder name, policy number,
effective date or expiration date of policy, written premium before any
adjustments, including deductibles or discounts, A.M. Best Hazard Index and
Texas locations. The list shall be taken from the insurance company's most
current records, separated by affiliated companies, arranged in descending order
by premium, and include all policies which had been in effect or have been
written since the policyholder list was prepared for the last inspection of the
insurance company's accident prevention services by the division; and
(B) a list of the name, location, status (whether employee or contractor), and
proof of qualifications as set forth in the Texas Labor Code sec.411.062 and
sec.166.8 of this title (relating to Qualification of Field Safety
Representatives) of each person acting as a field safety representative for the
insurance company.
(2) Within ten days of receipt of the list, the division shall select the
specific accounts to be evaluated and notify the insurance company of those
accounts. The list of policyholder accounts will be kept confidential to the
extent permitted by law. The division shall return the list to the insurance
company at the time of the inspection.
(3) At least 35 days prior to the date set for inspection, the insurance
company shall provide the division with the completed Accident Prevention
Services Questionnaire provided by the commission. The questionnaire shall have
been completed and signed by an individual authorized by the insurance company
to be responsible and whose signature has been notarized on the questionnaire
form.
(4) For each account selected by the division, the insurance company shall
prepare an accident prevention services worksheet on the form prescribed by the
commission.
(5) At least five days prior to the date of the inspection, the insurance
company shall file the completed worksheets with the division.
(b) Information to be Made Available at the Inspection.
(1) The insurance company shall make available the following information, as
of the date of the last inspection or start of writing worker's compensation
coverage, whichever is later, at the time and site of the inspection:
(A) the account files and loss control files corresponding to the requested
worksheets;
(B) evidence that the policyholder has been provided the notice required by
this chapter and any other material used to notify policyholders of the accident
prevention services;
(C) a copy of all accident prevention services procedures;
(D) a copy of loss runs for each selected account that will include:
(i) number of injuries;
(ii) accident or illness types;
(iii) body parts involved;
(iv) injury causes; and
(v) fatalities;
(E) a record of any training received by the field safety representatives
since the previous inspection;
(F) a sample of policyholder training materials, audio-visual aids, and
training programs; and
(G) other information requested by the inspector which is necessary to
complete the inspection.
(2) The insurance company shall also provide the information required by
subsection (a) of this section which is not already in the possession of the
division.
(3) Upon request from the division inspector, the insurance company shall
provide copies of any documents requested, accompanied by a notarized Business
Record Affidavit. The Business Record Affidavit form shall be provided by the
inspector and shall be completed and signed by an individual authorized by the
insurance company to be responsible.
sec.166.7. Inspection of Accident Prevention Services: Conducting and
Reporting.
(a) Conducting the Inspection.
(1) The division inspector and the insurance company's representative shall
review:
(A) the insurance company's accident prevention services since the last
inspection;
(B) any changes that have been made in response to recommendations made during
previous inspections;
(C) any complaints from policyholders relating to accident prevention services
received since the last inspection; and
(D) if appropriate, services rendered under the extra-hazardous employer
program.
(2) Based on the information obtained under this subsection and a review of
the selected files and other accident prevention related information, the
division inspector shall make preliminary conclusions on the adequacy of the
accident prevention services of the insurance company and brief the insurance
company's representative about these conclusions.
(3) An insurance company determined by inspectors, in the course of the
inspection, to be possibly out of compliance with the Act shall receive an
extended inspection, if necessary, to provide inspectors with sufficient
information to determine if an administrative violation of the Act has occurred.
(4) In addition, the division inspector will make scheduled or unscheduled
inspections of policyholder job sites, conducted and completed during normal
work hours, to obtain additional information about the insurance company's
accident prevention services.
(b) Written Report of Inspection.
(1) The division inspector shall prepare a written report of the inspection
and shall provide a copy to the insurance company's executive management and to
the Texas Department of Insurance, Loss Control Regulation Division. The
division shall, whenever possible, prepare and provide this report within 30
days of the completion of the inspection.
(2) The report shall contain the division inspector's rating for services set
out in the Texas Labor Code, sec.411.061 and sec.166.4 of this title (relating
to Required Accident Prevention Services), to include specific findings and
required corrective actions. The rating will state that the mandatory service
either meets or does not meet standards.
(3) An insurance company with deficiencies shall comply with the required
actions contained in the report and submit reports to the division until
certified in writing, by the division, that they are in compliance.
(A) The reports shall detail the corrective actions being taken to address
each specific finding.
(B) The date on which the reports are due shall be specified in the report of
the inspection prepared in accordance with this section.
(4) Any appeal of the report by the insurance company shall be made in
accordance with the applicable commission rules and the Texas Labor Code,
sec.415.034.
(5) The division shall issue a certificate of inspection to each insurance
company after completion of an inspection in which the mandatory services meet
the standards.
sec.166.8. Qualification of Field Safety Representatives.
(a) A field safety representative working for an insurance company with an
accident prevention program shall meet the qualifications specified in the Texas
Labor Code, sec.411.062 and sec.411.063.
(b) The proof required by the commission shall be based on the category under
which the person claims qualification and shall be either:
(1) a certified transcript provided by the college or university, or a
certificate of completion from an accident prevention services training program
approved by the division and provided directly to the division;
(2) a copy of a current registered professional engineer registration renewal
card;
(3) a copy of a current certified safety professional certification card or
documentation of current certification by another certifying organization which
is approved by the division;
(4) a copy of a current certified industrial hygienist certification card or
documentation of current certification by another certifying organization which
is approved by the division;
(5) a form prescribed by the commission with the names, addresses, and phone
numbers of employers for the ten-year period claimed as experience; or
(6) designation as a field safety representative by the State Board of
Insurance prior to January 1, 1991.
(c) The commission may waive the requirement of proof of qualification during
an inspection if the field safety representative has previously met the
requirements of subsection (b)(1), (5), or (6) of this section.
sec.166.9. Approval of Occupational Health and Safety Education Programs.
(a) Each occupational health and safety education program seeking approval
from the commission shall apply to the division on the form and in the manner
prescribed by the commission (TWCC 108).
(b) At a minimum, the program shall be conducted by an accredited educational
institution and shall include a comprehensive examination developed or
administered by an examination service accepted by the division, and at least
800 hours of classroom, laboratory instruction, and supervised field training in
the following areas:
(1) safety management practices and techniques;
(2) accident analysis;
(3) industrial hygiene sampling techniques;
(4) industrial health and hygiene;
(5) ergonomics;
(6) regulations, standards, and codes relating to safety and health; and
(7) safety inspection and consultation.
(c) Prior to graduating from the training program, each student must pass the
examination approved by the division.
(d) The division shall approve each education program which contains the
required information and meets the minimum qualifications and shall issue
approval to the educational institution. The approval shall be valid for three
years from the date of issuance.
(e) Each educational institution with an approved program shall submit an
annual report on or before the anniversary date of the approval. The report
shall state:
(1) if the program is active or was active within the past year; and
(2) any changes in the program, to include changes of instructors, since the
last report or inspection.
(f) The division shall evaluate and reapprove each education program at least
every three years and may conduct monitoring of the approved program at anytime.
This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal
counsel and found to be within the agency's authority to adopt.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on April 11, 1995.
TRD-9504408
Susan Cory
General Counsel
Texas Workers' Compensation Commission
Earliest possible date of adoption: May 22, 1995
For further information, please call: (512) 440-3700
Subchapter A. Accident Prevention Services Programs
28 TAC sec.166.2
(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not
be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Texas Workers'
Compensation Commission or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl
Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)
The repeal is proposed under the Texas Labor Code, sec.402.061, which
authorizes the commission to adopt rules necessary to administer the Act; 401.
011, General Definitions; and sec.sec.411.061-411.068, which require an
insurance company to provide accident prevention services and notice of those
services, set certain specifications for the program, require an insurance
company to annually submit information to the commission; and require bi-annual
inspections by the division.
sec.166.2. Definition of Field Safety Representative.
This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal
counsel and found to be within the agency's authority to adopt.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on April 17, 1995.
TRD-9504692
Susan Cory
General Counsel
Texas Workers' Compensation Commission
Earliest possible date of adoption: May 22, 1995
For further information, please call: (512) 440-3700
Subchapter B. Program Inspections and Certification of Field Safety
Representatives
28 TAC sec.sec.166.100-166.109, 166.111-166.113
(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will
not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Texas
Workers' Compensation Commission or in the Texas Register office, Room 245,
James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)
The repeals are proposed under the Texas Labor Code, sec.402.061, which
authorizes the commission to adopt rules necessary to administer the Act; 401.
011, General Definitions; and sec.sec.411.061-411.068, which require an
insurance company to provide accident prevention services and notice of those
services, set certain specifications for the program, require an insurance
company to annually submit information to the commission; and require bi-annual
inspections by the division.
sec.166.100. Required Accident Prevention Services.
sec.166.101. Filing of Accident Services Plan by Company Seeking Initial
License.
sec.166.102. Required Periodic Inspections of Accident Prevention Services.
sec.166.103. Site of Inspection.
sec.166.104. Pre-Inspection Exchange of Information.
sec.166.105. Conducting the Inspection of Accident Prevention Services.
sec.166.106. Information to be Made Available at the Inspection.
sec.166.107. Written Report of Inspection.
sec.166.108. Reports of Progress on Correcting Deficiencies.
sec.166.109. Qualification of Field Safety Representatives.
sec.166.111. Approval of Certified Accident Prevention Services. Training
Programs.
sec.166.112. Notification to Policyholders of Accident Prevention Services.
sec.166.113. Annual Report to the Commission.
This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal
counsel and found to be within the agency's authority to adopt.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on April 17, 1995.
TRD-9504690
Susan Cory
General Counsel
Texas Workers' Compensation Commission
Earliest possible date of adoption: May 22, 1995
For further information, please call: (512) 440-3700
TITLE 40. SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE
Part IX. Texas Department on Aging
Chapter 251. Support Documents
40 TAC sec.251.13
(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not
be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Texas Department
on Aging or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building,
1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)
The Texas Department on Aging proposes the repeal of sec.251.13 concerning the
Memorandum of Understanding Between Texas Department on Aging, Texas Department
of Human Services, Texas Department of Health, and Texas Mental Health and
Mental Retardation so that it may be republished elsewhere in the Texas
Administrative Code as 40 TAC 254.1(h) and maintain the same title and content.
Ann Ammons, director of field operations, Texas Department on Aging, has
determined that for the first five-year period the repeal is in effect there
will be no fiscal implication for state or local government as a result of
enforcing or administering the repeal.
Ms. Ammons also has determined that for each year of the first five years the
repeal is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the
repeal will be better understanding and access to the rules governing the
operations of the Department by incorporating new language and simplifying
previous language in the proposed new section. There is no anticipated economic
cost to persons who are required to comply with the repeal as proposed.
Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Ann Ammons, director of field
operations, Texas Department on Aging, P.O. Box 12786, Austin, Texas 78711.
The repeal is proposed under the Human Resources Code, Chapter 101, which
provides the Texas Department on Aging with the authority to promulgate rules
governing the operation of the Department.
The Human Resources Code, Chapter 101, relating to the operation of the Texas
Department on Aging, is affected by this proposed action.
sec.251.13. Memorandum of Understanding Between Texas Department on Aging,
Texas Department of Human Services, Texas Department of Health and Texas Mental
Health and Mental Retardation.
This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal
counsel and found to be within the agency's authority to adopt.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on April 14, 1995.
TRD-9504638
Mary Sapp
Executive Director
Texas Department on Aging
Earliest possible date of adoption: May 22, 1995
For further information, please call: (512) 444-2727
Chapter 254. Operation of the Texas Department on Aging
40 TAC sec.254.1
The Texas Department on Aging proposes an amendment to s254.1, concerning the
memorandum of understanding between the Department on Aging and the Texas
Department of Human Services, the Texas Department of Health, and the Texas
Department of Mental Retardation. The Department also proposes an amendment to
the standards governing monitoring of Retired Senior Volunteer Programs, to be
identified as subsection (i).
The purpose of subsection (h) is to move the previous rule intact into the new
numbering scheme with no revision to the original text. The purpose of
subsection (i) is to revise and simplify existing procedures for the monitoring
of Retired Senior Volunteer Programs and publish it to conform to the new
numbering scheme for Department rules.
Ann Ammons, director of field operations, Texas Department on Aging, has
determined that there will not be fiscal implications to State or local
government as a result of enforcing or administering the section.
Ms. Ammons also 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 a greater understanding of the role,
responsibility, and mission of the Department. There will be no effect on small
businesses. There is no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required
to comply with the section as proposed.
Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Ann Ammons, Director of Field
Operations, Texas Department on Aging, P.O. Box 12786, Austin, Texas 78711.
The amendment is proposed under Human Resources Code, Chapter 101, which
provides the Texas Department on Aging with the authority to promulgate rules
governing the operation of the Department.
The Human Resources Code, Chapter 101, relating to the operation of the Texas
Department on Aging, is affected by this proposed action.
sec.254.1. Operation of the Texas Department on Aging.
(a)-(g) (No change.)
(h) Memorandum of Understanding between Texas Department on Aging, Texas
Department of Human Services, Texas Department Health, Texas Department of
Mental Health and Mental Retardation.
(1) The 72nd Texas Legislature, upon the recommendation of the Sunset
Advisory Commission, enacted legislation which abolished the Long-term Care
Coordinating Council for the Elderly, and transferred its functions to the Texas
Department on Aging (TDoA). Under the terms of this legislation, TDoA shall:
(A) revise, update, and review the implementation of the Texas long-term
care state plan and submit biennial reports to the governor and the legislature;
(B) review issues concerning long-term care for the elderly and develop
appropriate policy recommendations for the state; and
(C) encourage cooperative, comprehensive, and complementary planning among
the public, private, and volunteer sectors for the provision of long-term care
services.
(2) The legislation further state that TDoA, The Texas Department of Human
Services (TDHS), the Texas Department of Health (TDH), and Texas Mental Health
and Mental Retardation (TXMHMR), shall adopt a memorandum of understanding
clearly defining the responsibilities of each agency in biennially revising and
updating the Texas long-term care state plan for the elderly. In accordance with
the requirements of Senate Bill 377, enacted by the 72nd Legislature, TDoA,
TDHS, TDH, and TXMHMR hereby enter into this memorandum of understanding.
(3) The background for the Texas long-term care state plan for the elderly
and health and humans services strategic plans was that the Long Term Care
Coordinating Council for the Elderly completed the last published long-term care
state plan for the elderly for the period 1984-1986, and subsequently publish a
Revision and Status Report in October 1986. The departments of Human Services,
Health, Mental Health and Mental Retardation, and Aging were each represented on
the Long-term Care Coordinating Council for the Elderly.
(A) The components of the plan included:
(i) mission statement;
(ii) definition of long-term care;
(iii) description of long-term care services;
(iv) goals and objectives.
(B) The 72nd Legislature enacted 1 House Bill 7 mandating the development
of a coordinated, six-year strategic plan for health and human services. An
interagency work group was convened in fiscal year 1991 in response to 1 House
Bill 7 to identify goals and strategies for health and human services. The work
group identified the following strategy for long-term care: "Increase the
availability and diversity of long-term care. Long- term care is provided to
support people with chronic conditions in settings ranging from their own homes
to total-care facilities." Additionally, the work group specified a number of
tactics to carry out the strategy.
(4) Agency responsibilities in reviewing and revising the long term care
plan for the elderly (LTC Plan) is that TDoA, TDHS, TDH, and TXMHMR each agree
to the following responsibilities for the biennial review and update of the LTC
plan.
(A) Each agency will appoint a staff representative to serve on a long-
term care interagency planning committee (LTCIPC) to:
(i) review the LTC plan;
(ii) review and analyze the results of each agency's independent
review of long-term care service needs which have been conducted as a result of
each agency's strategic planning progress;
(iii) review the general progress of the state in meeting the long-
term care needs of elderly Texans;
(iv) propose priorities for long-term care services, based upon the
coordinated six-year strategic planning process;
(v) revise and update the LTC plan, in a format to be determined by
the LTCIPC, on the basis of the progress review and the analysis of needs, no
later than August 31 of each evenly numbered year.
(B) TDoA will submit the biennial LTC plan revisions to the governor and
the legislature no later than October 31 of each even-numbered year.
(C) TDoA will convene meetings of the LTCIPC on an annual basis, and more
often as needed.
(D) Each agency will provide additional staff support that may be required
for the LTCIPC to accomplish its work.
(5) Effective date and duration of the memorandum of understanding shall
be as follows.
(A) The chief executive officers of each of the agencies have reviewed and
agreed to the stipulations of this memorandum, with the understanding that it
shall be effective in fiscal year 1992 upon approval by the Texas Board on
Aging, The Texas Board of Human Services, the Texas Board of Health, and the
Texas Board of Mental Health and Mental Retardation.
(B) In accordance with the Human Resources Code, Chapter 101, subchapter
B, sec.101.031, not later than the last month of each state fiscal year, each of
the agencies listed above shall review and update this memorandum.
(C) A complete copy of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Texas
Department on Aging, Texas Department of Human Services, Texas Department of
Health, and the Texas Mental Health and Mental Retardation is on file at the
Texas Department on Aging, P.O. Box 12786, Austin, Texas 78711.
(i) Monitoring of National Senior Service Corp Programs. Monitoring of
National Senior Service Corp Program projects funded by the Department shall be
conducted at least once during a legislative biennium by either the Texas
Department on Aging or the Corporation for National and Community Service.
This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal
counsel and found to be within the agency's authority to adopt.
Issued in Austin, Texas, on April 14, 1995.
TRD-9504639
Mary Sapp
Executive Director
Texas Department on Aging
Earliest possible date of adoption: May 22, 1995
For further information, please call: (512) 444-2727
Chapter 260. Area Agency on Aging Administrative Requirements
40 TAC sec.260.1
The Texas Department on Aging proposes an amendment to s260.1, concerning
compliance by area agencies with the provisions of Section 504, Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 as amended and the proper identification of area agencies on aging
to assure clear visibility of this activity in Texas.
The purpose of this rule is to relocate it in the new numbering scheme of the
Texas Department on Aging's rules.
Ann Ammons, director of field operations, Texas Department on Aging, has
determined that there will not be fiscal implications to State or local
government as a result of enforcing or administering the section.
Ms. Ammons also 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 a greater understanding of the role,
responsibility, and mission of the Department. There will be no effect on small
businesses. There is no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required
to comply with the section as proposed.
Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Ann Ammons, Director of Field
Operations, Texas Department on Aging, P.O. Box 12786, Austin, Texas 78711.
The amendment is proposed under Human Resources Code, Chapter 101, which
provides the Texas Department on Aging with the authority to promulgate rules
governing the operation of the Department.
The Human Resources Code, Chapter 101, relating to the operation of the Texas
Department on Aging, is affected by this proposed action.
sec.260.1. Area Agency on Aging Administrative Requirements.
(a) -(e) (No change.)
(f) Targeting Service Delivery.
(1) (No change.)
(2) Scope. These rules shall apply to all area agencies.
(A)-(B) (No change.)
(C) All area agencies shall comply with the provisions of Section 504,
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
(3) (No change.)
(g)-(l) (No change.)
(m) Identification of Area Agency on Aging Facilities. Language will be
prominently displayed on a sign outside the location utilized as an area agency
on aging indicating the name of the area agency on aging to assure clearly
visible access to persons wishing to visit the physical location of the area
agency on aging.
(1) This sign will adhere to local ordinances concerning signs.
(2) The sign will also conform to the uniform logo requirements for Area
Agencies on Aging prescribed in subsection (h)(1) of this section (relating to
use of logos).
(3) The sign will also conform to the citation requirements of the Texas
Department on Aging as the primary funding source as prescribed in subsection
(j) of this section (relating to identification of fun