The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists proposes an amendment to §473.2, concerning Examination Fees (Not Refundable). The proposed amendment is necessary to ensure the Board's rule comports with Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards' (ASPPB) increased examination fee for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) set to take effect on March 1, 2013.

Darrel D. Spinks, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed amendment will be in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment.

Mr. Spinks also has determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be to help the Board protect the public. There will be no effect on small businesses. The estimated economic cost to an individual required to comply with this rule is an additional $150 to take the EPPP Examination. The Board would note that the examination fee for the EPPP is set by ASPPB, not the Board. Thus, the additional cost incurred by individuals is not a result of the proposed amendment.

Comments on the proposed amendment may be submitted to Brenda Skiff, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-450, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 305-7700 or email brenda@tsbep.state.tx.us within 30 days of publication of this proposal in the Texas Register.

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

No other code, articles or statutes are affected by this section.