The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners ("Board") proposes amendments to §573.64, concerning Continuing Education Requirements. The section requires that a veterinarian annually acquire at least 17 hours of continuing education in veterinary medicine. The 79th Legislature amended the Veterinary Licensing Act (Chapter 801, Occupations Code) to require the Board to monitor and audit continuing education hours claimed by veterinarians. Proof of courses claimed, which may include certificates of completion, is now required. The Act was also amended to allow the Board to require a licensee who does not complete the 17 hours of continuing education in a given year to make up the missing hours in later years. The Legislative amendments also provide that the Board may require a licensee who has been disciplined to participate in a continuing education program as part of the disciplinary action. The hours received under this program shall be in addition to the 17 hours received of all licensees.

The section has been re-written to include these changes mandated by the Legislature. Proof of on-line interactive courses taken and self-study must be provided. A licensee renewing his or her license each year must provide a statement that the required continuing education hours have been obtained. A licensee renewing electronically must input an affirmation to that effect. Acceptable continuing education now includes on-line programs that provide for interactive participation by the licensee, and self-study material. Hours claimed for on-line programs cannot exceed 10 hours, and self-study hours cannot exceed three hours. At least seven hours must be obtained from personal attendance at live, on-site courses. Thus, if a licensee wants to obtain only the 17 required hours in one year, the maximum hours claimed for on-line and self-study course must be reduced to accommodate the seven hours required for live courses.

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

Mr. Allen has also determined that for the first five years the section is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the amended section will be to encourage licensee compliance with continuing education requirements, thus assuring the public of continued competence in the profession. There will be no effect on small or micro businesses. There will be no anticipated economic cost to persons required to comply with the amended section as proposed.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted to Julie Barker, Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-330, Austin, Texas 78701-3998, phone (512) 305-7555, fax (512) 305-7556, and will be accepted for 30 days following publication in the Texas Register.

The amendments are proposed under the authority of the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, §801.306 which states that the Board may adopt rules necessary to administer the chapter.

The amendments affect the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, §801.307 which pertains to continuing education requirements.