The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners proposes an amendment to §573.64, regarding continuing education requirements.

The proposed amendment would clarify the rule regarding the carryover of excess hours to the next year. In addition, the rule clarifies that hardship extensions generally will not be allowed due to financial hardship or lack of time due to a busy professional or personal schedule.

Dewey E. Helmcamp III, Executive Director, has determined that for each year of the first five years that the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implication for the state and no fiscal implication for local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule as proposed. Mr. Helmcamp has also determined that the rule will have no local employment impact.

Mr. Helmcamp has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the anticipated public benefit will be to ensure clarification of the continuing education requirements for licensed veterinarians of the State of Texas.

Mr. Helmcamp has also determined there will be no direct adverse effect on small businesses or micro-businesses because the rule does not change the current agency policy regarding continuing education requirements but simply clarifies the rule.

Mr. Helmcamp has further determined that there are no economic costs to persons required to comply with the rule.

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners invites comments on the proposed rule from any member of the public. A written statement should be mailed or delivered to Loris Jones, Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Ste. 3-810, Austin, Texas 78701-3942, by facsimile (FAX) to (512) 305-7556, or by e-mail vet.board@tbvme.state.tx.us. Comments will be accepted for 30 days following publication in the Texas Register.

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

Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 801, is affected by this proposal.