The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners adopts an amendment to §573.64, regarding continuing education requirements, without changes to the proposed text as published in the July 11, 2008, issue of the Texas Register (33 TexReg 5467) and will not be republished.

The amendment clarifies 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. This is the current policy of the Board regarding what is not considered good cause for granting an extension to the time period for earning continuing education. The Board is seeking to ensure greater clarification of the continuing education rule for the licensees of the Board to better be able to comply with the rule.

One comment was received suggesting language be added to the rule defining good cause to include family emergencies or medical problems. The Board respectfully disagrees as this is already the policy of the Board to include such scenarios as good cause on a case-by-case basis if they are received timely as required by the rule.

The amendment is adopted 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 as well as §801.151(b) which states that the Board may adopt rules of professional conduct appropriate to establish and maintain a high standard of integrity, skills, and practice in the veterinary medicine profession.