The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (Board) proposes an amendment to §573.65, concerning Proof of Acceptable Continuing Education.

During the last legislative session, the Texas Legislature granted the Board authority to license and to regulate veterinary technicians. The Board, therefore, proposes the amendment to add continuing education requirements for Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs). The proposal provides that LVTs may only get two out of the 10 required continuing education hours in practice management; may have no more than four hours of continuing education from correspondence courses; may have no more than two hours of self-study continuing education; and may have no more than four hours of online interactive participatory continuing education. Notwithstanding all of those requirements, at least six hours of continuing education for LVTs must be obtained from personal attendance at live courses and seminars providing continuing education.

Nicole Oria, Executive Director, has determined that for each year of the first five years that the rule is in effect, there will be no impact on revenue to either state or local government as a result of the proposed rule. Ms. Oria has also determined that there will be no increase or reduction in costs to either state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule as proposed. Ms. Oria has further determined that the amendment to the rule will have no impact on local employment.

Ms. Oria has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the anticipated public benefit will be to clarify and standardize the rules for LVTs and ensure proper and relevant training of licensed veterinary technicians.

Ms. Oria has determined that there will a slight increase in economic cost to persons required to comply with the amended rule; however, that cost will be outweighed by the benefits provided by obtaining and maintaining a license. There is thus no adverse impact expected for small or micro businesses and no anticipated difference in cost of compliance between small and large businesses.

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners invites comments on the proposed amendment 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) 305-7574, or by e-mail vet.board@tbvme.state.tx.us. Comments will be accepted for 30 days following publication in the Texas Register. Comments must be received within 30 days after publication of this proposal in order to be considered.

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; §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; and §801.151(c), which states that the board shall adopt rules to protect the public and provide for the regulation of veterinary technicians.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the proposal.