The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (Board) adopts an amendment to §575.25, concerning Recommended Schedule of Sanctions, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 10, 2014, issue of the Texas Register (39 TexReg 184). The text will not be republished.

During the last legislative session, the Texas Legislature granted the Board authority to license and to regulate veterinary technicians. The Board, therefore, adopts the amendment to add Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) in the recommended schedule of sanctions. This amendment also adds having to take the Licensed Veterinary Technician jurisprudence examination as a possible penalty in the different classes of violations. The current rule applies to veterinarians and equine dental providers; therefore, this amendment will treat all licensees the same. This amendment is in furtherance of the Board's statutory requirement to maintain a high standard of integrity, skills, and practice in the veterinary medicine profession; to protect the public; and to provide for the licensing and regulation of veterinary technicians.

No comments were received regarding adoption of 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; §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.