The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (Board) proposes an amendment to §573.64, concerning Continuing Education Requirements.

The Board proposes this amendment to provide that a licensee may not apply continuing education hours obtained prior to licensure in Texas to the number of continuing education hours required to maintain a license. This change reflects the agency’s current practice.

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 that licensees are meeting the minimum continuing education requirements. The amendment will also clarify the required continuing education for licensees.

Ms. Oria has determined that any economic cost to persons required to comply with the amended rule would be limited to the cost of obtaining the required continuing education after becoming licensed in Texas. There is 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 to the 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) 305-7574, or by e-mail vet.board@veterinary.texas.gov. 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, Texas Occupations Code, §801.151(a), which states that the Board may adopt rules necessary to administer the chapter, and §801.307, which authorizes the Board to adopt rules to require license holders to complete continuing education courses.

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