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

Overview

The purpose of the proposed amendment is to ensure consistency with proposed new §577.5, regarding Committees of the Board, which is being published elsewhere in this issue of the Texas Register. The proposed amendment would allow the Board’s Licensing Committee or an advisory committee of the Board to approve methods of earning acceptable continuing education.

Fiscal Note

Rudy Calderon, Interim Executive Director, has determined that for each year of the first five years that the rule is in effect, there are no anticipated increases or reductions in costs to the state and local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Mr. Calderon has also determined that for each year of the first five years that the rule is in effect, there is no anticipated impact in revenue to state government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.

Public Benefit and Cost Note

Mr. Calderon has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the anticipated public benefit will be that acceptable methods of earning continuing education may be approved by the Board’s Licensing Committee or an advisory committee of the Board. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons required to comply with the rule.

Local Employment Impact Statement

Mr. Calderon has determined that the rule will have no impact on local employment or a local economy. Thus, the board is not required to prepare a local employment impact statement pursuant to §2001.022, Government Code.

Economic Impact Statement and Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

Mr. Calderon has determined that there are no anticipated adverse economic effects on small business or micro-businesses as a result of the proposed amendment. Thus, the Board is not required to prepare an economic impact statement or a regulatory flexibility analysis pursuant to §2006.002, Government Code.

Takings Impact Assessment

Mr. Calderon has determined that there are no private real property interests affected by the rule. Thus, the board is not required to prepare a takings impact assessment pursuant to §2007.043, Government Code.

Request for Public Comments

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners invites comments on the proposed amendment from any interested persons, including 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 to 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.

Statutory Authority

The amendment is proposed under the authority of §801.151(a), Occupations Code, which states that the Board may adopt rules necessary to administer the chapter, and under the authority of §801.307, Occupations Code, which states that the Board may establish general categories of continuing education that meet the needs of license holders.

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