The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (Board) proposes new rule §573.68, concerning Telemedicine.

Overview

The purpose of the proposed new rule is to compile current regulations concerning telemedicine for the ease and convenience of the regulated population. The new rule merely re-states existing law and does not add or modify existing regulations in any manner.

Fiscal Note

John Helenberg, 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. Helenberg 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. Helenberg has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the anticipated public benefit will be that the regulated population has access to information regarding current veterinary telemedicine regulations in one rule. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons required to comply with the rule.

Local Employment Impact Statement

Mr. Helenberg 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. Helenberg has determined that there are no anticipated adverse economic effects on small business or micro-businesses as a result of the proposed repeal. 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. Helenberg 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.

Government Growth Impact Statement

For the first five years that the rule would be in effect, it is estimated that; the proposed rule would not create or eliminate a government program; implementation of the proposed rule would not require the creation of new employee positions or the elimination of existing employee positions; implementation of the proposed rule would not require an increase or decrease in future legislative appropriations to the agency; the proposed rule would not require an increase in the fees paid to the agency; the proposed rule would not create a new regulation; the proposed rule would not expand, limit, or repeal an existing regulation; the proposed rule would not increase or decrease the number of individuals subject to the rule's applicability; and the proposed rule would not positively or adversely affect the state's economy.

Request for Public Comments

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners invites comments on the proposed new rule from any interested persons, including any member of the public. A written statement should be mailed or delivered to Elaine Crease, 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 rule is proposed under the authority of §801.151(a), Occupations Code, which states that the Board may adopt rules necessary to administer the chapter.

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