The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (Board) proposes this amendment to §573.65, concerning proof of acceptable continuing education. The purpose of the proposed amendment is to allow licensees the flexibility to earn continuing education hours in whatever format they prefer, whether that be live or virtual.

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.

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 Board licensees have more flexibility to earn their required continuing education hours, requiring less time out of the office which helps increase access to veterinary services.

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

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.

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners invites comments on the proposed amendment to the rule from any interested persons, including any member of the public. A written statement should be mailed or delivered to Valerie Mitchell, 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 Valerie.mitchell@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 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, and the authority of §801.151(b), Occupations Code, 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.

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