The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council adopts amended §781.501, relating to Requirements for Continuing Education. Section 781.501 is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the September 22, 2023, issue of the Texas Register (48 TexReg 5441) and will not be republished.

Reasoned Justification.

The adopted amendments correct a typographical error and allow field and practicum instructors to claim up to 10 hours of continuing education credit when providing instruction to social work students.

List of interested groups or associations against the rule.

None.

Summary of comments against the rule.

None.

List of interested groups or associations for the rule.

None.

Summary of comments for the rule.

A commenter voiced support for the rule amendments and thanked the agency for reinstating the ability to earn CE credit for serving as a practicum instructor. The commenter opined that the term "field" could be offensive to some and suggested a future change to remove the term. The commenter believed the term "practicum" is sufficient and using both is redundant.

Agency Response.

The Executive Council thanks the commenter for their supportive comments but declines to amend the rule as requested. The Council has previously received comments from individuals identifying themselves as either practicum instructors or field instructors, and both expressed an interest in a rule amendment such as the one being adopted. Therefore, at this time, the Council chooses to keep both practicum instructors and field instructors included in the rule.

Statutory Authority.

The rule is adopted under Tex. Occ. Code, Title 3, Subtitle I, Chapter 507, which provides the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council with the authority to make all rules, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Laws of this State, which are reasonably necessary for the proper performance of its duties and regulations of proceedings before it.

Additionally, the Executive Council adopts this rule pursuant to the authority found in §507.152 of the Tex. Occ. Code which vests the Executive Council with the authority to adopt rules necessary to perform its duties and implement Chapter 507 of the Tex. Occ. Code.

In accordance with §505.2015 of the Tex. Occ. Code the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners previously voted and, by a majority, approved to propose the adoption of this rule to the Executive Council. The rule is specifically authorized by §505.2015 of the Tex. Occ. Code which states the Board shall propose to the Executive Council rules regarding the qualifications necessary to obtain a license; the scope of practice, standards of care, and ethical practice; continuing education requirements for license holders; and a schedule of sanctions for violations of this chapter or rules adopted under this chapter.

The Executive Council also adopts this rule in compliance with §507.153 of the Tex. Occ. Code. The Executive Council may not propose and adopt a rule regarding the qualifications necessary to obtain a license; the scope of practice, standards of care, and ethical practice for a profession; continuing education requirements; or a schedule of sanctions unless the rule has been proposed by the applicable board for the profession. In this instance, the underlying board has proposed the rule to the Executive Council. Therefore, the Executive Council has complied with Chapters 505 and 507 of the Texas Occupations Code and may adopt this rule.

Lastly, the Executive Council adopts this rule under the authority found in §2001.004 of the Tex. Gov't Code which requires state agencies to adopt rules of practice stating the nature and requirements of all available formal and informal procedures.