The State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) adopts this amendment to 22 TAC §114.7, concerning exemption from licensure for certain military service members and military spouses. This rule is adopted with no changes to the proposed text published in the March 22, 2024, issue of the Texas Register (49 TexReg 1848), and will not be republished.

The purpose of the adoption is to implement Senate Bill (S.B.) 422, 88th Legislature, Regular Session (2023), which amended Texas Occupations Code Chapter 55, Licensing of Military Service Members, Military Veterans, and Military Spouses. Specifically, the adopted amendment includes "military service members" in the title and makes the rule applicable to military service members in addition to military spouses. The adopted amendment also adds a requirement that the Board verify the registration and issue an authorization to practice recognizing the registration within 30 days of the date a military service member or military spouse submits the information required by the rule. The adopted amendment further provides that, in the event of a divorce or similar event that affects a person's status as a military spouse, the spouse may continue to engage in the business or occupation until the third anniversary of the date the spouse received the authorization to practice. Additionally, the adopted amendment includes language to specify that this rule does not modify or alter rights that may be provided under federal law, and corrects clerical errors.

No comments were received regarding adoption of this rule.

This rule is adopted under Texas Occupations Code §254.001(a), which gives the Board authority to adopt rules necessary to perform its duties and ensure compliance with state laws relating to the practice of dentistry to protect the public health and safety.