The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners proposes amendments to §573.64 concerning Continuing Education Requirements. The existing section requires that veterinarians maintain records to support continuing education credits claimed each year and that the records be provided for inspection to Board investigators upon request. Board investigators often find during an inspection of a veterinarian's office that the records are in another location, such as at home. This creates delays in completing inspections. The proposed amendments require that the records be made available at the practice location for Board investigators to examine.

Mr. Ron Allen, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the amended section is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the section. Mr. Allen has also determined that the public benefit of enforcing the section as amended will be more efficient use of the agency's time in performing its duties. There will be no effect on small businesses. There will be no anticipated costs to persons required to comply with this section as proposed.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted in writing to Judy Huppert, Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-330, Austin, Texas 78701-3998, phone (512) 305-7555, and must be received by December 31, 2001.

The amendments are proposed under the authority of the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, §801.151 (a) which states that the Board may adopt rules necessary to administer the chapter. The amendments affect the Veterinary Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, §801.307 pertaining to Continuing Education.