The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners ("Board") proposes amendments to §573.65 concerning Definitions. This section contains several definitions contained in the Veterinary Licensing Act and the Board's rules. Several of the definitions relate to activities that are exempt from regulation by the Board. The definition of one such activity, "accepted livestock management practices," has been re-written to be more inclusive and eliminate redundancy. The definition of "livestock" has been broadened to include equidae since many practices applicable to cattle and other animals also apply to equidae. The exempted practices have been listed for easier reading. The term "designated caretaker" is expanded to include all types of animals, not just food production animals as is now the case. Other terms are defined without substantive change. The amended definitions are intended to reflect actual veterinarian practices.

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 for the first five years the section is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the amended section will be to better inform the public of those types of activities that are not subject to regulation by the Board. There will be no effect on small businesses. There will be no economic cost to persons required to comply with the amended section as proposed.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted in writing to Julie Barker, Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-810, Austin, Texas 78701, phone (512) 305-7555, fax (512) 305-7556, and must be received by April 30, 2003.

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, §801.004 which pertains to activities that are exempt from coverage of the Veterinary Licensing Act.