The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (Board) proposes an amendment to §571.55, concerning Delinquent Letters sent to licensees who fail to renew their licenses on time.

The proposed amendments to §571.55 clarify that the provision applies to all licensees, veterinarians and equine dental providers alike. The proposed amendments are necessitated by House Bill (HB) 414, 82nd Legislative Session, which gave the Board the authority to license and regulate equine dental providers. The proposed changes do not otherwise alter the substance of the rule.

Nicole Oria, Executive Director, has determined that for each year of the first five years that the rule is in effect there will be minimal additional costs to state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rule as proposed, due to having to send letters to delinquent equine dental licensees as well as veterinary licensees. Ms. Oria has determined that there will be no reduction in costs for either state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering this rule. Ms. Oria has further determined that there will be no loss or increase in revenue to the state or to local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. Moreover, Ms. Oria has determined that there will be no local employment impact as a result of adoption of the proposed rule.

Ms. Oria has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the anticipated public benefit will be to clarify the Board's procedure for notifying licensees that their renewal is delinquent. Ms. Oria has determined that there will be no economic cost to individuals required to comply with the rule. Ms. Oria has determined that there will be no measurable effect on small businesses and micro businesses. There is no anticipated difference in cost of compliance between small and large businesses.

The Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners invites comments on the proposed amendment from any member of the public. A written statement should be mailed or delivered to Loris Jones, Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-810, Austin, Texas 78701-3942, by facsimile (FAX) to (512) 305-7574, or by e-mail to vet.board@tbvme.state.tx.us. Comments will be accepted for 30 days following publication in the Texas Register.

The amendment is proposed under the authority of the Veterinary Licensing Act, Occupations Code, §801.151(a), which states that the Board may adopt rules necessary to administer the chapter.

Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 801, is affected by this proposal.

§571.55.Delinquent Letters.

The executive director shall prepare annually delinquency letters addressed to all licensees who are delinquent on March 10th of each calendar year. A one-year delinquency letter shall be mailed to each delinquent licensee [veterinarian].

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 26, 2012.

TRD-201200371

Loris Jones

Executive Assistant

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 11, 2012

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7563