Proposed Rules Title 22

TITLE 22. EXAMINING BOARDS

PART 24. TEXAS BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICAL EXAMINERS

CHAPTER 573. RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

SUBCHAPTER G. OTHER PROVISIONS

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (Department), on behalf of the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (TBVME), proposes a new rule at 22 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 573, Subchapter G, §573.83, regarding the Rules of Professional Conduct. These proposed changes are referred to as the "proposed rules."

EXPLANATION OF AND JUSTIFICATION FOR THE RULES

The rules under 22 TAC, Chapter 573, implement Texas Occupations, Chapter 801, Veterinarians.

The proposed rules add §573.83 to Subchapter G, Other Provisions. The proposed rules are necessary to implement House Bill (HB) 4069, 88th Legislature, Regular Session (2023), which requires the adoption of rules for a veterinarian to disclose to an owner or caretaker of an ill or injured animal the description and estimated price of a proposed emergency treatment before providing the treatment.

The proposed rules ensure transparency for the public when receiving emergency veterinary care.

Advisory Board Recommendations

The proposed rules were presented to and discussed by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (Board) at its meeting on January 23, 2024. The Board did not make any changes to the proposed rules. The Board voted and recommended that the proposed rules be published in the Texas Register for public comment.

SECTION-BY-SECTION SUMMARY

The proposed rules add §573.83, Price Transparency for Emergency Care. The proposed rules define "emergency care" for purposes of the section. The proposed rules require a veterinarian to disclose to the owner or caretaker of an animal that the animal requires emergency treatment. The proposed rules enumerate the requirements of the disclosure required in subsection (b). The proposed rules also require a veterinarian to update the disclosures if the animal's medical condition changes. Lastly, subsection (e) states that the person presenting the animal for emergency treatment is presumed to be its owner or caretaker.

FISCAL IMPACT ON STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Tony Couvillon, Policy Research and Budget Analyst, has determined that for each year of the first five years the proposed rules are in effect, enforcing or administering the proposed rules does not have foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenues of state or local governments.

LOCAL EMPLOYMENT IMPACT STATEMENT

Mr. Couvillon has determined that the proposed rules will not affect a local economy, so the agency is not required to prepare a local employment impact statement under Government Code §2001.022.

PUBLIC BENEFITS

Mr. Couvillon has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the proposed rules are in effect, the public benefit will be allowing animal owners and caretakers to know in advance what treatment options are being proposed for an animal in need of emergency care, as well as the estimated price of any proposed treatment.

PROBABLE ECONOMIC COSTS TO PERSONS REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH PROPOSAL

Mr. Couvillon has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the proposed rules are in effect, there are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the proposed rules.

FISCAL IMPACT ON SMALL BUSINESSES, MICRO-BUSINESSES, AND RURAL COMMUNITIES

There will be no adverse economic effect on small businesses, micro-businesses, or rural communities as a result of the proposed rules. Because the agency has determined that the proposed rules will have no adverse economic effect on small businesses, micro-businesses, or rural communities, preparation of an Economic Impact Statement and a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, as detailed under Texas Government Code §2006.002, is not required.

ONE-FOR-ONE REQUIREMENT FOR RULES WITH A FISCAL IMPACT

The proposed rules do not have a fiscal note that imposes a cost on regulated persons, including another state agency, a special district, or a local government. Therefore, the agency is not required to take any further action under Government Code §2001.045.

GOVERNMENT GROWTH IMPACT STATEMENT

Pursuant to Government Code §2001.0221, the agency provides the following Government Growth Impact Statement for the proposed rules. For each year of the first five years the proposed rules will be in effect, the agency has determined the following:

1. The proposed rules do not create or eliminate a government program.

2. Implementation of the proposed rules does not require the creation of new employee positions or the elimination of existing employee positions.

3. Implementation of the proposed rules does not require an increase or decrease in future legislative appropriations to the agency.

4. The proposed rules do not require an increase or decrease in fees paid to the agency.

5. The proposed rules do create a new regulation.

The proposed rules create a new regulation by requiring a veterinarian who provides necessary immediate medical treatment to an ill or injured animal to disclose to the animal's owner or caretaker that the animal requires emergency care and treatment and requiring the type of information the veterinarian must disclose, such as price.

6. The proposed rules do not expand, limit, or repeal an existing regulation.

7. The proposed rules do not increase or decrease the number of individuals subject to the rules' applicability.

8. The proposed rules do not positively or adversely affect this state's economy.

TAKINGS IMPACT ASSESSMENT

The Department has determined that no private real property interests are affected by the proposed rules and the proposed rules do not restrict, limit, or impose a burden on an owner's rights to his or her private real property that would otherwise exist in the absence of government action. As a result, the proposed rules do not constitute a taking or require a takings impact assessment under Government Code §2007.043.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Comments on the proposed rules may be submitted by email to TBVME.Comments@tdlr.texas.gov; by facsimile to (512) 475-3032; or by mail to Monica Nuñez, Legal Assistant, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P.O. Box 12157, Austin, Texas 78711. The deadline for comments is 30 days after publication in the Texas Register.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY

The proposed rules are proposed under the authority of Texas Occupations Code, Chapters 51 and 801, which authorize the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, the Department's governing body, to adopt rules as necessary to implement these chapters and any other law establishing a program regulated by the Department.

The statutory provisions affected by the proposed rules are those set forth in Texas Occupations Code, Chapters 51 and 801. No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the proposed rules.

The legislation that enacted the statutory authority under which the proposed rules are proposed to be adopted is House Bill 4069, 88th Legislature, Regular Session (2023).

§573.83.Price Transparency for Emergency Care.

(a) For purposes of this section, "emergency care" means medical care rendered to an ill or injured animal that, in the reasoned opinion of the veterinarian, has a life-threatening condition and immediate medical treatment is necessary to sustain life or alleviate or end suffering.

(b) After a reasonable opportunity to assess an animal's medical condition and before providing medical treatment, a veterinarian must disclose to the owner or caretaker that the animal requires emergency care and treatment.

(1) a description of the proposed treatment(s), with reasonable options, if any; and

(2) the estimated price of the proposed treatment option(s).

(d) If the animal's medical condition changes, before continuing treatment, a veterinarian must update the disclosures required by subsection (c) of this section.

(e) The person presenting an animal to the veterinarian for emergency care and treatment is presumed to be the owner or caretaker of that animal.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 28, 2024.

TRD-202401311

Doug Jennings

General Counsel

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 12, 2024

For further information, please call: (512) 475-4879

PART 35. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS

CHAPTER 801. LICENSURE AND REGULATION OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS

SUBCHAPTER C. APPLICATIONS AND LICENSING

22 TAC §801.143

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, on behalf of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists, proposes amendments to §801.143, relating to Supervisor Requirements.

Overview and Explanation of the Proposed Rule. The proposed amendments are intended to set equitable requirements for achieving supervisor status; to standardize provisions concerning automatic revocation of supervisor status after a disciplinary order imposes a probated suspension, suspension, or revocation of a license; and makes typographical updates.

Fiscal Note. Darrel D. Spinks, Executive Director of the Executive Council, has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed rule is in effect, there will be no additional estimated cost, reduction in costs, or loss or increase in revenue to the state or local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rule. Additionally, Mr. Spinks has determined that enforcing or administering the rule does not have foreseeable implications relating to the costs or revenues of state or local government.

Public Benefit. Mr. Spinks has determined for the first five-year period the proposed rule is in effect there will be a benefit to licensees, applicants, and the general public because the proposed rule will provide greater clarity and consistency in the Executive Council's rules. Mr. Spinks has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be to help the Executive Council protect the public.

Probable Economic Costs. Mr. Spinks has determined for the first five-year period the proposed rule is in effect, there will be no additional economic costs to persons required to comply with this rule.

Small Business, Micro-Business, and Rural Community Impact Statement. Mr. Spinks has determined for the first five-year period the proposed rule is in effect, there will be no adverse effect on small businesses, micro-businesses, or rural communities.

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for Small and Micro-Businesses and Rural Communities. Mr. Spinks has determined that the proposed rule will have no adverse economic effect on small businesses, micro-businesses, or rural communities. Thus, the Executive Council is not required to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis pursuant to §2006.002 of the Tex. Gov't Code.

Local Employment Impact Statement. Mr. Spinks has determined that the proposed rule will have no impact on local employment or a local economy. Thus, the Executive Council is not required to prepare a local employment impact statement pursuant to §2001.022 of the Tex. Gov't Code.

Requirement for Rules Increasing Costs to Regulated Persons. The proposed rule does not impose any new or additional costs to regulated persons, state agencies, special districts, or local governments; therefore, pursuant to §2001.0045 of the Tex. Gov't Code, no repeal or amendment of another rule is required to offset any increased costs. Additionally, no repeal or amendment of another rule is required because the proposed rule is necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of this state and because regulatory costs imposed by the Executive Council on licensees is not expected to increase.

Government Growth Impact Statement. For the first five-year period the proposed rule is in effect, the Executive Council estimates that the proposed rule will have no effect on government growth. The proposed rule does not create or eliminate a government program; it does not require the creation or elimination of employee positions; it does not require the increase or decrease in future legislative appropriations to this agency; it does not require an increase or decrease in fees paid to the agency; it does not create a new regulation; it does not expand an existing regulation; it does not increase or decrease the number of individuals subject to the rule's applicability; and it does not positively or adversely affect the state's economy.

Takings Impact Assessment. Mr. Spinks has determined that there are no private real property interests affected by the proposed rule. Thus, the Executive Council is not required to prepare a takings impact assessment pursuant to §2007.043 of the Tex. Gov't Code.

Request for Public Comments. Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted by mail to Brenda Skiff, Executive Assistant, Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, 1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300, Austin, Texas 78701 or via https://www.bhec.texas.gov/proposed-rule-changes-and-the-rulemaking-process/index.html. The deadline for receipt of comments is 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on May 12, 2024, which is at least 30 days from the date of publication of this proposal in the Texas Register.

Applicable Legislation. This rule is proposed pursuant to the specific legal authority granted to the Executive Council by H.B. 1501, 86th Leg., R.S. (2019).

Statutory Authority. The rule is proposed 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 proposes 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 §502.1515 of the Tex. Occ. Code the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists previously voted and, by a majority, approved to propose this rule to the Executive Council. The rule is specifically authorized by §502.1515 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 proposes 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 this rule to the Executive Council. Therefore, the Executive Council has complied with Chapters 502 and 507 of the Texas Occupations Code and may propose this rule.

Lastly, the Executive Council proposes 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.

No other code, articles or statutes are affected by this section.

§801.143.Supervisor Requirements.

(a) To apply for supervisor status, an LMFT must be in good standing and submit:

(1) an application and applicable fee;

(2) documentation of the completion of at least 3,000 hours of LMFT practice over a minimum of 3 years; and

(3) documentation of one of following:

(A) successful completion of a 3-semester-hour, graduate course in marriage and family therapy supervision from an accredited institution;

(B) a 40-hour continuing education course in clinical supervision; or

(C) successful completion of an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) approved Fundamentals of Supervision course.

~~[(a) To apply for supervisor status, an LMFT in good standing must submit an application and applicable fee as well as documentation of the of following:]~~

~~[(1) completion of at least 3,000 hours of LMFT practice over a minimum of 3 years; and]~~

~~[(A) successful completion of a 3-semester-hour, graduate course in marriage and family therapy supervision from an accredited institution; or]~~

~~[(B) a 40-hour continuing education course in clinical supervision; or]~~

~~[(2) designation as an approved supervisor or supervisor candidate by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).]~~

(b) A supervisor may not be employed by the person he or she is supervising.

(c) A supervisor may not be related within the second degree by affinity (marriage) or within the third degree by consanguinity (blood or adoption) to the person whom he or she is supervising.

(d) Within 60 days of the initiation of supervision, a supervisor must process and maintain a complete supervision file on the LMFT Associate. The supervision file must include:

(1) a photocopy of the submitted Supervisory Agreement Form;

(2) proof of council approval of the Supervisory Agreement Form;

(3) a record of all locations at which the LMFT Associate will practice;

(4) a dated and signed record of each supervision conference with the LMFT Associate's total number of hours of supervised experience, direct client contact hours, and direct client contact hours with couples or families accumulated up to the date of the conference;

(5) an established plan for the custody and control of the records of supervision for each LMFT Associate in the event of the supervisor's death or incapacity, or the termination of the supervisor's practice; and

(6) a copy of any written plan for remediation of the LMFT Associate.

(e) Within 30 days of the termination of supervision, a supervisor must submit written notification to the council.

(f) Both the LMFT Associate and the council-approved supervisor are fully responsible for the marriage and family therapy activities of the LMFT Associate.

(1) The supervisor must ensure the LMFT Associate knows and adheres to all statutes and rules that govern the practice of marriage and family therapy.

(2) A supervisor must maintain objective, professional judgment; a dual relationship between the supervisor and the LMFT Associate is prohibited.

(3) A supervisor may only supervise the number of individuals for which the supervisor can provide adequate supervision.

(4) If a supervisor determines the LMFT Associate may not have the therapeutic skills or competence to practice marriage and family therapy under an LMFT license, the supervisor must develop and implement a written plan for remediation of the LMFT Associate.

(5) A supervisor must timely submit accurate documentation of supervised experience.

(g) Supervisor status expires with the LMFT license.

(h) A supervisor who fails to meet all requirements for licensure renewal may not advertise or represent himself or herself as a supervisor in any manner.

(i) A supervisor whose license status is other than "current, active" is no longer an approved supervisor. Supervised clinical experience hours accumulated under that person's supervision after the date his or her license status changed from "current, active" or after removal of the supervisor designation will not count as acceptable hours unless approved by the council.

(j) Upon execution of a Council order for probated suspension, suspension, or revocation of the LMFT license with supervisor status, the supervisor status is revoked. A licensee whose supervisor status is revoked must: [~~A supervisor who becomes subject to a council disciplinary order is no longer an approved supervisor. The person must:~~]

(1) inform each LMFT Associate of the council disciplinary order;

(2) refund all supervisory fees received after date the council disciplinary order was ratified to the LMFT Associate who paid the fees; and

(3) assist each LMFT Associate in finding alternate supervision.

(k) Supervision of an LMFT Associate without being currently approved as a supervisor is grounds for disciplinary action.

(l) The LMFT Associate may compensate the supervisor for time spent in supervision if the supervision is not part of the supervisor's responsibilities as a paid employee of an agency, institution, clinic, or other business entity.

(m) At a minimum, the 40-hour continuing education course in clinical supervision, referenced in subsection (a)(3)(B) [~~(a)(1)(B)~~] of this rule, must meet each of the following requirements:

(1) the course must be taught by a graduate-level licensee holding supervisor status issued by the Council;

(2) all related coursework and assignments must be completed over a time period not to exceed 90 days; and

(3) the 40-hour supervision training must include at least:

(A) three (3) hours for defining and conceptualizing supervision and models of supervision;

(B) three (3) hours for supervisory relationship and marriage and family therapist development;

(C) twelve (12) hours for supervision methods and techniques, covering roles, focus (process, conceptualization, and personalization), group supervision, multi-cultural supervision (race, ethnic, and gender issues), and evaluation methods;

(D) twelve (12) hours for supervision and standards of practice, codes of ethics, and legal and professional issues; and

(E) three (3) hours for executive and administrative tasks, covering supervision plan, supervision contract, time for supervision, record keeping, and reporting.

(n) Subsection (m) of this rule is effective May 1, 2023.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on April 1, 2024.

TRD-202401320

Darrel D. Spinks

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 12, 2024

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7706

22 TAC §801.261

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, on behalf of the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists, proposes amendments to §801.261, relating to Requirements for Continuing Education.

Overview and Explanation of the Proposed Rule. The proposed amendments will require licensees to complete one hour of continuing education in crisis management in order to renew their license. This one hour requirement is proposed to be included in the currently required 30 hours of continuing education needed for the renewal of a license. Crisis management can include, but is not limited to, suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, abuse or neglect, domestic violence, crisis prevention, and crisis or disaster response.

Applicable Legislation. This rule is proposed pursuant to the specific legal authority granted to the Executive Council by H.B. 1501, 86th Leg., R.S. (2019).

No other code, articles or statutes are affected by this section.

§801.261.Requirements for Continuing Education.

(a) Minimum Continuing Education Hours Required

(1) An LMFT must complete 30 hours of continuing education during each renewal period that they hold a license. The 30 hours of continuing education must include 6 hours in ethics and 3 hours in cultural diversity or competency. Additionally, effective September 1, 2024, the 30 hours of continuing education must also include 1 hour of continuing education in crisis management.

(2) A licensee may carry forward to the next renewal period, a maximum of 10 hours accrued during the current renewal period if those hours are not needed for renewal.

(b) Special Continuing Education Requirements. The special continuing education requirements set out in this subsection may be counted toward the minimum continuing education hours required under subsection (a) of this section.

(1) A licensee with supervisory status must complete 6 hours of continuing education in supervision.

(2) A licensee with supervisory status must take and pass the jurisprudence examination. One hour of continuing education in ethics may be claimed for passing the jurisprudence examination.

(3) A licensee who provides telehealth services must complete 2 hours of continuing education in technology-assisted services.

(1) state or federal laws, including agency rules, relevant to the practice of marriage and family therapy;

(2) practice guidelines established by local, regional, state, national, or international professional organizations;

(3) training or education designed to demonstrate or affirm the ideals and responsibilities of the profession; and

(4) training or education intended to assist licensees in determining appropriate decision-making and behavior, improve consistency in or enhance the professional delivery of services, and provide a minimum acceptable level of practice.

(d) Acceptable cultural diversity or competency and crisis management activities. [hours include, but are not limited to continuing education regarding age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, language, national origin, race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.]

(1) Cultural diversity or competency hours include, but are not limited to continuing education regarding age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, language, national origin, race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.

(2) Crisis management hours include, but are not limited to continuing education regarding suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, abuse or neglect, domestic violence, crisis prevention, and crisis or disaster response.

(e) Acceptable Continuing Education Activities.

(1) All continuing education hours must have been received during the renewal period unless allowed under subsection (a)(3) of this section, and be directly related to the practice of marriage and family therapy;

(2) The Council shall make the determination as to whether the activity claimed by the licensee is directly related to the practice of marriage and family therapy;

(3) Except for hours claimed under subsection (h) of this section, all continuing education hours obtained must be designated by the provider in a letter, email, certificate, or transcript that displays the licensee's name, topic covered, date(s) of training, and hours of credit earned.

(4) Multiple instances or occurrences of a continuing education activity may not be claimed for the same renewal period.

(f) Licensees must obtain at least fifty percent of their continuing education hours from one or more of the following providers:

(1) an international, national, regional, state, or local association of medical, mental, or behavioral health professionals;

(2) public school districts, charter schools, or education service centers;

(3) city, county, state, or federal governmental entities;

(4) an institution of higher education accredited by a regional accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, or the United States Department of Education;

(5) religious or charitable organizations devoted to improving the mental or behavioral health of individuals;

(6) a [A] graduate-level licensee with supervisor status;

(7) a hospital or hospital system, including any clinic, division, or department within a hospital or hospital system; or

(8) any provider approved or endorsed by a provider listed herein.

(g) Licensees shall receive credit for continuing education activities according to the number of hours designated by the provider, or if no such designation, on a one-for-one basis with one credit hour for each hour spent in the continuing education activity.

(h) Notwithstanding subsection (f) above, licensees may claim continuing education credit for each of the following activities:

(1) Passage of the jurisprudence examination. Licensees who pass the jurisprudence examination may claim 1 hour of continuing education in ethics.

(2) Preparing and giving a presentation at a continuing education activity. The maximum number of hours that may be claimed for this activity is 5 hours.

(3) Authoring a book or peer reviewed article. The maximum number of hours that may be claimed for this activity is 5 hours.

(4) Teaching or attending a graduate level course. The maximum number of hours that may be claimed for this activity is 5 hours.

(5) Self-study. The maximum number of hours that may be claimed for this activity is 1 hour. Self-study is credit that is obtained from any type of activity that is performed by an individual licensee acting alone. Such activities include, but are not limited to, reading materials directly related to the practice of marriage and family therapy. Time spent individually viewing or listening to audio, video, digital, or print media as part of an organized continuing education activity, program, or offering from a third-party is not subject to this self-study limitation and may count as acceptable education under other parts of this rule.

(6) Successful completion of a training course on human trafficking prevention described by §116.002 of the Occupations Code. Licensees who complete this training may claim 1 hour of continuing education credit.

(i) The Council does not pre-evaluate or pre-approve continuing education providers or hours.

(j) Licensees shall maintain proof of continuing education compliance for a minimum of 3 years after the applicable renewal period.

(k) Subsection (f) of this rule is effective January 1, 2024.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 26, 2024.

TRD-202401284

Darrell D. Spinks

Executive Director

Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 12, 2024

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7706

PART 41. TEXAS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

CHAPTER 882. APPLICATIONS AND LICENSING

SUBCHAPTER A. LICENSE APPLICATIONS

22 TAC §882.2

The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council proposes amendments to §882.2, relating to General Application File Requirements.

Overview and Explanation of the Proposed Rule. The proposed rule amendments are intended to clarify what information Council staff can rely upon when verifying an applicant's out-of-state licensure.

Public Benefit. Mr. Spinks has determined for the first five-year period the proposed rule is in effect there will be a benefit to applicants, licensees, and the general public because the proposed rule will provide greater clarity, consistency, and efficiency in the Executive Council's rules. Mr. Spinks has also determined that for each year of the first five years the rule is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the rule will be to help the Executive Council protect the public.

REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS. Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted by mail to Brenda Skiff, Executive Assistant, Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, 1801 Congress Ave., Ste. 7.300, Austin, Texas 78701 or via https://www.bhec.texas.gov/proposed-rule-changes-and-the-rulemaking-process/index.html. The deadline for receipt of comments is 5:00 p.m., Central Time, on May 12, 2024, which is at least 30 days from the date of publication of this proposal in the Texas Register.

Applicable Legislation. This rule is proposed pursuant to the specific legal authority granted to the Executive Council by H.B. 1501, 86th Leg., R.S. (2019).

The Executive Council also proposes 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.

No other code, articles or statutes are affected by this section.

§882.2.General Application File Requirements.

(a) To be complete, an application file must contain all information needed to determine an applicant's eligibility to sit for the required examinations, or the information and examination results needed to determine an applicant's eligibility for licensure. At a minimum, all applications for licensure must contain:

(1) An application in the form prescribed by the Council based on member board rules and corresponding fee(s);

(2) An official transcript from a properly accredited institution indicating the date the degree required for licensure was awarded or conferred. Transcripts must be received by the Council directly from the awarding institution, a transcript or credential delivery service, or a credentials bank that utilizes primary source verification;

(3) A fingerprint based criminal history record check through the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation;

(4) A self-query report from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) reflecting any disciplinary history or legal actions taken against the applicant. A self-query report must be submitted to the agency as a PDF that ensures the self-query is exactly as it was issued by the NPDB (i.e., a digitally certified self-query response) or in the sealed envelope in which it was received from the NPDB;

(5) Verification of the citizenship and immigration status information of non-citizen, naturalized, or derived U.S. citizen applicants through the DHS-USCIS Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Program (SAVE). Applicants must submit the documentation and information required by the SAVE program to the Council;

(6) Examination results for any required examinations taken prior to applying for licensure;

(7) Documentation of any required supervised experience, supervision plans, and agreements with supervisors; and

(8) Any other information or supportive documentation deemed relevant by the Council and specified in its application materials.

(b) The Council will accept examination results and other documentation required or requested as part of the application process from a credentials bank that utilizes primary source verification.

(c) The Council may rely upon the following when verifying information from another jurisdiction: official written verification received directly from the other jurisdiction; a government website reflecting the information (e.g., active licensure and good standing); or verbal or email verification directly from the other jurisdiction.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on March 26, 2024.

TRD-202401281

Darrel D. Spinks

Executive Director

Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council

Earliest possible date of adoption: May 12, 2024

For further information, please call: (512) 305-7706