Archive for July, 2010

Board Expresses Concerns on Certain Open Records

At the June Board meeting, there was a discussion regarding “abuses” of open records requests.  Board staff informed the Public Information Committee about 22 TAC 199.3, which generally provides if someone continues to make open records requests over 36 hours of staff time, they can charge additional money.  According to staff there are a handful [...]

CHIROPRACTIC BOARD RULE CHANGES

The following are rule changes put forward by the Texas Chiropractic Board.  These rules are currently open for comment.  If there is a rule you agree or disagree with, all comments should be forwarded to the Board.  The proposed changes are:
Proposed Rules of Practice – Scope of Practice The Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners (Board) proposes [...]

More Rule Changes Proposed By the Texas Medical Board

On July 16th, the Texas Medical Board published it proposed rule changes to be considered at it next Board meeting in August.  It is important for licensees and other interested parties to review these rules to determine how it affects you and your practice. 
 If you support or oppose a rule change, you can write to [...]

Budget Issues for the TMB

At the June meeting for the Texas Medical Board, staff reported to the Board members that the Board is doing well for its 2010 budget, which ends on August 31st.  Currently, the Board has spent 7.5 million out of an 11 million dollar budget.   Most of the remaining money will go to staff salaries and [...]

Texas BON issues report regarding the increasing age of Texas nurses

In the Texas Board’s strategic plan, the Board reports the following:  “The median age for all Texas licensed RNs is 47 years of age. The median age for Texas female RNs is 47 years of age and 42 for male RNs. The median  age for all LVNs is 45 years of age.  The median age [...]

Former TMB Executive Director hired by Worker’s Comp

Dr. Donald Patrick, 72, the former Executive Director of the Texas Medical Board joined the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation as the Medical Advisor effective July 12, 2010.  The Medical Advisor’s office conducts investigations against physicians alleged of overutilization — overtreating and overbilling for services the worker’s compensation system.

Rule Changes for LPC Board

The LPC Board has instated a number of new rules that all LPC licensees should be aware of.  You can obtain a copy of the rules from the LPC’s website.  It is crtical for any LPC to keep informed on the new rules and how they may apply to you.  The new rule changes are [...]

New Board Member for Psychology Board

Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Diane Stoebner-May of Montgomery to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists for a term to expire Oct. 31, 2015.
Dr. Stoebner-May is a licensed psychologist on staff at the Sam Houston State University Counseling Center. She is a former adjunct faculty member in the Psychology Department at Our Lady [...]

New Rules for Website

For Physicians, Physician Assistants and Acupuncturist, if you have a website for yourself or your practice effect July 1, 2010, the Board has instituted new rules that directly affect you. The rule, I believe is some what onerous and vague. I think it may be difficult for some people to comply with; but if you [...]