[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6094101,"mediaKeyId","2844880-34d0bffcb5c95f135598386c20a51ea4","parentId",2844880,"title","Votes at a glance: Texas Veterinary Board approves minutes, elects officers, adopts licensing rule and several routine orders","audioSeconds",6083,"startMs",2891000,"endMs",8974000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2844880-34d0bffcb5c95f135598386c20a51ea4&start=2891&end=8974","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2844880-34d0bffcb5c95f135598386c20a51ea4/thumbnail_2891000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6094101/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Texas-Veterinary-Board-approves-minutes-elects-officers-adopts-licensing-rule-and-several-routine-orders","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6094101-12c54e71cdb0b5c77392b403abcfd2f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175197&Signature=UJHUvhGNj2KeafzdYwqEBLueJWg6Qrf6igidSEgPfeMzwcVzq~82bRilRFGYH2qx1scEu~0Zd4NbbU-PDV17mTg8BxzDFMjQmHkwjOrJQb8srwkO0S9QQ6rQa2r-6Hfts-V-wCuh9fdRTS9~GpW1uNx3PgOJJ313vk5OdGzJ8IEN3g4UQiwWx6vTvJlRy1tN55GCcxU9vtAkAd2RWGUuOi~LKQPkgsWQqmmbp9mHXh8GpYhzA3s2zKR-P-iwrko2PZGiVURGH1SrrlVURcc64rLBqy2h8gxIZ9Y0DliEgRzduJjLYyFLMOj5QtnEF5UkH0cMIenVeaNQQoaR85f-6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners","date","2025-02-20T00:00:00Z","article","At its Feb. 20 meeting, the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners recorded a series of votes on procedural and regulatory matters.

Highlights

- Minutes: The board approved the Oct. 24, 2024 meeting minutes by voice vote.

- Rule adoption (571.7): The board adopted an amendment to rule 571.7 (veterinary licensing eligibility) to extend the period for graduating students to take the state board exam from 60 days to 120 days. The rule had been published in the Texas Register and received no public comment.

- Elections: The board elected Lynn Criner as vice chair and Victoria Whitehead as secretary; nominations were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

- Contested case: The board voted to accept an Administrative Law Judge’s proposal for decision denying both special and standard licensure to a foreign-educated applicant (SOA docket 1LA24-002578-2419083). Motion to approve the PFD was made by Dr. Skaggs and seconded by Dr. Kriner; chair called a voice vote and the motion carried.

- Agreed orders and dismissals: The board approved a slate of agreed orders and dismissed multiple cases at the informal‑conference, staff‑conference and medical‑review stages; affected case identifiers and recusals were handled on the record and no executive session was required.

Procedure and voting: Most actions were approved by voice vote; where a specific mover and seconder were recorded (for example, the PFD motion), those names appear in the meeting record. Several members recused themselves from voting on individual matters noted on the agenda; those recusals were announced prior to votes.

Why it matters: The rule change lengthening the exam window alters eligibility timing for new graduates; officer elections set the board’s leadership for committee assignments; the contested-case decision reinforces statutory requirements for foreign-educated applicants.

Selected actions (from meeting record)

- Adopt rule 571.7 (extend exam window to 120 days): Mover not specified; second not specified; outcome: adopted.

- Elect Lynn Criner, vice chair: moved, seconded, outcome: approved.

- Elect Victoria Whitehead, secretary: moved, seconded, outcome: approved.

- Accept PFD denying special and standard license to petitioner (SOA 1LA24-002578-2419083): mover Dr. Skaggs; second Dr. Kriner; outcome: approved.

- Approve all agreed orders and dismissals listed on the agenda, except items pulled for recusal: motions moved and seconded as recorded; outcome: approved.

Next scheduled meeting: April 15, 2025 (1:00 p.m.).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","February 20th, 2025 - Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved minutes, adopted an amendment to licensing eligibility rule 571.7, elected executive officers and approved contested-case and dismissal actions; most votes were voice votes without roll-call tallies.","taxTitle","State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, Boards & Commissions, Executive, Texas","taxId",36449,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":46,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6094107,"Texas board accepts ALJ recommendation denying foreign-educated applicant a license",973,8001000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2844880-34d0bffcb5c95f135598386c20a51ea4&start=8001&end=8974","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2844880-34d0bffcb5c95f135598386c20a51ea4/thumbnail_8001000.jpg","/articles/6094107/Texas/Texas-board-accepts-ALJ-recommendation-denying-foreign-educated-applicant-a-license","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6094107-002f47413a4c3575d848e38dcef4c37b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175197&Signature=LECIuDI7~c~mlfc13l74xAz1s-1vwCMgAGWe2sBNoehPe6ioaaD9K9bKcWlt~du8z6QxKk9nAic23VORmse6IcYbX3EEVf3R5mvnA9xS1TlDsn6Vh2Kfmat80scWvyO0YvSjyYEbVJqIKse89~~h6Qmi9tfkVwkHTETRgT5LMbtvScgRnipf0MjNx~UO1nyCybtkLt3p0n~HaHR-EU4uQFYXwXIuqlsEzTn4fAObF0FScZTGPaGLak24lbq4jkOhbQEcIkqzUfkeqFYKVwT4ZFgisqibSJQFzfnbxTlQ9y2gOh7wp31xws7JK5G58Ry~aiC~EzVLSBn1gKTcvNKrwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners on Feb. 20 accepted an administrative law judge’s recommendation to deny licensure to a foreign-educated applicant who had sought a special license to practice veterinary rehabilitation.

Board staff attorney Kristen Stavroff presented the record from Administrative Law Judge Pemberton’s proposal for decision (PFD). The ALJ found that the petitioner, a graduate of the University of Bologna (a non‑AVMA‑accredited college), did not meet statutory prerequisites for either a standard or special license under Texas Occupations Code and existing board rules. The licensing director had earlier advised the petitioner’s prospective employer that a foreign graduate would generally need Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) or PAVE certification; the petitioner and employer told staff those pathways were not feasible because the petitioner had been out of school more than 20 years.

Stavroff summarized the SOA record and the ALJ’s legal conclusion that “the governing Texas statutes and rules as presently written render the petitioner ineligible for either a standard or special license.” The petitioner did not file an answer to the board’s complaint before the State Office of Administrative Hearings and did not respond to the board’s motion for summary disposition; the ALJ granted the board’s motion.

The petitioner’s counsel asked the board to delay ratifying the denial to allow the petitioner time to pursue a rule change addressing specialty licensing pathways for alternative therapies, noting the ALJ’s finding that the petitioner is “highly capable, experienced, and a respected specialist in animal rehabilitation.” Board counsel and several members noted the distinction between statute and rule: the statutory eligibility criteria for special licensure are set in Occupations Code §801.256 and the board’s rules implement that statute. Counsel advised that a rule change would not alter the existing statute; any changes may require legislative or rulemaking processes.

After limited discussion, Dr. Skaggs moved to accept the PFD; Dr. Kriner seconded. The board voted to adopt the ALJ’s recommendation and deny both a special and a standard license to the petitioner. Board counsel confirmed the applicant could pursue ECFVG or PAVE pathways (or other statutory avenues) and reapply if she meets those requirements.

Why it matters: The case illustrates how statutory education and certification requirements control licensure eligibility for foreign-educated veterinarians and how the board’s decision-making is bounded by state law and existing rules.

Next steps: The petitioner may pursue national foreign-graduate certification programs or request rulemaking; the board indicated it will continue its ongoing rules review but noted statute constrains immediate licensure decisions.","An administrative law judge recommended that the board deny both special and standard veterinary licensure to Catherine (Catherine Pampiglione/Pantiglione), a foreign-educated veterinarian seeking a specialty license to practice rehabilitation; the board voted to accept the proposal for decision.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6094112,"Board debates ownership, livestock definitions and scope of midlevel and equine dental practice",5052,1108000,6160000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2844880-34d0bffcb5c95f135598386c20a51ea4&start=1108&end=6160","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2844880-34d0bffcb5c95f135598386c20a51ea4/thumbnail_1108000.jpg","/articles/6094112/Texas/Board-debates-ownership-livestock-definitions-and-scope-of-midlevel-and-equine-dental-practice","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6094112-e7fdffeb387046f63e87583650ec47b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175197&Signature=ffUF45xhJbYa-~ostGrO66gKgkIHpcn-KzgyeGnWTmgxqxRl4Y3E~tY5xdUyeAPYx98CTNXuOncL-HHPKXgGVkZGeVw12AnpI6vN5OJ5p2XuA2H7cTtF-1meQ-mPat9jqRqOVaUzX8-D-U3tVaQl7rJkDpWlcUU3Pd4853fatflDcH7DCS2-AGCl0n0re0pLZUAYOB1ihue0rWGgKzeOAz97SrsdPXMkwZR6fGTl2zXnkMSJ3zQUEnUv25HyLtdn7kz55CzXvZ6iFjk4fdrhCU2W-24grFXfYemfQ0vwx-YICTRLszGqN8Pl2ld06-ya59Lk6rWkqex-03a3lq44Lg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members spent substantive time on Feb. 20 discussing four regulatory topics that affect how veterinary services are delivered in Texas: the statutory definition of \"livestock,\" corporate ownership and accountability in veterinary practices, the scope and enforcement of equine dental providers, and the emerging national conversation about mid-level veterinary practitioners.

On the livestock definition, staff reported the Texas Department of Agriculture and the Texas Animal Health Commission use broadly similar definitions that include cattle, horses, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, some exotics and hogs. Several board members urged keeping the board’s definition consistent with other state agencies to avoid interagency conflict; Dr. Kriner raised concerns about horses being both livestock and companion animals because sellers can lawfully buy and resell rabies vaccine for herd use under Texas Animal Health Commission rules. Board counsel and members agreed to address vaccine-specific concerns separately rather than redefine livestock at this time.

Board members then examined corporate ownership and enforcement. Staff explained state statute limits practice ownership to licensed veterinarians, but members said corporate structures have evolved — including arrangements where nonveterinarian entities hold the business-side assets while veterinarian-owned entities hold the professional portion — creating enforcement gaps. Board members described recurring informal-conference cases in which employed veterinarians followed corporate protocols they did not control and were later the respondents in standard-of-care complaints. Several members urged pursuing legislative clarity or advisory guidance; board counsel said the board can investigate ownership complaints when a complaint is filed but does not proactively audit ownership structures.

The board also discussed equine dental providers. Staff and board counsel reviewed existing statute (Occupations Code §801.262) and administrative rule 573.19, which set supervision levels and the permitted scope for licensed equine dental providers. Members said they are seeing unlicensed lay dental practitioners and EDPs performing extractions or sedating animals without proper oversight. Counsel advised the board that inspections and complaint-driven investigations are available tools and encouraged practitioners to file complaints when they observe out-of-scope practice.

Finally, the board discussed the Colorado ballot measure creating a “mid-level practitioner” license, passed in November, and the potential policy questions if Texas is asked to consider a similar path. Members urged caution and suggested considering expanded roles for licensed veterinary technicians before endorsing a new mid-level licensure category. The board said it will monitor developments and any legislative proposals.

Why it matters: These conversations affect how care is delivered (who may perform which procedures, how vaccines and controlled substances are handled) and how the board enforces standards. Board members signaled an appetite for regulatory and legislative follow-up but noted statutory limits on the board’s authority.

Next steps: Staff will continue rule review work and the board may pursue legislative or rulemaking options; members asked staff to place related topics on future agendas and to consider possible advisory opinions or referrals to the Legislature.","Board members discussed whether to align the statutory definition of \"livestock,\" accountability for corporate-owned veterinary practices, scope and enforcement for equine dental providers, and monitoring mid-level practitioner proposals after Colorado's vote.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6094115,"Veterinary groups ask Texas board to clarify rule on compounded multiuse vials",260,573000,833000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2844880-34d0bffcb5c95f135598386c20a51ea4&start=573&end=833","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2844880-34d0bffcb5c95f135598386c20a51ea4/thumbnail_573000.jpg","/articles/6094115/Texas/Veterinary-groups-ask-Texas-board-to-clarify-rule-on-compounded-multiuse-vials","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6094115-3f4c59f49548fb19eb7cadc1386b8fa5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771175197&Signature=EFLe1qHgQxKb3wRwVYvTCVJM4t1hHpIXEeAFQnygjJPoOFZ2ckRMlQtZ8ejOIg1Amc6JnQ01BhPp7QbkGHpMWmWny6O60iL8IIFOWSKU4noIY5ykOADGfy2eU1WXlp0pd-jr9QDVLsQ1Foc1vPP-NrAbBz7Q-jnV202~S8eNGjUA0YzDsmvQhXuZ8CLIaUZ~ttgura7KxS7NLjQY0QVWSKAtJ6iV2v2Oa4kQ6XQ8f1gY4xAKonPXVxobbDayKtkfmaQl2FU2uqM7I1dW8WBhvi860OSTUQ9sBof0V048p3WP76K4hKH3iwEKkgYRDi0wlfV3c1OsKCG9QRtrgPLOkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Veterinarians and industry representatives urged the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners on Feb. 20 to clarify whether Texas Administrative Code rule 573.44 prohibits veterinarians from obtaining compounded multiuse vials of controlled substances for office use.

The request came during the board’s public-comment period from Aaron Lopez of Political Capital and Michael Giuliano, both of whom said they had heard a de facto board position circulating among practitioners that the rule prevents veterinarians from using compounded multiuse vials such as buprenorphine. “We are seeking clarification to confirm that compounded multiuse vials prepared by 503bs are permissible for use in Texas,” Aaron Lopez said, using the shorthand for FDA-regulated outsourcing facilities known as 503B.

Lopez and Giuliano asked the board to acknowledge that 503B outsourcing facilities follow current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) under federal oversight and, they said, can provide multiuse vials with sterility assurances and expiration dating that support safe, multi-patient use. Giuliano said practitioners are hearing conflicting guidance and that, if pharmacies cannot supply controlled substances for office use, veterinarians should be advised that properly licensed outsourcing facilities are a compliant source.

Troy Alexander, executive director of the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, reiterated the request for clarity and told the board the association would welcome guidance on the rule’s application to multiuse vials.

Board members did not adopt a rule change or issue a formal interpretation at the meeting. Chair Dr. Gola acknowledged the concerns and said staff will place the compounding rule 573.44 on an upcoming agenda for further consideration; the director later confirmed the item will be considered at a future meeting. No vote or formal amendment to 573.44 was taken at the Feb. 20 session.

Why it matters: Practitioners said the unclear interpretation has operational impact, particularly for clinics trying to maintain ready supplies of pain medications and anesthetics. The commenters framed their request around harmonizing state rule interpretation with federal standards for outsourcing facilities and DEA requirements for controlled substances.

What the board can do next: The board’s staff and legal division may draft guidance or a proposed rule amendment to clarify how 573.44 applies to compounded multiuse preparations and the role of outsourcing facilities; commenters offered to serve as technical resources during that process.

Board speakers: In addition to public commenters, Chair Dr. Gola and staff received written comments and said the board will consider the item at a later date. No formal action was taken at this meeting.","Veterinarians and industry groups urged the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to clarify whether Administrative Code rule 573.44 prohibits compounded multiuse vials of controlled substances, and asked the board to consider guidance on 503B outsourcing facilities; board agreed to place the item on a future agenda.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Texas Veterinary Board approves minutes, elects officers, adopts licensing rule and several routine orders

Texas board accepts ALJ recommendation denying foreign-educated applicant a license

Board debates ownership, livestock definitions and scope of midlevel and equine dental practice

Veterinary groups ask Texas board to clarify rule on compounded multiuse vials