The Texas State Board of
Veterinary Medical Examiners is the State's agency that
regulates the practice of veterinary medicine and equine
dentistry by licensing and regulating veterinarians,
licensed veterinary technicians, and equine dental
providers. It also takes action against non-licensed
persons who violate the Veterinary Licensing Act by
practicing without a license. The Board licenses
individuals by verification of their credentials and
examination. Those who meet the minimum qualifications and
pass the required examinations receive a license that is
renewed annually. The agency receives and investigates
complaints against veterinarians, licensed veterinary
technicians, equine dental providers, and persons
practicing without a license. The Board sanctions
licensees who have been found to have violated the Board's
rules and the Act. Cases involving practicing without a
license are investigated and, if a violation is found, the
violator will be asked to sign a cease and desist order. A
criminal case can be pursued by law enforcement also,
practicing without a license is a Class A Misdemeanor.
The Board and its staff
are committed to excellence in their service to the
public and the veterinary profession. The Board's first
priority is to protect the public. It must maintain high
standards for veterinarians who seek licensure in Texas,
as well as high standards for those who are already in
practice. The Board also has a commitment to its
licensees by keeping them informed about the law, its
rules, and related information. In keeping with these
commitments, the Board has the following goals,
objectives, and standards of performance.
General Office Operations
-
All staff will be courteous and professional in
dealing with persons who contact the Board's office.
-
During office hours callers will be greeted by
a receptionist, not an automated option menu.
-
No caller will be placed on hold for more than
one minute except in unusual circumstances or when
they are waiting for staff to retrieve information.
If being on hold is inconvenient, staff will get the
person's number and call the person back with the
information.
-
Open Records requests will be answered within
10 business days unless an Attorney General Opinion
is sought through the Attorney General's Office.
-
Publications and orders of lists are mailed
within 10 business days of the request.
Complaints and Enforcement
-
Goal - Complaints will be investigated thoroughly, in a timely manner, and the integrity of the process will be maintained.
-
Objective - The average resolution time for resolving complaints against veterinarians and sending the final action to the board for approval will be 180 days.
-
Objective - A public member of the Board will be present during informal disciplinary conferences.
-
Compliance Inspections - The Board will perform 750 on-site compliance inspections annually.
Filing a Complaint with the Board
The Board only
investigates written complaints submitted on the
official complaint forms. Each veterinarian is required
to display a notice that indicates how and to whom
complaints are filed. Requests for information about
filing a complaint may come by phone, be written, or
e-mailed. If the person wishes to make a complaint, a
complaint form and a general information brochure will
be sent that explains the jurisdiction of the Board, an
overview of the process, and instructions on how to
complete the complaint form. When the completed form is
received, the complainant is sent a
confirmation letter confirming receipt of the complaint. To receive a complaint form, you may call (512) 305-7555 or toll free (800)
821-3205. The complaint form may also be found on our
website.
Licensing and Examinations
License Verifications -
Written requests for license verification will be met
within 10 days.
Telephone requests are provided at the time of the call.
Requests for License and
Examination information will be sent within 10 business
days of the receipt of the request.
Processing of License renewals - License renewal certificates will be sent to the licensee within 10 business days of receipt of the completed renewal form and correct payment.
Examination Results -
Results are mailed to applicants within 14 days from the
receipt of results, provided all application
requirements are met.
Information Service
Information is provided to the Board's customers by the
following resources.
Financial Information and Reports
Texas Government Code 659 - Employee Compensation Information
Texas Government Code 661 - Employee Leave Policy Information
Annual Financial Reports:
Annual Non-Financial Reports:
Annual Non-Financial Report 2018
Customer Service Reports:
2012 Report on Customer Service
Legislative Appropriations Requests:
2026 - 2027 Legislative Appropriations Request
2021 - 2022 Legislative Appropriations Request
2020 - 2021 Legislative Appropriations Request
2018 - 2019 Legislative Appropriations Request
2016 - 2017 Legislative Appropriations Request
2014 - 2015 Legislative Appropriations Request
Strategic Plans:
Sunset Reports:
Link to Sunset Website for TBVME Sunset Reports
2015 Sunset Self Evaluation Report
Quarterly Report to the Sunset Commission
2018 5th Quarterly Report to the Sunset Commission
2018 6th Quarterly Report to the Sunset Commission
2018 7th Quarterly Report to the Sunset Commission
Other:
Livestock Show Residue Avoidance
WEBSITE
The Board maintains a
website. It includes or has links to: the Veterinary
Licensing Act; Board rules; examination dates,
locations, and application deadlines; board meeting
dates, times, and locations; special notices; key
information from the Board's publication, Board Notes;
and, numerous agencies and organizations related to the
practice and regulation of veterinary medicine. The site
also publishes the current board members names and their
home towns.