Changes to regulatory authority of the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
Beginning September 1, two new laws will enhance the regulatory authority of the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (TBVME). Under these laws, all veterinary medical facilities in Texas must register with the board, which will now be empowered to enforce standards related to safety, sanitation, patient care, and the handling of controlled substances. The TBVME Executive Director will also have the authority to issue immediate emergency orders to suspend or revoke licenses or shut down unsafe facilities when public health or safety is at risk. Additionally, $500,000 in state funding will support expansion of the board’s electronic database, improving public access to information on veterinary professionals, including complaints and enforcement actions. The board’s next review by the Texas Sunset Commission has been extended, with TBVME set to return to independent agency status in 2027 and undergo its next review in 2033.