BEFORE THE BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY

 STATE OF MONTANA

 

In the matter of the amendment of ARM 24.225.401 fee schedule

) )

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED AMENDMENT

 

TO: All Concerned Persons

 

            1. On June 13, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., a public hearing will be held in room B-07, 301 South Park Avenue, Helena, Montana, to consider the proposed amendment of the above-stated rule.

 

            2. The Department of Labor and Industry (department) will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to participate in this public hearing or need an alternative accessible format of this notice. If you require an accommodation, contact the Board of Veterinary Medicine (board) no later than 5:00 p.m., on June 7, 2013, to advise us of the nature of the accommodation that you need. Please contact Cheryl Brandt, Board of Veterinary Medicine, 301 South Park Avenue, P.O. Box 200513, Helena, Montana 59620-0513; telephone (406) 841-2394; Montana Relay 1 (800) 253-4091; TDD (406) 444-2978; facsimile (406) 841-2305; e-mail dlibsdvet@mt.gov.

 

            3. The rule proposed to be amended provides as follows, stricken matter interlined, new matter underlined:

 

            24.225.401 FEE SCHEDULE

            (1) remains the same.

            (a) Renewal of license                                                                        $110 145

            (b) through (2)(b) remain the same.

            (c) Renewal of certification                                                                   110 145

            (3) and (a) remain the same.

            (b) Technician renewal                                                                          110 145

            (c) remains the same.

            (d) Agency renewal                                                                                195 257

            (e) through (5) remain the same.

 

            AUTH: 37-1-134, 37-18-202, 37-18-603, MCA

            IMP:     37-1-134, 37-1-141, 37-1-304, 37-1-305, 37-18-302, 37-18-603, MCA

 

REASON: Section 37-1-134, MCA, requires all professional and occupational licensing boards to set and maintain fees commensurate with associated costs.  The board is amending this rule by raising renewal fees to meet expected operating costs for salaries and benefits, legal costs, and the scanning and electronic storage of all licensing files. In providing administrative services to the board, the department has determined that unless these renewal fees are increased as proposed, the board will have a negative cash balance and shortage of operating funds in FY 2014. The board estimates that the proposed fee changes will affect approximately 1056 renewing licensees and result in a $37,203 increase in annual board revenue.

 

            4. Concerned persons may present their data, views, or arguments either orally or in writing at the hearing. Written data, views, or arguments may also be submitted to the Board of Veterinary Medicine, 301 South Park Avenue, P.O. Box 200513, Helena, Montana 59620-0513, by facsimile to (406) 841-2305, or by e-mail to dlibsdvet@mt.gov, and must be received no later than 5:00 p.m., June 21, 2013.

 

            5. An electronic copy of this Notice of Public Hearing is available through the department and board's web site at www.vet.mt.gov. The department strives to make the electronic copy of this notice conform to the official version of the notice, as printed in the Montana Administrative Register, but advises all concerned persons that in the event of a discrepancy between the official printed text of the notice and the electronic version of the notice, only the official printed text will be considered. In addition, although the department strives to keep its web site accessible at all times, concerned persons should be aware that the web site may be unavailable during some periods, due to system maintenance or technical problems, and that technical difficulties in accessing or posting to the e-mail address do not excuse late submission of comments.

 

            6. The board maintains a list of interested persons who wish to receive notices of rulemaking actions proposed by this board. Persons who wish to have their name added to the list shall make a written request that includes the name, e-mail, and mailing address of the person to receive notices and specifies the person who wishes to receive notices regarding all board administrative rulemaking proceedings or other administrative proceedings. The request must indicate whether e-mail or standard mail is preferred. Such written request may be sent or delivered to the Board of Veterinary Medicine, 301 South Park Avenue, P.O. Box 200513, Helena, Montana 59620-0513; faxed to the office at (406) 841-2305; e-mailed to dlibsdvet@mt.gov; or made by completing a request form at any rules hearing held by the agency.

 

            7. The bill sponsor contact requirements of 2-4-302, MCA, do not apply.

 

            8. Anne O'Leary, attorney, has been designated to preside over and conduct this hearing.

 

                                                                     BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

                                                                     KIM BAKER, PRESIDENT

 

/s/ DARCEE L. MOE                                 /s/ PAM BUCY

Darcee L. Moe                                           Pam Bucy, Commissioner

Rule Reviewer                                          DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY

 

            Certified to the Secretary of State May 13, 2013