Texas Equine Veterinary Association

My name is Steven C. Golla, DVM, and it is my honor to serve as chair of the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Since I was appointed Chairman by Governor Abbott in April of last year, the Board has seen tremendous growth and change. I would like to share some highlights with you. The Board began a four-year administrative attachment to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) on September 1, 2023. TDLR is providing resources and oversight to help shore up the agency's policies and procedures. This attachment has brought tremendous resources to the agency that it has not had before. During the last legislative session, the Board was successful in advocating for additional funding to ensure the robust regulatory environment the veterinary community demands. This commitment by the legislature will provide us the tools needed to meet public expectations. One of the biggest funding requests that was granted was for a new database system, which is currently in development with a projected go-live date of late July 2024. This has been the agency's most critical need, and we are in the process of building out the new database. This will make online license applications and renewals much more user friendly, allow better search functions for the public and additionally allow licensees to upload and manage their continuing education themselves. As with any new software there will be some hurdles along the way, but we are looking forward to this much needed solution. One of the other successes from the legislative process was funding for additional investigators. This will allow the Board to ensure that we can inspect each licensee at least once every eight years as is required of us. If you have not seen an inspector from the Board in a while, now is a good time to make sure you are compliant with the Board's and federal rules for controlled substance record keeping and your continuing education. If you have questions regarding compliance, please reach out to us as we are here to help. When I was appointed, I was given the charge to specifically follow the laws of the State of Texas and to provide excellent customer service to our citizenry. My goals as chairman are to ensure the industry is regulated fairly, with common sense and that we are providing excellent customer service. If you have questions or issues with the Board, please feel free to reach out. We are here to help and hope that you reach out to us as needed. Steven C. Golla DVM, MS Chairman of the Board Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners U p d a t e f r o m t h e TEXAS BOARD OF VETERINARY MEDICAL EXAMINERS

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