(a) The purpose of this section is to set forth the requirements of a medical school institution or degree program that will authorize its graduates to take the United State Medical Licensing Examination ("USMLE"), Jurisprudence Examination, or other professional licensing examination required for licensure by the board. By agreement entered into by the board (Agreement Regarding USMLE Step 3), the board has authorized the Federation of State Medical Boards ("FSMB") to verify eligibility of applicants, register approved applicants, and assure that the USMLE is administered according to stated guidelines. The Agreement provides that the board may set requirements for eligibility for applicants to take the USMLE that may be in addition to USMLE requirements.
(b) A medical school institution or degree program shall be approved by the board for purposes of authorizing graduates of the medical school institution or degree program to take a professional licensing examination required by this title if the medical school institution or degree program:
  (1) is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education or the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Professional Education; or
  (2) meets the requirements of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) for purposes of certification of foreign medical graduates.
(c) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the provisions of §155.0031(d), Occupations Code, requiring an applicant to provide information showing that each medical school attended is substantially equivalent to a Texas medical school.

Source Note: The provisions of this §163.8 adopted to be July 3, 2007, 32 TexReg 3991