(a) To be eligible for veterinary licensure, an applicant must present satisfactory proof to the Board that the applicant:
  (1) is at least the age of majority;
  (2) has obtained at least a passing score on:
    (A) the NAVLE if an applicant sits for that examination subsequent to its inauguration date; or
    (B) the national examination if an applicant sat for that examination prior to the inauguration date of the NAVLE; and
    (C) the SBE; and
  (3) is a graduate of a school or college of veterinary medicine that is approved by the Board.
(b) The Board may refuse to issue a veterinary license to an applicant who meets the qualification criteria but is otherwise subject to denial of license as provided in Texas Occupations Code §801.401 and §801.402.
(c) An applicant may petition the Board in writing for an exception to subsection (a)(2)(A) or (B) of this section. In deciding whether to grant the petition, the Board may consider:
  (1) the availability of the national examination or NAVLE at the time the petitioner originally applied for licensure;
  (2) the number of years the petitioner has been in active practice;
  (3) petitioner's license status and standing in other jurisdictions;
  (4) petitioner's status as a diplomate in an AVMA recognized veterinary specialty; and
  (5) any other factors that may be related to petitioner's request for an exception.
(d) As a condition of granting an exception under subsection (c)(2) of this section, the Board may impose additional requirements that are reasonably necessary to assure that the petitioner is competent to practice veterinary medicine in Texas.

Source Note: The provisions of this §571.5 adopted to be effective May 29, 2011, 36 TexReg 3187; amended to be effective June 19, 2012, 37 TexReg 4416; amended to be effective May 4, 2014, 39 TexReg 3420