Section 801.256 - Special License to Practice Veterinary Medicine(a) The board may issue a special license to practice veterinary medicine to an applicant who is: (1) a member of the faculty or staff of a board-approved veterinary program at an institution of higher education;(2) a veterinarian employee of the Texas Animal Health Commission;(3) a veterinarian employee of the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory; or(4) a person licensed to practice veterinary medicine in another jurisdiction, if the board determines that the person's specialty practice is unrepresented or underrepresented in this state.(b) An applicant is eligible for a special license if:(1) the applicant:(A) is at least 21 years of age and a graduate of a board-approved veterinary medicine program at an institution of higher education; or(B) provides to the board a written affirmation by a person described under Subsection (f) that the applicant meets a critical need for staffing at the person's institution and is certified by a nationally recognized veterinary speciality board or is eligible for that certification; and(2) the applicant passes the jurisprudence section of the licensing examination.(c) The board shall adopt rules relating to the issuance of a special license.(d) A special license is valid only for the performance of duties within the scope of the special license holder's employment or practice.(e) The board may suspend or revoke a special license if: (1) the special license holder's employment is terminated; or(2) the special license holder practices outside of the scope of the license.(f) The following people may provide a statement under Subsection (b)(1)(B): (1) the dean of a board-approved veterinary medicine program at an institution of higher education in this state;(2) the executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission; or(3) the executive director of the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory.Amended By Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 940, Sec. 10, eff. 9/1/2011.Amended By Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 940, Sec. 11, eff. 9/1/2011.Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1114, Sec. 1, eff. 6/15/2001. Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. 9/1/1999.