PART 17. TEXAS STATE BOARD OF PLUMBING EXAMINERS
CHAPTER 363. EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION
The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (Board) adopts the amendment to 22 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 363, §363.9 which concerns examination and registration. The rule is adopted with changes to the proposed text published in the February 10th, 2023, issue of the Texas Register (48 TexReg 619). The rule will be republished.
REASONED JUSTIFICATION FOR THE RULE
The rule amendment allows a nationally known and recognized certification in medical gas installation from the American Society of Sanitation Engineering (ASSE) to qualify medical gas installation endorsement candidates. The rule amendment specifically names the latest edition of the Professional Qualifications Standard for Medical Gas Systems Personnel Series 6000, Standard 6010, from the ASSE (6010) as the appropriate certification to expand qualification opportunities to potential medical gas piping installation endorsement holders.
The 6010 certification requires more rigorous training standards than the Board and is nationally recognized. This allows greater portability for candidates while not compromising the standards required by the Board. The rule allows the Board to recognize this training as an additional path to qualification for holding a medical gas piping installation endorsement and lower unnecessary regulatory barriers to qualified endorsement candidates.
SECTION-BY-SECTION SUMMARY
The rule amendment at §363.9 allows the recognition of the eligibility credential of certification in medical gas piping installation by the ASSE, specifically the 6010 certification, for a Texas medical gas piping endorsement.
SUMMARY OF COMMENT
One comment was received regarding the proposed rule amendment. An individual from ASSE International, commented in support of the amendment.
BOARD ACTION
At its meeting on June 27, 2023, the Board adopted the proposed rule as published in the Texas Register.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY
The rule is adopted under the authority of § 1301.251(2) of the Occupations Code, which requires the Board to adopt and enforce rules necessary to administer and enforce the Plumbing License Law.
§363.9.Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement.
(a) To be eligible for a Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement an applicant must:
(1) hold a current Texas Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber or Plumbing Inspector License; and
(2) have successfully completed an approved training program in medical gas piping installation, which is based on the standards contained in the latest edition of the National Fire Protection Association 99 Health Care Facilities Code (NFPA 99), or may demonstrate the successful completion of the Professional Qualification Standard for Medical Gas Systems Personnel Series 6000, Standard 6010, latest edition, recognized by the American Society of Sanitation Engineers (ASSE).
(b) At a minimum, the training program required by subsection (a)(2) of this section shall:
(1) consist of at least twenty-four (24) hours dedicated to classroom presentation, shop demonstration and testing of the enrollee's comprehension of the course material;
(2) address the responsibilities of an endorsement-holder as outlined in the current edition of the NFPA 99, Plumbing License Law and Board Rules;
(3) address the proper installation and testing requirements for medical gas and vacuum piping systems, as outlined in the current edition of the NFPA 99; and
(4) include at least four (4) hours of shop demonstration covering the proper assembly, purging and brazing procedures for horizontal and vertical joints.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 6, 2023.
TRD-202302457
Lynn Latombe
General Counsel
Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
Effective date: July 26, 2023
Proposal publication date: February 10, 2023
For further information, please call: (512) 936-5216