22 TAC § 192.6. Requests for Inspection and Advisory Opinion

(a) The board may consider a request by a physician for an on-site inspection offering office-based anesthesia. The board may, in its discretion and on payment of a fee in an amount established by the board, conduct the inspection and issue an advisory opinion.

(b) An advisory opinion issued by the board under this section is not binding on the board, and the board, except as provided by subsection (c) of this section, may take any action under the Medical Practice Act, in relation to the situation addressed by the advisory opinion that the board considers appropriate.

(c) A physician who requests and relies on an advisory opinion of the board may use the opinion as mitigating evidence in an action or proceeding to impose an administrative or civil penalty under the Medical Practice Act. The board or court, as appropriate, shall take proof of reliance on an advisory opinion into consideration and mitigate the imposition of administrative or civil penalties accordingly.