The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:   (1) Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) --Person designated by the State Office of Administrative Hearings to preside over a contested case.   (2) Applicant --A party seeking a license or rule from the Board, or appealing any action of the Board.   (3) Board --The Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners.   (4) Board member --One of the appointed members of the decision-making body defined as the Board.   (5) Complainant --Any party who has filed a sworn written complaint with the Board against any party subject to the jurisdiction of the Board.   (6) Contested case --A proceeding, including but not restricted to licensing, in which the legal rights, duties or privileges of a party are to be determined by the Board after an opportunity for adjudicative hearing.   (7) Intervenor --Any party to a grievance, hearing, or appeal otherwise not defined.   (8) License --Includes the whole or part of any Board approval, registration, or similar form of permission required by law.   (9) Licensing --Includes the Board process respecting the granting, denial, renewal, revocation, cancellation, suspension, annulment, withdrawal, limitation, or amendment of a license.   (10) Party --Each person or agency named or admitted as a party to a complaint, grievance, hearing, or appeal.   (11) Person --Any individual, partnership, corporation, association, governmental subdivision, or public or private organization of any character other than a State of Texas governmental agency.   (12) Petitioner --A party seeking a rule from the Board appealing any action of the Board, or a contested case before SOAH.   (13) Pleading --Written allegations filed by parties concerning their respective claims.   (14) Protestant --Any party opposing an application or petition filed with the Board.   (15) Respondent --Any party against whom any complaint has been filed or a party who responds to a Petitioner's original petition or pleading.

Source Note: The provisions of this §377.1 adopted to be effective July 5, 2006, 31 TexReg 5294