Hello, Health Professions Licensees,

As you may remember, I returned to TDLR in January as the interim Executive Director. I was amazed to see the growth in the number of qualified health professions licensees in the two years that I was away.

If you think there are more people in Texas who are practicing in your profession, you are correct, and this shows that Texas is the place to be! As Texas grows, so do our licensed health professions. It's exciting to see.

The total number of TDLR licensees grew 8.4% overall from Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 through FY 2023, but the percentage growth in licensees in our regulated health professions during the same time was staggering:

• Behavior Analysts: up 47.2% (the largest growth of any TDLR program!)
• Laser Hair Removal: up 33.1%
• Massage Therapy: up 21%
• Dietitians: up 14.5%
• Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists: up 9.7%
• Midwives: up 8.8%
• Dyslexia Therapy: up 7.8%

I’m glad to see that these health professions continue to be well-represented in our state. That’s good for Texans and good for the health professionals who serve them.

Brian E. Francis

Interim Executive Director

Behavior Analysts Program: Rule Adoption

The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation adopted amendments to 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 121, Subchapter A, §121.1 and §121.10; Subchapter B, §§121.20-121.22, 121.27, and 121.30; Subchapter C, §121.65; Subchapter D, §121.71 and §121.75; and Subchapter G, §121.90 and §121.95; new rules at Subchapter B, §121.26; Subchapter D, §§121.70, 121.72-121.74; Subchapter E, §§121.76-121.81; and Subchapter F, §121.85; and the repeal of existing rules at §§121.23, 121.24, 121.26, 121.50, 121.70, and 121.80 in the Behavior Analysts program; and the addition of subchapter titles to the existing chapter.

The proposed amendments, repeals, and new rules implement changes from the recently conducted four-year rule review, restructure the rules for better organization and ease of use, update rule provisions to reflect current Department procedures, and replace outdated rule language.

Athletic Trainers Program: Proposed Rules

On February 23, 2024, the Athletic Trainer Advisory Board met and accepted changes to 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 110, §§110.12, 110.21, and 110.70, regarding the Athletic Trainers program. The proposed rules implement House Bill (HB) 2495 and HB 2512, enacted during the regular session of the 88th Legislature, (2023).

The proposed rules update definitions that reflect the current state of the occupation and remove outdated language related to licensure qualifications and requirements to obtain or renew a license. The proposed rules ensure consistency with processes already in place at the department. The proposed rules also allow greater access to an athletic trainer’s services under supervision and increase employment opportunities.

The acts upon which these proposed rules are based took effect September 1, 2023. Specifically, the proposed rules amend the definition and scope of practice for an Athletic Trainer and update the Athletic Trainer licensing requirements by removing an obsolete degree path and the minimum number of working hours during the fall semester.

The proposed rule changes were published in the March 8, 2024, issue of the Texas Register (the link will take you to the Texas Register issue). Scroll down to the Proposed Rules section and look for the heading Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and Athletic Trainers to locate these proposed rule changes.

Comments on the proposed rule changes may be submitted online. The Department will accept comments on the proposed rule changes until April 8, 2024.

Orthotists and Prosthetists Program: Proposed Rules

On February 27, 2024, the Orthotists and Prosthetists Advisory Board met and accepted changes to 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 114, §§114.1, 114.70, and 114.90 regarding the Orthotists and Prosthetists program.

The proposed amendments implement Senate Bill (SB) 490, 88th Legislature, Regular Session, which requires certain health care facilities to provide itemized bills and make changes for purposes of clarity. The rules will be published March 29th in the Texas Register. All program subscribers will receive notice of their publication date and how to comment during the 30-day comment period.

Our strategic planning process will map out what TDLR will do between 2025 and 2029. You're an important part of that planning, and your ideas can create real change for Texas.

There are several ways you can get involved:

• Complete our Customer Service Survey before March 29.
• Attend one of our collaborative in-person sessions. (More info.)
  • Monday, March 25: Houston and El Paso
  • Monday, April 1: Arlington and Harlingen
  • Monday, April 15: Austin
• Answer the Strategic Planning questions we've posted to our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn. 

These sessions are your opportunity to share your ideas and opinions with us about how we’re doing, and how we can improve. Your voice matters, and we look forward to hearing from you.

2024 marks the 115th birthday of the agency known today as the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).

The history of TDLR starts in the early 20th century when the 31st Texas Legislature enacted House Bill (HB) 109 which created the Texas Bureau of Labor Statistics in 1909, with the goal of protecting workers and the public. More than a century later, TDLR continues that same mission of safeguarding Texans.

TDLR has evolved through the years with agency name changes and increased growth and responsibility under its authority. Starting as an agency with only one division, TDLR has grown to oversee 38 occupational licensing programs and issues licenses to almost 1 million licensees throughout Texas.

We thank YOU, the people of Texas, for allowing us to serve you for 115 years!

For additional information on the history and transformation of TDLR, please visit our History webpage.

March is designated as National Athletic Training Month to recognize the vital work that athletic trainers perform in keeping athletes safe and healthy.

Athletic trainers serve a wide range of individuals, from the child who participates in Little League baseball, to the men and women participating at the highest levels of professional sports, and even to first responders and military members. All athletes owe their well-being to these skilled and compassionate health care professionals.

TDLR is proud to join the athletic trainers of Texas in celebrating this effort, as we embrace this year’s slogan “From Head To Toe.”

To learn more, visit TDLR’s Athletic Trainers program website.

TDLR proudly celebrates Dietitians during National Nutrition Month®. Dietitians are essential educators, guiding consumers towards healthy food choices and promoting physical activity benefits. They also excel in managing chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity through personalized nutrition plans. Their expertise positively influences countless lives, families, and communities.

As we honor National Nutrition Month®, let's express gratitude to Dietitians for their vital contributions. Together, we're building a healthier and happier world. Thank you, Dietitians, for your dedication!

An individual seeking to become licensed in Texas as an athletic trainer must successfully complete three exams:

• The Texas Athletic Trainer Jurisprudence Examination is based on Texas laws, rules, and regulations relating to the practice of athletic trainers. The jurisprudence certificate must have been issued within the six months before the license application is submitted.
• When a candidate submits a complete application, TDLR staff will verify that the applicant meets all eligibility requirements. The candidate will then receive an eligibility email notice from PSI, the third-party vendor responsible for administering the written examination. The email will provide instructions for registering and scheduling the written examination, which is available at more than 20 locations across Texas.
• Once the candidate successfully completes the written examination, they will receive instructions for registering for the practical examination, which will test the following categories/tasks:
• taping and wrapping,
• immediate first aid for musculoskeletal injuries,
• evaluation tests,
• anatomy palpations, and
• rehabilitation exercise/techniques.

The practical examination is typically administered in April and December at four sites located in Houston, Arlington, San Antonio, and Lubbock, however, a new examination date has been added for June in Houston. Applicants generally receive their exam score report within 14 days of completing the practical examination.

Please note that if an applicant has successfully completed the Board of Certification (BOC) examination and possesses a current BOC certification, they will be able to obtain a license without having to take the Texas written and practical examinations.

Visit TDLR’s Athletic Trainers program webpage to find out more about the examination and licensing process, including the Candidate Information Bulletin (PDF), which provides detailed information about the written and practical examinations. 

Erica Rodriguez, a TDLR Compliance Division program specialist, started conducting presentations earlier this year and will continue through April 2024 for colleges and universities with programs in communicative sciences or disorders.

The presentations guide students through the licensure process by reviewing the application and required supporting documents, and offer information on supervision requirements, scope of practice, and maintaining a license. Presentations usually last an hour.

The presentations are intended for:

• seniors who are graduating with a bachelor’s degree and applying for a speech-language pathology assistant license or an audiology assistant license;
• graduate students who are getting their master’s degree and applying for a speech-language pathology intern license; and
• graduate students who are getting their doctoral degree in audiology and applying for an audiology intern license.

Program directors can email Erica to schedule an in-person or virtual presentation. 

Compliance staff are available to come out to your school or class to provide a presentation for any profession that we regulate. If you would like to have one of our staff provide a presentation to your students, please send us an email.

You can file a complaint online for most TDLR programs. 

You will be asked to choose whether you are filing a complaint against a licensed or an unlicensed person or business. If you are unsure about whether the person or business holds a TDLR license, use the unlicensed link.

Some medical or health-related programs require you to submit a complaint form by fax or mail, due to the risk of electronically transmitting confidential health information. The online system will direct you to print out a complaint form in PDF format if one is required.

The complaint must allege a violation of the law or rules and include sufficient information for TDLR to investigate the allegations in order for TDLR to fully consider the complaint.

Read more about TDLR's complaint investigation and resolution process.

In the coming months, TDLR Medical and Health Professions staff will be available at a number of conferences and meetings across Texas to provide licensing and program information to attendees.

We hope to see you at one of these upcoming events!

• Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference & Exhibition – April 4-6, Grapevine
• Association for Behavior Analysis (TxABA) 39th Annual Conference – April 11-14, Houston
• North Texas BPI – Building Professional Institute – May 6-9, Irving
• South Padre Athletic Training Seminar– June 6-9, South Padre Island

TDLR is available to provide informational presentations and/or staff booths at your next conference or meeting. If you would like a TDLR representative at your next conference or meeting, contact us at Compliance.Health.Professions@tdlr.texas.gov.

Commission meetings are in person. Unless otherwise noted, all advisory board meetings are held via videoconference.

You can view the live broadcasts or archived meetings on TDLR's YouTube channel. Meeting notices, agendas, and staff reports are posted on the TDLR Meetings page.

• The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation is scheduled to meet Friday, April 12, 2024, at 8:30 a.m.
• The next Dietitians Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
• The next Advisory Board of Athletic Trainers meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 8:00 a.m.
• The next Massage Therapy Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.
• The next Podiatric Medical Examiners Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.