Vol. 30 | June 2026
On June 1, TDLR submitted its 2027-2031 Strategic Plan, a roadmap that will help guide the agency’s work over the next five years. The plan was informed by extensive feedback from licensees, consumers, industry representatives, advisory board members, and other stakeholders across Texas.
As part of the planning process, TDLR hosted three in-person public input sessions—in Houston, Fort Worth, and San Antonio—and a statewide virtual meeting to gather ideas and perspective from those served by the agency. TDLR leadership, staff, and Commission members were in attendance to listen to stakeholder feedback and hear directly from participants about their experiences, concerns, and ideas for the future. Many advisory board members, including representatives from health-related programs, participated in the discussion and shared valuable insights based on their experience and expertise.
To broaden participation, TDLR also posted strategic planning questions on its social media channels, giving Texans another opportunity to provide feedback. In addition, the agency conducted a customer service survey, inviting more than one million email subscribers to participate and share the survey through social media. More than 4,000 customers responded, providing feedback on the quality of services they received from TDLR.
The feedback gathered through these efforts helped inform the agency’s priorities and goals for the years ahead. Some of the suggestions received would require legislative action to implement, while others may be addressed through internal policy updates or rule changes.
TDLR appreciates everyone who took the time to participate and contribute to the planning process.
To read TDLR’s strategic plan, please visit our website at: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/strategic-planning.htm
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Behavior Analyst Program: Phase One Integration
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation is in the process of integrating all licensing programs into TDLR CORE, a new, user-friendly, web-based licensing system. This transition will consolidate numerous legacy databases into one single, streamlined platform improving efficiency for both the agency and its license holders. The Behavior Analyst program was the first to move into the new system and successfully went live on May 11th.
Simple Steps to Register via TDLR CORE
TDLR now uses the CORE online licensing system for Behavior Analysts. Follow these steps to get started:
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Visit the Website: Go to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) website.
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Start Application: Click on the "Apply for a License" button.
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Select Program: Choose “Behavior Analyst” to Begin Application
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Create Your Account: Click on "New User - Register" to create a user account.
- Note: If you already have a CORE account, simply log in.
- Complete the Process
For a step-by-step walkthrough of the portal, watch the instructional video: Apply for a Behavior Analyst or Assistant License
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The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation adopted amendments for the Laser Hair Removal program recently. These new rules will go into effect on July 1, 2026.
The adopted rules amend existing rules at 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 118, Subchapter A, §118.3; Subchapter B, §118.12 and §118.13; Subchapter C, §§118.26, 118.28, and 118.29; Subchapter D, §118.30; Subchapter F, §118.50; and Subchapter H, §118.70.
The adopted rules implement Senate Bill (SB) 748, 89th Legislature, Regular Session (2025), Section 2. The adopted rules include grammatical changes and other updates recommended by TDLR staff during the Department’s four-year rule review of Chapter 118. The adopted rules remove size and font specifications from the warning signs that are required to be posted at laser hair removal facilities, remove the requirement that the signage must include verbiage about the hazards of electromagnetic radiation, and clarify that an applicant for an apprentice-in-training certification must submit proof of successful completion of a training program approved by the department covering the topics listed in §118.26(a)(3) and §118.26(a)(2).
These amendments go into effect on July 1, 2026. You can find information about the new rules on the laser hair removal program’s webpage.
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June brings both rising temperatures and increased activity, making it the perfect time to highlight the essential role Athletic Trainers play in heat‑related safety and emergency preparedness. As we head into the summer heat, remember that professionalism and safety go hand-in-hand. Chapter §110.12 (c)(2)–(3) of the Athletic Trainers Administrative Rules specifically includes emergency care and first aid for athletic injuries and illnesses within the scope of practice.
It is essential for both Athletic Trainers and athletes to stay healthy and hydrated during the summer. Additionally, it is vital that Athletic Trainers maintain immediate access to first aid supplies. Whether providing coverage for sporting events or working within a manufacturing facility, Athletic Trainers must ensure their emergency protocols align with state standards.
Because Texas law requires Athletic Trainers to work under the direction of a physician, it is a best practice to coordinate summer safety plans and emergency protocols with that physician. This collaboration ensures the highest standard of care is maintained across every environment, from the playing field to the factory working environment.
By staying prepared, informed, and proactive, Athletic Trainers help ensure a safe and successful summer season for all. Thank you for all you do to protect Texans.
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Test your knowledge with our quick injury identification exercise. Match each ailment on the left with the correct body part on the right. Answers are listed at the end of the newsletter. No Peeking!
- Concussion A. Wrist
- ACL Tear B. Foot
- Rotator Cuff Tear C. Head
- Carpal Tunnel D. Knee
- Plantar Fasciitis E. Shoulder
Erica Rodriguez, TDLR Program Specialist, pictured with the University of Houston Graduate Class.
This spring, TDLR Compliance Program Specialist, Erica Rodriguez, continued her statewide outreach by meeting with future professionals in communicative sciences and disorders programs across Texas. Through more than 21 presentations delivered both in-person and virtually at 13 universities, students received a clear and practical overview of the licensure process and what to expect as they begin their professional careers.
These hour-long presentations walk students through the complete licensure journey. Every presentation covers the application process, required documentation, supervision guidelines, scope of practice, and standards for maintaining an active license.
These presentations are especially helpful for:
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Undergraduate seniors applying for a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant or Audiology Assistant license
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Graduate students pursuing a master’s degree and applying for a Speech-Language Pathology Intern license
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Doctoral students working toward a degree in audiology and applying for an Audiology Intern license
Compliance staff are available to visit your school or class to provide presentations for any profession regulated by TDLR. If you would like to arrange a presentation for your students, please send us an email.
 Erica Rodriguez, TDLR Program Specialist, presented to students at the University of Houston.
It can be difficult at times for patients or clients to obtain their medical records. In the last legislative session, HB 4224 was passed with the intent to improve patient access to address the issue. The new law directs TDLR licensees and their facility managers to publicly share specific instructions for patients or their guardians to access their medical information. The instructions should be present on any practice-related website and at any facility.
The notice to patients must contain the following wording:
Texas law provides certain rights regarding privacy of and access to health care records (Texas Health & Safety Code, Chapter 181 [Medical Records Privacy]). To file a consumer complaint alleging a violation of your privacy rights regarding protected health information, contact the Texas Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division, at www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/file-consumer-complaint.
To report a violation of a statute or rule enforced by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, contact the Department at (800) 803-9202 or www.tdlr.texas.gov.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Compliance Division at Compliance.Health.Professions@tdlr.texas.gov
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To receive a dyslexia practitioner or dyslexia therapist license, you must attend a training program accredited by the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC) and take the Competency Exam given by the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA.)
TDLR has updated the application and renewal processes so that applicants must now provide both proof of their ALTA certification and the completion certificate from their IMSLEC accredited training program. The documentation will be included in the required uploads when applying.
If you are unsure if your training program is IMSELC accredited, please visit their website: IMSLEC - IMSLEC Accredited Course List.
For information regarding the ALTA certification, please visit their website: Dyslexia Certification Pathways | CALP, CALT & QI | ALTA
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You can find final disciplinary actions taken on complaints filed with TDLR by searching the Administrative Orders Database. You may search by name, license number, location, or program.
The database includes orders issued by the Commission or the Executive Director involving sanctions, administrative penalties, or both for violations of TDLR program laws and rules. It contains orders from the current fiscal year and the two previous fiscal years. (TDLR’s fiscal year runs from September 1 through August 31.)
No actions taken by previous licensing boards or agencies are included in the database.
You can also use the database to search for license denials and revocations. If an application was denied due to criminal history, the program’s Criminal Conviction Guidelines explain how that history was evaluated.
For information on how specific violations fall within particular penalty ranges, see TDLR’s Enforcement Plan.
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The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) continues to share the following warning:
Be aware of scammers posing as DEA agents in an attempt to extort money or steal personal identifiable information.
The DEA emphasizes that their staff will never reach out to the public nor to medical practitioners to demand any form of payment and will never request personal or sensitive information. The DEA will only notify individuals of a legitimate investigation or legal action in person or by official letter.
Please remember: no legitimate federal agent of any kind will ever demand cash, gift cards, or remuneration from the public.
If you receive a suspicious call or text from someone claiming to be with the DEA, report the incident to the FBI at www.ic3.gov.
You may also file a report and seek recovery information through the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov.
For protection and resources related to identity theft, visit www.identitytheft.gov.
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 Pictured below are Jerry Gonzalez, Angela Sanders, Steve Uecker, Shawn O’Neal, and Robert Logue (L to R). Thank you to Mr. Logue and his staff for welcoming us and allowing us the opportunity to tour the facility.
Compliance staff recently visited and toured the Texas Laser Institute in Irving, Texas. The institute is both an approved laser training program and a licensed laser hair removal facility. The owner, Mr. Robert Logue, provided a tour and shared information about the history of laser hair removal machines and how they operate. Staff also had the opportunity to meet employees and students at the facility.
TDLR sends warm wishes of congratulations to UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine class of 2026 graduates, faculty, and staff, who held a commencement ceremony on May 2nd. Thanks for being Texas’ very first graduating class from a podiatry program.
Newly graduated podiatrists celebrate with friends and family after commencement ceremony in Brownsville.
Photo by Silver Salas.
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:
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Texas Podiatric Medical Association Annual Conference: June 25- 28 in Galveston, TX
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Southwest Athletic Trainers Association Clinical Symposium: July 23- 25 in Waco, TX
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Texas Society of Orthotic and Prosthetic Professionals Annual Meeting: August 20- 22 in Richardson, TX
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Public Health and Midwifery Conference: September 18- 20 in Miami, Florida
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Texas Podiatric Medical Association Southwest Foot and Ankle Conference: September 24- 27 in Irving, TX
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National Council of State Boards of Examiners in Speech Language Pathology: October 1- 3 in Denver, Colorado
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, send us an email.
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