The adopted amendments remove size and font-size requirements from warning signs at laser hair removal facilities, remove the requirement for warning signs to include language about electromagnetic radiation hazards, clarify that all apprentice-in-training applicants must submit proof of completing a department-approved training program covering all topics in two sections, and correct a recurring grammatical error by changing references from “a LHR facility” to “an LHR facility.

The adoption justification was published in the June 26, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 4188).  The updated rule chapter will be available in the Texas Administrative Code upon its effective date of July 1, 2026.

• New Laser Hair Removal Rules
• Texas DSHS Proposed Rules Relating to Vision, Hearing and Spinal Screenings Now Open For Comment
• Proposed Rule Changes Will Affect Texas SLP Assistants and Supervisors
• Expert Witnesses Needed In Several Programs

• 89th Legislative Session Recap
• Rule Amendments For Multiple Professions Proposed And Adopted Recently
• HHSC Revises Human Trafficking Prevention Training Standards
• TDLR Begins Process To Acquire New Licensing Database System
• Changes to Temporary License Eligibility For Athletic Trainers
• Podiatry Radiation Tech Registration Update
• Hearing Instrument Fitters And Dispensers New Continuing Education Requirements

89th Texas Legislature Convenes In January
FDA Authorizes First Over-The-Counter Hearing Aid Software
Multiple Rule Amendments Adopted
Health Professions Word Scramble

• Proposed Rules
• TDLR Strategic Planning Process
• Closer Look at Athletic Trainer Examinations
• TDLR Makes University Visits

• Brian Francis Returns Temporarily To TDLR
• Rule Changes For Multiple Programs Approved
• Many Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Licensees Will Need To Resubmit Fingerprints
• Human Trafficking Awareness Month

• New Fingerprints May Be Required For Some Licensees
• New Opioid CME Requirements For Prescribers
• Laser Hair Removal Penalty Matrix Adopted
• Texas Massage Therapist Exam Now Available In Simplified Chinese

The enforcement plan, which is required by Texas Occupations Code, §51.302(c), sets out the ranges of penalties and license sanctions that apply to alleged violations of the statutes and rules enforced by TDLR. The plan also presents the factors that the Department’s Enforcement staff consider when determining the amount of an administrative penalty to assess or the magnitude of a sanction to pursue. For more information about enforcement plans, please visit our website

If you are interested in participating in this process, please contact TDLR Enforcement Management Analyst Griselda Perez or Kim Ferreiro no later than Wednesday, November 30, 2022.

Individuals are strongly encouraged to wear masks over the nose and mouth wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing from another person who does not live in the same household. (Please note that counties in trauma service regions with hospitalization rates above 15% for 7 days can implement other requirements.)

According to the Governor’s executive order, nothing prevents businesses – including hair, esthetician and nail salons, lash salons, barber shops, barber or cosmetology schools, laser hair establishments or massage establishments – from requiring employees or customers to follow additional hygiene measures, including wearing a mask.

Driver Education schools may choose to require employees or students to wear masks and to social distance.

The order also strongly encourages all Texans to use good-faith efforts and available resources to follow the DSHS health recommendations.

• Laser Upgrade from Apprentice to Technician
• Laser Upgrade from Technician to Senior Technician
• Laser Upgrade from Senior Technician to Professional

In case you missed it, the Initial Apprentice-In-Training Laser Hair Removal application was enabled for online submission on August 2, 2020.

Submitting an online application can cut your wait time by up to 75% compared to paper submissions. Don’t forget to attach the required documents to avoid additional delays.

Required Documents:

• Laser Apprentice-In-Training– Proof of the 40 Hour Laser Hair Removal Training Certificate
• Laser Upgrade from Apprentice to Technician – Log sheets of 100 Procedures supervised by a Senior Laser Hair Removal Technician or Laser Hair Removal Professional
• Laser Upgrade from Technician to Senior Technician – Log sheets of direct supervision of 100 Procedures, as audited by a Professional
• Laser Upgrade from Senior Technician to Professional – Submit proof of passing a department-approved examination through an approved certifying entity

To see all of the online services available from TDLR, visit our Online Services webpage.