• 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

Not everyone has access to email, or the skills needed to easily use an online patient portal.  The bill restricts providers from using an electronic portal to provide the itemized bill unless the provider  either first:

• verifies that the  patient uses the portal, or
• additionally hands the patient a hard copy of the bill or sends it to the patient’s choice of mail or email.

The bill becomes effective September 1, 2025. Failure to comply may be grounds for disciplinary action under the rule at 16 Texas Administrative Code § 114.70.

• 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

To better serve you and increase our efficiency, TDLR’s Field Inspections division is implementing a new system that our inspectors will use to track their inspections electronically instead of using paper forms. This new method, which we’re calling “eInspections,” will allow us to better serve you, increase our efficiency and standardize the data we collect for each inspection.

What changes can I expect during my next inspection?

We currently provide you with a copy of your inspection results, using a paper Proof of Inspection form. As you probably know, the information on the form is handwritten and can sometimes be hard to read.

With eInspections, our inspectors will email you an electronic copy of your inspection results. The information will be typed and easy to read, helping to make sure that you know what corrective actions you need to take.

What do I need to do?

You’ll need to have an email address where we can send you the results of the inspection. Please visit Online Licensing Services – TDLR (texas.gov) and go to the Change Your Address section to update your contact information, including a business email address.

If you do not have an email address on file when we inspect your business, your inspector will ask you to provide an email address when they arrive for the inspection. Please be prepared to provide a business email address to your inspector.

Real TDLR inspectors will:

• introduce themselves;
• show their State of Texas employee ID card;
• provide their contact information upon request; and
• provide their TDLR business card upon request.

Real TDLR inspectors cannot and will not:

• accept payment for license fees;
• request money for violations; or
• charge for inspections.

If someone posing as a TDLR employee approaches or calls you, please contact TDLR and law enforcement immediately. Impersonating a public servant is a third-degree felony in Texas.

Please note that no changes were made, and Orthotists and Prosthetists program licensees are still required to obtain continuing education (CE) credits as specified in the program rules.