What are the proposed rule changes?

The proposed rule changes:

• Remove the definition of “Provisional Licensee,” since provisional licenses are no longer needed with the jurisprudence exam now always available.
• Eliminate the requirement for speech-language pathology assistant applicants to submit verification of 25 clinical observation hours and 25 clinical assisting hours.
• Require that if any of the required 25 hours of clinical observation and 25 hours of clinical assisting necessary for speech-language pathology assistant license were completed during training, then verification of those hours must be provided to the assistant’s supervisor after the license is issued.
• Allow audiologist license applicants to qualify with a master’s degree in audiology awarded on or before December 31, 2007.
• Require an audiologist license applicant with the equivalent of a master’s degree in audiology from a foreign university awarded on or before December 31, 2007, to obtain an evaluation proving their degree is equivalent to one from an accredited U.S. program.
• Repeal the requirement that the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation adopt rules for selling hearing instruments with joint input from the Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist Advisory Board and the Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers Advisory Board.
• Remove language that would require the six-year terms of three members of the advisory board to expire on February 1 of each odd-numbered year.
• Change the advisory board’s presiding officer’s term from one year to two years.

When and where can I review the proposed rule changes?

The proposed rule changes will be published in the Proposed Rules section of the Texas Register on May 8, 2026. To locate these proposed rule changes on or after that date just follow these steps:

1. Click this link to the Texas Register.
2. Select html or pdf format for the “Current Issue” if the date shown is the date published, or under “Previous Issues” if more than a week has passed since publication. (The Texas Register is published each Friday.)
3. Scroll down and click on “Proposed Rules.”
4. Look for the heading “Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation” and click the subheading “Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.”

How and where can I submit comments and information on the proposed rule changes?

Comments and information on the proposed rule changes may be submitted online; by facsimile to (512) 475-3032; or by mail to Monica Nuñez, Legal Assistant, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P.O. Box 12157, Austin, Texas 78711.

Any information that is submitted must include an explanation of how and why the submitted information is specific to the proposed rule changes. Please do not submit copyrighted, confidential, or proprietary information.

The Department will accept comments and information on the proposed rule changes until June 8, 2026.

Spanish Language Summary

• 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

These proposed changes include updates to audiometer requirements and the addition of an optional hearing screening method. Your valuable input helps shape policies that impact your profession and people living in Texas.

Please view the draft rule here:  Proposed Rules Title 25

Please send comments to the HHS Rules Coordination Office (not TDLR) here:  HHS Rules Coordination Office

• 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

NOTE: Do NOT schedule an appointment for fingerprinting until after you have filed your license application. All the information you need to schedule your fingerprint appointment will be sent to you after you apply.

FINGERPRINTS SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO DPS: The DPS has entered into an exclusive contract with IDEMIA to provide statewide electronic fingerprinting through DPS Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas (FAST) locations operated by IdentoGO. FAST is available by scheduling an appointment on-line at IdentoGO or by calling

1-888-467-2080. DPS FAST locations operated by IdentoGO are committed to a 98% classifiable rate, which means quality prints, less rejections, and quick responses.

1. Scheduling your fingerprint appointment

FAST is available by scheduling an appointment on-line at IdentoGO or by calling 1-888-467-2080.

When Scheduling Online:

1. Have the Texas Fingerprint Service Code. If you do not know your service code, contact TDLR via webform here or at (512) 463-6599 or (800) 803-9202.
2. Select Schedule or Manage Appointment and follow the prompts to enter “Essential Info” on the initial registration page.
3. Next, you will be asked to enter your “Agency Assigned Applicant Number.” This Agency Identifier is your unique TDLR Entity/ID Number. You must enter “LS-” before typing your TDLR Entity/ID Number.If you are applying for a license for the first time, you can obtain your TDLR Entity/ID Number:
   • in the body of the email you received after you submitted your application through the Online Licensing Services system;
   • on the Request for Information letter that you receive to notify you that you must complete the fingerprinting process; or
   • by contacting TDLR via webform here or at (512) 463-6599 or (800) 803-9202.
   If you are already licensed and need to resubmit your fingerprints, you can obtain your TDLR Entity/ID Number:
   • in the body of the email you received after you renewed through the Online Licensing Services system;
   • on your renewal notice postcard sent to you 30 days prior to your license expiration; or
   • by contacting TDLR via webform here or at (512) 463-6599 or (800) 803-9202.
     
4. Complete all other personal identifying information as instructed.
5. Select the location nearest to you and a convenient date and

When Scheduling Over the Phone:

1. Have the Texas Fingerprint Service Code before calling. If you do not know your service code, contact TDLR via webform here or at (512) 463-6599 or (800) 803-9202.
2. IDEMIA will prompt you for the service code.
3. The call center operator will ask you for your demographic information, i.e. Date of Birth, Sex, Race, Ethnicity, Height, Weight, Eye Color, Hair Color, Place of Birth and Home Address.
4. You will be asked for your Agency Identifier as part of the registration process. This Agency Identifier is your unique TDLR Entity/ID Number. Please see item (c) above in the “When Scheduling Online” section regarding where to locate your Agency Assigned Applicant Number.
5. You will select the location nearest to you for your fingerprint appointment.

2. Your Fingerprint Appointment:

1. Arrive at your scheduled appointment with your photo identification and fee payment.
2. If you plan on bringing a form of identification other than a valid (unexpired) TX Driver License, please refer to the Department of Public Safety’s acceptable document types here:
   http://www.dps.texas.gov/administration/crime_records/docs/ProveIdForFingerprinting.pdf
3. IDEMIA accepts Visa/MasterCard/Discover/American Express, business checks, money orders and coupon codes (employer accounts) at the time of service. Please note that personal checks and cash will not be accepted.
4. Your fingerprints will be submitted electronically to DPS and the FBI. You will not receive a printed fingerprint card.
5. At the conclusion of your appointment, the IDEMIA enrollment agent will provide you with an IdentoGO receipt stating that you were fingerprinted. Do not throw away the receipt. You may be asked to submit it to TDLR for record location purposes.
6. You may check status on your submission by clicking on this link: IdentoGO

FINGERPRINTS SUBMITTED BY MAIL THROUGH IDEMIA:

Contact IDEMIA by telephone to submit fingerprints by mail.

Telephone Registration:

1. Contact IDEMIA at 1-888-467-2080.
2. Have the TX Fingerprint Service Code before you call. If you do not know your service code, contact TDLR via webform here or at (512) 463-6599 or (800) 803-9202.
3. IDEMIA will prompt you for the Service Code.
4. Inform the IDEMIA representative that you wish to enroll for a card by mail.
5. IDEMIA will prompt you for all required information and will guide you through the rest of the process.

PAY BY CREDIT CARD, BUSINESS CHECK OR MONEY ORDER:

During your registration, you will be provided an opportunity to make your payment by credit card or to elect to mail in your payment by business check or money order made out to IDEMIA with your submission.

No personal checks will be accepted.

The cost for obtaining an ink card may vary and is not included in the fingerprint registration process or fee.

Cards must be mailed to the vendor.