To help keep its licensees ready and available to assist with combatting the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is taking the following actions:

• Waiving continuing education requirements for all licenses expiring in March, April, and May 2020. Licensees will still submit their renewal applications, pay the required fees, and have their criminal histories checked but they will not need complete any required continuing education requirements this licensing cycle.
• Allowing Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist interns to receive credit for supervised hours when they have “tele-supervision” and waiving time limits on the number of supervised hours the interns can complete. Allowing remote supervision will enable students to continue earning credits and allow their patients to continue receiving important therapies.
• Extending by 60 days all building inspection deadlines in the Elimination of Architectural Barriers Program for any inspections due in March, April, and May to help business owners and licensees who may be struggling to have buildings inspected during this time and allow buildings to be used in case they are needed immediately as part of the COVID-19 response.
• Extending inspection times for Boilers and Elevators with permits that expire in March, April, and May. Hospitals and other medical facilities will see increased demand in the coming weeks. Temporarily extending required inspections for boilers and elevators will allow healthcare operations to continue. TDLR investigators will respond in case of an accident or emergency.

TDLR licensees can sign up for official TDLR email alerts here: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/TXDLR/subscriber/new. These email updates are the best way to ensure they receive the most accurate and up-to-date information about TDLR.

TDLR provides regulatory oversight for a broad range of occupations, businesses, facilities, and equipment in Texas. The agency protects the health and safety of Texans by ensuring they are served by qualified, licensed professionals. Inspections of individuals, businesses, and equipment are done on a regular basis to safeguard the public. Currently, the agency regulates 39 business and occupational licensing programs with more than 1,000,000 licensees across the state.

Visit TDLR’s website for more information and resources. You can search the TDLR licensee database, and also find past violations in which a final order was issued against companies or individuals. TDLR’s Customer Service line is available anytime between 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1-800-803-9202. TDLR representatives are fluent in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.