Texas Register Table of Contents
- 1 Office of the Attorney General
- 2 Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
- 2.0.1 Proposed Rules Re:
- 2.0.1.1 Amending 16 TAC §118.3, to correct a grammatical error throughout Chapter 118 by changing all references from “a LHR facility” to “an LHR facility.”
- 2.0.1.2 Amending 16 TAC §118.12 and §118.13, to remove size, font, and content requirements from warning signs posted at laser hair removal facilities, and to correct the grammatical error throughout Chapter 118.
- 2.0.1.3 Amending 16 TAC §§118.26, 118.28, and 118.29, to clarify training program completion requirements for apprentice-in-training certification applicants, and to correct the grammatical error throughout Chapter 118.
- 2.0.1.4 Amending 16 TAC §118.50, to correct the grammatical error throughout Chapter 118.
- 2.0.1.5 Amending 16 TAC §118.70, to correct the grammatical error throughout Chapter 118.
- 2.0.1 Proposed Rules Re:
- 3 Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
- 4 State Board of Dental Examiners
- 4.0.1 Adopted Rules Re:
- 4.0.1.1 Adopting 22 TAC §101.2, to reflect that CDCA-WREB-CITA and the American Board of Dental Examiners have combined under a single entity: the American Board of Dental Examiners.
- 4.0.1.2 Adopting 22 TAC §101.6, to implement HB 5629 and SB 1818 (89th Legislature) regarding licensing of military service members, military veterans, and military spouses, including defining good standing, allowing alternative licensing, requiring provisional licenses during application processing, requiring applications to be processed within 10 business days, and waiving all fees.
- 4.0.1.3 Adopting 22 TAC §101.14, to implement HB 5629 and SB 1818 (89th Legislature) regarding exemption from licensure for certain military service members and military spouses, including defining good standing, removing the three-year practice limit, allowing alternative authorization to practice, and requiring applications to be processed within 10 business days.
- 4.0.1.4 Adopting 22 TAC §103.2, to reflect that CDCA-WREB-CITA and the American Board of Dental Examiners have combined under a single entity, and to correct a grammatical error.
- 4.0.1.5 Adopting 22 TAC §103.10, to implement HB 5629 and SB 1818 (89th Legislature) regarding exemption from dental hygiene licensure for certain military service members and military spouses, including defining good standing, removing the three-year practice limit, allowing alternative authorization to practice, and requiring applications to be processed within 10 business days.
- 4.0.1.6 Adopting 22 TAC §104.1, to reflect that CDCA-WREB-CITA and the American Board of Dental Examiners have combined under a single entity: the American Board of Dental Examiners.
- 4.0.1.7 Adopting 22 TAC §104.2, to reflect that CDCA-WREB-CITA and the American Board of Dental Examiners have combined under a single entity: the American Board of Dental Examiners.
- 4.0.1.8 Adopting 22 TAC §114.2, to require online submission of applications and renewals, allow duplicate registrations via online accounts, remove language regarding the defunct Dental Assistant Advisory Committee, and update radiology course requirements to reflect digital x-ray technology.
- 4.0.1.9 Adopting 22 TAC §114.3, to correct punctuation and typographical errors.
- 4.0.1.10 Adopting 22 TAC §114.7, to implement HB 5629 and SB 1818 (89th Legislature) regarding exemption from registration for certain military service members and military spouses, including defining good standing, removing the three-year practice limit, allowing alternative authorization to practice, requiring applications to be processed within 10 business days, and clarifying that dental assistants receive a registration rather than a license.
- 4.0.1.11 Adopting 22 TAC §115.4, to update the applicable section of the Texas Occupations Code pertaining to the practice of dental hygiene and topical drug application by hygienists.
- 4.0.2 Adopted Rule Reviews Re:
- 4.0.1 Adopted Rules Re:
- 5 Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
- 6 Texas Health and Human Services Commission
- 7 Texas Optometry Board
- 8 Texas Department of State Health Services
Office of the Attorney General
Requests for Opinions Re:
Briefs requested by March 23, 2026.
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Proposed Rules Re:
Amending 16 TAC §118.3, to correct a grammatical error throughout Chapter 118 by changing all references from “a LHR facility” to “an LHR facility.”
CHAPTER 118. LASER HAIR REMOVAL
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
16 TAC §118.3
OVERVIEW
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (Department) proposes amendments to 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 F, §118.50; and Subchapter H, §118.70, regarding the Laser Hair Removal program. These proposed changes are referred to as “proposed rules.”
BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
The rules under 16 TAC, Chapter 118, implement Health and Safety Code Chapter 401.
The proposed rules are necessary to implement Senate Bill (SB) 748, 89th Legislature, Regular Session (2025), specifically, Section 2. These proposed rules also include grammatical changes and other changes recommended by Department staff during the Department’s four-year rule review of Chapter 118.
The proposed rules remove size and font size requirements from the warning signs required to be posted at laser hair removal facilities and remove the requirement that the signage include verbiage about the hazards of electromagnetic radiation.
The proposed rules also 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) in addition to §118.26(a)(2).
Finally, the proposed rules amend a consistent grammatical error in Chapter 118 by changing all references from “a LHR facility” to “an LHR facility.”
SECTION-BY-SECTION SUMMARY
The proposed rules amend §118.3, Definitions. The proposed rules correct a consistent grammatical error in Chapter 118 by changing all references from “a LHR facility” to “an LHR facility.”
Amending 16 TAC §118.12 and §118.13, to remove size, font, and content requirements from warning signs posted at laser hair removal facilities, and to correct the grammatical error throughout Chapter 118.
CHAPTER 118. LASER HAIR REMOVAL
SUBCHAPTER B. LASER HAIR REMOVAL FACILITY
16 TAC §118.12, §118.13
OVERVIEW
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (Department) proposes amendments to 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 F, §118.50; and Subchapter H, §118.70, regarding the Laser Hair Removal program. These proposed changes are referred to as “proposed rules.”
BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
The rules under 16 TAC, Chapter 118, implement Health and Safety Code Chapter 401.
The proposed rules are necessary to implement Senate Bill (SB) 748, 89th Legislature, Regular Session (2025), specifically, Section 2. These proposed rules also include grammatical changes and other changes recommended by Department staff during the Department’s four-year rule review of Chapter 118.
The proposed rules remove size and font size requirements from the warning signs required to be posted at laser hair removal facilities and remove the requirement that the signage include verbiage about the hazards of electromagnetic radiation.
The proposed rules also 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) in addition to §118.26(a)(2).
Finally, the proposed rules amend a consistent grammatical error in Chapter 118 by changing all references from “a LHR facility” to “an LHR facility.”
SECTION-BY-SECTION SUMMARY
The proposed rules amend §118.12, LHR Facility–Responsibilities; and §118.13, LHR Facility–Consulting Physician. The proposed rules amend §118.12(k) by removing size and font size requirements from the warning signs required to be posted at laser hair removal facilities. The proposed rules also remove the requirement that the signage include verbiage about the hazards of electromagnetic radiation and update the Department’s current contact phone number for complaints.
The proposed rules also correct a consistent grammatical error in Chapter 118 by changing all references from “a LHR facility” to “an LHR facility.”
Amending 16 TAC §§118.26, 118.28, and 118.29, to clarify training program completion requirements for apprentice-in-training certification applicants, and to correct the grammatical error throughout Chapter 118.
CHAPTER 118. LASER HAIR REMOVAL
SUBCHAPTER C. LASER HAIR REMOVAL INDIVIDUAL CERTIFICATION
16 TAC §§118.26, 118.28, 118.29
OVERVIEW
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (Department) proposes amendments to 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 F, §118.50; and Subchapter H, §118.70, regarding the Laser Hair Removal program. These proposed changes are referred to as “proposed rules.”
BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
The rules under 16 TAC, Chapter 118, implement Health and Safety Code Chapter 401.
The proposed rules are necessary to implement Senate Bill (SB) 748, 89th Legislature, Regular Session (2025), specifically, Section 2. These proposed rules also include grammatical changes and other changes recommended by Department staff during the Department’s four-year rule review of Chapter 118.
The proposed rules remove size and font size requirements from the warning signs required to be posted at laser hair removal facilities and remove the requirement that the signage include verbiage about the hazards of electromagnetic radiation.
The proposed rules also 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) in addition to §118.26(a)(2).
Finally, the proposed rules amend a consistent grammatical error in Chapter 118 by changing all references from “a LHR facility” to “an LHR facility.”
SECTION-BY-SECTION SUMMARY
The proposed rules amend §118.26, LHR Individual Certification–Apprentice-in-Training; §118.28, LHR Individual Certification–Senior LHR Technician; and §118.29, LHR Individual Certification–LHR Professional. The proposed rules amend §118.26(b) by clarifying 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) in addition to §118.26(a)(2).
The proposed rules also correct a consistent grammatical error in Chapter 118 by changing all references from “a LHR facility” to “an LHR facility.”
Amending 16 TAC §118.50, to correct the grammatical error throughout Chapter 118.
CHAPTER 118. LASER HAIR REMOVAL
SUBCHAPTER F. LASER HAIR REMOVAL DEVICES
16 TAC §118.50
OVERVIEW
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (Department) proposes amendments to 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 F, §118.50; and Subchapter H, §118.70, regarding the Laser Hair Removal program. These proposed changes are referred to as “proposed rules.”
BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
The rules under 16 TAC, Chapter 118, implement Health and Safety Code Chapter 401.
The proposed rules are necessary to implement Senate Bill (SB) 748, 89th Legislature, Regular Session (2025), specifically, Section 2. These proposed rules also include grammatical changes and other changes recommended by Department staff during the Department’s four-year rule review of Chapter 118.
The proposed rules remove size and font size requirements from the warning signs required to be posted at laser hair removal facilities and remove the requirement that the signage include verbiage about the hazards of electromagnetic radiation.
The proposed rules also 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) in addition to §118.26(a)(2).
Finally, the proposed rules amend a consistent grammatical error in Chapter 118 by changing all references from “a LHR facility” to “an LHR facility.”
SECTION-BY-SECTION SUMMARY
The proposed rules amend §118.50, LHR Devices–General and Operating Requirements. The proposed rules correct a consistent grammatical error in Chapter 118 by changing all references from “a LHR facility” to “an LHR facility.”
Amending 16 TAC §118.70, to correct the grammatical error throughout Chapter 118.
CHAPTER 118. LASER HAIR REMOVAL
SUBCHAPTER H. FEES
16 TAC §118.70
OVERVIEW
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (Department) proposes amendments to 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 F, §118.50; and Subchapter H, §118.70, regarding the Laser Hair Removal program. These proposed changes are referred to as “proposed rules.”
BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
The rules under 16 TAC, Chapter 118, implement Health and Safety Code Chapter 401.
The proposed rules are necessary to implement Senate Bill (SB) 748, 89th Legislature, Regular Session (2025), specifically, Section 2. These proposed rules also include grammatical changes and other changes recommended by Department staff during the Department’s four-year rule review of Chapter 118.
The proposed rules remove size and font size requirements from the warning signs required to be posted at laser hair removal facilities and remove the requirement that the signage include verbiage about the hazards of electromagnetic radiation.
The proposed rules also 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) in addition to §118.26(a)(2).
Finally, the proposed rules amend a consistent grammatical error in Chapter 118 by changing all references from “a LHR facility” to “an LHR facility.”
SECTION-BY-SECTION SUMMARY
The proposed rules amend §118.70, Fees. The proposed rules correct a consistent grammatical error in Chapter 118 by changing all references from “a LHR facility” to “an LHR facility.”
Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
Proposed Rules Re:
Amending 22 TAC §341.2, to update the jurisprudence assessment module requirements to reflect the adoption of a new unified Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession.
CHAPTER 341. LICENSE RENEWAL
22 TAC §341.2
OVERVIEW
The Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (Board) proposes amending 22 TAC §341.2 relating to the components of the jurisprudence assessment module that must be completed as part of a licensee’s total continuing competence requirement.
BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
The following amendment is necessary to implement changes made by the American Physical Therapy Association’s adoption of a new Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession that combines the Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist and the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant into one comprehensive document. The new Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession went into effect on January 1, 2026. The proposal utilizes generic language to describe professional physical therapy code of ethics and standards to avoid the need for additional amendments if documents are changed and renamed in the future.
State Board of Dental Examiners
Adopted Rules Re:
Adopting 22 TAC §101.2, to reflect that CDCA-WREB-CITA and the American Board of Dental Examiners have combined under a single entity: the American Board of Dental Examiners.
CHAPTER 101. DENTAL LICENSURE
22 TAC §101.2
OVERVIEW
The State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) adopts this amendment to 22 TAC §101.2, pertaining to dental licensure by examination. The adopted rule reflects that CDCA-WREB-CITA (a dental exam administrator) and the American Board of Dental Examiners (developer of the ADEX licensure exams) have combined under a single entity: the American Board of Dental Examiners. The amendment is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 12, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 7978) and will not be republished.
Adopting 22 TAC §101.6, to implement HB 5629 and SB 1818 (89th Legislature) regarding licensing of military service members, military veterans, and military spouses, including defining good standing, allowing alternative licensing, requiring provisional licenses during application processing, requiring applications to be processed within 10 business days, and waiving all fees.
CHAPTER 101. DENTAL LICENSURE
22 TAC §101.6
OVERVIEW
The State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) adopts this amendment to 22 TAC §101.6, pertaining to dental licensing for military service members, military veterans, and military spouses. The purpose of the adoption is to implement House Bill 5629 and Senate Bill 1818, 89th Legislature, Regular Session (2025), which amended Texas Occupations Code Chapter 55, Licensing of Military Service Members, Military Veterans, and Military Spouses with the following changes: (1) defines good standing; (2) allows for alternative licensing if the applicant holds a current license issued by another state that is similar in scope of practice to the license in this state and is in good standing with that state’s licensing authority; (3) requires the Board to issue a provisional license to the applicant while the Board processes the application or issue the license for which the applicant applied; (4) requires the Board to process an alternative licensing application within 10 business days; and (5) waives all fees. The adoption also corrects clerical errors. The amendment is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 12, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 7979) and will not be republished.
CHAPTER 101. DENTAL LICENSURE
22 TAC §101.14
OVERVIEW
The State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) adopts this amendment to 22 TAC §101.14, pertaining to exemption from licensure for certain military service members and military spouses. The purpose of the adoption is to implement House Bill 5629 and Senate Bill 1818, 89th Legislature, Regular Session (2025), which amended Texas Occupations Code Chapter 55, Licensing of Military Service Members, Military Veterans, and Military Spouses with the following changes: (1) defines good standing; (2) removes the three-year limit to practice as long as the applicant is stationed at a military installation; (3) allows for an authorization to practice if the applicant holds a current license issued by another state that is similar in scope of practice to the license in this state and is in good standing with that state’s licensing authority; and (4) requires the Board to process applications within 10 business days. The amendment is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 12, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 7980) and will not be republished.
Adopting 22 TAC §103.2, to reflect that CDCA-WREB-CITA and the American Board of Dental Examiners have combined under a single entity, and to correct a grammatical error.
CHAPTER 103. DENTAL HYGIENE LICENSURE
22 TAC §103.2
OVERVIEW
The State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) adopts this amendment to 22 TAC §103.2, pertaining to dental hygiene licensure by examination. The adopted rule reflects that CDCA-WREB-CITA (a dental exam administrator) and the American Board of Dental Examiners (developer of the ADEX licensure exams) have combined under a single entity: the American Board of Dental Examiners. The adopted rule also corrects a grammatical error. The amendment is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 12, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 7982) and will not be republished.
CHAPTER 103. DENTAL HYGIENE LICENSURE
22 TAC §103.10
OVERVIEW
The State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) adopts this amendment to 22 TAC §103.10, pertaining to exemption from dental hygiene licensure for certain military service members and military spouses. The purpose of the adoption is to implement House Bill 5629 and Senate Bill 1818, 89th Legislature, Regular Session (2025), which amended Texas Occupations Code Chapter 55, Licensing of Military Service Members, Military Veterans, and Military Spouses with the following changes: (1) defines good standing; (2) removes the three-year limit to practice as long as the applicant is stationed at a military installation; (3) allows for an authorization to practice if the applicant holds a current license issued by another state that is similar in scope of practice to the license in this state and is in good standing with that state’s licensing authority; and (4) requires the Board to process applications within 10 business days. The amendment is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 12, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 7983) and will not be republished.
Adopting 22 TAC §104.1, to reflect that CDCA-WREB-CITA and the American Board of Dental Examiners have combined under a single entity: the American Board of Dental Examiners.
CHAPTER 104. CONTINUING EDUCATION
22 TAC §104.1
OVERVIEW
The State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) adopts this amendment to 22 TAC §104.1, pertaining to continuing education requirements. The adopted rule reflects that CDCA-WREB-CITA (a dental exam administrator) and the American Board of Dental Examiners (developer of the ADEX licensure exams) have combined under a single entity: the American Board of Dental Examiners. The amendment is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 12, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 7984) and will not be republished.
Adopting 22 TAC §104.2, to reflect that CDCA-WREB-CITA and the American Board of Dental Examiners have combined under a single entity: the American Board of Dental Examiners.
CHAPTER 104. CONTINUING EDUCATION
22 TAC §104.2
OVERVIEW
The State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) adopts this amendment to 22 TAC §104.2, pertaining to continuing education providers. The adopted rule reflects that CDCA-WREB-CITA (a dental exam administrator) and the American Board of Dental Examiners (developer of the ADEX licensure exams) have combined under a single entity: the American Board of Dental Examiners. The amendment is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 12, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 7986) and will not be republished.
Adopting 22 TAC §114.2, to require online submission of applications and renewals, allow duplicate registrations via online accounts, remove language regarding the defunct Dental Assistant Advisory Committee, and update radiology course requirements to reflect digital x-ray technology.
CHAPTER 114. EXTENSION OF DUTIES OF AUXILIARY PERSONNEL–DENTAL ASSISTANTS
22 TAC §114.2
OVERVIEW
The State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) adopts this amendment to 22 TAC §114.2, pertaining to registration of dental assistants. The amendment is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 12, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 7987) and will not be republished. The adopted amendment: (1) specifies that applications for registration or for renewal of registration must be submitted online; (2) specifies that dental assistants can obtain a duplicate registration from their online account; (3) removes language pertaining to the Dental Assistant Advisory Committee because the committee no longer exists; (4) updates the language to reflect that a student who takes a dental assistant radiology course should be able to demonstrate concepts for both film and digital x-rays; and (5) updates the language to reflect that technology has replaced film x-rays with digital x-rays, although the Board notes that film x-rays are still being used in the dental profession.
Adopting 22 TAC §114.3, to correct punctuation and typographical errors.
CHAPTER 114. EXTENSION OF DUTIES OF AUXILIARY PERSONNEL–DENTAL ASSISTANTS
22 TAC §114.3
OVERVIEW
The State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) adopts this amendment to 22 TAC §114.3, pertaining to dental assistants applying pit and fissure sealants. The amendment is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 12, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 7991) and will not be republished. This rule was recently reviewed in accordance with the Board’s rule review plan. As a result of the review, the Board adopts changes that correct punctuation and typo errors.
CHAPTER 114. EXTENSION OF DUTIES OF AUXILIARY PERSONNEL–DENTAL ASSISTANTS
22 TAC §114.7
OVERVIEW
The State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) adopts this amendment to 22 TAC §114.7, pertaining to exemption from registration for certain military service members and military spouses. The purpose of the adoption is to implement House Bill 5629 and Senate Bill 1818, 89th Legislature, Regular Session (2025), which amended Texas Occupations Code Chapter 55, Licensing of Military Service Members, Military Veterans, and Military Spouses with the following changes: (1) defines good standing; (2) removes the three-year limit to practice as long as the applicant is stationed at a military installation; (3) allows for an authorization to practice if the applicant holds a current registration issued by another state that is similar in scope of practice to the registration in this state and is in good standing with that state’s licensing authority; and (4) requires the Board to process applications within 10 business days. The adoption also clarifies that a registration is issued to dental assistants, not a license. The amendment is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 12, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 7992) and will not be republished.
Adopting 22 TAC §115.4, to update the applicable section of the Texas Occupations Code pertaining to the practice of dental hygiene and topical drug application by hygienists.
CHAPTER 115. EXTENSION OF DUTIES OF AUXILIARY PERSONNEL–DENTAL HYGIENE
22 TAC §115.4
OVERVIEW
The State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) adopts this amendment to 22 TAC §115.4, pertaining to placement of site specific subgingival medicaments. The adopted rule simply updates the applicable section of the Texas Occupations Code pertaining to the practice of dental hygiene and a hygienist being able to topically apply drugs. The amendment is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 12, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 7993) and will not be republished.
Adopted Rule Reviews Re:
Adopting Title 25, Part 5, concerning the extension of duties of auxiliary personnel for dental assistants and dental hygiene, and dental laboratories.
The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) adopts the review of the chapters below in Title 22, Part 5, of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC):
Chapter 114, Extension of Duties of Auxiliary Personnel–Dental Assistants;
Chapter 115, Extension of Duties of Auxiliary Personnel–Dental Hygiene; and
Chapter 116, Dental Laboratories.
Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas
Adopted Rules Re:
Adopting 25 TAC §703.24, to clarify that CPRIT can only guarantee grant payment within 30 days of receiving a complete and correct Financial Status Report, and to add language permitting the Institute to waive future review deadlines with notice to grantees.
CHAPTER 703. GRANTS FOR CANCER PREVENTION AND RESEARCH
25 TAC §703.24
OVERVIEW
The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (“CPRIT” or “the Institute”) adopts amendments to 25 Texas Administrative Code §703.24 without changes to the proposed amendments as published in the December 5, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 7866); therefore, the rule will not be republished.
BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
CPRIT requires all of its grant recipients to report grant expenditures on quarterly Financial Status Reports (FSR). In general, CPRIT conducts these reviews in accordance with standards set in the Texas Grant Management Standards (TxGMS), as published by the office of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. When necessary, and as allowed by TxGMS, CPRIT establishes variations from TxGMS through the official rulemaking process. TxGMS standards include a 21-day deadline for a state agency to review a request for payment and notify a grantee of any errors in the request. This 21-day deadline applies to FSR. However, the volume, complexity, and timing of FSR reviews make it impossible for CPRIT to review all FSR submissions within 21 days. CPRIT is in the process of revising its business processes and developing new technology tools to shorten these review times but lacks sufficient data to determine the necessary review times at present. As a result, CPRIT must clarify that it can only guarantee payment within 30 days of receiving a complete and correct FSR. CPRIT expects to revise this rule again in the future to specify predictable review timelines once it has new processes and new technology tools in place and has obtained sufficient data to make accurate predictions. CPRIT is adding the current language permitting the institute to waive those eventual review timelines to ensure grantees receive notice if any deadlines for review or payment will not be met going forward.
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Adopted Rules Re:
CHAPTER 511. LIMITED SERVICES RURAL HOSPITALS
SUBCHAPTER C. OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
26 TAC §511.85
OVERVIEW
The executive commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) adopts new §511.85, concerning Miscellaneous Policies and Protocols.
Section 511.85 is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 12, 2025, issue of the Texas Register (50 TexReg 8038). This rule will not be republished.
BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
The new section is necessary to comply with House Bill (HB) 4076, 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025. HB 4076 amended Texas Health and Safety Code (THSC) Chapter 161 by adding §161.474, which prohibits a health care provider from discriminating based on vaccination status for services related to organ transplants.
The new section increases consistency between the limited services rural hospital (LSRH) licensing rules and similar rules for other HHSC-regulated health care facilities.
Proposed Rule Reviews Re:
Reviewing Title 26, Part 1, to consider for readoption, revision, or repeal the chapter concerning the denial or refusal of license.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposes to review and consider for readoption, revision, or repeal the chapter listed below, in its entirety, contained in Title 26, Part 1, of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC):
Chapter 560, Denial or Refusal of License
Adopted Rule Reviews Re:
Adopting Title 26, Part 1, concerning the Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Program and Community First Choice (CFC).
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) adopts the review of the chapter below in Title 26, Part 1, of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC):
Chapter 262 – Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Program and Community First Choice (CFC)
Texas Optometry Board
Proposed Rule Reviews Re:
Reviewing Title 22, Part 14, to consider for readoption, revision, or repeal the chapter concerning practices and procedures.
The Texas Optometry Board (Board) proposes to review and consider for readoption, revision, or repeal 22 Texas Administrative Code Part 14 – Chapter 277 Practice and Procedure, in its entirety.
Texas Department of State Health Services
Adopted Rule Reviews Re:
Adopting Title 25, Part 1, concerning vital statistics.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), on behalf of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), adopts the review of the chapter below in Title 25, Part 1, of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC):
Chapter 181, Vital Statistics