Texas Senate Bill 202 transferred regulatory authority of Dietitians from the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). In accordance with Sec. 1.300(c) of S.B. 202 the then existing Texas State Board of Examiners of Dietitians was abolished.
The Dietitians program was successfully transferred to the TDLR on October 3, 2016.
The TDLR’s mission is: “To be the leader in public service by creating innovative, low-cost licensing and regulatory “next” practices, and cultivating highly-engaged employees who provide exceptional customer service.” The agency boats a “comprehensive complaint resolution program” that includes the investigation of complaints filed against licensees as well as the assessment of disciplinary action, penalties, and sanctions against licensees who are found to be in violation of the laws or rules.
The TDLR published Dietitians: One Year Update stating that it “is delivering on our promise to promote transparency and accountability, protect the health and safety of all Texans, and eliminate unnecessary barriers to doing business.”
In its first year regulating Licensed Dietitians in Texas, the TDLR:
- Eliminated the fees for License Verification Fee (formerly $25.00) and the License Reinstatement Fee (formerly $80.00).
- Reduced processing and administrative fees for online transactions, allowing Texas Dietitians to keep $3,106.50 from October 2016 to September 2017.
- Rewrote the Dietitians program administrative rules. In an effort to make the rules more clear, concise, and easier to read, the TDLR reduced the administrative rules word count by 51 percent, cutting nearly 10,000 words.
- Invited interested parties to four public meetings of the Dietitians Advisory Board.
- Contacted 2,575 Dietitians program email subscribers 13 times, delivering nearly 40,000 emails sharing information about rule changes, licensing, and meetings.
You can sign up to receive Dietitians program email updates from the TDLR here. The TDLR will send you “notices about rules, the law, fees, examination requirements, meetings and more.”
Defending Against a Complaint Filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
If you are a Texas Licensed Dietician and a complaint has been filed against you with the TDLR, you need a professional license defense attorney to defend you. The TDLR investigates all complaints filed against Licensed Dieticians and has a comprehensive enforcement program with the power to impose penalties and sanctions.
Throughout the TDLR ‘s investigation process you have the right to defend your licenses. Further, all professional licensees have the right to be represented at every stage of a complaint. Hiring an attorney to help you mount a strong defense serves to protect your license, reputation, financial interests, and your career; it does not make you look guilty.
Hire an Experienced License Defense Attorney
If you have been notified of a complaint filed against you with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, BERTOLINO LLP can help. We are experienced TDLR license defense attorneys and we know how to navigate the Agency’s complaint process. We are prepared to represent you at any legal hearing or proceeding regarding your professional license.
Our Firm believes that immediately consulting an experienced TDLR license defense attorney to review allegations of misconduct helps ensure the most favorable outcome in your case. Our results speak for themselves.
BERTOLINO LLP represents licensed professionals across the entire State of Texas. If you are facing disciplinary action from a professional licensing board or state agency, contact us today or call (512) 476-5757 and schedule a case evaluation.
Call or text (512) 476-5757 or complete a Case Evaluation form
