The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is the state’s umbrella occupational licensing agency. The DSHS Professional Licensing and Certification Unit is responsible for twenty-three regulatory programs.
These programs evaluate applications, issue credentials, administer exams, and monitor any required continuing education activities. Each DSHS program further conducts complaint investigations and, when appropriate, imposes disciplinary sanctions.
The philosophical statement of the DSHS is “to give guidance to the regulatory programs within the department on the ideal manner of conducting state business.” The goal of DSHS is to maximize the programs’ level of compliance with regulations to best ensure the protection of public health and safety. The DSHS Professional Licensing and Certification Unit regulates with rules and standards and compliance actions when necessary. After providing due process, enforcement action for violations of statutes or rules may be handed down.
In the past few years, legislation has de-regulated (i.e., eliminated) some of the licensing programs once administered by DSHS. Further, legislation transferred a number of programs from DSHS to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). A number of those programs have already transferred to TDLR, while others are scheduled for transfer next year.
The legislature’s goal in de-regulating certain professionals or shifting programs to other regulatory bodies is to streamline administration of programs and simplify regulations. However, the intended effect is not always experienced by the licensees regulated by the program. Shifts and changes can cause delay in adjudication of pending complaints. Amendments to rules can lead to confusion about duties and responsibilities of a licensee. In general, changes in how one’s profession is regulated can lead to renewal issues or other unintended consequences.
Protecting Your Professional Licensing Under Texas DSHS or TDRL
If you have been notified of a complaint filed against you with DSHS or TDLR, BERTOLINO LLP can help. We are experienced professional, medical, and vocational license defense attorneys and we know how to navigate complaints lodged with either Agency. We are prepared to represent you at any legal hearing or proceeding regarding your professional license.
Our Firm believes that immediately consulting an experienced 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.
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