The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is responsible for issuing licenses, certificates, permits, and registrations for dozens of statutes assigned to the Agency by the Texas Legislature. The TDLR manages 40 programs and issues licenses to a number of Texas professionals.
The Agency’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 promises to respond to mail inquiries within one week, email inquiries within two working days, and phone and social media inquiries within one working day.
Complaints Filed with the TDLR
The TDLR handles complaints filed against the professionals it licenses. It states that “TDRL has a comprehensive complaint resolution program that includes the investigation of consumer complaints and the assessment of penalties and sanctions against those entities or individuals found to be in violation of the rules/laws.”
TDLR’s Code Review and Inspection Program
The TDLR administers a code review and inspection program to determine compliance with standards for accessibility and other standards. This program includes review of codes for and inspection of: cosmetology salons, barber shops, vehicle towing companies, storage facilities, elevator safety, boiler safety, and building codes for industrialized housing and buildings.
TDLR Regulating More Occupations and Services
A number of state boards and regulatory agencies that once handled licensing and regulation of various professions are subject to abolishment under the Texas Sunset Act. Upon review under the Sunset Act, if an agency is found to be ineffective or struggling to carry out its mission, the regulation of that profession may be transferred to the TDLR.
For example, the TDLR now regulates the practice of podiatric medicine in Texas. The Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners was abolished after the Sunset Advisory Commission found that the agency struggled to “carry out its mission effectively, with slow complaint resolution times, unmet performance measures, and nonstandard enforcement practices.” The Commission recommended transferring the regulation of podiatry to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation “to provide institutional stability, administrative savings, improved licensing and enforcement outcomes, and better protection for the people of Texas.” The Legislature agreed, and the transfer became effective September 1, 2017.
Defending Against a Complaint Filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
If you are a Texas professional licensed by the TDLR and a complaint has been filed against you, it is important that you hire a professional license defense attorney to defend you. The TDLR investigates all complaints filed against the professionals it licenses 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 license. You 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, monetary 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.
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