This program is mandated by the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 242, Subchapter N, concerning the administration of medications to facility residents, and the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 142, Subchapter B, concerning the administration of medication by a home and community support services agency.
The waiver included in PL 2023-05 (PDF), that allowed medication aides to delay renewal of their permit will be ending, April 30, 2023.
Expired medication aides should apply for renewal as soon as possible and will no longer be eligible to work with an expired permit on May 1, 2023. Individuals that fail to submit a renewal application by April 30, 2023, and still want to practice as a permitted medication aide, will be required to complete the initial training program and pass the state medication aide exam to reinstate your permit.
To renew a medication aide permit for each year expired:
- Complete a seven-hour course,
- Submit the online application in SMT,
- Print the voucher and submit the voucher along with the renewal fee to the HHSC Medication Aide Program.
To send applications and forms, email the Medication Aide Program.
Medication aide permitting activities conducted by the Credentialing Unit include:
- Permitting activities, including continuing education, issuance and renewal
- Approving and monitoring of medication aide training programs in educational institutions
- Developing educational, training and testing curricula
- Coordinating and administering tests
Medication aide enforcement activities conducted by the Professional Credentialing Enforcement Unit (512-438-5495) include:
- Coordinating referrals and due process for medication aides related to findings of misconduct and/or violation(s) of the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 242 or Licensing Standards for Medication Aides at 26 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 557.
- Imposing and monitoring sanctions.
Check the status of a medication aide on the Employability Status Check Search. Enter the medication aide's name or social security number.
New FBI Criminal Background Check Requirement
Beginning August 1, 2021, HHSC will conduct fingerprint based criminal history checks on medication aides who apply to renew their permit.
Prior to renewal, the medication aide will be notified of the fingerprinting requirement via mail or email. If the medication aide attempts to renew prior to their renewal month, the renewal will not be processed until fingerprinting is completed.
Fingerprints must be submitted through the Department of Public Safety’s vendor. Find a list of locations and information about scheduling an appointment for fingerprinting. To obtain the require service code, email the Medication Aide Program.
The cost to submit fingerprints is $38.25 and the responsibility of the medication aide. This is a one-time cost, fingerprints are not required to be submitted again.
Provider Letter 2021-15 (PDF) provides complete information on the implementation of the fingerprint based criminal history checks. If you have any questions about this communication, email the credentialing section or call 512-438-2025.
For a Computer Based Training (CBT) on how to complete a criminal background check review the Texas Medication Aide Curriculum information.
Texas Medication Aides Curriculum
- Medication Aide Curriculum, Basic Course (PDF)
- Medication Aide Curriculum, Basic Course — Instructor Version (PDF)
All Texas Medication Aide Training Programs received password access for the course by mail. If you need a password, please contact the Medication Aide Program at 512-438-2025. Thank you. - Medication Aide Continuing Education (PDF)
- Fingerprinting for Aides (Web-based Training)
HHSC conducts fingerprint-based criminal history checks and requires aides and prospective aides to submit fingerprints. This training is designed to explain how this requirement affects current aides and prospective aides.
Request for Criminal History Evaluation Letter for Medication Aide Permit
Individuals interested in obtaining an MA permit may request HHSC to review their personal criminal history information prior to applying for an MA permit. Complete Form 5537-MA (PDF) and follow the instructions on the form to complete the DPS criminal history record process.
Special Licensure Provisions for Military Service Members
Military service members or veterans may have met some licensing requirements as a result of their military service or other training, knowledge, and experience. Military spouses of current, active duty military service members may also have met some licensing requirements related to this status. Modifications to renewal requirements may also be available for some military service members on active duty.
For more information regarding special licensure provisions military service members, military veterans or military spouses may qualify for, review Senate Bill 1307, 84th Regular Legislative Session, 2015 (PDF).
We extend our heartfelt thanks to military service members, veterans, and their families for their dedicated service to the United States of America and to the State of Texas.