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.
- Learn How to Become a Medication Aide in Texas
- Learn How to Renew or Make Changes to a Medication Aide Permit
Announcement for Medication Aide online system
HHSC published Provider Letter 2023-14 – Web-based Licensure System for Nurse Aides and Medication Aides (PDF).
As of 07/05/2023, medication aides and applicants for a medication aide permit will apply via Texas Unified License Information Portal (TULIP), a web-based licensure system designed specifically for licensed long-term care providers and licensees. TULIP will allow medication aides to complete all permit and application functions online. For assistance with using TULIP, see user guide link on the TULIP landing page.
Log into TULIP account to create applicant registration, login and reset password.
TULIP Credentialing Transition Grace Period Extended
Nurse Aides (NAs), Medication Aides (MAs), Nursing Facility Administrators (NFAs), and Nurse Aide Training Competency Evaluation Programs (NATCEPs) are now required to use the new credentialing system in the Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal (TULIP) for licensing certification or permitting activities.
Note: HHSC is extending a grace period for all NAs, MAs, NFAs and NATCEPs to allow users time to learn and understand the new credentialing system. All NAs certifications, MA permits, NFA licenses and NATCEP approvals active on June 16, 2023, will be considered active until Oct. 31, 2024.
If you are experiencing a technical issue with TULIP, HHSC IT has a new web form to report issues 24/7. TULIP users can access the form from the TULIP homepage.
- If you have not logged into TULIP and you need help with password reset or registration, you can report the issue.
- If you can log into TULIP and still need additional help, look for the Support option in the menu.
HHSC IT also has deployed a new TULIP Support Helpdesk Call Center with a team ready to assist you. To access phone support, call 512-438-2584.
- Hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central, Monday to Friday, excluding state and federal holidays- please note, that due to the new implementation of this call center, TULIP Support may be experiencing a high volume of calls and wait times may be long.
Medication Aide Status
Check medication aide status. We no longer provide written verification of permitted Medication Aides. This website will assist with verifying the status.
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 or verify a medication aide permit.
FAQs Related to the New TULIP Credentialing System
The transition to the new credentialing system in the Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal (TULIP) has resulted in issues that have affected individuals trying to use the system. HHSC IT is working diligently on correcting these issues.
The following are some of the frequently asked questions HHSC has received:
What do I do if I have problems with registering in TULIP?
- You can report the issue and to access phone support, call 512-438-2584.
Who do I contact if I can’t generate or submit an application?
- You can report the issue and to access phone support, call 512-438-2584.
When I report a technical issue to TULIP Help Desk, what information should I include?
- You can report the issue and to access phone support, call 512-438-2584.
The following information may assist the Help Desk to answer your questions or resolve your problems:
- Provide a detailed description of the question or problem, including USERID, Facility/Agency license number (if licensed), NFA License (if applicable), application number, form number, screen and other details.
- Include screenshots if possible. Do not include personally identifiable information, HIPAA protected information, or other protected data.
- Please provide a call-back number in case we need to contact you to discuss the issue.
Is there a resource for more information regarding TULIP?
TULIP Online Licensure Application System
How long should it take to receive a response from TULIP Help Desk?
TULIP Help Desk is receiving a large volume of emails and the wait time for a response can be weeks.
Who do I contact if I have questions about information I need to enter into an application?
For questions about the application process, use the following contacts:
- Medication Aide Call Line: 512-438-2025
Is there any training available regarding the new TULIP credentialing system?
We provide the following Computer Based Trainings
FBI Criminal Background Check Requirement
Effective Aug. 1, 2021, HHSC conducts 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.
Resources
- Training Programs List (PDF)
- TULIP Computer Based Trainings
- Initial Application
- Renewal Application
- To contact the program, email the Medication Aide Program.