Medication Aide Program

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.

HHSC Published Provider Letter 2023-14 – Web-based Licensure System for Nurse Aides and Medication Aides

HHSC published Provider Letter 2023-14 – Web-based Licensure System for Nurse Aides and Medication Aides (PDF). This PL announces that effective July 5, 2023, nurse aides, medication aides, NATCEPs, and providers will complete all licensing applications in TULIP, and provides important dates and information related to TULIP’s benefits and features, as well as instructions for making a successful transition to the TULIP Online Licensure Application System.

Nurse Aide and Med Aide TULIP Transition Grace Period

Nurse Aides (NAs) and Medication Aides (MAs) are now required to use the new credentialing system in the Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal (TULIP) for certification or permitting activities.

However, HHSC is extending a grace period for all NAs and MAs to allow users time to learn and understand the new credentialing system. Therefore, all NAs and MAs with certifications or permits active on June 16, 2023, will be considered active until Oct. 31, 2023.

All NAs and MAs who submitted renewals via the existing paper and email process on or before July 5, 2023 (date the new credentialing system went live in TULIP), will be processed based on that submission date. All other NAs and MAs should submit a renewal application in TULIP.

Announcement for Medication Aide online system

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 password reset here.

Check medication aide status.

To contact the program, email the Medication Aide Program.

Medication aide permitting activities conducted by the Credentialing Unit include:

  1. Permitting activities, including continuing education, issuance and renewal
  2. Approving and monitoring of medication aide training programs in educational institutions
  3. Developing educational, training and testing curricula
  4. Coordinating and administering tests

List of Convictions Barring Employment or Disqualifying a person from HHSC Licensure as a Nurse Aide or Medication Aide (PDF)

Medication aide enforcement activities conducted by the Professional Credentialing Enforcement Unit (512-438-5495) include:

  1. 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.
  2. 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

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.

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