Effective Sept. 27: HHSC Adopts Rule Amendments Regarding NATCEP Clinical Site Expansion

Effective Sept. 27, HHSC adopts amendments to Title 26 of the Texas Administrative Code, Ch. 556, concerning Nurse Aides and Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Programs. The amendments clarify that HHSC may conduct on-site visits or off-site reviews. Amendments also aim to address the shortage of certified nurse aides by:

  • Expanding the definition of a clinical site to allow assisted living facilities, intermediate care facilities for individuals with an intellectual disability or related condition, hospitals, and special hospitals to serve as a NATCEP clinical site.
  • Adding a waiver for a NATCEP to use a laboratory setting for a clinical skills training site and provides the requirements by which a nursing facility may request a waiver of a NATCEP prohibition related to a civil money penalty from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Email questions to LTCRpolicy@hhs.texas.gov.