Human Trafficking Prevention Course Required for TDLR Health Programs
AUSTIN – Professionals in 10 health-related programs regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation – a total of 68,345 people – will be required to complete a Texas Health and Human Services Commission-approved human trafficking prevention training course before they can renew their license, starting on Sept. 1, 2020.
The training requirement is a result of House Bill 2059 (86R), which passed during the 2019 legislative session and affects professions that provide direct client care licensed under Title 3 of the Texas Occupations Code.
“Health care practitioners are in a unique position to intervene in human trafficking because victims and survivors of human trafficking may be seen at local clinics or other medical settings. Although our licensees won’t be directly intervening in an ongoing situation, their awareness of the signs of a potential human trafficking situation could save a life. Knowing when and why to report something to law enforcement will make a difference,” said Brian E. Francis, TDLR executive director.
Licensees in these TDLR programs will take the new course:
- Athletic Training
- Behavior Analysis
- Dietitians
- Dyslexia Therapy
- Hearing Instrument Fitters & Dispensers
- Massage Therapy
- Midwives
- Orthotists and Prosthetists
- Podiatry
- Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
TDLR has created a dedicated webpage, Human Trafficking Prevention Training for Health Care Practitioners, with more information on the training requirement as well as instructions on how to register for the free course.
About TDLR
TDLR provides regulatory oversight for a broad range of occupations, businesses, facilities, and equipment in Texas. The agency protects the health and safety of Texans by ensuring they are served by qualified, licensed professionals. Inspections of individuals, businesses, and equipment are done on a regular basis to safeguard the public. Currently, the agency regulates 38 business and occupational licensing programs with more than 1,000,000 licensees across the state.
Visit TDLR’s website for more information and resources. You can search the TDLR licensee database, and also find past violations in which a final order was issued against companies or individuals. TDLR’s Customer Service line is available anytime between 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1-800-803-9202. TDLR representatives are fluent in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.