regulatory & legislative updates

Issues on the Horizon

• Laser Use: Considering updates or clarifications regarding hygienists’ use of lasers.
• Patient Abandonment: Reviewing rules on terminating patient relationships, including concerns about certified letter requirements.
• Stakeholder input expected before the August 2026 board meeting.  

Discussion Items

• Jurisprudence Exam: Board discussed updating outdated or inaccurate exam content.
• CE Tracking: New CE reporting system targeted for September 2026; a small user fee is anticipated.
• Electronic Health Records: Discussion of SB 1188 requirements, including biological sex fields, AI disclosure, and U.S.-based data storage. No rulemaking planned at this time.  

Fingerprinting Update

• Over 5,000 of 15,000 affected licensees have completed updated fingerprint requirements.
• Additional reminder emails will be sent.
• Licensees should verify that the email address associated with their license is current.  
• For more information: https://tsbde.texas.gov/pre-renewal-fingerprint-requirement/