The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) passed an emergency rule related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under this rule, all TDLR licensees with a renewable license that expired between August 1 and November 30, 2020, are considered to hold an emergency license valid for up to 120 days after their license expiration date. The extra time is to allow those who are waiting for a license to be renewed by TDLR to continue working with a valid license as TDLR navigates workflow challenges brought on by COVID-19.
A searchable database of all licenses is available on the TDLR website and is the only method for verifying or obtaining authorization of a license. TDLR will not issue printed emergency licenses, and licensees are not required to post or display proof of an emergency license. According to TDLR, the following is important to note:
- The TDLR License Search database information will not reflect the emergency license, and expiration dates for the original license will not change.
- Under this emergency authorization, if a license expired between August 1 and November 30, 2020, the individual will still be able to work for up to 120 days after the expiration date while the renewal is being processed.
- If TDLR makes a final determination that a renewal application is denied, the individual will no longer be able to work under the emergency license.
Due to COVID-19, TDLR is facing an unprecedented challenge with processing paper renewals and applications. Everyone who can renew online is strongly encouraged to take advantage of TDLR’s online services.
For more information on the topic, check out the original press release on the TDLR website.
April Mabry is an assistant director at TASB HR Services. Send April an email at april.mabry@tasb.org.
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Tagged: Certification, "Personnel records"