http://www.dshs.texas.gov/mold/default.shtm

EMERGENCY GUIDANCE ON MOLD REMEDIATION UNDER THE GOVERNOR’S DISASTER DECLARATION

Mold Remediation Q&A For Hurricane Harvey

Molds are microbiological organisms that break down dead organic matter on the earth. If that dead organic matter is used as part of the construction of a house or building, molds will grow if sufficient water is present.

In addition to gradually undermining the structural integrity of building materials, mold growth can also lead to health problems for building occupants. Exposure to molds and byproducts they produce has been linked to severe allergic reactions, asthma and upper respiratory infections. Because of this risk the Texas Department State Health Services requires that professionals who assess for and carry out mold remediation projects in Texas be trained and certified.

MOLD In accordance with Senate Bill 202 (84th Regular Session, 2015), this licensing program is expected to transfer from DSHS to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) on November 1, 2017.

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Transition Plan Senate Bill 202 became effective on September 1, 2015.

That bill has mandated the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) develop a transition plan for the “orderly transfer of powers, duties, functions, programs, and activities”.

This plan has been completed and is now in effect. Several important steps in this plan will occur over the next several weeks related to the following programs: Massage Therapy, Code Enforcement Officers, Sanitarians, Offender Education, Laser Hair Removal, and Mold Assessment and Remediation.

As of October 13, 2017, licensees and applicants will not have access to VERSA Online, the online portal for licensing application and renewal, for programs which had this capability previously. DSHS will cease initial licensing and renewal activities, and the application forms will no longer be available on the website.

As of October 20, 2017, DSHS will cease all licensing functions (including entry of new applications), in order to transmit licensing data to TDLR. This is necessary to ensure data integrity. TDLR will begin licensing functions on November 1, 2017. This means there will be a gap of approximately ten days during which neither agency will be able to perform licensing functions.

We apologize in advance for the inconvenience this may cause, but it is essential from a data standpoint. In an effort to avoid renewal problems during this transition, a 90-day license extension has been granted to all licenses that expire in October, November, December. Updated license cards and/or letters indicating the new renewal date have been sent out to licensees that initially were to expire in October and November.

The December licensees will receive theirs shortly. Please go to TDLR’s website for more information about the transition process. This service is provided to you at no charge by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Visit us on the web at http://www.dshs.texas.gov.

If you need any training and course dates are not listed please call us @713-472-4022. We can provide any training per request as needed.