Resources for ALF Providers
HHSC licenses, certifies and surveys Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) for compliance with state and Federal laws and regulations. Through these regulatory activities, HHSC protects Texas citizens receiving these services. The following information has been compiled from the HHSC website for easy reference. This is not intended to cover all rules and regulations needed to open and operate a Texas ALF. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 512-336-1005.
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Annual Mandatory Training for ALFs on Aging in Place and Retaliation - This short, no cost course is required by HHSC to be taken every year. This course does not meet continuing education requirements. The purpose of this course is to provide guidance to ALF staff members and HHSC surveyors regarding aging in place and retaliation. This link takes you to the HHSC website to complete the course.
ALF Forms - HHSC
ALF Forms - Sample
ALF Statues and Rules
Provider Communications (IL & PL)
Medicare Provider-Supplier Enrollment
Resident Rights & Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Employee Employability and Background Checks
Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) Enrollment
Licensing Standards for ALFs Handbook - takes you to the HHSC site
Licensing Standards for ALFs Handbook - takes you to our format of the Handbook
Medication Management in Assisted Living Facilities Course - Mishandling Medications is a common reason small facilities get into trouble with the state. This link takes you to the HHSC/DADS website to complete the course.
What is an Assisted Living Facility (ALF)?
ALFs provide individualized health and personal care assistance in a homelike setting with an emphasis on personal dignity, autonomy, independence and privacy. Facilities can be large apartment-like settings or private residences. Services include meals, bathing, dressing, toileting and administering or supervising medication. HHSC licenses ALFs based on residents' physical and mental ability to evacuate the facility in an emergency and whether nighttime attendance is necessary.
A Type A facility cares for residents who are physically and mentally capable of evacuating the facility unassisted; do not require routine attendance during sleeping hours; and are capable of following directions in an emergency.
A Type B facility cares for residents who may require staff assistance to evacuate; are incapable of following directions under emergency conditions; require staff attendance during nighttime sleeping hours; and require assistance transferring to and from a wheelchair.
Complete the ALF Pre-Licensure Computer-Based Training (CBT) Information Course
This is a short online course is intended to prepare prospective applicants for licensure for the inspection to become a licensed ALF. Successful completion of this pre-licensure CBT will help an applicant prepare for the initial inspection and provide answers to some of the questions that prospective applicants may have about the licensing of ALFs. This training is designed to provide an introduction to the licensure process and does not cover every regulation. This certificate is for the facility not the manager.
Complete & Submit the License Application Forms
HHSC introduced the Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal (TULIP), an online system for submitting long-term care licensure applications for all provider types regulated by long-term care regulatory services, including ALFs. For more information on TULIP, please click here.
To access the application forms and instructions, please go to TULIP >>
Pay the Required License Fee
Initial Licensing Fees: $1,750 for each parent or branch and $1,000 for each alternate delivery site.
Renewal Licensing Fees: $1,750 for each parent or branch and $600 for each alternate delivery site.
Registered and in Good Standing
Must be registered and in good standing with the State Comptroller of Public Accounts and the Secretary of State of Texas.
Approval by the Licensure and Certification Unit
The Licensing and Credentialing Unit issues a license within 45 days upon receipt of a completed application.
