Welcome to the home page of the DSHS program that regulates EMS and trauma systems in Texas. This website contains information about EMS certification and licensure, trauma designation, how to contact us and more. Sign up to receive announcements by email regarding the EMS Trauma Systems program. This feature will serve as a tool to increase communication with stakeholders regarding new information added to the website.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Updates

Notice: Stay up to date on the latest COVID-19 information as it is made available on the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) COVID-19 web page at dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/.

EMS staffing waivers extended August 26, 2022
The Office of the Governor is in receipt of the Texas Department of State Health Services’ (DSHS) request to extend the temporary suspension of 25 TAC 157.11(h)(1)-(6) and Sections 773.050(a) of the Texas Health & Safety Code beyond the current termination effective date of 12:01am on February 28, 2022. DSHS asserts that strict compliance with these laws could prevent, hinder, or delay the delivery of services in relation to efforts to cope with the declared disaster.

In accordance with section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code, the Office of the Governor grants DSHS’s request to continue the suspension of the following laws beyond the current termination effective date of 12:01am on February 28, 2022:

25 TAC 157.11(h)(1)-(6); and
Sections 773.050(a) of the Texas Health & Safety Code.

This suspension of the above-referenced laws shall remain in effect until the earlier of 12:01am on August 26, 2022 or when the March 13, 2020 disaster declaration is lifted or expires.

Due to the current COVID-19 state of disaster in Texas, the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) requested and the Office of the Governor granted EMS waivers and extensions.

COVID-19 Facility Designation Information Updated May 12, 2021

Due to postponement of onsite reviews, and increased demands on hospitals due to COVID-19, facilities may consider requesting an extension to their designation expiration date. Please review the guidance document and contact our office at DSHS.EMS-TRAUMA@dshs.texas.gov.

COVID-19 EMS Education Programs Information Updated July 29, 2020

Texas EMS Educational Programs may employ a broader array of approaches to determine competency.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)/COVID-19 Resources

For Regional Advisory Council (RAC) contacts for additional personal protective equipment (PPE)/COVID-19 Resources please view contact list

News/Features

DSHS Drug Shortage Statement (February 3, 2022)
Mailing application fees to DSHS?
All applications with fees are to be sent to: Department of State Health Services, Cash Receipts Branch – MC 2003, PO Box 149347, Austin, TX 78714-9347
Texas EMS Peer Referral Program Begins April 1, 2020
Attention EMS Personnel, EMS Providers and EMS Educators: Beginning June 1, 2020, all EMS certificate/license holders will need to have completed a fingerprint-based background check before their renewal application can be approved.

The following individuals are required to submit an application/form before completing the fingerprint process
- Applicant for initial or out-of-state reciprocity EMS certification/licensure
- Applicant for Administrator of Record
If you are currently licensed or certified and have not completed the fingerprint-based background check please schedule your appointment through IdentoGO using DSHS’ code at https://uenroll.identogo.com/. To request the fingerprint service code, please email emscert@dshs.texas.gov.
It is highly recommended that this process is completed in advance of the expiration date so there is not a lapse in certification. Click here to download a list of all EMS certificate/license holders that have already completed a fingerprint based background check for DSHS EMS

EMS-Trauma Systems

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Updates

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)/COVID-19 Resources