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Here's a real one. Exactly as our Texas subscribers got it.

Every update looks like this: who it affects, what changed, the state's own words, and what it doesn't change. Read by a person before it went out.

TX Nurse aide

Texas plans to require fingerprints for nurse aide certification starting January 2027

Who it affects
Nurse aide certification applicants and Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Programs (NATCEPs)
Date to watch
16 January 2027
Rule
26 TAC Chapter 556

What changed

HHSC's nurse aide registry page now describes a planned conversion of the TULIP application system to a new platform called LPI, tentatively effective January 16, 2027. Alongside that conversion, nurse aide certification and renewal applications processed through LPI will require fingerprints instead of the current name-based criminal history check, and NATCEPs starting training classes after that date will no longer need to run the name-based check. Both the system conversion and the fingerprint requirement are described as tentative.

Before
Nurse aide certification and renewal applications processed through TULIP with a name-based criminal history check
After
Tentatively, applications processed through a new LPI system will require fingerprints starting January 16, 2027
Before
NATCEP applicants undergo a name-based criminal history check
After
NATCEPs starting classes after January 16, 2027 will not need the name-based check
"All nurse aide application processes for nurse aide certification or renewal completed in LPI will require a fingerprint."
Dates are tentative. HHSC describes both the LPI system conversion and the fingerprint requirement as tentative, with the page noting applicants should watch for monthly updates as implementation proceeds.

What this does not change

This does not change any current nurse aide certification, renewal, or NATCEP requirement today. The name-based criminal history check remains in place until the new system takes effect, and both the January 16, 2027 date and the LPI conversion itself are stated as tentative and subject to change.

Source: HHSC Long-term Care Regulation (LTCR) — Nurse Aide Registry Reviewed by a person · 20 Oct 2026