Training Required: Human Trafficking Prevention Training for Health Care Practitioners
Beginning September 1, 2020, certain health care practitioners who provide direct patient care must complete an approved human trafficking prevention training course in order to renew their license. In order to satisfy the training requirement, the course must be approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
Health care practitioners are in a unique position to intervene in human trafficking, one of the most insidious and seemingly invisible public health challenges. This includes both labor and sex trafficking, and may involve people of any age, gender, race/ethnicity, nationality, immigration status, or sexual orientation. Victims and survivors of human trafficking may be seen at local clinics, emergency departments, or other medical settings and the health care team’s actions at that moment can make a life-saving difference. This training is meant to provide you with a variety of resources to inform and support planning for that critical response.
Who Must Complete the Training?
All Dental Health Care Personnel, including Dentists, Hygienists and Dental Assistants.
When Does the Training Have to be Completed?
The training requirement goes into effect on September 1, 2020 and is required for every renewal on or after that date. The training course is not required for license renewals submitted before September 1, 2020. Licensees must continue to complete an approved training course during each subsequent renewal cycle.
How Do I Take the Training?
Training courses must be approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). You can find more information on HHSC’s Health Care Practitioner Human Trafficking Training webpage.
For a list of HHSC approved courses click here; https://hhs.texas.gov/services/safety/texas-human-trafficking-resource-center/health-care-practitioner-human-trafficking-training.
You do not need to submit a copy of your course completion certificate with your license renewal. However, you should keep a copy of the certificate for your records. TSBDE may request proof of the training at any time.
Why is this Happening?
This training requirement is a result of House Bill 2059 (86R), which passed during the 2019 legislative session. This bill updates Texas Occupations Code, Ch. 116, which affects all health care professions who provide direct client care listed under Texas Occupations Code Title 3.
Help and Support
For assistance and questions regarding the training registration process, printing of certificates, or other training-related issues, please visit HHSC’s Health Care Practitioner Human Trafficking Training webpage for more information or contact HHSC by email at human_trafficking@hhsc.state.tx.us.