SB918

SB918 changes how unusually qualified orthotists and prosthetists can obtain exemptions from ordinary license requirements. These are practitioners who work with custom braces/support devices and artificial limbs or other qualifying external replacements. The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation may, by rule, exempt a person from one or more academic, clinical-training or examination requirements. The person must show the department satisfactory evidence of unique qualifications. This replaces wording that a qualifying person “is entitled” to an exemption; it does not automatically license anyone claiming experience. Section 1; Professional definitions; Previous exemption law.

The department must issue the license when the person qualifies for the exemption and meets every other applicable requirement of the chapter. An exemption does not remove the need for a license or waive unrelated requirements such as the application and fee. The resulting license has the same privileges as one obtained by meeting all ordinary requirements. Renewal requirements still apply, but the commission cannot require the person to satisfy a requirement already exempted under this section as a condition of renewal. Revised section 605.254; License requirement; Ordinary eligibility requirements.

Signed June 20, 2025, the act took effect September 1, 2025. The new provision applies only to license applications submitted on or after that date; earlier applications remain governed by the law in effect when submitted. History; Sections 2–3.