A Special Care Facility is an establishment that provides a continuum of nursing or medical care or services primarily to persons with acquired immune deficiency syndrome or other terminal illnesses. A Special Care Facility may also include special residential care facilities.
The Health and Human Services Commission develops rules that establish minimum standards for Special Care Facility licensing procedures; fees; administrative management; personal safety and comfort; sanitary environment; accommodations; construction; inspections; license denial, suspension, revocation and probation.
Special Care Facilities are not Medicare certified nor are they accredited.
Find or Verify a Licensee
- View the Directory of Special Care Facilities PDF
- Verify a facility license by searching the Online Licensing System
Applying for a Special Care Facility License
The application process for special hospital licensing involves:
- Health Facility Licensing Group staff who review the application and required documents for deficiencies. Refer to the application form (PDF) for fee amount, mailing address and instructions.
- Health Facility Compliance Group staff who are responsible for conducting a pre-survey conference and surveying the facility for compliance with the provisions on Health and Safety Code, Chapter 248 and TAC Chapter 125. Refer to the application form for timelines (PDF).
- Architectural Review Group staff who are responsible for approving final construction documents, plans and specifications, as well as, conducting inspections. Click here for more information on the architectural review process.
Applications and Forms
Laws & Rules
Texas Laws
Rules and Regulations
Survey Components
During the initial licensing period, Health Facility Compliance Zone Office staff will conduct an on-site survey to ascertain compliance with the provision on the Health and Safety Code and associated rules. An entrance conference will be held with key facility personnel. Zone office staff will explain the survey process and answer questions. During the survey, zone office staff will:
- Review clinical records
- Review facility policies and procedures
- Review quality assurance activities
- Review personnel records
- Interview staff
- Conduct site visits as applicable
- Exit conference with key facility personnel. Discuss survey findings.
Open Records Requests
There is no specific form for submitting your open records request. Your request must be in writing and may be submitted by mail, fax or email. Include enough description and detail about the information requested so we can accurately identify and locate the information. List your name and mailing address so we can provide you with the requested information. We may also provide you with an itemized statement of charges, if applicable, or notify you if the information you are requesting cannot be provided promptly.
Contact Information
General Email, Fax, Phone and Mailing Information
Phone: 512-834-6648
Fax: 512-834-4514
Email: healthfacilitylicensing@hhsc.state.tx.us
Mailing Address
HHSC
Health Facility Licensing
Mail Code 2835
P.O. BOX 149347
Austin, Texas 78714-9347
Mailing Address for Applications with Fees
HHSC-ARTS
P.O. BOX 149055
Austin, Texas 78714-9055
Enforcement Unit
Phone: 512-834-6634
Fax: 512-834-6623
Email: enforcement@hhsc.state.tx.us
Mailing Address:
Texas Health and Human Services
Regulatory Services Division, Enforcement Unit
P.O. Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347