Conference Date: May 5-8, 2026  
Conference Location: UT Commons Conference Center, Austin, Texas.  

The Texas Department of State Health Services announces applications for Travel Reimbursement to the Epidemiology & Laboratory Capacity (ELC) 2026: Infectious, Respiratory, and Healthcare-associated Infections Conference, sponsored by the Office of the Chief State Epidemiologist’s Emerging and Acute Infectious Disease and Healthcare Safety Units.

This opportunity is to encourage in-person participation from employees of Texas Local and Regional Health Departments. Limited travel funding is available through a federal grant to assist attendees who cannot claim reimbursement from their home offices or through a DSHS Contract (as an example – IDPS/SUR). Applicants are encouraged to apply early as funds are assigned on a rolling basis.  

Please note, funded applicants’ approved expenses are reimbursed after the Conference. Funds are not paid in advance of the Conference.

Application Guidelines and Requirements:

Applicants must comply with all stated guidelines and requirements.

Before Applying:

• Applicants should inquire with their home offices and prioritize funds appropriated for travel to training events or conferences.
• Applicants cannot request reimbursement for expenses already covered by another source.
• Submitting an application does not guarantee reimbursement approval.
• Each applicant must submit their own application (no group submissions).

Review & Selection Process

• Selection criteria:
  • Professional role
  • Purpose for attending
  • Funding availability
• Approved applicants will be notified starting Friday, March 20, 2026.

Accepted Applicants

• All travel reimbursements must follow Texas DSHS GSA rates (rates will be provided).
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to book lodging through HotelEngine.
• Non-DSHS applicants must obtain a Texas Identification Number (TIN) by filling out and submitting an AP-152 (form and instructions will be provided).
  • The AP-152 requires disclosure of personal information, such as the applicant’s address or SSN.  The form and its instructions can be reviewed in advance to see exactly what information is required: AP-152 Application for Texas Identification Number
  • Applicants with an existing Texas Identification Number (TIN) may need to resubmit an AP-152 if their mailing address or other previously filed information has changed.
  • Completed AP-152 forms should be submitted to vendor@dshs.texas.gov and may take five business days to process.
• Applicants must collect and keep all receipts for reimbursable expenses:
  • Receipts need to be itemized.
  • Hotel receipts need to show a $0 balance.
  • The following cannot be reimbursed: tips, alcohol, alcohol tax, gratuities, and/or personal hygiene items.
• Once reimbursable expenses are submitted, reimbursements are generally processed within 45 days. However, some reimbursement may take two months or longer to process due to factors such as:
  • Incomplete or incorrect expenses
  • Delays in Texas Identification number setup
  • Required internal approvals

Applicants are encouraged to ensure all information submitted is accurate and complete to avoid delays.

• Payments are generally issued through physical check and mailed to the “remit to” address on your application.

How to Apply:

The Travel Reimbursement Application is now closed.  Please reach out to EAIDUHSUConference@dshs.texas.gov with any questions.