Conference Date: May 5-8, 2026  
Conference Location: UT Commons Conference Center, Austin, Texas.  
Application Deadline: April 28, 2026, or until funds are exhausted. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as funding is limited.

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:

Applications are submitted via Qualtrics. Submission site: ELC Travel Reimbursement Application