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Tanning Facilities

Deregulation of DSHS Tanning Facilities Licensure Program - Effective September 1, 2015

Effective September 1, 2015, tanning facilities will no longer be required to hold licenses issued by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in order to conduct business in the state.  These changes were the result of amendments enacted by Senate Bill (SB) 202, passed during the 84th Texas Legislature, Regular Session (2015) and affect Health and Safety Code (HSC), Chapter 145.  All DSHS tanning facility licenses will expire on August 31, 2015 and will not be renewed. 

On September 1, 2015, enforcement of all amended provisions under HSC, Chapter 145 will become the responsibility of local law enforcement agencies or local health authorities, and in some cases, the Office of the Attorney General.  Although tanning facilities will no longer be required to license with DSHS after August 31st, they must continue to comply with the amended provisions in HSC, Chapter 145.  In addition, tanning devices used by tanning facilities must continue to comply with all federal and state laws and regulations applicable to these devices.  Tanning devices are “devices” as defined in HSC, Chapter 431 (Texas Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act) and as such are subject to the applicable requirements under the Act and the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

While DSHS will no longer have authority to promulgate rules for tanning facilities under HSC, Chapter 145, please note that many of the requirements in the rules are also required under HSC, Chapter 145.  You will continue to be responsible for complying with the amended provisions under HSC, Chapter 145 and for complying with all federal and state laws applicable to tanning devices. 

Recent amendments to HSC, Chapter 145, as enacted by SB 202, have resulted in changes to the content of warning signs required to be posted in your tanning facility, including signs posted in a conspicuous location readily visible by persons entering the establishment and signs required to be posted in conspicuous locations that are readily visible to a person about to use a tanning device.  Since DSHS will no longer have regulatory authority over the provisions of HSC, Chapter 145 on or after September 1, 2015, DSHS will not be revising the content of these signs to conform with the new requirements of SB 202 and will cease printing and distribution of its existing inventory of warning signs. 

Since enforcement of HSC, Chapter 145 will transfer to local law enforcement agencies or local health authorities on September 1, 2015, we suggest you contact your city, county and/or local health department offices in advance of this date to determine whether local licensing or permitting requirements may apply to your business.

If you have tanning facility license-related questions, please contact the Drugs and Food Safety Licensing Group for assistance at (512) 834-6727 or visit their website at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/fdlicense/.


State of Texas Eliminates Licensing and Regulation of Seven Occupations/Businesses

A new state law, Senate Bill 202, was recently passed by the Texas Legislature. The new law becomes effective September 1, 2015. State law will no longer require a license issued by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) for the following businesses and occupations:

  • Rendering businesses
  • Contact lens dispensers
  • Opticians
  • Bedding
  • Tanning facilities
  • Personal emergency response providers
  • Bottled and vended water certificates of competency

On and after July 1, 2015, DSHS will not issue new licenses or renew expiring licenses for these programs.

To learn more about Senate Bill 202, please select http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Home.aspx and enter SB202 in the search field.

DSHS will soon be notifying license holders and interested parties directly of this change in Texas law. If you have questions, please contact us via e-mail at drugs-foodsafety@dshs.state.tx.us.


The role of the Texas Department of State Health Services Drugs and Medical Devices Group in regards to Tanning Facilities is to:

  • Respond to consumer inquiries and provides technical assistance to tanning facility operators.
  • Conduct periodic inspections of tanning facilities to determine compliance with state and federal regulations, including performance standards for tanning devices.
  • Investigate consumer and trade complaints involving tanning facilities.
  • Maintain and update state requirements affecting tanning facilities and disseminates these requirements to the tanning facility operators.

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Contact Information

For General Program Assistance

Email: Drugs and Medical Devices Group
Phone: (512) 834-6755
Fax: (512) 834-6759


For Licensing Assistance

Email: Drugs and Food Safety Licensing Group
Phone: (512) 834-6727
Fax: (512) 834-6741

Mailing addresses may be found on the contact page.

Last updated October 5, 2015