McAllen Senior AdvisorWho regulates senior care facilities in Texas?
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) licenses and inspects assisted living facilities, nursing facilities, adult day (DAHS) centers and home care agencies statewide, and CMS sets the federal standards that certified nursing homes also must meet.
Cities and counties do not license care providers.
Does Texas rate assisted living facilities?
No. Texas publishes licenses, inspection citations and enforcement actions in TULIP but gives no star rating to assisted living, and CMS rates only nursing homes.
Any assisted living rating you see online is from a private website, not the state.
Can any assisted living facility call itself memory care in Texas?
No. Only a Type B facility or unit certified by HHSC under 26 TAC 553.27 may advertise or promote specialized care for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.
Check the certificate in HHSC's directory.
How often are Texas facilities inspected?
Assisted living facilities are surveyed about every two years and nursing homes about once a year, unannounced, with complaint investigations in between.
TULIP shows the date of each facility's most recent visit and its citations.
Where do I report a problem in a Texas facility?
Call HHSC Complaint and Incident Intake at 1-800-458-9858 for problems in licensed facilities and agencies, and Adult Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400 for abuse or neglect of an older adult living at home.
The Lower Rio Grande Valley ombudsman program at (956) 682-3481 helps residents with complaints and rights.
How long is a Texas assisted living license valid?
Three years: HHSC's directory shows each assisted living license with an effective date and an expiration date three years later, and a new owner must obtain a new license.
If the name on the building differs from the name in HHSC's directory, ask why.
Does Texas license adult day care?
Yes. HHSC licenses day activity and health services (DAHS) centers under 26 TAC Chapter 559; a DAHS center must provide nursing supervision, a hot noon meal, activities and, when needed, transportation.
Hidalgo County has more licensed DAHS centers than any other Texas county.
Does Texas license home care agencies?
Yes. Any agency that sends staff into a home for health or personal care needs a Home and Community Support Services Agency license from HHSC, with categories for home health, hospice and personal assistance services.
Check the categories in HHSC's directory; they tell you what an agency may legally provide.
Side by side
| These answers are | These answers are not | |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Texas rules and published data, cited on our guide pages | Legal, tax or medical advice |
| Scope | General answers for McAllen and Hidalgo County | A decision about your parent's case |
| Freshness | Checked November 2026 | Guaranteed after rules or rates change |
