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Texas HCSSA Administrator Requirements for PAS Agencies: Qualifications, Training Hours and Presurvey Training
A Texas PAS agency needs one administrator and one alternate. Neither has to hold a license, but both must meet the qualifications in 26 TAC §558.244(a)(3). A first-time administrator or alternate must also finish 8 hours of administration training before designation and 16 more within 12 months (§558.259). After that, every administrator and alternate completes 12 hours of continuing education in each 12-month period (§558.260).
One administrator and one alternate
The license holder designates an administrator and, in writing, an alternate who meets the same qualifications (26 TAC §558.243(a)). HHSC's HCSSA FAQ says multiple administrators aren't allowed. The administrator manages daily operations, supervises how policies are carried out, makes sure documentation is accurate and timely, and oversees staff education and evaluations (26 TAC §558.243(b)(1)). The administrator or alternate must be available to staff, in person or by phone, during operating hours (26 TAC §558.243(b)(2)).
Qualifications for a PAS-only agency
Under 26 TAC §558.244(a)(3), each must meet at least one of these:
- a high school diploma or GED plus at least one year of experience or training in caring for people with functional disabilities;
- two years of full-time study at an accredited college or university in a health-related field; or
- the qualifications for a home health or hospice administrator in §558.244(a)(1)(A) or (B).
HHSC's FAQ confirms that for agencies providing only PAS, the administrator and alternate "do not have to be licensed." Both must also be able to read, write and understand English (26 TAC §558.244(b)(1)). Some recent enforcement history or criminal convictions can disqualify a person (26 TAC §558.244(b)(4)-(5)).
Training hours for a first-time administrator
| When | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Before designation | 8 clock hours in agency administration, completed in the 12 months before designation. Must cover the licensing standards and the listed state and federal laws, including Texas Health and Safety Code Chapters 142 and 250, Human Resources Code Chapter 102, the ADA, FMLA and OSHA requirements (26 TAC §558.259(c)). |
| Within 12 months after designation | 16 more clock hours (24 total), covering fraud and abuse prevention, advance directives, client rights and confidentiality, agency responsibilities, complaint investigation, emergency preparedness, and abuse, neglect and exploitation, among other listed subjects (26 TAC §558.259(d)). |
| Every 12 months after that | 12 clock hours of continuing education, including at least two of the listed topics, such as policy development, ethics, quality improvement or risk management (26 TAC §558.260(a)). |
The training must come from an academic institution, a recognized state or national organization or association, an independent consultant, or an agency. If an agency or consultant provides it, the training must be approved by HHSC or recognized by a state or national organization or association (26 TAC §558.259(e)). HHSC's Presurvey Training doesn't count toward the 24 initial hours or the 12 yearly hours (26 TAC §558.259(g); 26 TAC §558.260(d)).
Presurvey training comes first
The administrator and alternate must complete HHSC's computer-based Presurvey Training before the agency applies for a license (26 TAC §558.13(a)).
Records to keep
Keep training documentation on file at the agency. For initial training, record the class name, course content, hours and dates, and the provider's and trainer's name and contact information (26 TAC §558.259(f)). For continuing education, record the class name, topics, and hours and dates (26 TAC §558.260(c)). A simple training log per person makes this easy to show a surveyor.
Policy 1.4, Policy 1.10 and Form P cover this in the manual
The Standardsmith Texas PAS manual gives you 36 editable policies and 25 forms, each policy tied to its Chapter 558 rule. $199 for the first 50 founding copies, then $349. Free revised pages for Texas rule changes to the sections in your manual for 12 months after purchase.
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Pending rule changes: On September 18, 2026, HHSC proposed amending most of Chapter 558 (51 TexReg 6429). As of November 15, 2026, it hadn't been adopted. Recheck the current rule text before you rely on any detail here.
Sources
Each was read on November 15, 2026. Texas Administrative Code links open the official Texas Secretary of State rules portal.
- HHSC: HCSSA Frequently Asked Questions (updated July 2026)
- 26 TAC §§558.13, 558.243, 558.244, 558.259, 558.260 (Texas Secretary of State portal, queried as of Nov 15, 2026)
Related guides
- How to start a non-medical home care agency in Texas
- Texas PAS policies and procedures: what Chapter 558 requires in writing
This guide is general information about Texas rules, not legal advice. Standardsmith isn't affiliated with Texas HHSC. Verify current requirements with Texas HHSC and, for legal questions, talk to a Texas health care attorney.