Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) Providers
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What is a Personal Emergency Response System? According to Chapter 781 of Texas Health and Safety Code, a Personal Emergency Response System is “an alarm system that is installed in the residence of a person; monitored by an alarm systems company; designed only to permit the person to signal the occurrence of a medical or personal emergency on the part of the person so that the company may dispatch appropriate aid; and not part of a combination of alarm systems that includes a burglar alarm or fire alarm”.

What is a Personal Emergency Response Systems Provider? According to Chapter 781 of Texas Health and Safety Code, a PERS provider is any entity that “sells, installs, services, monitors, or responds to a personal emergency response system”.

Which PERS Providers must be licensed with DSHS? Any PERS Provider that does not offer PERS services in combination with other alarm services (i.e. fire, burglar) (Entities that provide PERS services along with other alarm services must be licensed with the Department of Public Safety (DPS)).

Who is exempt from the PERS licensing requirements? According to Ch. 781 of Texas Health and Safety Code, the following entities are exempt:

• Government employees who provide PERS services as part of their government job.
• Law Enforcement personnel who provide PERS services as part of their job; and
• Hospitals, hospital subsidiaries, or hospital affiliates

When did Chapter 781 become effective? September 1, 2005.

Where were PERS Providers previously licensed? PERS providers were formerly regulated along with providers of other alarm systems by The Department of Public Safety and were regulated under Chapter 1702 of the Texas Occupations Code.

Which PERS Provider employees must be registered? According to Chapter 781 of Texas Health and Safety Code, the following PERS Provider employees must be officially registered with DSHS:

• alarm systems installers
• manager or branch office managers
• security salespersons who may enter a client's residence at any time on the job
• owners, officers, partners, or shareholders involved with day to day business decisions

How can I become licensed as a Texas PERS Provider or registered as a PERS employee? Visit our website at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/pers/default.shtm and download the License Application form, Certificate of Proof of Liability Insurance form, all necessary Registration Application forms (see below), and a Branch Office License Application for each branch office. Complete these forms entirely and return them with appropriate fees.

How long is the license/registration period? Licenses and registrations issued will be valid for two years. This period may initially vary in order to keep all employee registrations on the same track as the employer license.

Last Updated May 9, 2006