Texas childcare rule 746.5101(a)

Annual fire inspection required from local authority before initial permit and every 12 months thereafter.

High severity #3 most-cited rule in Texas 1,723 cited findings

Source: TX HHSC public inspection records · last reviewed 5/12/2026

By the numbers

1,723
Lifetime citations of 746.5101(a) in Texas
859
Distinct facilities cited for this rule
#3
Most-cited rule rank in Texas
High
Severity tier

What inspectors look for

  • Fire inspection expired more than 12 months ago
  • No documentation of last fire inspection on file
  • Fire inspection completed but not by authorized local authority
  • Operation requested inspection after deadline
  • Fire-marshal-identified deficiencies not corrected

Real inspector narratives (from TX HHSC records)

The fire inspection was last conducted on 01/30/23.
The current fire inspection at the operation is dated 9.3.24
According to records presented to me during inspection, the operation's last fire inspection was conducted 3/22/2024.
The fire inspection was last completed on 04/27/2022.
A current fire inspection was not available.

How to stay compliant with 746.5101(a)

Use the evidence list above as a daily-walk-through checklist. Most 746.5101(a) citations come from documentation gaps that surface during routine inspection — not surprise findings. Build the habit of capturing evidence (signed forms, dated logs, training records) and most of these go away.

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Frequently asked questions

What does Texas childcare rule 746.5101(a) require?

Annual fire inspection required from local authority before initial permit and every 12 months thereafter.

What evidence do TX HHSC inspectors look for under 746.5101(a)?

Inspectors typically check for: Fire inspection expired more than 12 months ago; No documentation of last fire inspection on file; Fire inspection completed but not by authorized local authority; Operation requested inspection after deadline; Fire-marshal-identified deficiencies not corrected.

How often is 746.5101(a) cited in Texas?

746.5101(a) is the #3 most-cited rule in Texas, with 1,723 lifetime citations across TX HHSC inspections — at least 859 distinct facilities have been cited for this rule.

What is the severity of 746.5101(a) citations?

High severity. High-severity citations weigh heavily in licensing decisions and can trigger inspections, probation, or adverse action.

Are you at risk for this rule?

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