Notification of Rulemaking and the Texas Register
The Board publishes all of its proposed, adopted, withdrawn and emergency rules in the Texas Register in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. Any proposed, adopted, withdrawn or emergency rule action taken by the Board can be viewed online via the Texas Register.
Proposed Rules
Members of the public wishing to review or submit public comment on a proposed rule may find instructions to do so by clicking on the corresponding link below. The deadline for submitting public comment is listed for each proposed rule change. The comment period for a proposed rule can also be found in the preamble, which can be accessed through the link to the proposed rule.
There are no rules proposed for amendment at this time.
Quadrennial Rule Review
In accordance with Texas Government Code §2001.039, the Board is reviewing Chapter 277 – Practice and Procedure and Chapter 279 Interpretations.
During this review process, the Board may determine whether a specific rule requires amendments to refine the Board’s rules that govern the certification and practice of therapeutic optometry; whether the rules reflect current practice interpretations; whether the rules reflect current procedures; that no changes to a rule as currently in effect are necessary; or that a rule is no longer valid or applicable. Rules may also be combined or reduced for simplification and clarity when feasible.
The notice was posted in the March 6, 2026 Texas Register. The deadline for comments is thirty days after publication in the Texas Register (April 6, 2026). Comments on the review these two chapters, may be emailed to janice.mccoy@tob.texas.gov or mailed to Texas Optometry Board, Attn: Janice McCoy at 1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 9.300, Austin, Texas 78701.
Any proposed amendments or repeal of a rule or chapter as a result of the review will be published in the Proposed Rules section of the Texas Register and will be open for an additional 30-day public comment period before final adoption or repeal.
Recently Adopted Rules
The following rules and rule amendments were adopted by the Board at its most recent meetings. Members of the public wishing to review an adopted rule may do so by clicking on the corresponding link below.
271.4 Licensing for Military Service Member, Military Veteran, and Military Spouse – Adopted February 2026 – effective March 16, 2026
279.16 – Telehealth Services – Adopted February 2026 – effective March 16, 2026
272.5 Definitions – Adopted November 2025 – effective December 5, 2025