Laws and Regulations
Laws as of July 1, 2024
Selected sections of the Code of Virginia
Regulations
Regulations currently in effect for practitioners under the Board
- Regulations of the Virginia Board of Optometry - effective 5-1-2025
- Petition for Rule-making: If you would like the Board to consider amending one of its regulations or rules, you may file a "petition for rule-making". The Board is required to publish your petition in the Virginia Register and post it online at www.townhall.virginia.gov to begin a 21-day comment period on the request. Within 90 days after the comment period or 14 days after its next scheduled meeting, the Board will issue a decision on whether it will grant or deny the petition. A copy of the petition form is provided. You may email the petition to the address below, fax it to the number on the form or mail it to the Board address.
- Public Participation Guidelines - effective 12-5-2016
Laws and Regulations Governing All Health Professions
Proposed Regulations
Amendments to regulations proposed by the Board
Emergency Regulations
Amended regulations in effect for 18 months
Reports
Regulatory Town Hall
The Virginia Department of Planning & Budget has designed a Regulatory Town Hall for anyone interested in the proposal of regulations or meetings of regulatory boards.
Duty to Report Adult or Child Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation
By law, the persons licensed as health care practitioners have a duty to report to the Virginia Department of Social Services or the local departments of social services any known or suspected incidences of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children or elderly and incapacitated adults. Contact information and a copy of the law may be obtained at: Legal Requirements to Report Child Abuse and Adult Abuse
