2.3 Medical, Psychological, and Fitness Declarations
Key Takeaways
- Rule 217.1 requires a physician's declaration that the appointee is physically sound and shows no trace of drug dependency or illegal drug use.
- Rule 217.1 requires a psychological or psychiatric declaration of satisfactory psychological and emotional health.
- Medical and psychological declarations must be on forms prescribed by the commission and generally within 180 days before agency appointment.
- A satisfactory exam from a basic licensing course may remain valid for 180 days from academy graduation if accepted by the appointing agency.
Declaration forms and appointment readiness
Rule 217.1 treats medical and psychological readiness as formal minimum standards. For peace officer appointment, the medical examination is performed by a physician selected by the appointing or employing agency and licensed by the Texas Medical Board. The physician must be familiar with the duties appropriate to the license and appointment.
The physician must declare the appointee, on a commission-prescribed form, to be physically sound and free from defects that may adversely affect duty performance. The physician must also determine that the person shows no trace of drug dependency or illegal drug use after a blood test or other medical test.
| Declaration | Professional | Core finding | Timing concept |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical eligibility | Texas Medical Board licensed physician | Physically sound and no drug dependency or illegal drug use | Within 180 days before appointment |
| Psychological and emotional health | Licensed psychologist or licensed psychiatrist, with limited approved alternatives | Satisfactory psychological and emotional health for the license type | Within 180 days before appointment |
| Academy medical exam | Conducted as basic licensing course requirement | May satisfy initial licensure if accepted by agency | Valid 180 days from graduation |
| Academy psychological exam | Conducted as basic licensing course requirement | May satisfy initial licensure if accepted by agency | Valid 180 days from graduation |
Applied scenario guidance: if a graduate passed BPOC 210 days ago and now seeks appointment using the academy medical and psychological exams, focus on timing. Rule 217.1 says a satisfactory exam conducted for the basic licensing course may remain valid for 180 days from academy graduation if accepted by the appointing agency. After that, the scenario likely needs new declarations.
The psychological exam is detailed. It must be conducted under professionally recognized standards and methods. The process includes review of a job description, personal history statements, background documents, at least two instruments measuring personality traits and psychopathology, and a face-to-face interview after scoring.
Do not confuse a wellness discussion in BPOC with the Rule 217.1 psychological declaration. Wellness training teaches officers to recognize stress, suicide risk, substance abuse, and self-care needs. The licensure declaration is a professional assessment on a commission form for minimum standards.
Agency responsibility also appears in the rules. Rule 211.29 requires an agency chief administrator to notify the commission of failed medical or psychological examinations within 30 days on a prescribed form. That reinforces that the declaration is a regulatory record, not a private coaching note.
Exam trap: an academy instructor, field training officer, or proctor cannot simply pronounce someone medically or psychologically eligible. The exam answer must identify the required licensed professional, commission form, and timing tied to appointment or academy graduation.
Source anchors: TCOLE Statutes and Rules Handbook, Rules 217.1 and 211.29; BPOC Chapter 3, Fitness, Wellness, and Stress Management.
Who performs the medical examination described in Rule 217.1 for peace officer appointment?
Which process is required in the Rule 217.1 psychological evaluation?
A satisfactory academy medical exam may remain valid for how long from graduation if accepted by the appointing agency?