In this News Brief:
Express Your Interest in Running for Office in 2021
At the 2021 Delegate Assembly, elections will be held for the following positions on the Board of Directors and the Nominating Committee.
SECRETARY (three-year term):
Must be a member of a Member Board, administrator of a Member Board, or an Associate Member.
TREASURER (three-year term):
Must be a member of a Member Board, administrator of a Member Board, or an Associate Member.
DIRECTOR POSITION #1 (three-year term):
Must be a current member of a Member Board at the time of election.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE MEMBER (three-year term):
Must be member of a Member Board, administrator of a Member Board, an Associate Member*, or an individual with expertise to facilitate the task of the committee.
Are you interested in running for a position? View the job descriptions and email communications@fsbpt.org before December 31, 2020. (Please include the position(s) for which you are interested.) You’ll hear about next steps in early 2021.
*An Associate Member is a former member or administrator of a Member Board, a former member of the Board of Directors, a former committee or task force member, or a member of the Academy of Advanced Item Writers.
CAPTE Rule Change
Accreditation of physical therapist and physical therapist assistant education programs is a quality-assurance process by which an external organization evaluates programs to determine if objective standards are met. If the program meets the standards, the accrediting body grants accredited status. Since 1983, the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education is the only agency nationally recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit entry-level education programs for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. Typically, state regulatory boards approve a credentialing agency in statute or rule to evaluate education programs.
On July 1, 2020, Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education final rule 84 FR 58923 went into effect. This regulation recognizes academic degrees earned from programs in preaccreditation status as being from an accredited program.
§602.23 Operating procedures all agencies must have.
(2) All credits and degrees earned and issued by an institution or program holding preaccreditation from a nationally recognized agency are considered by the Secretary to be from an accredited institution or program.
To maintain recognition by USDE, CAPTE must comply with the new regulation. According to CAPTE Interim Director Candy Bahner, PT, DPT, MS, CAPTE voted at its Spring 2020 meeting to change Rule 7.2 of its Rules of Practice and Procedure to comply with the USDE regulation and will continue making additional changes as needed. (Yellow highlight denotes current change made.)
7.2 Definition of Candidate for Accreditation. Candidate for Accreditation is a preaccreditation status, awarded prior to enrollment of students in the technical (PTA programs) or professional (PT programs) phase of the program, which indicates that the physical therapy education program is progressing toward accreditation. All credits and degrees earned and issued by a program holding candidacy are considered to be from an accredited program.
Bahner describes the process and requirements for candidacy as “similar to those for initial accreditation and reaffirmation of accreditation. The same rigor of the review occurs, and candidacy programs are expected to be making satisfactory progress toward compliance with the Standards and Required Elements.” CAPTE’s Rules of Practice and Procedure outline the strict requirements for the granting of candidacy; this multi-step process takes more than a year for program development. A program is cited and given a specified amount of time to submit a required progress report when there is a lack of progress. Additionally, the expectation is for the program to come into compliance within the period denoted in CAPTE’s Rules of Practice and Procedure. According to Bahner, “based on CAPTE’s Rules of Practice and Procedure and the rigor of the processes outlined in those rules, CAPTE doesn’t feel that the change in Rule 7.2 should cause alarm.”
Jurisdiction licensing boards take assurance that individuals completing an accredited program of study meet a consistent standard and quality of education to safely practice physical therapy. The CAPTE website is a resource for jurisdiction licensing boards, providing:
- A directory of all physical therapist and physical therapist assistant programs accredited by CAPTE located anywhere in the world.
- A directory of developing education programs that are working toward CAPTE accreditation, including the current status of the program.
- Master lists of accredited education programs for the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant, which include more in-depth information about each CAPTE-accredited program such as degrees offered, date first accredited, most recent accreditation visit, first and last graduating classes, and other notes.
Jurisdictions having questions and/or concerns should reach out to CAPTE for clarification and answers.
Maintaining and Updating JAM and Law Exams
In many states, you must pass a jurisprudence exam as a requirement for licensure in addition to the NPTE.
FSBPT develops, maintains, and administers Law Exams for six jurisdictions. These exams are administered at Prometric testing centers, similar to the NPTE, to ensure licensees are familiar with the specific practice act and rules under which they are allowed to work with the goal being public protection.
The FSBPT also created the Jurisprudence Assessment Module (JAM) as a convenient, easy-to-use learning opportunity for applicants for initial licensure and for license renewal, to meet certain jurisdiction-specific requirements. Currently, seven jurisdictions use the JAM.
As state laws are ever-changing, it takes diligence to ensure that these exams remain accurate. Since January 2020, FSBPT has made several updates to multiple JAM and LAW exams. Across four JAM exams, we made fifteen substantive changes, and across three Law exams, we made forty-four substantive changes. Most changes occurred because of rule amendments that affected items. Other modifications were due to the update to APTA Code of Ethics.
If your jurisdiction is interested in working with FSBPT on a JAM or LAW exam, learn more by watching this video, completing this brief worksheet, and emailing us to set up an initial discussion.
INPTRA Dissolving
It is with great regret, that the Board of Directors of the International Network of Physiotherapy Regulatory Authorities (INPTRA) has made the difficult decision to dissolve the organization as of the end of December 2020.
We are all facing unprecedented times and working hard to meet the many challenges COVID-19 presents. As a result, the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is unable to continue providing secretariat services effective from December 31, 2020. The pressures that FSBPT has faced during the COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on our ability to serve all of our various stakeholders and INPTRA in the current form. We have committed significant administrative time from FSBPT staff to best serve INPTRA and feel at this time we must focus staff efforts within our existing organizations and serving our membership.
INPTRA Chair William A. Hatherill said, “Over its eight years of operation, INPTRA significantly developed to a total of nineteen organizational and forty-five individual members. It fulfilled its mission of promoting excellence in physiotherapy regulation by providing a range of resources and education from a global perspective, as well as opportunities to network and collaborate with colleagues from around the world through three very well supported international conferences and an annual calendar of webinars.”
The INPTRA Board wishes to express its great appreciation to the FSBPT for its support and resources over the many years, as well as its heartfelt appreciation for the hard work and support of the many international members, committee members, and sponsors of INPTRA.
Immunity for Occupational Licensing Boards
Reps. Jaime Raskin (D-MD), David Cicilline (D-RI), and Mike Conaway (R-TX) introduced legislation (the Occupational Licensing Board Antitrust Damages Relief Act of 2020 (H.R. 8680)) that would provide immunity for damages in cases against occupational licensing boards in some circumstances. The bill will also establish the standards for immunity.
FSBPT joined eleven other organizations in signing a letter of support. We encourage you to also contact your respective member of the United States House of Representatives and your senators in support of this bill. Unfortunately, this bill is likely to languish without strong grassroots support. Find out how to contact your representative and feel free to use the draft message below:
I am writing to share my support of the Occupational Licensing Board Antitrust Damages Relief Act of 2020. The legislation seeks to protect state boards, board members, and staff from damage awards by private plaintiffs, while still allowing for enforcement of antitrust laws by federal and private actors seeking to enjoin anticompetitive behavior of licensing boards. It also conditions immunity from damages liability on licensing boards meeting certain standards. I believe that this legislation is a balanced approach to competition policy that retains enforcement mechanisms against anticompetitive activities while ensuring that current and prospective state licensing board members will continue to be willing to serve and are not dissuaded because of uncertainty over any potential personal liability arising from their public service. I hope you will support it.
FSBPT Exam Withdrawal/Re-Registration Fees
All refund and re-registration fees associated with the NPTE will be reinstated beginning December 1, 2020. FSBPT and Prometric have taken several steps to ensure that candidates are able to test during their chosen exam administration. This includes Prometric’s current seat capacity, the seat blocking FSBPT and Prometric do for each exam administration, and the addition of testing windows after each fixed date. Any exceptions will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
2020 Annual Meeting Webinar Series
As we've previously announced, FSBPT has cancelled all in-person meetings in 2020.
Instead, FSBPT is providing some educational content that would normally occur during the Annual Meeting via a series of webinars throughout the year. While cancelling the in-person meeting was not an easy decision, we are as excited about the quality of our webinar series as we have been about our in-person meetings. We have lined up outstanding speakers for you! Please take a look at the lineup, view past webinars, register for upcoming webinars, mark your calendars, and look out for more details.
FSBPT Forum: An Overview of Trauma’s Impact on Boundary Violation Investigations
Trauma victims have unique needs that regulators should be aware of. This article is based on a presentation by Michael Milnor and Nancy Oglesby at the 2019 FSBPT Annual Meeting.
Spotlight on Member Resources: Don’t Cross That Line! The Regulator’s Role in Prevention of Boundary Violations
Boundary violations are not new within physiotherapy regulation. Conduct once perceived as acceptable is increasingly viewed negatively as societal expectations regarding professional conduct have evolved.
How can regulators proactively help registrants understand the principles of professional boundaries, recognize and reset boundaries when they have been blurred and avoid significant violations? Why should state boards consider getting upstream on the issue of boundary violations? What can be learned from the experience of one physiotherapy regulator that faced major legislative changes related to this issue?
The session provided food for thought for state boards that are considering addressing this risk. Watch the webinar now.
Our Gratitude for Volunteers
This month, we thank the generous volunteer members of these groups for their support of our mission:
- Exam Development Committee-PT
- Exam Development Committee-PTA
In the News
"Smart use of artificial intelligence in health care," Kumar Chebrolu, Dan Ressler, and Hemnabh Varia, Deloitte Insights, October 22, 2020
"For the health care industry, AI-enabled solutions can provide immediate returns through cost reduction, help with new product development, and lead to better consumer engagement. We explore how health care organizations can scale up their AI investments by pairing with a robust security and data governance strategy."
"Equipping physicians for value-based care," Mark Bethke, Natasha Elsner, Randolph Gordon, and Hemnabh Varia, Deloitte Insights, October 14, 2020
"Value-based care is a critical part of any health care organization’s short and long-term strategy to contain costs and enhance quality, but data trends suggest change is slow. Discover the essentials for successfully reorienting physicians from volume to value."
Board of Directors Report
Motion adopted
To appoint Charles E. Reiter, III as the Board of Director Public Member:
January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021
Motion adopted
To appoint, reappoint or extend the following people to the task forces listed.
Item Writing Task Force PT
- Arvie Vitente, PT (FL): January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021 (Reappoint for 1 year term, served 1 year)
- Mitch Wolden, PT (ND): January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2023
- Kate Divine, PT (VA): January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2023
- Evan Petersen, PT (TX): January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2023
- Ashley Court, PT (AZ): January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2023
Item Writing Task Force PTA
- Dawn Smathers, PT (OK): January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2023 (Reappoint for 1 year term, served 2 years)
- Jessica Shrader, PTA (VA): January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021 (1 year term with option to extend)
- Annmarie Fewkes, PTA (NJ): January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2023
- Sue Bravard, PT (IA): January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2023
- Janice Lwin, PT (CA): January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2023
- Jennifer Root, PT (MI): January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2023
- Dana Kahl, PT (AR): January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2023
Motion adopted
Approve one year waiver of Management Services Fee and FSBPT Charges Through the End of the 2021 Calendar Year for LCASO/PTCC
Board Liaisons to Jurisdictions
Members of the Board of Directors serve as liaisons to multiple jurisdictions. Current liaison relationships are listed here for your reference.
Tom Caldwell
Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas
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Ruggie Canizares
Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Utah
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Ellen Donald
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina
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Joni Kalis
Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming
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Nancy Kirsch
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont
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Adrienne Price
Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia
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David Relling
Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
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John Young
The public member of the board does not serve as a liaison to jurisdictions.
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Staff Contact Information
Staff Contact Information
If you have questions, challenges or ideas, we want to hear from you!
(703) 299-3100
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Subject
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Point of Contact/Email Address
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ADA accommodations
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Christine Sousa
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Assessment or examination development questions
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Lorin Muelle
Susan Newman
npte@fsbpt.org
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Continuing competence
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Jeffrey M. Rosa
competencestaff@fsbpt.org
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Credentials review
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Jaime Nolan, FCCPT
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ELDD- Exam, Licensure and Disciplinary Database participation
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eldd@fsbpt.org
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Exam registration processing
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Christine Sousa
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Foreign educated issues
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Leslie Adrian
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Immigration
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Jamie Nolan
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JAM- Jurisprudence Assessment Module
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competencestaff@fsbpt.org
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Legislation or Model Practice Act
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Leslie Adrian
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Meeting arrangements
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Paul Delaney
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NPDB reports/questions
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Angela Burnham
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PTC- Physical Therapy Compact
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compact@fsbpt.org
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PEAT®- Practice Exam & Assessment Tool
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peat@fsbpt.org
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Reimbursement of expenses
Other financial matters
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Linda Michelsen
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School reports
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schoolreports@fsbpt.org
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Score transfer & reporting
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Christine Sousa
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SCP PET- Supervised Clinical Practice Performance Evaluation Tool
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scppet@fsbpt.org
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Security issues
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Susan Newman
security@fsbpt.org
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Anything else, including news to share with members
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William A. Hatherill
Caitlin Jennings
Communications@fsbpt.org
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Sign off: Look after yourself, do good, smile often, and enjoy a quiet Thanksgiving holiday!
- William A. Hatherill, CEO
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