The Annual Education Meeting is almost here!
Registration for the 2023 Annual Education Meeting (AEM) opened earlier this month. Register today and join us in sunny Jacksonville, Florida, October 19-21.
Funded attendees: If you are a funded attendee, you should have received travel authorization information via email, as well as an email with a unique registration link. If you have not registered and plan on attending, please use the link in the email to register. Contact communications@fsbpt.org with any questions or if you run into any issues.
Have questions about the meeting? We have answers! Visit the AEM website as your one-stop resource for all things conference, including meeting schedules and session descriptions. Explore the FAQ section for further details on a specific topic.
Book Your Travel If you are a funded attendee, you should have received your Travel Authorization. If you have not, please contact us.
No Delegate Assembly This Year
Please note that there will be no Delegate Assembly this year. However, we are still producing our annual Delegate Assembly handbook. The 2023 Delegate Assembly Handbook will be available on the Member Portal once complete. Please look out for the link to the handbook in next month's News Brief.
The Slate for the 2023 Elections
The Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the slate for this year’s elections, to take place virtually during the Annual Education Meeting, October 19-21, in Jacksonville, Florida. This year's theme will be all about, “Bringing Regulation into the Sunshine.”
Further, the Nominating Committee will be seeking candidates interested in being slated for the 2024 elections. These positions will include Secretary, Treasurer, Director #1, and member of the Nominating Committee.
Please join FSBPT in thanking the 2023 Nominating Committee Members, Joseph Shanley (Chair), Ron Barredo, and Robert Friberg, for their work this year.
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Michell- Sigmund Gaines (OR)
Director #2 | Megan Certo (IN)
Director #3 | Steven Scherger (MN)
Director #3 | Kelly King (AZ)
Nominating Committee | Adrienne (Stacy) Price (GA)
Nominating Committee |
2023 Council of Board Administrators (CBA) Candidates
We are pleased to announce that Missy Anthony is running for this year's CBA Chair, and Erin DeTomaso is running for the CBA Nominating Committee. The elections will take place at the Annual Education Meeting during the CBA forum on Thursday, October 19.
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Missy Anthony (OH)
CBA Chair | Erin DeTomaso (MN)
CBA Nominating Committee |
Membership Survey Action: You Answered, We Listened
We value your feedback. That's why we've started a new series to share the ways we're delivering. One such topic involves insights into how the FSBPT Board fulfills its financial fiduciary responsibilities. In upcoming News Brief editions, we will continue to delve into this item in more digestible pieces. In this first installment, we wish to provide a starting point.
First, Some Background
The FSBPT Board of Directors (BOD) has a significant financial fiduciary responsibility to the FSBPT organization they oversee. This responsibility includes ensuring that the FSBPT’s finances are managed prudently, ethically, and in the best interests of the members of the organization. The FSBPT BOD fulfills its financial fiduciary responsibilities in numerous ways
How the FSBPT Board Fulfills Its Financial Fiduciary Responsibilities: Installment One
The BOD plays a critical role in overseeing the financial management of FSBPT. This involves an annual process of meticulously planning and approving the organization's operational and capital budgets.
To ensure the financial health of FSBPT, the BOD collaborates with the Finance Committee, composed of dedicated volunteers from member states. Together, they bring their wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table to fine-tune the budgets.
Once the budgets are in place, it's time for monthly financial reports, akin to a thorough financial check-up. These reports allow the BOD and the Finance Committee to examine actual expenses against the budget, ensuring everything is on track. If they spot any anomalies or have questions, they don't hesitate to seek additional information.
In essence, the BOD and the Finance Committee are the guardians of FSBPT's financial stability, working diligently to ensure responsible fiscal management for the organization's continued success.
New feature! Model Practice Act Moment
Each month will focus on a different statute section from the Model Practice Act and its accompanying commentary.
3.03 Licensure [and Certification] by Endorsement
A. The board shall issue a license to a physical therapist who has a current unrestricted license [certificate] from another jurisdiction of the United States if that person meets all qualifications prescribed in [Qualifications for Licensure and Certification, Article 3.02] at the time of the applicant's initial licensure.
B. The board shall issue a license [certificate] to a physical therapist assistant who has a current unrestricted license [certificate] from another jurisdiction of the United States if that person meets all qualifications prescribed in [Qualifications for Licensure and Certification, Article 3.02] at the time of the applicant's initial licensure.
Commentary: Because of many challenges, FSBPT discourages boards from trying to reinterpret licensing test scores obtained prior to 1996. Many of the reinterpretation processes require jurisdictional boards to apply decision processes that are no longer within acceptable professional standards, such as basing a passing score on a prescribed number of standard deviations below the mean score on the test form. These processes have been abandoned because they can result in large differences in outcomes among similarly qualified candidates as a function of the test form, comparison group, and other factors. And because these processes require complex calculations of historical data, the decisions jurisdictional boards make based on the calculations take a long time and are often erroneous. It would be hard for a jurisdictional board to argue that a test score from more than two decades ago is a good indicator of a candidate’s current ability to practice safely and effectively. A passing licensing test score in another jurisdiction, at the time of licensure, should be considered a passing score in any other jurisdiction absent any other concerns about the candidate’s ability to practice safely and competently.
As the PT Compact and other legislative efforts, such as universal recognition and allowing healthcare practitioners from out-of-state licensees, provide services via telehealth without licensure, jurisdictions may consider evaluating their current endorsement requirements for applicants with a pre-1996 examination score or educated at a school that has not been accredited by an agency approved by the board. These individuals may be able to provide services in the jurisdiction (e.g., compact privilege), but find significant barriers to becoming licensed.
Serve on an FSBPT committee!
Are you interested in serving on one of the committees below beginning January 1, 2024?
- Continuing Competence
- Education
- Ethics and Legislation
- Finance
- Resolutions
- Sexual Misconduct and Boundaries
Learn more about volunteering and read the
detailed committee descriptions. Then,
submit your name for consideration.
The survey will close on October 31. The Board of Directors will make appointments by the end of the year.
The When, How, and Why of the 2024 NPTE Redesign
Over the past year, FSBPT has been working diligently to continue to update and improve many aspects of the National Physical Therapy Examinations, from candidate registration to examination development and delivery. Some of these efforts have already been implemented, while others will take effect later in 2023 and into 2024
Learn more by reading this article, "2022 NPTE Updates: Research, Innovation, and Practice Analysis Updates," and registering for the second iteration of the webinar, "The When, How, and Why of the 2024 NPTE Redesign," scheduled for November 14 at 4:00 p.m. ET.
You can also find the new content outlines on the FSBPT website, as well as Frequently Asked Questions on all the upcoming changes to the NPTE.
Stay Vigilant: New Scam Targeting Jurisdiction Licensees
First reported in last month's News Brief issue, the FSBPT Board wants to ensure you are aware of scams circulating that target licensees.
According to received reports, the scammers send an email or fax a letter on state board letterhead alleging a licensing issue. The scammers then immediately call the target before they can call the PT board office directly to confirm. Furthermore, the scammers spoof the board office's phone number to trick the licensee into thinking the call is legitimate.
We have received specific scam reports from the Alabama, Arizona, California, Georgia, and Maryland boards. Please always be vigilant and contact your state board before divulging any information.
Let the FSBPT Board Support You
The FSBPT Board is committed to supporting its member jurisdictions in their mission to protect the public. Join the ranks of states including Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Texas who have all taken a big step toward both administrative efficiency and protecting the public. They are currently leveraging FSBPT Board funds to update their electronic systems, use the FSBPT ID, and send data to the Examination, Licensure, and Disciplinary Database (ELDD).
Your state should be next! Learn more about our available grants to help jurisdictions with the following activities:
Enhancing the ELDD
The ELDD is the Examination, Licensure, and Disciplinary Database that stores information about physical therapy licenses and disciplinary actions against licensees. Jurisdictions can apply for grants to fund consulting, programming, data entry, technological upgrades, and other activities that enhance updates to the ELDD, including connecting to the API, FSBPT's tool for easily connecting data. The API automates the process of jurisdictions receiving NPTE scores and sending licensure files at a frequency of their choosing. The API enhances the accuracy, security, and timeliness of the data.
Improving Compact Privilege Implementation
For jurisdictions that are part of the PT Compact, FSBPT encourages jurisdictions to create a button on their website to "Obtain a Compact Privilege" near the "Renew My License" button so that licensees think about the compact when they renew their state license. This website enhancement can be funded through the grant program. Additionally, grants can help jurisdictions use the API to allow jurisdictions to display Compact Privilege holder information on their licensure verification system to ensure that the individual is authorized to practice in the jurisdiction.
Collecting Workforce Data
FSBPT is also interested in enhancing workforce data collection as part of licensure renewal. This can include collecting information on demographics, employment status, practice settings, and more. The data can be used to inform workforce development and policy decisions.
FSBPT offers grant funding to support its member jurisdictions in their mission to protect the public. If you are interested in receiving a grant, please send an email to FSBPT's CEO, William A. Hatherill summarizing what you would like to have funded and why it is important, or how it can improve efficiencies for your board.
Upcoming Webinars
We are hosting multiple upcoming webinars within the FSBPT Portal, allowing you to easily access member resources, groups, and events all in one place! Please follow the instructions to register.
- Login to the FSBPT Portal.
- Once you are in the portal, select "Events."
- Click on the webinar you want to register for.
- Follow the registration process.
- Select "Register Now" (it may take a moment to load).
- You will see a screen indicating the registration was successful, and you will receive an email confirmation.
- You can also use the calendar icon on the top right to add the event to your calendar. Please note, depending on your calendar and time zone settings, it may not have the right time. The time is included in the calendar description. Please confirm your time settings are correct.
- All done! We will send more information on how to join the webinar closer to the event.
FSBPT Forum: Enhancing Healthy Practice Through Self-Reflection
FSBPT’s Continuing Competence Committee has been progressing on a journey to improve healthy practice to facilitate safe and effective patient care.
The Committee has been working on a resource to help promote healthy practice for several years, which is one element of the Guidelines for Continuing Professional Development. This will be an online, self-guided resource with a three-step process to help practitioners improve their healthy practice: self-reflection, feedback and insights, and connection to resources.
Based on a 2022 Annual Education Meeting presentation by Alyssa Mitchell Gibbons, Anne Thompson, and Gwenith Fisher
Spotlight on Member Resources: Licensure Reference Guide
Based on feedback received from the membership survey, the FSBPT Board of Directors would like to highlight a different FSBPT resource each month. This month’s resource is the Jurisdiction Licensure Reference Guide. This tool compares some of the major similarities and differences among jurisdictions. Developed by FSBPT, the guide is used as a reference for educational programs, students, licensing boards, professional associations, and others.
Many Thanks to Our Volunteers
This month, we thank our generous volunteer members for their support of our mission.
- Exam Development Committee
In The News
"Physical Therapist Convicted for Paying Healthcare Kickbacks," Office of Public Affair, U.S. Department of Justice, September 2023
A federal jury in the Southern District of Florida convicted a Florida woman yesterday for paying kickbacks in exchange for Medicare patient referrals.
"Iowans speak out on plan to cut or consolidate 100-plus state boards, commissions," Ascend, Thentia, September 2023
More than 60 Iowans voiced their opinions about a proposal to consolidate or eliminate 119 of Iowa’s 256 boards and commissions at a recent hearing held by the Boards and Commissions Review Committee.
"DSPS licensing times down, number of approvals up, Evers says," Daily Reporter, September 202
"The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) is upgrading its professional licensing process, which included the launch of a new online licensing dashboard."
"A False Solution for Our Workforce Challenges," Governing August 2023, American Counseling Association
"Weakening licensing requirements for high-impact technical professions doesn’t help businesses. They value it in their hiring to maintain service quality and avoid liability and reputational damage."
"Gov. Abbott Expands State Licensing Reciprocity to Help Military Servicemembers, Families," Texas Insider, August 2023
"Governor Greg Abbott ... directed Texas state agencies to adopt administrative changes in line with Senate Bill 422 from the 88th Legislative Session and the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to expand out-of-state occupational licensing reciprocity for U.S. military servicemembers and their spouses in Texas."
"State Regulatory Processes Are Ripe for Reform," Journal of Medical Regulation, June 2023.
"How regulations are created, updated and challenged can make it easier — or harder — for citizens and businesses to weigh in on the rules that impact them. New research shows what states can do to improve their processes."
"Pediatrician from New York article Former Pediatrician Ordered to Pay $22M in Sexual Abuse Suit," The New York Times, August 2023
"The judgment is the first handed down against Stuart Copperman. More than 100 similar lawsuits are pending."
"Iowa Boy Scouts leader sexually abused minor troop members for a decade, police say," The Commonwealth Fund, July 2023
"A former Boy Scouts of America troop leader in northeast Iowa has been arrested for alleged inappropriate sexual conduct with at least five separate victims over the course of a decade."
Board Report
Recently, to advance the business of FSBPT, the board approved the motions listed. Please contact your jurisdiction board liaison if you have any questions or would like additional information.
Motion Approved Grant Funding for Ohio in the amount of $18,823.50 through the PT Compact
Motion Approved Grant Funding for Louisiana in the amount of $11,750 through the PT Compact
Motion Approved Appoint the following individuals to the Teller Committee for the 2023 elections:
- Claire Covert-ByBee, NE (Lead Teller)
- Susan Gile, KS
- Allyson McIver, WA
Board of Directors
Members of the board of directors serve as liaisons to multiple jurisdictions.
 Ruggie Canizares
Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Utah |  Ellen Donald
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee |  Joni Kalis
Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming |  Cynthia Potter
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont |
 Adrienne Price
Arkansas, District of Columbia, Kentucky, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia |  Michele Thorman
Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Ohio, West Virginia, Wisconsin |  David Relling
Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Virgin Islands |  Charles E. Reiter
The public member of the board does not serve as a liaison to jurisdictions |
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Did you know...?
FSBPT’s Board of Directors wants members to know staff is available to assist any jurisdiction with writing statutory or regulatory language. When you are crafting new laws or regulations/rules, especially involving FSBPT products such as the NPTE or Coursework Tool, or controversial topics such as dry needling, FSBPT is a resource to remember!
Staff Contact Information
Staff Contact Information
If you have questions, challenges or ideas, we want to hear from you!
(703) 299-3100
| Subject | Point of Contact/Email Address |
| ADA accommodations | Christine Sousa, ext 201 |
| Assessment or examination development questions | Lorin Mueller, PHD
Susan Newman
npte@fsbpt.org |
| Continuing competence | Jeffrey M. Rosa
competencestaff@fsbpt.org |
| Credentials review | Jaime Nolan, FCCPT |
| ELDD- Exam, Licensure and Disciplinary Database participation | eldd@fsbpt.org |
| Exam registration processing | Christine Sousa, ext 201 |
| Foreign educated issues | Leslie Adrian, ext 233 |
| Immigration | Jamie Nolan, ext 403 |
| JAM- Jurisprudence Assessment Module | competencestaff@fsbpt.org |
| Legislation or Model Practice Act | Leslie Adrian, ext 233 |
| Meeting arrangements | Paul Delaney, ext 223 |
| NPDB reports/questions | Angela Burnham, ext 249 |
| PTC- Physical Therapy Compact | compact@fsbpt.org |
| PEAT®- Practice Exam & Assessment Tool | peat@fsbpt.org |
| Reimbursement of expenses
Other financial matters | Linda Michelsen, ext 226 |
| School reports | schoolreports@fsbpt.org |
| Score transfer & reporting | Christine Sousa, ext 201 |
| SCP PET- Supervised Clinical Practice Performance Evaluation Tool | scppet@fsbpt.org |
| Security issues | Susan Newman
security@fsbpt.org |
| Anything else, including news to share with members | William A. Hatherill
Caitlin Jennings
Communications@fsbpt.org |
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| | From the clematis virginiana-lined banks of the Potomac River, where the fish are faster, the fishing boats are longer, and the fishermen are still full of stories. - William A. Hatherill, CEO
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