In this News Brief:
Leadership Opportunity with the FSBPT Council of Board Administrators
The FSBPT Council of Board Administrators (CBA) is excited to announce an open leadership position for the upcoming term. This year, one opportunity is available to serve as the CBA Chair from Fall 2025 to Fall 2027.
We encourage all members to get involved and help lead this vital community. Your participation will guide our ongoing discussions and the implementation of our shared vision.
If you are interested in nominating yourself or someone else, please send names to cbanominating@fsbpt.org by Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Cross-Profession Minimum Data Set
Item Writers Item Item Writers PItem Writers PIr Safe Haven Programs—Alternatives to Discipline in Times of Burnout, Mental Health, and Substance Use Learn about maintaining professional boundaries, understanding the consequences of misconduct, and discovering how you can contribute to a safer, more ethical healthcare environment. This article is based on a 2024 webinar presentation by Mira Mariano, Samantha Mohn-Johnsen, and Sherri Paru. The FSBPT Council of Board Administrators (CBA) is excited to announce an open leadership position for the upcoming term. This year, one opportunity is available to serve as the CBA Chair from Fall 2025 to Fall 2027.
We encourage all members to get involved and help lead this vital community. Your participation will guide our ongoing discussions and the implementation of our shared vision. If you are interested in nominating yourself or someone else, please send names to cbanominating@fsbpt.org by Wednesday, April 30, 2025. The effectiveness of the ELDD hinges on the participation and timely data updates from member boards. It provides critical and timely information about applicants being evaluated for licensure and alerts jurisdictions to sanctioned licenses and disciplinary actions finalized against licensees in other jurisdictions. The ELDD API further enhances data exchange by providing a secure REST API for jurisdictions to exchange data with FSBPT, improving security and efficiency. FSBPT has grants available to jurisdictions to help them leverage this valuable resource. Learn more about the ELDD on our website and learn about available grants in the article below.
Hannah Maxey from Veritas Health Solutions and Mario Baker, Chair of the PT Cross-Profession Minimum Data Set (CPMDS) Task Force, have been focusing on healthcare workforce data, the CPMDS Tool, and physical therapy profession-specific response options for the CPMDS. Veritas facilitated the task force's mission to produce a final set of recommendations for customized PT/PTA mappable responses and flexible responses for the CPMDS. The task force included appointees from several organizations:
- American Academy of Physical Therapy (AAPT)
- American Council of Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT)
- American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
- Board members and staff from several jurisdictions that collect workforce data
Health workforce shortages have become a significant topic within health policymaking circles. The recent pandemic has exacerbated these shortages, stressing the workforce and highlighting the need for comprehensive and accurate workforce data. Accurate data is crucial for policymakers to make informed decisions to address these shortages and ensure the sustainability of the healthcare system.
Currently, various professional associations collect workforce data from different sources and tools, leading to inconsistencies in the data collected. This inconsistency poses a challenge for policymakers who require reliable data to develop effective policies. Establishing a CPMDS is essential to standardize workforce data collection across different healthcare professions. The state license renewal period provides an opportunity to gather updated workforce information effectively. Unlike other governmental or private sector processes, the renewal period ensures that all licensed professionals provide current data, making it an effective point for comprehensive workforce data collection.
A Cross-Profession Minimum Data Set (CPMDS) is needed to ensure consistency in health workforce data. In 2022, seven national organizations reviewed existing survey tools and prepared the CPMDS to serve as a resource for federal and state governments, organizations, and researchers seeking to collect health workforce data. The CPMDS is a consensus list of eighteen core questions and six supplemental questions designed to standardize data collection across various health professions. Broad adoption of the CPMDS will streamline current initiatives and support future efforts by ensuring comparability across health professions data.
Share Your Webinar and Annual Education Meeting Ideas!
We are accepting presentation ideas and proposals for 2025 webinars and in-person sessions at the 2025 Annual Education Meeting in Spokane, Washington.
If you have a specific idea, please submit a proposal. However, we are also interested in learning about jurisdictions' experiences with regulatory topics and your general ideas on what issues we should examine. We encourage all board members, administrators, and other stakeholders to share topics and ideas with us. You can also watch webinars and meeting sessions on FSBPT's YouTube Channel to learn what we've recently covered.
Excellence in Regulation Award Nominations Due May 30
The Excellence in Regulation Award recognizes jurisdictions that have made significant accomplishments toward increasing public protection for consumers of physical therapy services in a number of areas. To nominate a jurisdiction, including your own, submit a Nomination Form by Friday, May 30, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Model Practice Act Moment
We will focus on a different statute section from the Model Practice Act and its accompanying commentary each month. In 2025, we will be focusing on the twelve sections of Article 4.
Article 4: Regulation of Physical Therapy
4.03 Patient/Client Care Management
A. A physical therapist is fully responsible for managing all aspects of the physical therapy care of each patient/client. A physical therapist shall provide:
- The initial evaluation, determination of diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of treatment intervention and documentation of each encounter with each patient/client;
- Periodic reevaluation and documentation of each patient/client;
- The documented discharge of the patient/client, including the patient’s/client’s response to treatment intervention at the time of discharge.
B. A physical therapist shall assure the qualifications of all physical therapist assistants and physical therapy aides under their direction and supervision.
C. For each patient/client on each date of service, a physical therapist shall provide all the treatment intervention that requires the education, skills, and knowledge of a physical therapist and shall determine the use of physical therapist assistants or physical therapy aides to ensure that the delivery of care that is safe, effective, and efficient.
- A physical therapist assistant shall work under a physical therapist’s supervision. A physical therapist assistant shall document the care they provide.
- A physical therapist may use physical therapy aides for designated routine tasks. A physical therapy aide shall work under the supervision of a physical therapist.
D. The physical therapist shall communicate the plan of care with, and obtain informed consent from, the patient/client or their legally authorized representative.
E. A physical therapist’s responsibility shall include accurate documentation and billing of the services provided.
F. A physical therapist assistant’s responsibility shall include accurate documentation and billing of the services provided.
G. Nothing in this [Act] shall prohibit a licensee[certificate holder] from providing physical therapy to animals for which the licensee[certificate holder] has completed the education and training as further established by rule.
Commentary
Physical therapists are professionally and legally responsible for the treatment interventions they personally render as well as those components of intervention rendered by personnel under the physical therapist’s supervision. This responsibility is not diminished when persons assisting the physical therapist are licensed, certified or otherwise regulated. The practice of physical therapy includes examination, evaluation and testing for purposes of determining a diagnosis, a prognosis, a plan of treatment intervention, and an assessment of the ongoing effects of treatment. These responsibilities are evaluative in nature and can only be performed by a physical therapist.
The physical therapist shall ensure that patients are provided appropriate treatment that is delivered in a reasonably safe manner, that, where known standards of practice exist, such treatment adheres to applicable standards, and that recognized standards of ethics, as established by rule or otherwise, are followed. In the event the evaluation or re-evaluation reveals a condition or suspected condition which is beyond the PT scope of practice, the therapist shall communicate these findings to the patient’s primary care provider or make a referral to an appropriate provider of care.
The use of personnel assisting the physical therapist is a patient care management decision made by each physical therapist. The physical therapist must determine whether personnel assisting the physical therapist are qualified to perform the designated activity, and their qualifications should be verified and documented. For the physical therapist assistant, this should at least include documentation of educational training and regulatory credentialing. For physical therapy aides, this should at least include written evidence of on-the-job training by the physical therapist.
This language requires the physical therapist to personally provide those services that require his or her expertise and to determine the appropriate tasks that shall be assigned to assisting personnel for each patient on every date of service. The physical therapist must ensure that the use of supervised personnel is an efficient use of resources and is based on patient safety and treatment efficacy.
There are limits to a physical therapist’s capacity to fulfill the responsibilities of direct patient care as well as to fulfill a supervisory role over other personnel. Jurisdictions shall wish to adopt rules that specify a reasonable limit on the number of physical therapist assistants, aides, and students that a physical therapist shall personally supervise.
The language of this section provides authorization for the physical therapist assistant to work in an offsite setting and under the general supervision of a physical therapist. If a jurisdiction opts for a different supervision level it should be specified in this section. For example, a jurisdiction requiring onsite supervision of a physical therapist assistant could insert “onsite” prior to the word “supervision” in the first sentence. Any other supervisory limits or requirements and procedures related to communication and documentation should be specified here or clarified in rules.
Jurisdictions are encouraged to adopt the basic language in Paragraph C.2 that limits the use of aides to working only under the supervision of a physical therapist or allowing use of an aide in an offsite setting only when directly helping a physical therapist assistant or performing tasks which are not patient-related. The phrase “designated routine tasks” in the model definition of a physical therapy aide is distinctly different from “selected components of intervention” as used in the model definition for physical therapist assistants. If a jurisdiction chooses to enact more explicit restrictions on the duties of a physical therapist aide, a more detailed definition of “designated routine tasks” should be included in rules.
There are many situations in extended care, home health or school settings, where physical therapists train others to carry out certain exercises or activities for the benefit of patients/clients. However, unless a physical therapist is onsite and providing supervision as an integral part of a physical therapy plan of care and treatment intervention these activities should not be represented as physical therapy services.
Informed consent is not a passive, one-time, one-way push of information from the provider of physical therapy services to the patient/client (legally authorized representative). Instead, it is a process by which the patient/client is given an explanation of the treatment plan of care (or specific treatment being performed), the opportunity to ask questions and be made aware of any risks and ultimately decide whether or not to move forward with the proposed intervention. Informed consent is a two-way ongoing process between the provider and the patient/client respecting the right of the patient/client to make decisions regarding their healthcare.
The practice of physical therapy continues to evolve including the treatment of animals. While there is currently no consistent standard of specified education and training, it is appropriate to note that additional rule development in a jurisdiction may address minimum standards to demonstrate competency to provide physical therapy to animals.
Available Funding Opportunities
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, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, and the Virgin Islands, that have all taken a big step toward both administrative efficiency and protecting the public. They are currently leveraging FSBPT Grants to enhance the ELDD, improve compact privilege implementation, and collect workforce data.
Your state should be next! Learn more about our available grants to help jurisdictions with enhancing your participation in or communication with our Examination, Licensure, and Disciplinary Database (ELDD), improving compact privilege implementation, or collecting workforce data.
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! Be sure to register for these upcoming webinars:
Regulatory Hour with Dale Atkinson: Board Efficiencies
April 16, 4:00 p.m. ET
Regulatory Hour with Dale Atkinson: Board Meetings
June 18, 4:00 p.m. ET
Regulatory Hour with Dale Atkinson: Proactive Boards
August 20, 4:00 p.m. ET
Regulatory Hour with Dale Atkinson: Final Orders
October 15, 4:00 p.m. ET
Expanding PT Practice into Health and Wellness Services
November 18, 4:00 p.m. ET
Regulatory Hour with Dale Atkinson: A Year in Review
December 17, 4:00 p.m. ET
To register, please log in to the FSBPT Portal, select "Events," and click on the event you'd like to register for.
Send Us Additional Recipients
Do you know of any individuals or groups that would be interested in receiving our monthly News Brief? Do you have new board members or staff starting in 2025? Or did someone forward this to you, and you'd like to be on our list?
Please send any referrals our way! Contact us via email at communications@fsbpt.org with information, ideas, or suggestions.
We appreciate your collaboration in our effort to further our mission to protect the public.
FSBPT Forum: Safe Haven Programs—Alternatives to Discipline in Times of Burnout, Mental Health, and Substance Use
FSBPT Member Boards have been championing a new way of addressing mental health and substance use issues among industry professionals—safe haven programs. This article is based on a 2023 Annual Education Meeting presentation by Missy Anthony, Timothy Keck, and Katie Stuart.
This session addressed regulatory board audits and their processes and provided an analysis of how important it is to always be prepared. Whether an audit or legislatively required sunset review, boards of physical therapy must always be ready to substantiate their effectiveness and efficiencies.
Many Thanks to Our Volunteers
This month, we thank our generous volunteer members for their support of our mission.
- Exam Development Committees
- Item Writers
CEO's Retirement: Reflections and Future Directions
I have given notice to the FSBPT Board of Directors of my intention to retire at the end of 2025. The Board of Directors has engaged the search firm WittKieffer to assist with the search process for the next CEO. WittKieffer is an executive search and advisory firm that develops inclusive, impactful leadership teams for organizations. WittKieffer’ s consultants working with FSBPT are Megan Welch, Jeff Schroetlin, and Angela Raphael.
First, the leadership of the board and board presidents over the years has led to the transformation of FSBPT and the many related organizations. I will always have deep respect for our board’s vision and commitment. Secondly, I am always humbled by the work of our many volunteers on the NPTE and member jurisdictions, as well as our related organizations. None of what we have achieved would be possible without our volunteers. Further, the input that members have provided to the board and the board’s willingness to remain open to change via the Leadership Issue Forum has been vital to our success. Lastly, know that the staff assembled at FSBPT to serve the membership deserves all of the credit for our internal success. They have a fond passion for each of you, individually and collectively, for what you do for the public in serving as volunteers. Our staff, both current and past, have provided the backbone to the organizations’ achievements. It has been my pleasure to work with this excellent staff and to serve in my role.
William Hatherill
Chief Executive Officer
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
In the News
FSBPT provides the following links for your education and awareness but does not endorse the content.
"CUTTING RED TAPE RECOMMENDATIONS TO PROTECT PEOPLE AND PROMOTE BUSINESS," LARA, February 2025
"In the simplest terms, the Cutting Red Tape Report is about protecting people and promoting business in the state of Michigan. In total, it includes nearly 80 recommendations that will make it easier for professionals in various industries to earn and maintain their license to practice in Michigan – and meet critical workforce needs without compromising public health or safety. It also highlights initial steps already taken by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) amid the compilation of this report."
"Physical therapists in the U.S. reentering practice: Considerations for regulators and educators about the effects of disuse of performance," Journal of Adult and Continuing Education, Catherine Dower and David Z Hambrick, January 21, 2025
Limited empirical evidence exists to describe and classify the effects of professional inactivity on the competence of physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) who may return to practice after extended absences from patient care. This article presents results of the first empirical study concerning the nature of PT and PTA critical work activities (CWAs) and of the impact of disuse on competence in these CWAs for providers. Some areas of practice were judged by subject-matter experts to be more significantly impacted by disuse relative to others. Moreover, some areas of practice were judged to be returned to minimal competence within short amounts of time while other areas were judged to require more time. The results justify regulatory interventions and re- or continuing education for PTs and PTAs seeking to return to clinical practice after significant periods of inactivity.
"California Bar Orders Investigation Of Flawed Exam," LAW360, Emily Sawicki, March 7, 2025
"The State Bar of California is bringing on an independent investigator to look into the problem-plagued administration of the February bar exam, which left scores of test-takers feeling cheated."
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.
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.
To appoint the following persons to the following Committees:
Workforce Data Structure Approaches Task Force
- Betsy Becker – Nebraska
- Adrienne Price – Georgia
FSBPT Board of Directors
Members of the board of directors serve as liaisons to multiple jurisdictions.
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Stephen Curley Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia
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Craig Miller Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Utah
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David Relling Hawaii, New Jersey, North Dakota, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, and Virgin Islands
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Steven Scherger Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas
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Michelle Sigmund-Gaines Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming
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Michele Thorman Delaware, District of Columbia, Iowa, Nebraska, Nevada, Virginia, and Wisconsin
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Krista Wolfe Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont
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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
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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 Mueller npte@fsbpt.org
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Continuing competence
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Jeffrey M. Rosa
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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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JAM@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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David Sigman, ext. 226
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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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From the bountiful blue spruce banks of the Potomac, 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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