Michelle Sigmund-Gaines, Director, Oregon Board of Physical Therapy; Director on the FSBPT Board of Directors
One of the great strengths of FSBPT’s Council of Board Administrators (CBA) community is the simple act of sharing what we’ve learned. Whether it’s celebrating a new achievement, navigating an unexpected barrier, or discovering a smarter way to serve the public, the willingness of every jurisdiction to openly exchange information strengthens the safety and integrity of physical therapy regulation nationwide. This year’s jurisdictional board reports offer a vivid snapshot of that collective work—and a reminder that none of us advances alone.
Across jurisdictions, several themes surfaced repeatedly: modernization, efficiency, public-protection improvements, and the growing expectation for transparent, user-friendly service. Although each board operates within unique statutory and political environments, the resonance of common challenges and victories is unmistakable.
Many boards highlighted major strides in modernizing licensing systems and streamlining administrative processes. Washington and Nevada, for example, reported significant transitions to new or improved licensing platforms or process improvements. These changes allowed for clearer workflow management, faster processing times, and more dependable communication with applicants. Iowa and Arizona advanced digitization and document-management initiatives—efforts that reduce backlog, speed decision-making, and make it easier for consumers and applicants to understand requirements.
Even seemingly simple upgrades—like implementing digital fingerprinting in Iowa or improving licensee dashboards in Virginia—represent meaningful progress. Each reflects a shared recognition: good regulation requires a clear, navigable infrastructure. When boards invest in modern tools, they not only support staff and licensees; they strengthen public trust.
Another theme running through the reports is the careful refinement of rules and statutes to better reflect today’s practice realities. Wisconsin advanced work on PTA remote-supervision rules, Nebraska continued a multiyear legislative review, and Kansas adopted the Alternative Approval Pathway (AAP). While Texas avoided any consolidation attempt, its experience highlights how boards must be prepared to defend the value of specialized regulatory oversight. Meanwhile, states such as California emphasized consistent and timely disciplinary processes—an essential component of public protection.
Several FSBPT member boards, including Idaho and Alaska, acknowledged that regulatory work can be slowed or complicated by political or administrative constraints. Yet even in those situations, boards continued to move forward within their authority, focusing on achievable improvements and long-range planning.
The PT Compact continues to be a milestone achievement for many boards. For example, Alabama reported its launch of Compact Privilege issuance; other states noted growing participation and improved internal processes related to mobility and verification. These efforts demonstrate a shared commitment to reducing unnecessary barriers while maintaining strong regulatory safeguards.
A particularly strong theme this year is improved communication—both internally and externally. California’s collaboration with FSBPT to launch the CAL-JAM with stakeholder input, and their work with the DOJ on investigator and expert consultant training, exemplifies what can happen when regulators and stakeholders work together. Virginia emphasized more effective interaction with applicants and increased auditing consistency through the implementation of CE Broker. West Virginia is also implementing a JAM and passed universal licensure to make it simpler to get licensed without transcript and verification processing requirements when coming from other states, contributing to clearer expectations for applicants and educational programs.
Some boards, such as Louisiana and Oklahoma, drew attention to strengthened staff capabilities, dedicated investigative work, and successful transition planning—evidence that the human side of regulation remains fundamental.
What is striking across all reports is that the wins—big or small—reflect not only technical accomplishment but also resilience. Upgrading systems takes time. Rulemaking requires patience. Legislative shifts require diplomacy. And yet, across all jurisdictions, boards continue to show up for the work of public protection with creativity, commitment, and a steady focus on what matters most.
This collective snapshot of achievements is more than a list; it’s a map. When boards share what they’ve tried, what they’ve improved, and what they are still working toward, the entire regulatory community benefits. We refine our own strategies by learning from others. We avoid repeating mistakes. We accelerate good ideas. Most importantly, we reinforce that none of us does this work in isolation.
Jurisdictions also shared their concerns and requests for further collaboration and learning together. Even in these areas, the reports demonstrate common threads and key topics that can inform our conversations in 2026.
FSBPT’s CBA facilitates collaboration—whether in person at meetings, via the CBA ABC web meetings, or via the CBA Forum—and collaboration is a cornerstone of effective regulation. As we look ahead at 2026, as we plan our work together, may we continue to celebrate one another’s progress, support each other through challenges, and openly exchange the insights that keep us collectively effective regulators, in order to achieve our collective mission of public protection.