In this News Brief:
Board of Directors Cancel All Large Group Face-to-Face Meetings for the Remainder of 2020
The board decided to cancel large, in-person meetings in light of FSBPT’s mission of public protection and for the following reasons:
- Recognizing the travel restrictions of many states and organizations,
- Recognizing the potential requirements for individuals to self-quarantine for fourteen days following out-of-state travel,
- Protecting the health and safety of our members, staff, and the public during the COVID-19 pandemic,
- Recognizing that practitioners have been economically impacted and may have little available time to attend remote meetings,
- Recognizing the CDC recommendations to eliminate all large group meetings,
- Reducing the potential risk to FSBPT should an attendee contract COVID-19, and
- Reducing the potential risk of attendees contracting and spreading COVID-19 as a result of travel and attendance at a large group meeting.
We are planning for an abridged Annual Meeting to include the Delegate Assembly, Candidate Forum, committee reports, and elections.
A remote electronic Candidate Forum will be held, on at least two occasions, to introduce the candidates for office to the membership prior to the Delegate Assembly.
There will be no educational programming at this year’s Annual Meeting, but increased educational content will be remotely delivered during 2020.
FSBPT Membership Dues Reduced by 50 Percent for 2021 and 2022
Recognizing the increased pressures COVID-19 has placed on states and the expectation that the economic impact will not be resolved in a single year, the board has approved reducing all membership dues by 50 percent for 2021 and 2022.
Board Assessment Resource Launches! Raising the BAR for Board Performance
Since the Supreme Court ruling in favor of the Federal Trade Commission in the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners case, regulatory boards are feeling pressure to demonstrate their value and effectiveness, with few ways to do so. Regulators are coming under increasing scrutiny from economists, public policy groups, politicians, and federal and state agencies to demonstrate that regulatory boards are necessary for public protection. The 2017 Leadership Issues Forum attendees said that an assessment tool developed nationally with meaningful metrics to measure public protection should be a focus of FSBPT to support member jurisdictions.
Responding to the membership’s concerns regarding criticism of occupational licensing boards, deregulation, and board consolidation, the FSBPT Board of Directors formed the Board Assessment Task Force (BATF) in 2018. The board charged the members to explore the development of an assessment tool for a member board to use that would help demonstrate the value of boards and the role that boards have in protecting the public.
The BATF has completed their work and the Board Assessment Resource (BAR) is ready for use by the membership! The BAR can be found in the Member’s Area under Resources & Topic Papers. (If you are unsure of your credentials to access the members website, please contact communications@fsbpt.org).
The individual completing the BAR should answer the yes/no questions to the best of their knowledge about the operations of the board. There are four major areas for evaluation:
- Board Performance
- Outreach & Education
- Licensure
- Complaint Resolution.
When the assessment is complete, a summative report will be generated and it may be saved by the user or printed for future reference. However, it is important to note that FSBPT will not store it. At the completion of the assessment, the user is provided a list of resources to help improve the board in the areas where the board is not currently using best practices. At this time, jurisdictions are not able to compare answers nationally, regionally, or against any other jurisdiction.
We hope member boards find this tool useful. If you have feedback or questions, please contact Leslie Adrian.
CMS Issues MLN Matters Article Clarifying Recognition of Interstate Licensure Compacts
As previously announced in February, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) advised the PT Compact Commission (PTCC) that a compact privilege is considered a valid, full license for purposes of meeting federal licensure requirements for the purposes of enrolling as a provider in Medicare. Since that time, CMS has provided guidance to the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to accept compact privileges and to re-open any applications that were denied under this basis. The only remaining item was a promised MLN Matters article on the issue.
On May 5, 2020, CMS published the Medicare Learning Network (MLN) Matters article entitled "Medicare Clarifies Recognition of Interstate License Compacts" that clarifies CMS' recognition of interstate license compacts as valid and full licenses for purposes of meeting federal license requirements. The article provides written confirmation of the CMS decision and addresses all health care licensure compacts allowing those with authorization to practice under a Compact the ability to apply as a provider and receive reimbursement from Medicare.
The PTCC is happy to bring a final and satisfying resolution to this problem. Thanks again to APTA for their assistance. As always, if you have any issues with Medicare or other insurance provider enrollment please contact the PT Compact Commission at info@ptcompact.org or 703-562-8500.
The Slate for the 2020 Delegate Assembly Elections
The Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the slate for this year’s elections at the FSBPT Delegate Assembly. Candidate statements will appear in the Delegate Handbook, which will be available on the FSBPT website for membership review in the early fall.
The Nominating Committee will hold a Candidate Forum to introduce 2020 candidates for the Board of Directors and the Nominating Committee. Further, the Nominating Committee will be seeking candidates interested in being slated for the 2021 elections. These positions will include: Secretary, Treasurer, and the Director #1 position (this director must be a current member of a member board at the time of election). The qualifications for these positions can be found in the Board and Committee Job Descriptions.
Please join FSBPT in thanking the 2020 Nominating Committee Members, Timothy Vidale (Chair), Sherri Paru, and Debbie Kubota, for their work this year.
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| Director 2: Adrienne (Stacy) Price, GA | Director 2: Jeffrey Vinzant, AL | Director 3: Joni Kalis, OR |
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| Director 3: Charlotte Martin, LA | Nominating Committee Member: Joseph Shanley, NH | Nominating Committee Member: Jennifer Wissinger, OH |
PT Compact Rapid Growth May Prove Needed Alternative in Time of Crisis
The Physical Therapy Compact continues its rapid growth in 2020, in terms of both number of participating states and number of physical therapist and physical therapist assistants getting compact privileges. As of the end of March 2020, twenty states are now actively issuing and accepting compact privileges. The continued expansion of the PT Compact means the opportunity to get compact privileges is available to thousands more PTs and PTAs across the United States. In March alone, nearly 250 compact privileges were obtained, setting a new one month record.
In part, the growth indicates the value and advantages of compact privileges are being recognized. During the national health crisis, compact privileges also offer a fast process for PTs and PTAs who are eligible to seek the privilege to practice in other states without the need for the paperwork, score transfers, license verifications, and other requirements associated with a regular license. Given the additional stress put on boards at this time, the Compact may be a much needed alternative to get PTs and PTAs the ability to practice quickly and safely, and not just on a temporary basis.
Submit 2020 Excellence in Regulation Award Nomination Forms—Due June 5
The Excellence in Regulation Award recognizes jurisdictions that have made significant accomplishments towards 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 to communications@fsbpt.org by Friday, June 5, 2020. Late submissions will not be accepted.
FSBPT Forum: Overcoming Barriers to Participation in the ELDD
The Exam Licensure and Disciplinary Database is a valuable resource for member boards to ensure public protection and it is important to use creative solutions to overcome the barriers to participation. This article is based on a presentation by Seif A. Mahmoud at the 2019 FSBPT Annual Meeting.
Spotlight on Member Resources: Webinar: Board Assessment Resource
Watch this webinar,
which is available in the Member's Area, to learn more about this important tool.
Our Gratitude for Volunteers
This month, we thank the generous volunteer members of these groups for their support of our mission:
Item Writers
Item Writer Coordinators
In the News
"New Bill Pushes For Telehealth Coverage for Therapists, Social Workers," Eric Wicklund, mHealth Intelligence, April 27, 2020
"A new bill before Congress asks that Medicare extend telehealth reimbursement during the COVID-19 crisis to physical and occupational therapists, clinical social workers, speech pathologists and audiologists."
"Board does not have immunity, U.S. court rules in accommodations case," Professional Licensing Report, April 27, 2020
"The New York State Board of Law Examiners is an arm of an agency that accepts federal funding and the board is thus not entitled to immunity under the Eleventh Amendment of the Constitution for suits under the federal Rehabilitation Act, a federal judge ruled September 18 (T.W. v. New York State Board of Law Examiners)."
"With 'Deregathon' Florida changes rules to reduce regulatory burden," Professional Licensing Report, April 27, 2020
"Since January 2019, spurred by Governor Ron DeSantis, the state of Florida has been on a deregulatory binge in matters relating to employment—with the emphasis upon occupational licensing."
"CMS Guidance Allows PTs in Private Practice to Provide Services Via Telehealth," PT inMotion, April 30, 2020
"In a major shift strongly advocated by APTA members, CMS will now include PTs in private practice among the providers able to bill for services provided through real-time face-to-face technology. But there are requirements."
"New national guidelines take a hard-line stance on doctor sex abuse," Johnny Edwards, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, May 4, 2020
"On a unanimous vote, the Federation of State Medical Boards has approved a massive overhaul of its guidelines for disciplining physicians who sexually exploit patients, advising medical boards across the country to consider the terrible impact on victims and to stop shielding doctors from consequences."
Board of Directors Report
Recently, to advance the business of FSBPT, the board approved the motions listed.
Motion Adopted:
Approve waiver of 50% of Jurisdictional Membership fees for fiscal year 2021 and 2022.
Rationale: To assist jurisdictions with possible budget constraints due to the COVID 19 pandemic
Fiscal Impact: $50,000 per fiscal year
Motion Adopted:
Approve cancellation of all 2020 large group in-person meetings. Develop abridged critical components of these meetings to be electronic.
Rationale: To protect the health and safety of our members, staff and the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fiscal Impact: Financial savings in travel and meeting costs
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 CaldwellArkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas |  Ruggie CanizaresColorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Utah |  Ellen DonaldAlabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina |  Joni KalisAlaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming |
 Nancy KirschConnecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont |  Adrienne PriceDelaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia |  David RellingIowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands |  John YoungThe 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
| Subject | Point of Contact/Email Address |
| ADA accommodations | Christine Sousa |
| 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 |
| Foreign educated issues | Leslie Adrian |
| Immigration | Jamie Nolan |
| JAM- Jurisprudence Assessment Module | competencestaff@fsbpt.org |
| Legislation or Model Practice Act | Leslie Adrian |
| Meeting arrangements | Paul Delaney |
| NPDB reports/questions | Angela Burnham |
| PTC- Physical Therapy Compact | compact@fsbpt.org |
| PEAT®- Practice Exam & Assessment Tool | peat@fsbpt.org |
| Reimbursement of expenses
Other financial matters | Bill Aronson
Linda Michelsen |
| School reports | schoolreports@fsbpt.org |
| Score transfer & reporting | Christine Sousa |
| 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
Francois Marjorie
Caitlin Jennings
Communications@fsbpt.org |
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| | Sign off: Look after yourself, do good, smile often, and enjoy the coming beginning of summer! - William A. Hatherill, CEO
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