FSBPT Board Holds Workshop on Model Practice Act
The Board of FSBPT held its first-ever joint APTA Chapter/FSBPT Jurisdiction Model Practice Act workshop on July 17. The workshop was attended by representatives from thirty-two jurisdictions, including regulatory boards and state chapters of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
The workshop began with a welcome from David Relling, President of FSBPT, and Susan Appling, Vice President of APTA. FSBPT's Ethics and Legislation Committee then facilitated a discussion of the current version of the Model Practice Act (MPA). The MPA is a comprehensive document that sets forth the standards for the practice of physical therapy. It includes provisions on the scope of practice, qualifications for licensure, and disciplinary procedures.
During the workshop, participants reviewed the current state of their own practice acts and compared them with the model language in the MPA. They also discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with updating their practice acts. The workshop was a valuable opportunity for participants to share ideas and learn from each other.
Leadership Issues Forum Wrap-up
The FSBPT Board held the 2023 Leadership Issues Forum in Arlington, Virginia, July 15-16. This is an annual meeting in which the Board invites Voting Delegates and Funded Administrators from all jurisdictions, as well as other stakeholders, including committee chairs and representatives from APTA, CAPTE, and ACAPT. The weekend forum provides our leaders with an overview of the topics and projects that are currently on the “front burner” for FSBPT and regulatory entities.
A total of 128 attendees discussed digital health and AI; sexual misconduct and boundary violations; diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; and many other critical and emerging issues. The presentation slides are available to members in the member portal. Look out for the 2023 Leadership Issues Forum Report in the next issue of the News Brief.
Task Forces Review NPTE Passing Standard
In June and July, two task forces met to review the passing standard for the NPTE for PTs and PTAs. These panels were diverse with respect to panelist background, area of expertise, and practice setting, including eighteen professionals for the PTA task force and twenty for the PT task force. The panels met over three days to consider how results of the practice analysis, and subsequent changes to the content outline, affected the passing standard for the NPTE at each exam level.
The FSBPT Board of Directors is expected to review the task forces’ recommendations in September. We don’t expect that the revisions to the passing standard will cause a substantial change in first-time pass rates. The FSBPT Board thanks the task forces for their efforts.
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.
More information on registration for the Annual Education Meeting will be posted in August. Visit the event page and stay tuned!
 |  |  |  |  |
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 |
The Regulatory Hours Are Now Available on YouTube!
As mentioned in the June News Brief, we recently conducted a membership survey. Some of the main feedback was that we have many resources, including some helpful recorded webinars, that are difficult to find or access.
We are tackling multiple projects to address this, but we are happy to share that the Regulatory Hours can now all easily be found on a YouTube playlist! Dale Atkinson, renowned for his expertise in addressing crucial legal matters pertaining to regulatory boards, shares invaluable insights and knowledge in these engaging sessions. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and stay up-to-date with legal developments.
Look out for more news about improvements we will make as a direct response to membership feedback soon.
The PT Compact Expands
In the month of June, the Governors of Vermont, Connecticut, and Maine signed their state’s respective compact legislation. This brings the total membership of the Physical Therapy Compact to thirty-seven!
The Connecticut bill had an effective date of July 1, 2023. The Vermont bill goes into effect on July 1, 2024, and the Maine bill has an effective date of January 1, 2026. The Compact Commission will begin the process of working with these three jurisdictions to implement the provisions of the PT Compact to allow them to accept and issue compact privileges.
Check out the PT Compact map to learn about your state's status!
FSBPT Board Asks the National Governors Association to Consider DEIB in Board Appointments
FSBPT recently sent a letter to the National Governor's Association (NGA) urging governors to consider diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) when making appointments to state regulatory boards.
In the letter to the NGA, FSBPT shared the following thoughts:
- Appointments to state regulatory boards should consider a wide range of factors, including age, class, ethnicity, gender, health, physical and mental ability, race, sexual orientation, religion, physical size, education level, and geographical location to ensure broad representation for the citizens of the state.
- Filling vacant seats on state regulatory boards should continue to be a priority and be coupled with outreach to the community to ensure that members of the public, and the regulated professions, are aware of opportunities to serve. Governors should make appointments in an open and transparent manner that encourages and enables individuals to serve in these vital roles.
Federal Law Brings Relief to Military Spouses and Questions to Licensing Boards
President Biden signed the Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act provision of the Veterans Auto and Education Improvement Act on June 14. The bill passed by the 118th Congress (2023-2024) modifies Chapter 50 of Public Law 118-6, improving the portability of covered professional licenses for servicemembers and spouses specific to a military-mandated move to another jurisdiction. It also excludes law licenses and is effective immediately.
For the servicemember or spouse to be eligible, the license must be in good standing, and the individual must have been actively using the license in the two years immediately preceding the military move. For any occupational license with an interstate compact in place, that license takes precedence, and the servicemember/spouse must use the compact option.
The law has been passed, but there is uncertainty as to which department will implement the regulations: Departments of Defense, Justice, or Labor. There has been no guidance forthcoming, and thus there is no interpretation of the law or implementation information. Many states are awaiting this type of guidance before putting any of their own guidance in place or taking action to change their procedures.
There is also a question as to whether the law is overreaching and potentially a breach of the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution, which reserves to the states all powers not specifically delegated to nor prohibited by the United States. Occupational licensing has been one of the issues that has been under state domain.
For more information, Dale Atkinson presented this topic in a recent webinar: June 2023 Regulatory Hour: State Versus Federal. If you are interested to hear more about military spouses and professional licensing, please look out for more information on a webinar to be held on November 7.
Funding Available to Enhance the ELDD, Improve PT Compact Implementation, and Collect Workforce Data
FSBPT is committed to supporting its member jurisdictions in their mission to protect the public by providing grants for various activities. We have grants available 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 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 on 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 in 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.
2023 Excellence in Regulation Award Recipients
Please join us in congratulating Minnesota and Ohio, our 2023 recipients of the Excellence in Regulation Award!
FSBPT Forum: A Collective Approach to Increasing Fairness and Reducing Bias on the NPTE
FSBPT uses multiple approaches to ensure the NPTE remains a fair and equitable tool to promote public protection. This article is based on a 2021 webinar presented by Lorin Mueller, Colleen Lettvin, Ashley Ray, Jenny Lapnawan, and Joanne Wagner.
Spotlight on Member Resources: FSBPT's Seventh Edition of the Model Practice Act
The Model Practice Act (MPA) is the preeminent standard and most effective tool available for revising and modernizing physical therapy practice acts. Review our new seventh edition, a tool for publication protection and legislative change.
Our Gratitude for Volunteers
This month, we thank our generous volunteer members for their support of our mission.
- PT Standard Review Task Force
- PTA Standard Review Task Force
Our 2023 Award Recipients
Please join us in congratulating our 2023 awardees! Nancy Kirsch will be the McDougall award winner this year. The President’s Award will go to Sherise Smith. They will be honored at the Awards Luncheon at the Annual Education Meeting in Jacksonville, Florida.
In The News
"Doctors who put lives at risk with covid misinformation rarely punished," The Washington Post, July 2023
"Across the country, doctors who jeopardized patients’ lives by pushing medical misinformation during the pandemic and its aftermath have faced few repercussions [...] State medical boards charged with protecting the American public often failed to stop doctors who went against medical consensus and prescribed unapproved treatments for covid or misled patients about vaccines and masks."
"New law allows out-of-state professionals to easily get licensed in New Hampshire," NHPR, June 2023
"Licensed professionals from other states will be able to transfer their credentials to New Hampshire more easily, under a bill signed Wednesday by Gov. Chris Sununu."
"National Enforcement Action Results in 78 Individuals Charged for $2.5B in Health Care Fraud," Dept. of Justice, Office of Public Affairs, June 2023
"The Justice Department, together with federal and state law enforcement partners, announced today a strategically coordinated, two-week nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 78 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes that included over $2.5 billion in alleged fraud."
"The Myth That May Have Doomed the Titan," NY Times, June 2023
"As details emerged about the implosion [...] of the Titan submersible in its descent to the wreck of the Titanic [...], there was widespread anger that its owner and pilot knowingly took civilians on an uncertified vessel to a depth of crushing pressure." Did the myth that regulation stifles innovation doom the ill-fated vessel?
"CHAI Unveils Blueprint for Trustworthy AI in Healthcare," Coalition for Health AI, April 2023
"The Coalition for Health AI (CHAI) released its highly anticipated “Blueprint for Trustworthy AI Implementation Guidance and Assurance for Healthcare” (Blueprint). The Blueprint addresses the quickly evolving landscape of health AI tools by outlining specific recommendations to increase trustworthiness within the healthcare community, ensure high-quality care, and meet healthcare needs."
"Remote Cardiovascular Hypertension Program Enhanced Blood Pressure Control During the COVID-19 Pandemic," Journal of the American Heart Association, March 2023.
"The COVID‐19 pandemic disrupted traditional health care; one fallout was a drastic decrease in blood pressure (BP) assessment. We analyzed the pandemic's impact on our existing remote hypertension management program's effectiveness and adaptability."
"Can Remote Patient Monitoring Be the New Standard in Primary Care of Chronic Diseases, Post-COVID-19?" Liebert, Inc. Publishers, July 2022
"One lesson from the [...] COVID-19 pandemic is the need to optimize health care provision outside of traditional settings, and potentially over longer periods of time."
"The Role of Telehealth and Clinical Informatics in Data Driven Primary Care Redesign," National Institutes of Health, June 2021
"Clinical informatics linked inpatient and emergency department use to clinical data to evaluate utilization for population segments. Trend analysis demonstrates how remote registered nurse care management and the COVID-19 pandemic reduced emergency department utilization in adult populations with high social needs."
"Traumatic Brain Injuries Evaluated in U.S. Emergency Departments, 1992-1994," Academic Emergency Medicine, June 2008
"Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant source of morbidity and mortality in the United States, accounting for approximately one-third of injury related related deaths. The magnitude of TBI mandates a thorough understanding of the epidemiology of these injuries, in order to elucidate risk factors for TBI and design appropriately targeted prevention programs."
"Impact near the hip dominates fracture risk in elderly nursing home residents who fall," Springer Link, March 1993
"Hip fractures among the elderly are a significant and rapidly growing public health problem. The prevailing view is that most hip fractures are the consequence of age-related bone loss or osteoporosis. However, because over 90% of hip fractures are the result of falls, we have undertaken a falls surveillance study to determine if factors related to the mechanics of falling are associated with increased risk of hip fracture."
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
Appoint to the BOD Security Sub-Committee:
- David Relling
- Ellen Donald
- Michele Thorman
- Charles Reiter
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 |
Back to Top
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 Muelle
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 | 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
Caitlin Jennings
Communications@fsbpt.org |
| 
| | From the bountiful Crape Myrtle-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
|