In this News Brief:
The Slate for the 2025 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 23-25. We will share the Candidate Statements soon so that you can learn more about the candidates.
The Nominating Committee will hold a Candidate Forum in July in conjunction with the 2025 Leadership Issues Forum to introduce the 2025 candidates for the Board of Directors and the Nominating Committee. This will be followed by a Candidate Forum in the fall. We will share registration information for these soon.
Please join FSBPT in thanking the 2025 Nominating Committee Members, Robert Friberg (chair), Adrienne (Stacy) Price, and Bernardine Evans, for their work this year.
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David Relling, ND
President | Ruggie Canizares, OR
President |
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Michele Thorman, WI
Vice President | Deanne Yates, KS
Vice President |
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Mario Baker, OH
Nominating Committee | Anne Thompson, GA
Nominating Committee |
2025 Award Recipients
Please join us in congratulating our 2025 awardees! They will be honored at the Awards Luncheon at the Annual Education Meeting in Spokane, Washington!
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Richard McDougall
Long Term Service Award
Charlotte Martin, LA | President's Award
Kimberly Swygert, PA |
Virtual Workshop for Educators
The NPTE Virtual Workshop for Educators is now open!
The workshop includes presentations from FSBPT staff and item writer trainers on item writing, test construction, preparing students for the NPTE, registering for and taking the NPTE, and other relevant topics.
Registration will close when full or by June 12, 2025. Workshop materials will be available soon after registration and open through October 1, 2025. The cost of this virtual workshop is $450. Learn more and register today!
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.
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
Article 4: Regulation of Physical Therapy
4.04 Grounds for Denial of a License [and Certificate]; Disciplinary Action
A. The following are grounds for denial of a license [and certificate] or disciplinary action:
1. Violating any provision of this [act], board rules or a written order of the board.
2. Obtaining or attempting to obtain a license [or certificate] by fraud or misrepresentation.
3. Attempting to engage in conduct that subverts or undermines the integrity of the examination or the examination process including, but not limited to, a violation of security and copyright provisions related to the national licensure exam, utilizing in any manner recalled or memorized examination questions from or with any person or entity, failing to comply with all test center security procedures, communicating or attempting to communicate with other examinees during the test, or copying or sharing examination questions or portions of questions.
4. Practicing or offering to practice beyond the scope of the practice of physical therapy.
5. Acting in a manner inconsistent with generally accepted standards of physical therapy practice, regardless of whether actual injury to the patient/client is established.
6. Failing to adhere to the recognized standards of ethics of the physical therapy profession as established by rule.
7. Failing to complete continuing competence requirements as established by rule.
8. Failing to maintain adequate patient/client records. For the purposes of this paragraph, “adequate patient/client records” means legible records that contain at minimum sufficient information to identify the patient/client, an evaluation of objective findings, a diagnosis, a plan of care, a treatment record and a discharge plan.
9. Failing to supervise physical therapist assistants, physical therapy aides, a person in an entry-level professional education program approved by the board who is satisfying supervised clinical education requirements related to the person’s education, or a person satisfying a supervised clinical practice in accordance with this [act] and board rules.
10. Failing to report to the board, where there is direct knowledge, any unprofessional, incompetent, or illegal acts that appear to be in violation of this [act] or any rules established by the board.
11. Engaging in sexual misconduct. For the purpose of this paragraph, sexual misconduct includes:
a. Engaging in or soliciting romantic or sexual relationships, whether consensual or non-consensual, while a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant-patient/client relationship exists.
b. Making advances, requesting favors, or expressing thoughts, feelings, or making gestures that are sexual in nature, or that reasonably may be construed by a patient/client as sexual in nature, by any means including verbal or physical contact, or via electronic communications.
c. Intentionally viewing a completely or partially disrobed patient/client in the course of treatment if the viewing is not related to patient/client diagnosis or treatment under current practice standards.
12. Sexual contact between a physical therapist and patient/client after termination of the physical therapist-patient/client relationship may still constitute sexual misconduct if the sexual contact is a result of the exploitation of trust, knowledge, or influence of emotions derived from that relationship.
13. Sexual contact between a physical therapist assistant and patient/client after termination of the physical therapist assistant-patient/client relationship may still constitute sexual misconduct if the sexual contact is a result of the exploitation of trust, knowledge, or influence of emotions derived from that relationship.
14. Abusing the physical therapist-patient/client relationship to exert undue influence or exploiting persons over whom the licensee has supervisory, evaluative, or other authority.
15. Abusing the physical therapist assistant-patient/client relationship to exert undue influence or exploiting persons over whom the licensee [certificate holder] has supervisory or other authority.
16. Having had a license [or certificate] revoked or suspended, other disciplinary action taken, or an application for licensure [or certification] refused, revoked or suspended by the proper authorities of another jurisdiction, territory, or country.
17. Having been convicted of or pled guilty to a felony with a nexus to the practice of a physical therapist or work of a physical therapist assistant in the courts of this jurisdiction or any other jurisdiction, territory or country. Conviction, as used in this paragraph, shall include a deferred conviction, deferred prosecution, deferred sentence, finding or verdict of guilt, an admission of guilt, an Alfred plea, or a plea of nolo contendere.
18. Aiding and abetting the unlicensed practice of physical therapy.
19. Directly or indirectly requesting, receiving, or participating in the dividing, transferring, assigning, rebating or refunding of an unearned fee, or profiting by means of a credit or other valuable consideration such as an unearned commission, discount or gratuity in connection with the furnishing of physical therapy services. This does not prohibit the members of any regularly and properly organized business entity recognized by law and comprising physical therapists from dividing fees received for professional services among themselves as they determine necessary.
20. Promoting any unnecessary device, treatment intervention, or service resulting in the financial gain of the practitioner or of a third party.
21. Providing treatment intervention unwarranted by the condition of the patient/client or continuing treatment beyond the point of reasonable benefit.
22. Participating in underutilization or overutilization of physical therapy services for personal or institutional financial gain.
23. Charging fraudulent fees for services performed or not performed.
24. Making misleading, deceptive, untrue or fraudulent representations in violation of this [act] or in the practice of the profession.
25. Practicing as a physical therapist or working as a physical therapist assistant when physical or mental abilities are impaired by the use of controlled substances or other habit-forming drugs, chemicals or alcohol, or by other causes.
26. Practicing physical therapy with a mental or physical condition that impairs the ability of the licensee to practice with skill and safety.
27. Practicing after having been adjudged mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction.
28. Interfering with an investigation or disciplinary proceeding by failure to cooperate, by misrepresentation of facts, or by the use of threats or harassment against any patient/client or witness to prevent that patient/client or witness from providing evidence in a disciplinary proceeding or any legal action.
29. Failing to maintain patient/client confidentiality without documented authorization of the patient/client or unless otherwise required by law. All records used or resulting from a consultation by telehealth, as defined in [Definitions, Article 1.02], are part of a patient’s/client’s records and are subject to applicable confidentiality requirements.
Commentary
The following language itemizes the various causes or grounds for which a physical therapist, and in many cases a physical therapist assistant, shall be denied a license or certificate or disciplined under the provisions of the law. Others who practice physical therapy unlawfully come under the powers granted a licensing board in Unlawful Practice; Classification; Civil Penalties; Injunctive Relief, Article 4.09. In many practice acts, this list is referred to as “unprofessional conduct.” The term “grounds for denial of a license and disciplinary action” is more descriptive and is the recommended title for this section. This section needs to be comprehensive enough to cover all areas of potential violation.
Each ground for action has additional commentary that can be explored, but is not listed here in News Briefs. Overall, the first statement provides the broadest foundation for disciplinary action. It encompasses statutes, rules, and written disciplinary orders.
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 Jennifer Semko: Chevron: One Year Later
May 20, 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 Jennifer Semko: Legal Landscape Related to Artificial Intelligence
September 30, 4:00 p.m. ET
Regulatory Hour with Dale Atkinson: Final Orders
October 15, 4:00 p.m. ET
Regulatory Hour with Paul Welk: 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: In the Public Eye: What the Public Thinks about State Regulatory Bodies
Regulators play a crucial role in protecting the public, but how much does the public actually know about regulators’ work? This article is based on a presentation at the 2024 Annual Education Meeting by Chris Grecco and Mandy Hall.
Spotlight on Member Resources: Stakeholder Engagement in Good Times and Bad Times
Effective communication is essential for maintaining trust and credibility. This was an insightful webinar where attendees explored the key strategies and best practices for managing communications during a crisis.
Many Thanks to Our Volunteers
This month, we thank our generous volunteer members for their support of our mission.
- Exam Development Committees
- Workforce Data Structural Approaches Task Force
In the News
FSBPT provides the following links for your education and awareness but does not endorse the content.
"Why doctors are so excited to use AI with their patients," Leana S. Wen, The Washington Post, March 27, 2025
“Anthony from Maryland is still unsure about this technology. ‘I’m retired from clinical practice, but my son is a doctor who raves about AI improving his work-life balance,’ he wrote. ‘Here’s my worry: When administrators see that doctors are more efficient, won’t they just make them see more patients? Could this be a temporary benefit for doctors that ends up making it worse for them in the long run?’…As Anthony accurately identified, a solution to make care more efficient could be misused and worsen clinician burnout. Or it could increase access to care while helping providers alleviate clerical burdens. The outcome depends not only on advances in technology but also on how we as a society choose to deploy them.”
"Hospitals, Epic sued after clinician allegedly accesses nude photos of 400+ patients," Chad Van Alstin, Health Exec, April 16, 2025
"The University of Kansas Health System (KU Health) is named as a defendant in a lawsuit after a physical therapist under its employ allegedly “unlawfully accessed” sensitive patient data, including nude photographs used for clinical purposes."
"Doctor gets prison time, $20M fine for fraudulent telehealth prescriptions," Chad Van Alstin, Health Exec, April 14, 2025
"A doctor in Tennessee has been sentenced to prison and ordered to pay nearly $20 million in restitution after being convicted of healthcare fraud, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)."
"UMMC sued after pharmacist allegedly hacked computers to spy on women," Chad Van Alstin, Health Exec, April 9, 2025
"A pharmacist at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) has been accused of hacking hundreds of computers and, in some cases, using them to spy on women."
"Hospital faces $3.5M settlement after sharing patient data with Facebook," Chad Van Alstin, Health Exec, March 3, 2025
"Virginia Mason Medical Center has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit over sharing patient data with advertisers, including Facebook and Google. The hospital will pay out $3.5 million to the plaintiffs."
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: Based on the recommendation from the Audit Committee and after its own review, accept the 2024 consolidated audit report
Motion: Based on the recommendation from the Investment Committee and after its own review, approve the Investment Policy Statement
FSBPT Board of Directors
Members of the board of directors serve as liaisons to multiple jurisdictions.
| Stephen Curley Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia | | | Craig Miller Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Utah | |
| David Relling Hawaii, New Jersey, North Dakota, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, and Virgin Islands | | | Steven Scherger Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas | |
| Michelle Sigmund-Gaines Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming | | | Michele Thorman Delaware, District of Columbia, Iowa, Nebraska, Nevada, Virginia, and Wisconsin | |
| Krista Wolfe Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont | | | Charles E. Reiter The public member of the board does not serve as a liaison to jurisdictions | |
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 |
| Assessment or examination development questions | Lorin Mueller npte@fsbpt.org |
| Continuing competence | Jeffrey M. Rosa |
| 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 | JAM@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 and other financial matters | David Sigman, ext. 226 |
| 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 |
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| | From the Butterfly Japanese Maple-covered 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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