In this News Brief:
Serve on an FSBPT Committee!
Are you interested in serving on one of the committees below beginning January 1, 2026?
- Continuing Competence Committee
- Education Committee
- Ethics and Legislation Committee
- Finance Committee
- Resolutions Committee
- Sexual Misconduct and Boundaries Committee
Learn more about these opportunities on our website. To apply, log into the FSBPT Portal and complete the volunteer application (located under "Members Area > Get Involved). Don't see an opportunity that interests you but have ideas you'd like to share? Contact us!
Prepare for the Annual Education Meeting
The 2025 Annual Education Meeting is just around the corner! It will be held in Spokane, Washington, from October 23 to 25. If you are planning to attend but have not yet registered, please let us know.
To help prepare, please read the 2025 Delegate Handbook, which has information on FSBPT's activities over the past year. (Please note that you must be logged in to access the handbook.)
Not able to make it to Spokane? You can still get involved! We will be live-streaming the keynotes and general sessions. Please register to see the live-streamed events.
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. Please read the Candidate Statements to learn more about the candidates.
The Nominating Committee held a Candidate Forum on July 14 in conjunction with the 2025 Leadership Issues Forum to introduce the 2025 candidates for the Board of Directors and the Nominating Committee. A second Candidate Forum will also be held in the fall during the Annual Education Meeting.
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
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Nominating Committee Slating Process
The purpose of the nominating committee is to identify and choose FSBPT’s future leaders.
In addition to position-specific considerations for many of the positions on the Board of Directors and the Nominating Committee, the committee also has some global considerations to ensure that the elected positions reflect diversity. In addition to ethnicity, gender, and age, other kinds of diversity considered include an individual’s role with a member board (PT, PTA, public member, board staff), geographical representation, and practice setting.
In January of each year, the committee reviews the self-nominated individuals. They also contact the members of the Board of Directors and the chairs of FSBPT committees and task forces to obtain input on potential candidates. The committee then reviews the names to identify which individuals best meet the needs and qualifications for the positions up for election that year. The final step in the process is to interview those individuals and confirm the slate of candidates based on these interviews. If you have questions about this process, please reach out.
2025 Candidate Statement for the Council of Board Administrators (CBA)
We are pleased to announce that Missy Anthony (OH) will be running for this year’s 2025 CBA Chair. We encourage you to read her candidate statement:
I have enjoyed the challenge of working to grow the Council of Board Administrators over the past two years, and I feel as if the work has only started. One thing I have learned in over 26 years of state government experience is that networking is key. One of the best ways to find answers to problems is to collaborate and exchange ideas with someone else—especially those in similar positions.
I would love to continue as CBA chair for another term. I will listen to the membership and foster a dialogue that will help us all be able to access the resources we need to continue the goal of excellence in regulation. Another priority is to work with members of the CBA to support growing leaders among the CBA ranks. I am happy to be able to bring a cross-profession point of view to the CBA as the Executive Director of an agency that regulates a total of ten professions and is always aiming to do it as efficiently as possible. I look forward to hearing from everyone and working together!
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.
Model Practice Act Moment
Each month, we will focus on a different statute section from the Model Practice Act and its accompanying commentary. Learn more by reading the Model Practice Act.
Article 4: Regulation of Physical Therapy
4.09 Unlawful Practice; Classification; Civil Penalties; Injunctive Relief
A. It is unlawful for any person or business entity, its employees, agents, or representatives not licensed as a physical therapist under this [act] to engage in the practice of physical therapy. Any person who violates this paragraph [(A) or Use of Titles and Terms; Restrictions; Classification of Violation, Article 4.02], is guilty of [cite specific criminal sanction, e.g., class 1 misdemeanor] and subject to any other remedies specified in this [act].
B. The board shall investigate any person or business entity to the extent necessary to determine whether the person or business entity is engaged in the unlawful practice of physical therapy. If an investigation indicates that a person or business entity is practicing physical therapy unlawfully, the board shall inform the person or the business entity of the alleged violation. The board may refer the matter for prosecution regardless of whether the person or business entity ceases the unlawful practice of physical therapy.
C. The board shall apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for an order enjoining any person or business entity from committing any violation of this [act]. Injunction proceedings under this paragraph shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, all penalties and other remedies prescribed in this [act].
D. If a person or business entity knowingly violates this [act] or board rules, fraudulently uses or permits the use of a license [or certificate] number, or knowingly aids or requires another person to violate this [act] or board rules, the board may impose upon such person a civil penalty of not more than [dollar amount of penalty] for the first violation and not more than [dollar amount of penalty] for each subsequent violation.
[Optional Statute]
E. The board shall transmit all monies it collects from civil penalties pursuant to this [act] to the [specify the disposition of these funds if different from other funds].
Commentary
This section authorizes board action against persons who are not regulated providers of physical therapy but who falsely claim to provide, or attempt to provide, physical therapy services in violation of the practice act. The possible ways a person may make such a false claim are specified in Use of Titles and Terms; Restrictions; Classification of Violation, Article 4.02. Therefore, it is essential that 4.02 be cited in this paragraph and also included in a practice act in combination with this paragraph. The specific civil sanctions may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction but jurisdictions generally consider a first-time violation of this statute a misdemeanor. The jurisdiction attorney general’s office, a county or a city attorney would be responsible for prosecuting unlawful practice, but these agencies may be reluctant to devote resources to pursue a violation unless injury to the public is evident. The threat of prosecution shall, in and of itself, impose an impediment to persons who would otherwise violate the provisions of this statute.
Under Investigative Powers; Emergency Action; Hearing Officers, Article 4.05, the board is authorized to investigate, issue subpoenas and compel witnesses in any case involving someone regulated under the practice act. This section extends the board’s authority of investigation to persons not regulated under the practice act. Where an investigation reveals this type of a violation, the board is empowered to inform the violator and request that he or she immediately cease and desist the unlawful behavior. The threat of the board referring the case for legal action if the violator does not stop the unlawful conduct shall be the main deterrent of this clause.
In addition to the threat of action that an investigation and subsequent cease and desist letter shall pose, the board should be empowered to pursue a cessation of illegal action through the appropriate jurisdiction authority when necessary. This is the sole intent of an injunction. Subsequent violations of the injunction are considered contempt and handled by the court thereafter. Most often an injunction is obtained through the jurisdiction attorney general’s office. An injunction does not preclude additional actions, penalties or remedies that may be imposed according to law.
This paragraph applies to those outside the regulation of the physical therapy act, but could also include those regulated by the act: physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who participate in violations of the law. This is often the case where a physical therapist shall assist, condone or supposedly lend the authority of his or her license illegally to someone not regulated by the practice act. In such a case, in addition to the disciplinary provisions cited in Unlawful Practice; Classification; Civil Penalties; Injunctive Relief, Article 4.09, someone regulated under the act shall also be exposed to the monetary penalties stated above. This paragraph could be applied to a non-physical therapist employer or supervisor who shall exert influence on a licensee, requesting or requiring conduct in violation of the practice act.
A jurisdiction shall make the determination that money received from civil penalties goes into the physical therapy fund or the operating funds of the board or whether the money goes into the general fund of the jurisdiction. Depositing civil penalties into the general fund is the customary procedure that provides a barrier against the temptation of using civil penalties to increase the funds of the board. "
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: 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: Navigating the AI Frontier: Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities for State Licensing Boards
State licensing boards need to be aware of the implications of AI across the regulatory landscape as it will affect licensing operations, healthcare best practices, and more. This article summarizes the main topics and issues presented at the 2024 Annual Education Meeting by Frank Meyers.
Spotlight on Member Resources: Animal Rehabilitation Model Regulations
The Model Regulatory Language for Animal Physical Therapy Task Force has completed its charge from the FSBPT Board of Directors, culminating in a new resource that supports safe and competent physical therapist involvement in the care of animals. Jurisdictions vary in their statutory authority, professional practice acts, and relationships between veterinary and physical therapy boards. This sample regulation reflects key considerations supporting safe and competent physical therapist involvement in the care of animals. These include the need for additional training, recognition of professional responsibility, and mechanisms for public accountability. Boards may modify, expand, or omit elements based on their legal framework and statutes. The official report is now available in the Members Area.
Many Thanks to Our Volunteers
This month, we thank our generous volunteer members for their support of our mission.
- Ethics and Legislation Committee
- Exam Development Committee - PT
In the News
FSBPT provides the following links for your education and awareness but does not endorse the content.
"AI Making Doctors Worse? Deskilling Concerns Rise," Pam Belluck, The New York Times, August 30, 2025
"In the past few years, studies have described the many ways artificial intelligence tools have made doctors better at their jobs: It's aided them in spotting cancer, allowed them to make diagnoses faster, and in some cases helped them more accurately predict who's at risk of complications. But new research suggests that collaborating with AI may have a hidden cost."
"Health Practitioner Regulation Systems," World Health Organization, January 23, 2024
"A large-scale rapid review of the design, operation and strengthening of health practitioner regulation systems."
"How NCSBN Is Prioritizing Practice Readiness and Effective Clinical Judgement," G Hatfield, HealthLeaders Media, September 12, 2025
"As newly licensed nurses gain practice experiences, they will learn to make consistent and effective clinical judgements, says this nurse leader."
"Recent fraud cases suggest ‘fake nursing’ has become a troubling career path," Chad Van Alstin, HealthExec, August 28, 2025
"After recent news that a woman in Florida was arrested for allegedly impersonating a nurse—holding a position meant for an RN at AdventHealth Palm Coast for 18 months without a license—a new report raises concerns that it could be part of a larger national trend."
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 and 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 rapeseed-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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