In this News Brief:
The Outstanding Service Award recognizes and honors individuals who have made a significant contribution to FSBPT through their volunteer work during the past year. Congratulations to this year's recipients!
All FSBPT members are welcome to attend the Delegate Workshops and Delegate Assembly. Please login to the FSBPT portal and go to "Events" to register. We look forward to your participation in these important governance activities!
Delegate Workshops Workshop 1: Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 7:00–8:00 p.m. ET Workshop 2: Friday, October 16, 2026, 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET
The Delegate Workshops equip delegates and alternate delegates with the information needed to participate effectively in the Delegate Assembly, including procedural guidance, current issues, and discussion of upcoming business.
To provide scheduling flexibility, the workshop is offered twice with identical content. Delegates and alternate delegates may attend either session or both, as schedules permit.
Delegate Assembly Monday, October 19, 2026, 7:00–8:00 p.m. ET
The Delegate Assembly will be conducted virtually. All FSBPT members are welcome to attend; however, participation is mandatory for all Voting Delegates and Alternate Delegates.
Voting Delegates and Alternate Delegates
Please confirm your attendance at the Delegate Assembly by registering for the event. If you are a Voting Delegate and will be unable to attend, please contact FSBPT as soon as possible so voting access and ballots can be provided to your jurisdiction's Alternate Delegate.
The Sexual Misconduct and Boundaries Violation Committee has developed a resource document for member boards that collates guidance and support materials related to sexual misconduct and boundary violations. The resource page includes information across several key areas:
This compilation is intended to serve as a practical starting point for boards that are seeking tools, training, and referral options to support their regulatory responsibilities. The tools compiled in this resource guide are not exhaustive but are intended to provide boards with a good starting point for addressing these complaints and cases.
The 2026 Annual Education Meeting is just around the corner! It will be held in Greenville, South Carolina, October 22–24. Please look out for more information soon on registration, travel, and materials, such as the 2026 Delegate Handbook. Please note that funded attendees will be required to use a unique registration URL to secure their place at the conference. This URL will be sent directly via an email from communications@fsbpt.org. Please take a moment to add this email address to your safe-sender list to ensure delivery of the registration link. In the meantime, visit the FSBPT website for FAQs and more information! Not able to make it to Greenville? You can still get involved! We will be live-streaming the keynotes and general sessions. We will send information on how to register for these live events soon.
We are pleased to announce that Jason Kaiser will be running for this year’s 2026 CBA Vice Chair and Judy Chepeus will be running for the CBA Nominating Committee.
Jason Kaiser (CA) for CBA Vice Chair I am honored to express my willingness to continue serving the Council of Board Administrators. Throughout my tenure as Executive Officer of the Physical Therapy Board of California, I have remained committed to strengthening board operations, fostering high performing teams, and promoting thoughtful, accountable governance across our regulatory community. This role has allowed me to collaborate closely with board members, department partners, and national stakeholders in pursuit of consistent, transparent, and consumer focused regulation. I bring to this position a deep understanding of board administration, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. My experience navigating complex policy issues, facilitating multi board initiatives, and supporting members in fulfilling their statutory responsibilities has prepared me to contribute meaningfully to the Council’s goals. I value data informed decision making, constructive dialogue, and practical solutions that reinforce public protection while supporting board member effectiveness. I welcome the opportunity to continue contributing my skills, experience, and collaborative approach to the Council. Thank you for your consideration.
Judy Chepeus (AZ) for CBA Nominating Committee Thank you for considering me for this position. While FSBPT is incredibly supportive of the work we do as administrators, I believe that the Council of Board Administrators (CBA) is one of our most beneficial perks. The CBA provides board administrators, with great resources and educational opportunities, as well as direct access to each other! With a few keystrokes, an administrator in one state can ask questions, seek input, create surveys, and directly interact with colleagues in other states, as well as FSBPT staff. We are fortunate, indeed! It is through distinguished and forward-thinking CBA leadership that all of the tools and support provided by FSBPT are maximized. If elected to the CBA Nominating Committee, I will work diligently with CBA leadership to identify and encourage future leaders to run for CBA officer positions and carry on the work of this incredible group. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the CBA community.
The Nominating Committee has put forward the following slate of candidates for election during the Annual Education Meeting, October 22–24. Please read the Candidate Statements to learn more about the candidates. The Nominating Committee held a Candidate Forum on July 13 at 7:00 p.m. in conjunction with the 2026 Leadership Issues Forum to introduce 2026 candidates for the Board of Directors and the Nominating Committee. Members can view the forum recording in the FSBPT Community Portal. There will also be a Candidate Forum in the fall during the Annual Education Meeting Please join FSBPT in thanking the 2026 Nominating Committee Members, Adrienne (Stacy) Price (chair), Bernardine Evans, and Mario Baker for their work this year.
Michelle Sigmund-Gaines Oregon Director 2
Jonathan Bird Idaho Director 3
Krista Wolfe Pennsylvania Director 3
Justin Berry North Dakota Nominating Committee Member
Susan Gile Kansas Nominating Committee Member
Are you interested in serving on one of the committees below beginning January 1, 2027?
Learn more about these opportunities on our website. To apply, log into the FSBPT Portaland complete the volunteer application (located under "Members Area > Get Involved). Please note that within the FSBPT Membership Volunteer Application, you can also express interest in volunteering for PT Compact and HRRI committees and task forces. Don't see an opportunity that interests you but have ideas you'd like to share? Contact us!
On August 3, Arizona replaced its Prometric-based Arizona Jurisprudence Exam (AZ LAW) with the new Arizona Jurisprudence Assessment Module (AZ JAM). Unlike the AZ LAW, candidates can complete the AZ JAM online and on demand from the comfort of their own homes. The AZ JAM will continue to be required prior to obtaining an initial Arizona license and prior to purchasing an initial or renewing an existing Arizona compact privilege. Learn more about the Arizona JAM.
Physical therapy regulatory boards play a critical role in ensuring safe, competent patient care by licensing qualified physical therapists and physical therapist assistants and enforcing standards of ethical conduct as well as state laws and regulations. In 2025, APTA’s House of Delegates voted to approve a new Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession (“Code of Ethics”) drives unity of ethical standards across the profession, provides an easily navigable structure, and sharpens language to increase accountability and guidance on key topics facing today’s physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs). Grounded in the profession’s ethical principles and ethical commitments, the Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession’s new structure delineates enforceable standards of conduct and aspirational illustrative examples for PTs and PTAs. While acknowledging the many benefits of unifying and modernizing the Code of Ethics, physical therapy regulatory boards have identified three core challenges with the changes, including enforceability, nomenclature changes, and the potential loss of PT and PTA-focused resources. In May 2026, FSBPT convened the Model Language for a Code of Ethics for Licensing Boards Task Force to assess these challenges and recommend model language and guidance to support physical therapy regulatory boards. The Task Force began its work with the solid foundation of the APTA Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession. Task Force members then discussed regulators’ specific challenges and needs, as well as legal considerations, to develop the guidance and model language outlined in this document. The “Model Language for Standards of Ethical Conduct for Physical Therapy Regulatory Boards” aims to support FSBPT’s members in establishing, refining, and regulating standards of ethical conduct as best suits their jurisdiction and in alignment with the profession’s values, principles, and commitments.
We are accepting presentation ideas and proposals for 2026 webinars.
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.
The FSBPT Board supports its member jurisdictions in their mission to protect the public. Join the ranks of states, including Alabama, Connecticut, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, the Virgin Islands, and West Virginia, that have all taken a big step toward both administrative efficiency and protecting the public. They are currently leveraging FSBPT funding to enhance the ELDD, improve compact privilege implementation, and collect workforce data.
Your jurisdiction should be next! Learn more about how our financial assistance program works to help your jurisdiction. Think this won’t work for your jurisdiction? FSBPT has several ways to make our assistance available under your laws and rules.
FSBPT offers funding to support its member jurisdictions in their mission to protect the public. If you are interested in more information, please send an email to FSBPT's CEO, Susan Newman, summarizing what you would like to have funded and why it is important or how it can improve efficiencies for your board.
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:
September 2026 Regulatory Hour: Amigo Wade Impact Legislation as a Tool for Regulatory Reform September 8, 4:00 p.m. ET
Speech vs. Conduct: The First Amendment and Professional Licensure Speaker: Wes Tripp September 22, 4:00 p.m. ET
October 2026 Regulatory Hour: Dale Atkinson Regulation of the Professions - Governance Structures October 6, 4:00 p.m. ET
November 2026 Regulatory Hour: Jennifer Semko November 17, 4:00 p.m. ET (Tentative)
December 2026 Regulatory Hour: Dale Atkinson Year in Review - Significant Legislative & Judicial Decisions December 15, 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.
Each month, we will focus on a different statute section from the Model Practice Act and its accompanying commentary. For 2026, the Model Practice Act Moment will focus on Article 3: Examination and Licensure. Last year, in 2025, we covered one of the twelve sections under Article 4: Regulation of Physical Therapy each month. Learn more by reading the Model Practice Act.
3.07 Reinstatement of License [or Certificate] A. The board may reinstate a lapsed license [or certificate] upon completion of a reinstatement application including payment of fees, as defined by rule. B. If a physical therapist’s license has lapsed for a specified time period, as defined by rules, that person shall fulfill all requirements of [3.07 A] and demonstrate to the board’s satisfaction competence to practice physical therapy by one or more of the following as determined by the board:
C. If a physical therapist assistant’s [certificate/license] has lapsed for a specified time period, as defined by rule, that person shall fulfill all requirements of [3.07 A] and demonstrate to the board’s satisfaction competence to work as a physical therapist assistant by one or more of the following as determined by the board:
D. The board may reinstate a suspended or revoked physical therapist’s license upon completion of the requirements in [3.07 A] and evidence of satisfactory completion of all requirements for reinstatement that were stipulated in a consent order at the time of discipline. The board may further require evidence of competence to practice physical therapy through the following activities:
E. The board may reinstate a suspended or revoked physical therapist assistant’s [certificate/license] upon completion of the requirements in [3.07 A] and evidence of satisfactory completion of all requirements for reinstatement that were stipulated in a consent order at the time of discipline. The board may further require evidence of the physical therapist assistant’s competence to work in the profession of physical therapy through the following activities.
Commentary When a license has been allowed to lapse for a lengthy period of time it shall be an indication of a break in continuity of practice and professional development, and potentially, a loss of ongoing competence. It is recommended that a four-year time period be used to determine when the further requirement of reapplication for licensure should be instituted. The board should have the discretion to assess continuing competence to practice physical therapy in the case of a lapse in practice of four or more years. Competence assessment shall include the options of 1) a supervised internship, 2) remedial or refresher coursework, and 3) retesting, or 4) any combination of these options. Further provisions for applicant interview by the board should be specified. In cases where a licensee relocates and practices in another jurisdiction and subsequently returns and wishes to practice in the original jurisdiction of licensure, the requirement for successfully demonstrating competence, as stated in Paragraph B above, shall be satisfied by verification of licensure and practice in the other jurisdiction. Reinstatement is used rather than endorsement and granting a new license in order to retain a previous exam history, license number and, if applicable, disciplinary history.
During a period of remedial action prior to reinstatement of license without restrictions, the physical therapist’s practice shall be with a restricted license as directed by the board. This type of remediation, outside of a disciplinary action, is an example of the appropriate use of a restricted license. A lapse of a certificate disqualifies a physical therapist assistant from working as a physical therapist assistant until appropriate renewal and reinstatement requirements are met and fees are paid. As the physical therapist assistant resumes employment, the supervising physical therapist should direct appropriate remedial measures for a physical therapist assistant who lacks current experience or has inadequate skills. Paragraphs D and E address important considerations if a revoked license or certificate shall someday be eligible for reinstatement. At the time of a revocation, the consent decree should stipulate the conditions, if any, under which the board would consider an application for reinstatement. The specific requirements shall be helpful to a later board when an application is considered. In this situation, a board would likely convene a hearing to review the application and evaluate the fitness of the applicant to, once again hold a license or certificate. All other requirements related to demonstration of continuing competence applicable to any other reinstatement situation would also apply in such a case. Reinstatement is also preferable in this situation to a new application license so that prior history is maintained through a single license number. A restricted license does not notate merely a disciplinary action. Restricted licenses shall result from re-entry, etc.
Read the summary of the recommendations of the 2025 Reference Expansion Task Force.
This month, we thank our generous volunteer members for their support of our mission.
FSBPT provides the following links for your education and awareness, but does not endorse the content.
"When disaster strikes, doctors shouldn’t be stopped by state lines," July 30, 2026, U.S. Rep. Rich McCormick, The Washington Times "Our emergency response system must be built around saving lives, not navigating paperwork. That is why I introduced H.R. 6211, the Medical Professional Access Act. The legislation expands license portability for healthcare practitioners across all disciplines who provide services during a federally declared emergency. The bill is straightforward. It allows federally contracted healthcare professionals to respond wherever they are needed while protecting local healthcare systems from unnecessary staffing shortages. Too often, relief organizations are forced to recruit doctors and nurses from hospitals already struggling to care for their own communities. Robbing Peter to pay Paul has never been an effective strategy, especially during a crisis." "We lead the Federation of State Medical Boards. Here’s what we think about licensing AI to practice medicine," August 3, 2026, Humayun Chaudhry and Christy Valentine Theard, Stat News "Artificial intelligence is moving fast — so fast that old questions about whether AI should be licensed to practice medicine, in whole or in part, have become pressing ones. These questions are arriving everywhere, in policy debates, pilot programs, and draft legislation, particularly at the state level." "Robert Goodman, accused of abusing Orthodox Jewish patients, obtained a license in New Jersey," August 12, 2026, Aurora "Robert Goodman, a doctor who practiced for decades in the Borough Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, faces civil lawsuits and a disciplinary proceeding in New York over allegations of sexual abuse against patients, many of them women belonging to the Orthodox Jewish community. The case generated new controversy after it was revealed that Goodman obtained a license to practice medicine in New Jersey in November 2024, when at least one civil lawsuit had already been filed against him in New York." "Department of Education Temporarily Expands List of Programs Eligible as 'Professional Degrees,'" June 30, 2026, Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions "The Department of Education announced a temporarily expanded list of programs that will qualify as professional degrees while ongoing litigation proceeds, making more students eligible for higher loan limits — including core allied health programming, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, speech language pathology, and athletic training."
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
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!
Each month, we highlight an FSBPT staff member or volunteer and share how their role supports our mission of protecting the public. Carrie Lovina Abdul-Malik, PT, serves as the PT Credential Reviewer for FCCPT. In this primary role, she works in collaboration with colleagues to review and finalize credential evaluations for internationally educated PTs seeking to pursue physical therapy licensure in the United States. Her responsibilities include supporting the credential review process, assessing applicants' education and professional documentation, and working alongside staff to complete reviews accurately and in accordance with credentialing requirements. Carrie's role reflects the importance of careful credential review and collaboration in supporting qualified internationally educated PTs as they navigate the U.S. licensure pathway.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Carrie for her many contributions and high-quality work.
Susan L. Newman, CEO
Subject
Point of Contact/Email Address
ADA accommodations
Christine Sousa, ext. 201
Assessment or examination development questions
Lorin Mueller npte@fsbpt.org
Continuing competence
Jeffrey M. Rosa, ext. 239
Credentials review
Jaime Nolan, FCCPT
ELDD- Exam, Licensure and Disciplinary Database participation
eldd@fsbpt.org
Exam registration processing
Foreign educated issues
Leslie Adrian, ext. 233
Immigration
Jamie Nolan, ext. 403
JAM- Jurisprudence Assessment Module
JAM@fsbpt.org
Legislation or Model Practice Act
Meeting arrangements
Paul Delaney, ext. 223
NPDB reports/questions
Angela Burnham, 249
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
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
Susan Newman Caitlin Jennings Communications@fsbpt.org