R156-24b. Physical Therapy Practice Act Rule, R156. Commerce, Occupational and Professional Licensing, Utah Administrative Code

Utah Administrative Code (Current through November 1, 2019)

R156. Commerce, Occupational and Professional Licensing

R156-24b. Physical Therapy Practice Act Rule

R156-24b-302a. Qualifications for Licensure - Education Requirements

Latest version.

(1) In accordance with Subsections 58-24b-302(1) and (2), an applicant for licensure as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who completed their physical therapy education in the United States shall document their education by providing:

(a) a transcript sent directly to the Division from the degree-granting institution showing completion of the accredited education program as defined in Subsection R156-24b-102(1)(a); or

(b) a statement signed by the program director or other authorized school official with the school seal affixed, stating that the applicant has successfully completed the accredited education program as defined in Subsection R156-24b-102(1)(a).

(2) In accordance with Subsections 58-24b-302(2) and (4), an applicant who holds a current unrestricted physical therapist or physical therapist assistant license issued by another state, district, or territory of the United States, other than Utah, may document their education by providing either:

(a) the documentation under Subsection (1); or

(b) a score transfer from FSBPT sent directly to the Division from the provider.

(3) In accordance with Subsection 58-24b-302(3), an applicant for licensure as a physical therapist who is educated outside the United States shall document that the applicant's education is equal to a CAPTE accredited degree and that the applicant is able to read, write, speak, understand, and be understood in the English language by submitting to the Division a Type I review from the FCCPT.

(a) Only educational deficiencies in pre-professional subject areas may be corrected by completing college level credits in the deficient areas or by passing the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) demonstrating proficiency in the deficient areas.

(b) Pre-professional subject areas include the following:

(i) humanities;

(ii) social sciences;

(iii) liberal arts;

(iv) physical sciences;

(v) biological sciences;

(vi) behavioral sciences;

(vii) mathematics; or

(viii) advanced first aid for health care workers.

(4) In accordance with Subsection 58-24b-302(2)(c), an applicant for licensure as a physical therapist assistant shall:

(a) have received an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree from a CAPTE accredited physical therapy education program;

(b) in accordance with Section 58-1-302, if the applicant has been licensed in a foreign country but received a degree not accredited by CAPTE, document that the applicant's education is substantially equal to a CAPTE accredited degree by submitting to the Division a credential evaluation from the FCCPT.

(i) Only educational deficiencies in pre-professional subject areas may be corrected by completing college level credits in the deficient areas or by passing the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) demonstrating proficiency in the deficient areas.

(ii) Pre-professional subject areas include the subject areas listed in Subsection (3)(b).

(5) An applicant who has met all requirements for licensure as a physical therapist except passing the FSBPT National Physical Therapy Examination-Physical Therapist may apply for licensure as a physical therapist assistant.

R156-24b-302b. Qualifications for Licensure - Examination Requirements

Latest version.

(1)(a) In accordance with Subsection 58-24b-302(1)(d) an applicant for licensure as a physical therapist who is educated in the United States shall pass the FSBPT's National Physical Therapy Examination - Physical Therapist (NPTE-PT) with a passing score as established by the FSBPT, after submitting proof that the applicant is in the final term of, or has graduated from, a professional physical therapist education program accredited by CAPTE.

(b) In accordance with Subsections 58-24b-302(3)(d) and (g), an applicant for licensure as a physical therapist who is educated outside the United States shall pass the FSBPT's National Physical Therapy Examination - Physical Therapist (NPTE-PT) with a passing score as established by the FSBPT, after submitting proof of compliance with Subsection 58-24b-302(3)(c).

(2) In accordance with Subsection 58-24b-302(2)(d), an applicant for licensure as a physical therapist assistant shall pass the FSBPT's National Physical Therapy Examination - Physical Therapist Assistant (NPTE-PTA), with a passing score as established by the FSBPT, after submitting proof that the applicant is in the final term of, or has graduated from, an accredited physical therapist assistant education program as defined in Subsection R156-24b-102(1)(a).

(3)(a) A passing score on the FSBPT's National Physical Therapy Examination shall be verified through FSBPT.

(b) An applicant for licensure by endorsement may verify the applicant's score by providing a score transfer from FSBPT sent directly to the Division from the provider.

(4) An applicant for licensure as a physical therapist who fails the FSBPT's NPTE-PT is eligible to sit for the FSBPT's NPTE-PTA after registering with FSBPT.

R156-24b-303a. Renewal Cycle - Procedures

Latest version.

(1) In accordance with Subsection 58-1-308(1), the renewal date for the two-year renewal cycle applicable to licensees under Title 58, Chapter 24b is established by rule in Section R156-1-308a.

(2) Renewal procedures shall be in accordance with Section R156-1-308c.

R156-24b-303b. Continuing Education

Latest version.

(1) Required Hours. In accordance with Subsection 58-24b-303(2), during each two year renewal cycle commencing on June 1 of each odd numbered year:

(a) A physical therapist shall be required to complete not fewer than 40 contact hours of continuing education of which a minimum of two contact hours must be completed in ethics/law.

(b) A physical therapist assistant shall be required to complete not fewer than 20 contact hours of continuing education of which a minimum of two contact hours must be completed in ethics/law.

(c) Examples of subjects to be covered in an ethics/law course for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants include one or more of the following:

(i) patient/physical therapist relationships;

(ii) confidentiality;

(iii) documentation;

(iv) charging and coding;

(v) compliance with state and/or federal laws that impact the practice of physical therapy; and

(vi) any subject addressed in the American Physical Therapy Association Code of Ethics or Guide for Professional Conduct.

(d) The required number of contact hours of continuing education for an individual who first becomes licensed during the two year renewal cycle shall be decreased in a pro-rata amount.

(e) The Division may defer or waive the continuing education requirements as provided in Section R156-1-308d.

(2) A continuing education course shall meet the following standards:

(a) Time. Each contact hour of continuing education course credit shall consist of not fewer than 50 minutes of education. Licensees shall only receive credit for lecturing or instructing the same course up to two times. Licensees shall receive one contact hour of continuing education for every two hours of time spent:

(i) lecturing or instructing a course;

(ii) in a post-professional doctorate or transitional doctorate program; or

(iii) in a post-professional clinical residency or fellowship approved by the American Physical Therapy Association.

(b) Course Content and Type. The course shall be presented in a competent, well organized, and sequential manner consistent with the stated purpose and objective of the course.

(i) The content of the course shall be relevant to the practice of physical therapy and shall be completed in the form of any of the following course types:

(A) department in-service;

(B) seminar;

(D) conference;

(E) training session;

(F) webinar;

(G) internet course;

(H) distance learning course;

(I) journal club;

(J) authoring of an article or textbook publication;

(K) poster platform presentation;

(L) specialty certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties;

(M) post-professional clinical residency or fellowship approved by the American Physical Therapy Association;

(N) post-professional doctorate from a CAPTE accredited program;

(O) lecturing or instructing a continuing education course; or

(P) study of a scholarly peer-reviewed journal article.

(ii) The following limits apply to the number of contact hours recognized in the following course types during a two year license renewal cycle:

(A) a maximum of 40 contact hours for initial specialty certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS);

(B) a maximum of 40 contact hours for hours spent in a post-professional doctorate or transitional doctorate CAPTE accredited program;

(C) a maximum of 40 contact hours for hours spent in a post-professional clinical residency or fellowship approved by the American Physical Therapy Association;

(D) a maximum of half of the number of contact hours required for renewal for lecturing or instructing in courses meeting these requirements;

(E) a maximum of ten percent of the number of contact hours required for renewal for supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant student in an accredited college program and the licensee shall receive one contact hour of credit for every 80 hours of clinical instruction;

(F) a maximum of 15 contact hours required for renewal for serving as a clinical mentor for a physical therapy residency or fellowship training program at a credentialed program and the licensee shall receive one contact hour of credit for every ten hours of residency or fellowship;

(G) a maximum of half of the number of contact hours required for renewal for online or distance learning courses that include examination and issuance of a completion certificate;

(H) a maximum of 12 contact hours for authoring a published, peer-reviewed article;

(I) a maximum of 12 contact hours for authoring a textbook chapter;

(J) a maximum of ten contact hours for personal or group study of a scholarly peer-reviewed journal article;

(K) a maximum of six contact hours for authoring a non-peer reviewed article or abstract of published literature or book review; and

(L) a maximum of six contact hours for authoring a poster or platform presentation.

(c) Provider or Sponsor. The course shall be approved by, conducted by, or under the sponsorship of one of the following:

(i) a recognized accredited college or university;

(ii) a state or federal agency;

(iii) a professional association, organization, or facility involved in the practice of physical therapy; or

(iv) a commercial continuing education provider providing a course related to the practice of physical therapy.

(d) Objectives. The learning objectives of the course shall be clearly stated in course material.

(e) Faculty. The course shall be prepared and presented by individuals who are qualified by education, training, and experience.

(f) Documentation. Each licensee shall maintain adequate documentation as proof of compliance with this Section, such as a certificate of completion, school transcript, course description, or other course materials. The licensee shall retain this proof for a period of three years after the end of the renewal cycle for which the continuing education is due.

(i) At a minimum, the documentation shall contain the following:

(A) the date of the course;

(B) the name of the course provider;

(D) the course title;

(E) the number of contact hours of continuing education credit; and

(F) the course objectives.

(ii) If the course is self-directed, such as personal or group study or authoring of a scholarly peer-reviewed journal article, the documentation shall contain the following:

(A) the dates of study or research;

(B) the title of the article, textbook chapter, poster, or platform presentation;

(D) the number of contact hours of continuing education credit; and

(E) the objectives of the self-study course.

(6) Extra Hours of Continuing Education. If a licensee completes more than the required number of contact hours of continuing education during the two-year renewal cycle specified in Subsection (1), up to ten contact hours of the excess may be carried over to the next two year renewal cycle. No education received prior to a license being granted may be carried forward to apply towards the continuing education required after the license is granted.

R156-24b-101. Title

Latest version.

This rule is known as the "Physical Therapy Practice Act Rule".

R156-24b-102. Definitions

Latest version.

In addition to the definitions in Title 58, Chapters 1 and 24b, as used in Title 58, Chapters 1 and 24b or this rule:

(1) "An education program that is accredited by a recognized accreditation agency", as used in Subsections 58-24b-302(1)(c) and (d), (2)(c) and (d), and (3)(c), means an education program that is, at the time of an applicant's graduation:

(a) accredited by CAPTE; or

(b) a foreign education program which is equivalent to a CAPTE accredited program as determined by the FCCPT.

(2) "Credential evaluation", as used in Subsections R156-24b-302a(2) and (3), means the appropriate Course Work Tool (CWT) adopted by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. The appropriate CWT means the CWT in place at the time the foreign educated physical therapist or physical therapist assistant graduated from the physical therapy program.

(3) "CAPTE" means Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

(4) "FCCPT" means the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy.

(5) "FSBPT" means the Federation of State Licensing Boards of Physical Therapy.

(6) "Joint mobilization", as used in Subsection 58-24b-102(15)(d), means a manual therapy technique comprising a continuum of skilled passive movements to the joints and/or related soft tissues that are applied at varying speeds and amplitudes, including a small-amplitude/high velocity therapeutic movement.

(7) "Routine assistance", as used in Subsections 58-24b-102(10) and 58-24b-401(3)(b) means:

(a) engaging in assembly and disassembly, maintenance and transportation, preparation and all other operational activities relevant to equipment and accessories necessary for treatment; and

(b) providing only that type of elementary and direct patient care which the patient and family members could reasonably be expected to learn and perform.

(8) "Supportive personnel", as used in Subsection R156-24b-503(1), means a physical therapist assistant or a physical therapy aide and does not include a student in a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program.

(9) "Unprofessional conduct" as defined in Title 58, Chapters 1 and 24b, is further defined, in accordance with Subsection 58-1-203(1)(e), in Section R156-24b-502.

R156-24b-103. Authority - Purpose

Latest version.

This rule is adopted by the Division under the authority of Subsection 58-1-106(1)(a) to enable the Division to administer Title 58, Chapter 24b.

R156-24b-104. Organization - Relationship to Rule R156-1

Latest version.

The organization of this rule and its relationship to Rule R156-1 is as described in Section R156-1-107.

R156-24b-305. Temporary Licensure

Latest version.

(1) In accordance with Subsection 58-1-303(1), the Division may issue a temporary physical therapist or temporary physical therapist assistant license to a person who meets all qualifications for licensure as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant except for the passing of the required examination, if the applicant:

(a) submits a "Request for Authorization to Test" as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, and is authorized to sit for the NPTE examination;

(b) is a graduate of a CAPTE accredited physical therapy school within three months immediately preceding application for licensure;

(c) is under the direct, on-site supervision of a physical therapist with an active, non-temporary license if employed as a physical therapist; and

(d) has registered to take the required licensure examination.

(2) A temporary physical therapist or temporary physical therapist assistant license issued under Subsection (1) expires the earlier of:

(a) six months from the date of issuance;

(b) the date upon which the Division receives notice from the examination agency that the individual has failed the examination twice; or

(3) A temporary physical therapist or temporary physical therapist assistant license issued in accordance with this section cannot be renewed or extended.

R156-24b-308. Reinstatement of a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant License which has Expired Beyond Two Years

Latest version.

In addition to the requirements established in Section R156-1-308g and in accordance with Subsection 58-1-308(6), an applicant for reinstatement for licensure as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, whose license has been expired for two or more years, shall complete one or more of the following upon request of the Division in collaboration with the Board:

(1) meet with the Board to evaluate the applicant's ability to safely and competently practice physical therapy;

(2) pass the NPTE examination of the FSBPT if it is determined that examination or reexamination is necessary to verify the applicant's ability to safely and competently practice; and

(3) establish and carry out a plan of supervision under an approved supervisor which may include up to 4,000 hours of physical therapy training under a temporary physical therapist or physical therapist assistant license before qualifying for full reinstatement of the license.

R156-24b-502. Unprofessional Conduct

Latest version.

Unprofessional conduct includes:

(1) violating, as a physical therapist, any provision of the American Physical Therapy Association's Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist, last amended July 2010, which is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference;

(2) violating, as a physical therapist, any provision of the American Physical Therapy Association's Guide for Professional Conduct, last amended November 2010, which is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference;

(3) not providing supervision, as a physical therapist, as set forth in Section R156-24b-503;

(4) violating, as a physical therapist assistant, any provision of the American Physical Therapy Association's Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant, last amended November 2010, which is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference; and

(5) violating, as a physical therapist assistant, any provision of the American Physical Therapy Association's Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant, last amended July 2010, which is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference.

R156-24b-503. Physical Therapist Supervisory Authority and Responsibility

Latest version.

In accordance with Section 58-24b-404, a physical therapist's supervision of a physical therapist assistant or a physical therapy aide shall meet the following conditions:

(1) a full-time equivalent physical therapist can supervise no more than three full-time equivalent supportive personnel unless approved by the board and Division; and

(2) a physical therapist shall provide treatment to a patient at least every tenth treatment but no longer than 30 days from the day of the physical therapist's last treatment day, whichever is less.

R156-24b-505. Trigger Point Dry Needling - Education and Experience Required - Registration

Latest version.

(1) A trigger point dry needling course approved by one of the following organizations meets the standards of Section 58-24b-505 if it includes the hours and treatment sessions specified in Section 58-24b-505:

(a) American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) or any of its sections or local chapters; or

(b) Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

(2) In accordance with Subsection 58-24b-505(1)(e) and (2)(b), the approved course and supervised patient treatment sessions shall be completed no later than three calendar years from the start of the course.