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Title 26: Professions and Occupations
Chapter 038: Physical Therapists
- Subchapter 001: General Provisions
§ 2081. Repealed. 1997, No. 40, § 27.
§ 2081a. Definitions
As used in this chapter:
(1) [Repealed.]
(2) “Disciplinary action” or “disciplinary cases” includes any action taken by the administrative law officer appointed under 3 V.S.A. § 129(j) against a licensee or applicant premised upon a finding of wrongdoing or unprofessional conduct by the licensee or applicant. It includes all sanctions of any kind, including obtaining injunctions, suspending or revoking licenses, issuing conditions on practice, warnings, and other similar sanctions.
(3) “Distance consultation” means the rendering of professional or expert opinion or advice to a licensed physical therapist, including the review or transfer of patient records or related information by means of audio, video, or data communications.
(4) “Physical therapist” means a person who has met all the conditions of this chapter and is licensed for the practice of physical therapy in this State.
(5) “Physical therapist assistant” means a person who has met the conditions of this chapter and is licensed to perform selected physical therapy interventions and related tasks that have been assigned by the supervising physical therapist.
(6) “Physical therapy” means the care and services provided by or under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist who is licensed pursuant to this chapter.
(7) “Physical therapy aide” means a person, trained under the direction of a physical therapist, who performs designated and supervised routine physical therapy tasks.
(8) “Practice of physical therapy” means:
(A) examining, evaluating, and testing, in order to determine a plan of care inclusive of appropriate therapeutic interventions and expected outcome and effect of the interventions of individuals with:
(i) mechanical, physiological, and developmental impairments;
(ii) functional limitations in physical movement and mobility;
(iii) disabilities; and
(iv) other movement-related conditions;
(B) alleviating impairments and functional limitations in physical movement and mobility and disabilities by developing, implementing, and modifying treatment interventions; or
(C) reducing the risk of injury, impairment, functional limitation, and disability related to physical movement and mobility, including the promotion and maintenance of fitness, health, and wellness related to movement and function. (Added 1997, No. 40, § 25; amended 2005, No. 27, § 54; 2007, No. 141 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. July 1, 2009; 2007, No. 163 (Adj. Sess.), § 14.)
§ 2082. Prohibition; offenses
(a) No person shall:
(1) practice or attempt to practice physical therapy or hold himself or herself out as being able to do so in this State without first having obtained a license; or
(2) use in connection with the person’s name or business the words “physical therapy,” “physical therapist,” “physical therapist assistant,” “physiotherapy,” “physiotherapist,” the initials “PT,” “PTA,” “DPT,” or any letters, words, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying that the person is a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant unless the person is licensed in accordance with this chapter; or
(3) practice or attempt to practice physical therapy during license revocation or suspension.
(4) [Repealed.]
(b) A person violating any of the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be subject to the penalties provided in 3 V.S.A. § 127(c).
(c) A physical therapist shall use the letters “PT” in connection with the physical therapist’s name or place of business to denote licensure, and a physical therapist assistant shall use the letters “PTA.” (Added 1981, No. 227 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; amended 2005, No. 27, § 55; 2005, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 19; 2007, No. 163 (Adj. Sess.), § 15.)
§ 2083. Exemptions from licensure
The following persons shall be permitted to practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in this State without obtaining a license under this chapter upon the following conditions:
(1) students enrolled in accredited physical therapist or physical therapist assistant educational programs, while engaged in completing a clinical requirement for graduation, which must be performed under the supervision and direction of a licensed physical therapist;
(2) physical therapists licensed in other jurisdictions while enrolled in this State in postprofessional educational programs that include the evaluation and treatment of patients as part of their experience required for credit, as long as the student’s practice is limited to the scope of the educational program;
(3) physical therapists and physical therapist assistants employed in the U.S. Armed Services, U.S. Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or by another federal agency;
(4) physical therapists or physical therapist assistants licensed or regulated in another jurisdiction of the United States or credentialed to practice physical therapy in another country if that person is teaching, demonstrating, or providing physical therapy in connection with teaching or participating in an educational seminar of no more than 60 days in a calendar year;
(5) a physical therapist who is licensed in another jurisdiction of the United States if that person is providing distance consultation to a physical therapist licensed pursuant to this chapter;
(6) a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant licensed in another jurisdiction of the United States or credentialed in another country, if that person by contract or employment is providing physical therapy to individuals affiliated with or employed by an athletic team, an athletic organization, or a performing arts company temporarily practicing, competing, or performing in the State for no more than 60 days in a calendar year. (Added 1981, No. 227 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; amended 2005, No. 27, § 56; 2007, No. 163 (Adj. Sess.), § 16; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 278.)
§ 2084. Construction
This chapter shall not be construed to limit or restrict in any manner the right of a practitioner of another occupation that is regulated by this State from carrying on in the usual manner any of the functions of his or her profession. (Added 1981, No. 227 (Adj. Sess.), § 6.)
§ 2085. Repealed. 2007, No. 141 (Adj. Sess.), § 3(b).
§ 2086. Patient care management
(a) A physical therapist shall be professionally responsible and legally liable for all aspects of the physical therapy care of each of his or her patients. The Director of the Office of Professional Regulation shall identify by rule physical therapy services that only a physical therapist may perform. At a minimum, a physical therapist shall provide:
(1) the initial examination and documentation for each of his or her patients;
(2) periodic reexamination and documentation of each of his or her patients;
(3) the documented discharge of the patient, including the response to therapeutic intervention at the time of discharge.
(b) A physical therapist shall ensure the qualifications of all physical therapist assistants and physical therapy aides under his or her direction or supervision.
(c) For each of his or her patients on each date of treatment, a physical therapist shall provide all of the therapeutic intervention that requires the expertise of a physical therapist and shall determine the use of physical therapist assistants or physical therapy aides who provide for the delivery of care that is safe, effective, and efficient, provided the assigned acts, tasks, or procedures do not exceed the person’s education or training and provided:
(1) A physical therapist assistant shall work under a physical therapist’s supervision. A physical therapist assistant may document care pursuant to the existing treatment plan from the supervising physical therapist.
(2) A physical therapist may use physical therapy aides for designated routine tasks. A physical therapy aide shall work under the on-site supervision of a physical therapist who is continuously on site and present at the facility, who is immediately available to assist the person being supervised in the services being performed, and who maintains continued involvement in appropriate aspects of each treatment session in which a component of treatment is assigned. This supervision by the physical therapist may extend to off-site supervision of the aide only when the physical therapy aide is accompanying and working directly with a physical therapist assistant with a specific patient or when performing nonpatient-related tasks.
(d) A physical therapist’s responsibility for patient care management shall include accurate documentation of and billing for the services provided.
(e) A physical therapist shall be responsible for communicating the status of a patient’s progress and other relevant information to the patient’s referring health care professional unless the patient declines to authorize release of the patient’s physical therapy records. (Added 2007, No. 141 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. July 1, 2009.)
- Subchapter 002: Administration
§ 2091. Director of the Office of Professional Regulation; duties
The Director of the Office of Professional Regulation, with the advice of the advisors appointed under this chapter, shall:
(1) provide general information to applicants for admission to licensure as physical therapists or physical therapist assistants;
(2) explain appeal procedures to licensees and applicants and complaint procedures to the public;
(3) explain sanctions, including license revocation and suspension, which may be imposed in disciplinary cases, the criteria by which sanctions are selected, and procedures for reinstatement where appropriate;
(4) administer fees as previously established by law;
(5) receive and evaluate applications for licensure, provide for examinations and set passing scores, provide licenses to applicants qualified under this chapter, renew, revoke, and reinstate licenses, or otherwise discipline licensees as ordered by an administrative law officer;
(6) issue to each person licensed a certificate of licensure that shall be prima facie evidence of the right of the person to whom it is issued to practice as a licensed physical therapist or to represent himself or herself as a licensed physical therapist assistant, subject to the conditions and limitations of this chapter; and
(7) adopt rules necessary to perform his or her duties under this chapter. (Added 1981, No. 227 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; amended 1989, No. 250 (Adj. Sess.), § 4(d); 1997, No. 40, § 49(a); 2005, No. 27, § 57.)
§ 2092. Advisor appointees
(a) The Secretary of State shall appoint two physical therapists to serve as advisors in matters relating to physical therapy. They shall be appointed for staggered five-year terms and shall serve at the pleasure of the Secretary. One of the initial appointments may be for less than a full term. Appointees shall have not less than three years’ experience as a physical therapist immediately preceding appointment and shall be actively engaged in the practice of physical therapy in Vermont during incumbency.
(b) The Director shall refer complaints and disciplinary matters to an administrative law officer established under 3 V.S.A. § 129(j).
(c) The Director shall seek the advice of the physical therapists appointed under this section in carrying out the provisions of this chapter. (Added 1981, No. 227 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; amended 1989, No. 250 (Adj. Sess.), § 54; 1997, No. 40, § 49(a); 2005, No. 27, § 58.)
- Subchapter 003: Licensure
§ 2101. Eligibility
(a) An applicant for a license as a physical therapist shall:
(1) be a graduate of a professional physical therapy education program accredited by a national accreditation agency approved by the Director;
(2) pass an examination approved by the Director; and
(3) pass an approved English proficiency exam if the applicant’s native language is not English.
(b) An applicant for a license as a physical therapist who has been educated outside the United States and has graduated from a professional physical therapy education program not accredited by a national accreditation agency approved by the Director shall:
(1) provide satisfactory evidence that the applicant’s education is substantially equivalent to the requirements of physical therapists educated in an accredited education program as determined by the Director. For the purpose of this section, “substantially equivalent” means that an applicant for licensure educated outside the United States shall have:
(A) graduated from a physical therapist education program that prepares the applicant to engage in the practice of physical therapy without restriction;
(B) provided written proof that the applicant’s school of physical therapy education is recognized by its own ministry or department of education;
(C) undergone a credentials evaluation as directed by the Director that demonstrates that the candidate has met uniform criteria for educational requirements as adopted by rule; and
(D) completed any additional education as required by the Director;
(2) pass an approved English proficiency examination if the applicant’s native language is not English; and
(3) pass an examination approved by the Director.
(c) An applicant for licensure as a physical therapist assistant shall:
(1) be a graduate of a physical therapist assistant education program accredited by a national accreditation agency approved by the Director;
(2) pass an approved English proficiency examination if the applicant’s native language is not English; and
(3) pass an examination approved by the Director. (Added 1981, No. 227 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; amended 1989, No. 250 (Adj. Sess.), § 4(d); 2005, No. 27, § 59.)
§ 2102. Application
Unless entitled to licensure under section 2104 of this title, and according to the procedures outlined in the rules of the Director of the Office of Professional Regulation, a person who desires to be licensed as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall apply to the Director in writing on a form furnished by the Director, accompanied by payment of the specified fee. (Added 1981, No. 227 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; amended 1989, No. 250 (Adj. Sess.), § 4(d).)
§ 2103. Examination
(a) The Director of the Office of Professional Regulation shall provide for examinations for licensure as physical therapists or physical therapist assistants at such times and places as he or she may determine.
(b) Examinations administered and procedures followed by the Director shall be fair and reasonable and shall be designed and implemented to reasonably ensure that an applicant is at least minimally qualified to practice physical therapy. They shall not be designed or implemented for the purpose of limiting the number of licensees.
(c) An applicant for licensure as a physical therapist may take the examination after the application process has been completed and the application approved. The examination shall test entry-level competence related to physical therapy theory, examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment intervention, prevention, and consultation.
(d) An applicant for licensure as a physical therapist assistant may take the examination after the application process has been completed and the application approved. The examination shall test for requisite knowledge and skills in the technical application of physical therapy services.
(e) An applicant for licensure who does not pass the examination on the first attempt may retake the examination one additional time without reapplication for licensure within six months of the first examination. Before the Director may approve an applicant for subsequent testing beyond two attempts, an applicant shall reapply for licensure and shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Director of having successfully completed additional clinical training or course work, or both, as determined by the Director.
(f) The Director may require an examination designed to test the knowledge of the applicant regarding Vermont laws relating to physical therapy practice. (Added 1981, No. 227 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; amended 1989, No. 250 (Adj. Sess.), § 4(d); 2005, No. 27, § 60; 2019, No. 178 (Adj. Sess.), § 13, eff. Oct. 1, 2020.)
§ 2104. Licensure by endorsement
A person who is licensed under the laws of another jurisdiction and who desires licensure as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall apply to the Director of the Office of Professional Regulation in writing on a form furnished by the Director, accompanied by the specified fee. The Director shall license those persons if he or she deems that they have met requirements in the other jurisdiction that are substantially equivalent to those of this State. In all other cases, the Director of the Office of Professional Regulation may make such regulations as are reasonable and necessary for the protection of the public to assure that the applicant under this section is professionally qualified. (Added 1981, No. 227 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; amended 1989, No. 250 (Adj. Sess.), § 4(d); 2005, No. 27, § 61; 2007, No. 163 (Adj. Sess.), § 18.)
§ 2105. Temporary licensure pending endorsement
The Director may issue a temporary license to practice as a physical therapist for a period not to exceed 90 days to a physical therapist currently licensed in another jurisdiction who has applied for licensure by endorsement in accordance with the statutes and rules governing the profession. (Added 1981, No. 227 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; amended 1989, No. 250 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2007, No. 163 (Adj. Sess.), § 19.)
§ 2106. Repealed. 1997, No. 59, § 65(1), eff. June 30, 1997.
§ 2106a. Repealed. 2005, No. 27, § 117(1).
§ 2107. Renewals
(a) Licenses shall be renewed every two years upon payment of the required fee.
(b) Biennially, the Director shall forward a renewal form to each license holder. Upon receipt of the completed form and the renewal fee, the Director shall issue a new license.
(c) Any application for renewal of a license that has expired shall be accompanied by the renewal fee and late fee. A person shall not be required to pay renewal fees for years during which the license was lapsed.
(d) The Director shall establish continuing competence requirements by rule as a condition of licensure renewal. (Added 1999, No. 52, § 13; amended 2005, No. 27, § 62.)
§ 2108. Reinstatement
If a physical therapist’s license has lapsed for more than five consecutive years, that person may have his or her license reinstated upon payment of all applicable renewal and reinstatement fees, and demonstration of competence to practice the profession by one or more of the following, as determined by the Director:
(1) practice for a specified time under a limited or supervised license;
(2) completion of a remedial course;
(3) completion of continuing competence requirements;
(4) passage of an examination approved by the Director; or
(5) practice with a license in good standing in another jurisdiction. (Added 2005, No. 27, § 63; amended 2007, No. 163 (Adj. Sess.), § 20.)
- Subchapter 004: Discipline
§ 2121. Unprofessional conduct
(a) Unprofessional conduct is the conduct prohibited by this section and by 3 V.S.A. § 129a, whether or not taken by a license holder.
(b) Unprofessional conduct shall include:
(1) sexual harassment of a patient;
(2) engaging in a sexual act as defined in 13 V.S.A. § 3251 with a patient;
(3) any of the following except when reasonably undertaken in an emergency situation in order to protect life, health, or property:
(A) practicing or offering to practice beyond the scope permitted by law;
(B) accepting and performing physical therapy responsibilities that the licensee knows or has reason to know that he or she is not competent to perform; or
(C) performing physical therapy services that have not been authorized by the consumer or the consumer’s legal representative.
(c) After hearing, an administrative law officer may take disciplinary action against a licensee or applicant found guilty of unprofessional conduct. A finding of unprofessional conduct shall be grounds for:
(1) denying an application for licensure;
(2) revoking, suspending, or conditioning a license; or
(3) otherwise disciplining a licensee. (Added 1981, No. 227 (Adj. Sess.), § 6; amended 1989, No. 250 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 1997, No. 40, § 49; 1997, No. 145 (Adj. Sess.), § 44; 1999, No. 52, § 14; 2005, No. 27, § 64; 2007, No. 163 (Adj. Sess.), § 21.)
- Subchapter 005: Physical Therapy Licensure Compact
[Section 2131 effective July 1, 2024.]
§ 2131. Physical therapy licensure compact; adoption
This subchapter is the Vermont adoption of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact. The form, format, and text of the Compact have been conformed to the conventions of the Vermont Statutes Annotated. It is the intent of the General Assembly that this subchapter be interpreted as substantively the same as the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact that is enacted by other Compact party states. (Added 2023, No. 35, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.)
[Section 2132 effective July 1, 2024.]
§ 2132. Purpose
(a) The purpose of this Compact is to facilitate interstate practice of physical therapy with the goal of improving public access to physical therapy services. The practice of physical therapy occurs in the state where the patient/client is located at the time of the patient/client encounter. The Compact preserves the regulatory authority of states to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensure.
(b) This Compact is designed to achieve the following objectives:
(1) Increase public access to physical therapy services by providing for the mutual recognition of other member state licenses;
(2) Enhance the states’ ability to protect the public’s health and safety;
(3) Encourage the cooperation of member states in regulating multi-state physical therapy practice;
(4) Support spouses of relocating military members;
(5) Enhance the exchange of licensure, investigative, and disciplinary information between member states; and
(6) Allow a remote state to hold a provider of services with a compact privilege in that state accountable to that state’s practice standards. (Added 2023, No. 35, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.)
[Section 2133 effective July 1, 2024.]
§ 2133. Definitions
As used in this Compact, and except as otherwise provided, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) “Active Duty Military” means full-time duty status in the active uniformed service of the United States, including members of the National Guard and Reserve on active duty orders pursuant to 10 U.S.C. chapters 1209 and 1211.
(2) “Adverse Action” means disciplinary action taken by a physical therapy licensing board based upon misconduct or unacceptable performance, or a combination of both.
(3) “Alternative Program” means a nondisciplinary monitoring or practice remediation process approved by a physical therapy licensing board. This includes, but is not limited to, substance abuse issues.
(4) “Compact privilege” means the authorization granted by a remote state to allow a licensee from another member state to practice as a physical therapist or work as a physical therapist assistant in the remote state under its laws and rules. The practice of physical therapy occurs in the member state where the patient/client is located at the time of the patient/client encounter.
(5) “Continuing competence” means a requirement, as a condition of license renewal, to provide evidence of participation in, and/or completion of, educational and professional activities relevant to practice or area of work.
(6) “Data system” means a repository of information about licensees, including examination, licensure, investigative, compact privilege, and adverse action.
(7) “Encumbered license” means a license that a physical therapy licensing board has limited in any way.
(8) “Executive Board” means a group of directors elected or appointed to act on behalf of, and within the powers granted to them by, the Commission.
(9) “Home state” means the member state that is the licensee’s primary state of residence.
(10) “Investigative information” means information, records, and documents received or generated by a physical therapy licensing board pursuant to an investigation.
(11) “Jurisprudence Requirement” means the assessment of an individual’s knowledge of the laws and rules governing the practice of physical therapy in a state.
(12) “Licensee” means an individual who currently holds an authorization from the state to practice as a physical therapist or to work as a physical therapist assistant.
(13) “Member state” means a state that has enacted the Compact.
(14) “Party state” means any member state in which a licensee holds a current license or compact privilege or is applying for a license or compact privilege.
(15) “Physical therapist” means an individual who is licensed by a state to practice physical therapy.
(16) “Physical therapist assistant” means an individual who is licensed/certified by a state and who assists the physical therapist in selected components of physical therapy.
(17) “Physical therapy,” “physical therapy practice,” and “the practice of physical therapy” mean the care and services provided by or under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
(18) “Physical Therapy Compact Commission” or “Commission” means the national administrative body whose membership consists of all states that have enacted the Compact.
(19) “Physical therapy licensing board” or “licensing board” means the agency of a state that is responsible for the licensing and regulation of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.
(20) “Remote State” means a member state other than the home state, where a licensee is exercising or seeking to exercise the compact privilege.
(21) “Rule” means a regulation, principle, or directive promulgated by the Commission that has the force of law.
(22) “State” means any state, commonwealth, district, or territory of the United States of America that regulates the practice of physical therapy. (Added 2023, No. 35, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.)
[Section 2134 effective July 1, 2024.]
§ 2134. State participation in the compact
(a) To participate in the Compact, a state must:
(1) participate fully in the Commission’s data system, including using the Commission’s unique identifier as defined in rules;
(2) have a mechanism in place for receiving and investigating complaints about licensees;
(3) notify the Commission, in compliance with the terms of the Compact and rules, of any adverse action or the availability of investigative information regarding a licensee;
(4) fully implement a criminal background check requirement, within a time frame established by rule, by receiving the results of the Federal Bureau of Investigation record search on criminal background checks and use the results in making licensure decisions in accordance with subsection (b) of this section;
(5) comply with the rules of the Commission;
(6) utilize a recognized national examination as a requirement for licensure pursuant to the rules of the Commission; and
(7) have continuing competence requirements as a condition for license renewal.
(b) Upon adoption of this statute, the member state shall have the authority to obtain biometric-based information from each physical therapy licensure applicant and submit this information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a criminal background check in accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 534 and 42 U.S.C. § 14616.
(c) A member state shall grant the compact privilege to a licensee holding a valid unencumbered license in another member state in accordance with the terms of the Compact and rules.
(d) Member states may charge a fee for granting a compact privilege. (Added 2023, No. 35, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.)
[Section 2135 effective July 1, 2024.]
§ 2135. Compact privilege
(a) To exercise the compact privilege under the terms and provisions of the Compact, the licensee shall:
(1) hold a license in the home state;
(2) have no encumbrance on any state license;
(3) be eligible for a compact privilege in any member state in accordance with subsections (d), (g), and (h) of this section;
(4) have not had any adverse action against any license or compact privilege within the previous two years;
(5) notify the Commission that the licensee is seeking the compact privilege within a remote state(s);
(6) pay any applicable fees, including any state fee, for the compact privilege;
(7) meet any jurisprudence requirements established by the remote state(s) in which the licensee is seeking a compact privilege; and
(8) report to the Commission adverse action taken by any nonmember state within 30 days from the date the adverse action is taken.
(b) The compact privilege is valid until the expiration date of the home license. The licensee must comply with the requirements of subsection (a) of this section to maintain the compact privilege in the remote state.
(c) A licensee providing physical therapy in a remote state under the compact privilege shall function within the laws and regulations of the remote state.
(d) A licensee providing physical therapy in a remote state is subject to that state’s regulatory authority. A remote state may, in accordance with due process and that state’s laws, remove a licensee’s compact privilege in the remote state for a specific period of time, impose fines, and/or take any other necessary actions to protect the health and safety of its citizens. The licensee is not eligible for a compact privilege in any state until the specific time for removal has passed and all fines are paid.
(e) If a home state license is encumbered, the licensee shall lose the compact privilege in any remote state until the following occur:
(1) the home state license is no longer encumbered; and
(2) two years have elapsed from the date of the adverse action.
(f) Once an encumbered license in the home state is restored to good standing, the licensee must meet the requirements of subsection (a) of this section to obtain a compact privilege in any remote state.
(g) If a licensee’s compact privilege in any remote state is removed, the individual shall lose the compact privilege in any remote state until the following occur:
(1) the specific period of time for which the compact privilege was removed has ended;
(2) all fines have been paid; and
(3) two years have elapsed from the date of the adverse action.
(h) Once the requirements of subsection (g) of this section have been met, the license must meet the requirements in subsection (a) of this section to obtain a compact privilege in a remote state. (Added 2023, No. 35, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.)
[Section 2136 effective July 1, 2024.]
§ 2136. Active duty military personnel or their spouses
A licensee who is active duty military or is the spouse of an individual who is active duty military may designate one of the following as the home state:
(1) home of record;
(2) permanent Change of Station (PCS); or
(3) state of current residence if it is different than the PCS state or home of record. (Added 2023, No. 35, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.)
[Section effective 2137 July 1, 2024.]
§ 2137. Adverse actions
(a) A home state shall have exclusive power to impose adverse action against a license issued by the home state.
(b) A home state may take adverse action based on the investigative information of a remote state, provided the home state follows its own procedures for imposing adverse action.
(c) Nothing in this Compact shall override a member state’s decision that participation in an alternative program may be used in lieu of adverse action and that such participation shall remain nonpublic if required by the member state’s laws. Member states must require licensees who enter any alternative programs in lieu of discipline to agree not to practice in any other member state during the term of the alternative program without prior authorization from such other member state.
(d) Any member state may investigate actual or alleged violations of the statutes and rules authorizing the practice of physical therapy in any other member state in which a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant holds a license or compact privilege.
(e) A remote state shall have the authority to:
(1) Take adverse actions as set forth in subsection 2134(d) of this title against a licensee’s compact privilege in the state.
(2) Issue subpoenas for both hearings and investigations that require the attendance and testimony of witnesses, and the production of evidence. Subpoenas issued by a physical therapy licensing board in a party state for the attendance and testimony of witnesses, and/or the production of evidence from another party state, shall be enforced in the latter state by any court of competent jurisdiction, according to the practice and procedure of that court applicable to subpoenas issued in proceedings pending before it. The issuing authority shall pay any witness fees, travel expenses, mileage, and other fees required by the service statutes of the state where the witnesses and/or evidence are located.
(3) If otherwise permitted by state law, recover from the licensee the costs of investigations and disposition of cases resulting from any adverse action taken against that licensee.
(f) Joint Investigations.
(1) In addition to the authority granted to a member state by its respective physical therapy practice act or other applicable state law, a member state may participate with other member states in joint investigations of licensees.
(2) Member states shall share any investigative, litigation, or compliance materials in furtherance of any joint or individual investigation initiated under the Compact. (Added 2023, No. 35, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.)
[Section 2138 effective July 1, 2024.]
§ 2138. Establishment of the physical therapy compact commission
(a) The Compact member states hereby create and establish a joint public agency known as the Physical Therapy Compact Commission.
(1) The Commission is an instrumentality of the Compact states.
(2) Venue is proper and judicial proceedings by or against the Commission shall be brought solely and exclusively in a court of competent jurisdiction where the principal office of the Commission is located. The Commission may waive venue and jurisdictional defenses to the extent it adopts or consents to participate in alternative dispute resolution proceedings.
(3) Nothing in this Compact shall be construed to be a waiver of sovereign immunity.
(b) Membership, voting, and meetings.
(1) Each member state shall have and be limited to one delegate selected by that member state’s licensing board.
(2) The delegate shall be a current member of the licensing board, who is a physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, public member, or the board administrator.
(3) Any delegate may be removed or suspended from office as provided by the law of the state from which the delegate is appointed.
(4) The member state board shall fill any vacancy occurring in the Commission.
(5) Each delegate shall be entitled to one vote with regard to the promulgation of rules and creation of bylaws and shall otherwise have an opportunity to participate in the business and affairs of the Commission.
(6) A delegate shall vote in person or by such other means as provided in the bylaws. The bylaws may provide for delegates’ participation in meetings by telephone or other means of communication.
(7) The Commission shall meet at least once during each calendar year. Additional meetings shall be held as set forth in the bylaws.
(c) The Commission shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) Establish the fiscal year of the Commission.
(2) Establish bylaws.
(3) Maintain its financial records in accordance with the bylaws.
(4) Meet and take such actions as are consistent with the provisions of this Compact and the bylaws.
(5) Promulgate uniform rules to facilitate and coordinate implementation and administration of this Compact. The rules shall have the force and effect of law and shall be binding in all member states.
(6) Bring and prosecute legal proceedings or actions in the name of the Commission, provided that the standing of any state physical therapy licensing board to sue or be sued under applicable law shall not be affected.
(7) Purchase and maintain insurance and bonds.
(8) Borrow, accept, or contract for services of personnel, including, but not limited to, employees of a member state.
(9) Hire employees, elect or appoint officers, fix compensation, define duties, grant such individuals appropriate authority to carry out the purposes of the Compact, and to establish the Commission’s personnel policies and programs relating to conflicts of interest, qualifications of personnel, and other related personnel matters.
(10) Accept any and all appropriate donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services, and to receive, utilize, and dispose of the same, provided that at all times the Commission shall avoid any appearance of impropriety and/or conflict of interest.
(11) Lease, purchase, accept appropriate gifts or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve or use, any property, real, personal or mixed, provided that at all times the Commission shall avoid any appearance of impropriety.
(12) Sell convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property real, personal, or mixed.
(13) Establish a budget and make expenditures.
(14) Borrow money.
(15) Appoint committees, including standing committees composed of members, state regulators, state legislators or their representatives, and consumer representatives, and such other interested persons as may be designated in this Compact and the bylaws.
(16) Provide and receive information from, and cooperate with, law enforcement agencies.
(17) Establish and elect an Executive Board.
(18) Perform such other functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Compact consistent with the state regulation of physical therapy licensure and practice.
(d) The Executive Board. The Executive Board shall have the power to act on behalf of the Commission according to the terms of this Compact.
(1) The Executive Board shall be composed of nine members:
(A) seven voting members who are elected by the Commission from the current membership of the Commission;
(B) one ex-officio, nonvoting member from the recognized national physical therapy professional association; and
(C) one ex-officio, nonvoting member from the recognized membership organization of the physical therapy licensing boards.
(2) The ex-officio members will be selected by their respective organizations.
(3) The Commission may remove any member of the Executive Board as provided in bylaws.
(4) The Executive Board shall meet at least annually.
(5) The Executive Board shall have the following Duties and responsibilities:
(A) recommend to the entire Commission changes to the rules or bylaws, changes to this Compact legislation, fees paid by Compact member states such as annual dues, and any commission Compact fee charged to licensees for the compact privilege;
(B) ensure Compact administration services are appropriately provided, contractual or otherwise;
(C) prepare and recommend the budget;
(D) maintain financial records on behalf of the Commission;
(E) monitor Compact compliance of member states and provide compliance reports to the Commission;
(F) establish additional committees as necessary; and
(G) other duties as provided in rules or bylaws.
(e) Meetings of the Commission.
(1) All meetings shall be open to the public, and public notice of meetings shall be given in the same manner as required under the rulemaking provisions in section 2139 of this title.
(2) The Commission or the Executive Board or other committees of the Commission may convene in a closed, nonpublic meeting if the Commission or Executive Board or other committees of the Commission must discuss:
(A) noncompliance of a member state with its obligations under the Compact;
(B) the employment, compensation, discipline or other matters, practices or procedures related to specific employees, or other matters related to the Commission’s internal personnel practices and procedures;
(C) current, threatened, or reasonably anticipated litigation;
(D) negotiation of contracts for the purchase, lease, or sale of goods, services, or real estate;
(E) accusing any person of a crime or formally censuring any person;
(F) disclosure of trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential;
(G) disclosure of information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
(H) disclosure of investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes;
(I) disclosure of information related to any investigative reports prepared by or on behalf of or for use of the Commission or other committee charged with responsibility of investigation or determination of compliance issues pursuant to the Compact; or
(J) matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal or member state statute.
(3) If a meeting, or portion of a meeting, is closed pursuant to this provision, the Commission’s legal counsel or designee shall certify that the meeting may be closed and shall reference each relevant exempting provision.
(4) The Commission shall keep minutes that fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in a meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of actions taken, and the reasons therefore, including a description of the views expressed. All documents considered in connection with an action shall be identified in such minutes. All minutes and documents of a closed meeting shall remain under seal, subject to release by a majority vote of the Commission or order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
(f) Financing of the Commission.
(1) The Commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of, the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities.
(2) The Commission may accept any and all appropriate revenue sources, donations, and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services.
(3) The Commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each member state or impose fees on other parties to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the Commission and its staff, which must be in a total amount sufficient to cover its annual budget as approved each year for which revenue is not provided by other sources. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the Commission, which shall promulgate a rule binding upon all member states.
(4) The Commission shall not incur obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same, nor shall the Commission pledge the credit of any of the member states, except by and with the authority of the member state.
(5) The Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant, and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the Commission.
(g) Qualified immunity, defense, and indemnification.
(1) The members, officers, executive director, employees, and representatives of the Commission shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused by or arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to protect any such person from suit and/or liability for any damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person.
(2) The Commission shall defend any member, officer, executive director, employee, or representative of the Commission in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that the person against whom the claim is made had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit that person from retaining the person’s own counsel, and provided further, that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from that person’s intentional or willful or wanton misconduct.
(3) The Commission shall indemnify and hold harmless any member, officer, executive director, employee, or representative of the Commission for the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against that person arising out of any actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from the intentional or willful or wanton misconduct of that person. (Added 2023, No. 35, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.)
[Section 2139 effective July 1, 2024.]
§ 2139. Data system
(a) The Commission shall provide for the development, maintenance, and utilization of a coordinated database and reporting system containing licensure, adverse action, and investigative information on all licensed individuals in member states.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of state law to the contrary, a member state shall submit a uniform data set to the data system on all individuals to whom this Compact is applicable as required by the rules of the Commission, including:
(1) identifying information;
(2) licensure data;
(3) adverse actions against a license or compact privilege;
(4) nonconfidential information related to alternative program participation;
(5) any denial of application for licensure, and the reason(s) for such denial; and
(6) Other information that may facilitate the administration of this Compact, as determined by the rules of the Commission.
(c) Investigative information pertaining to a licensee in any member state will only be available to other party states.
(d) The Commission shall promptly notify all member states of any adverse action taken against a licensee or an individual applying for a license. Adverse action information pertaining to a licensee in any member state will be available to any other member state.
(e) Member states contributing information to the data system may designate information that may not be shared with the public without the express permission of the contributing state.
(f) Any information submitted to the data system that is subsequently required to be expunged by the laws of the member state contributing the information shall be removed from the data system. (Added 2023, No. 35, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.)
[Section 2140 effective July 1, 2024.]
§ 2140. Rulemaking
(a) The Commission shall exercise its rulemaking powers pursuant to the criteria set forth in this section and the rules adopted thereunder. Rules and amendments shall become binding as of the date specified in each rule or amendment.
(b) If a majority of the legislatures of the member states reject a rule by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the Compact within four years of the date of adoption of the rule, then such rule shall have no further force and effect in any member state.
(c) Rules or amendments to the rules shall be adopted at a regular or special meeting of the Commission.
(d) Prior to promulgation and adoption of a final rule or rules by the Commission, and at least 30 days in advance of the meeting at which the rule will be considered and voted upon, the Commission shall file a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking:
(1) on the website of the Commission or other publicly accessible platform; and
(2) on the website of each member state physical therapy licensing board or other publicly accessible platform or the publication in which each state would otherwise publish proposed rules.
(e) The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking shall include:
(1) the proposed time, date, and location of the meeting in which the rule will be considered and voted upon;
(2) the text of the proposed rule or amendment and the reason for the proposed rule;
(3) a request for comments on the proposed rule from any interested person; and
(4) the manner in which interested persons may submit notice to the Commission of their intention to attend the public hearing and any written comments.
(f) Prior to adoption of a proposed rule, the Commission shall allow persons to submit written data, facts, opinions, and arguments, which shall be made available to the public.
(g) The Commission shall grant an opportunity for a public hearing before it adopts a rule or amendment if a hearing is requested by:
(1) at least 25 persons;
(2) a state or federal governmental subdivision or agency; or
(3) an association having at least 25 members.
(h) If a hearing is held on the proposed rule or amendment, the Commission shall publish the place, time, and date of the scheduled public hearing. If the hearing is held via electronic means, the Commission shall publish the mechanism for access to the electronic hearing.
(1) All persons wishing to be heard at the hearing shall notify the executive director of the Commission or other designated member in writing of their desire to appear and testify at the hearing not less than five business days before the scheduled date of the hearing.
(2) Hearings shall be conducted in a manner providing each person who wishes to comment a fair and reasonable opportunity to comment orally or in writing.
(3) All hearings will be recorded. A copy of the recording will be made available on request.
(4) Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring a separate hearing on each rule. Rules may be grouped for the convenience of the Commission at hearings required by this section.
(i) Following the scheduled hearing date, or by the close of business on the scheduled hearing date if the hearing was not held, the Commission shall consider all written and oral comments received.
(j) If no written notice of intent to attend the public hearing by interested parties is received, the Commission may proceed with promulgation of the proposed rule without a public hearing.
(k) The Commission shall, by majority vote of all members, take final action on the proposed rule and shall determine the effective date of the rule, if any, based on the rulemaking record and the full text of the rule.
(l) Upon determination that an emergency exists, the Commission may consider and adopt an emergency rule without prior notice, opportunity for comment, or hearing, provided that the usual rulemaking procedures provided in the Compact and in this section shall be retroactively applied to the rule as soon as reasonably possible, in no event later than 90 days after the effective date of the rule. For the purposes of this provision, an emergency rule is one that must be adopted immediately in order to:
(1) meet an imminent threat to public health, safety, or welfare;
(2) prevent a loss of Commission or member state funds;
(3) meet a deadline for the promulgation of an administrative rule that is established by federal law or rule; or
(4) protect public health and safety.
(m) The Commission or an authorized committee of the Commission may direct revisions to a previously adopted rule or amendment for purposes of correcting typographical errors, errors in format, errors in consistency, or grammatical errors. Public notice of any revisions shall be posted on the website of the Commission. The revision shall be subject to challenge by any person for a period of 30 days after posting. The revision may be challenged only on grounds that the revision results in a material change to a rule. A challenge shall be made in writing and delivered to the chair of the Commission prior to the end of the notice period. If no challenge is made, the revision will take effect without further action. If the revision is challenged, the revision may not take effect without the approval of the Commission. (Added 2023, No. 35, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.)
[Section 2141 effective July 1, 2024.]
§ 2141. Oversight, dispute resolution, and enforcement
(a) Oversight.
(1) The executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government in each member state shall enforce this Compact and take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the Compact’s purposes and intent. The provisions of this Compact and the rules promulgated hereunder shall have standing as statutory law.
(2) All courts shall take judicial notice of the Compact and the rules in any judicial or administrative proceeding in a member state pertaining to the subject matter of this Compact which may affect the powers, responsibilities or actions of the Commission.
(3) The Commission shall be entitled to receive service of process in any such proceeding, and shall have standing to intervene in such a proceeding for all purposes. Failure to provide service of process to the Commission shall render a judgment or order void as to the Commission, this Compact, or promulgated rules.
(b) Default, technical assistance, and termination.
(1) If the Commission determines that a member state has defaulted in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities under this Compact or the promulgated rules, the Commission shall:
(A) provide written notice to the defaulting state and other member states of the nature of the default, the proposed means of curing the default and/or any other action to be taken by the Commission; and
(B) provide remedial training and specific technical assistance regarding the default.
(2) If a state in default fails to cure the default, the defaulting state may be terminated from the Compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the member states, and all rights, privileges, and benefits conferred by this Compact may be terminated on the effective date of termination. A cure of the default does not relieve the offending state of obligations or liabilities incurred during the period of default.
(3) Termination of membership in the Compact shall be imposed only after all other means of securing compliance have been exhausted. Notice of intent to suspend or terminate shall be given by the Commission to the governor, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state’s legislature, and each of the member states.
(4) A state that has been terminated is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination, including obligations that extend beyond the effective date of termination.
(5) The Commission shall not bear any costs related to a state that is found to be in default or that has been terminated from the Compact, unless agreed upon in writing between the Commission and the defaulting state.
(6) The defaulting state may appeal the action of the Commission by petitioning the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the Commission has its principal offices. The prevailing member shall be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney’s fees.
(c) Dispute resolution.
(1) Upon request by a member state, the Commission shall attempt to resolve disputes related to the Compact that arise among member states and between member and non-member states.
(2) The Commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes as appropriate.
(d) Enforcement.
(1) The Commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions and rules of this Compact.
(2) By majority vote, the Commission may initiate legal action in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the Commission has its principal offices against a member state in default to enforce compliance with the provisions of the Compact and its promulgated rules and bylaws. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary, the prevailing member shall be awarded all costs of such litigation, including reasonable attorney’s fees.
(3) The remedies herein shall not be the exclusive remedies of the Commission. The Commission may pursue any other remedies available under federal or state law. (Added 2023, No. 35, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.)
[Section 2142 effective July 1, 2024.]
§ 2142. Date of implementation of the interstate commission for physical therapy practice and associated rules, withdrawal, and amendment
(a) The Compact shall come into effect on the date on which the Compact statute is enacted into law in the tenth member state. The provisions, which become effective at that time, shall be limited to the powers granted to the Commission relating to assembly and the promulgation of rules. Thereafter, the Commission shall meet and exercise rulemaking powers necessary to the implementation and administration of the Compact.
(b) Any state that joins the Compact subsequent to the Commission’s initial adoption of the rules shall be subject to the rules as they exist on the date on which the Compact becomes law in that state. Any rule that has been previously adopted by the Commission shall have the full force and effect of law on the day the Compact becomes law in that state.
(c) Any member state may withdraw from this Compact by enacting a statute repealing the same.
(1) A member state’s withdrawal shall not take effect until six months after enactment of the repealing statute.
(2) Withdrawal shall not affect the continuing requirement of the withdrawing state’s physical therapy licensing board to comply with the investigative and adverse action reporting requirements of this act prior to the effective date of withdrawal.
(d) Nothing contained in this Compact shall be construed to invalidate or prevent any physical therapy licensure agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a member state and a nonmember state that does not conflict with the provisions of this Compact.
(e) This Compact may be amended by the member states. No amendment to this Compact shall become effective and binding upon any member state until it is enacted into the laws of all member states. (Added 2023, No. 35, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.)
[Section 2143 effective July 1, 2024.]
§ 2143. Construction and severability
This Compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this Compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this Compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any party state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this Compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this Compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any party state, the Compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining party states and in full force and effect as to the party state affected as to all severable matters. (Added 2023, No. 35, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.)
[Section 2144 effective July 1, 2024.]
§ 2144. State administration of the compact
(a) The Office of Professional Regulation shall have the power to oversee the administration and enforcement of the Compact within the State of Vermont subject to the provisions and rules of the Compact.
(b) The Director of the Office of Professional Regulation shall designate the one delegate of the Compact for the State of Vermont pursuant to subsection 2138(b) of this subchapter. (Added 2023, No. 35, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.)
