This article will discuss the limitation of practice of PT Assistant and PT Supervision.
When used in this section, the term “acceptable accrediting agency” refers to a group that the department has recognized as a trustworthy authority for the purpose of accrediting physical therapy programs, one that has accreditation standards that are roughly equivalent to the specifications for programs registered as leading to physical therapy licensure under section 52.43 of this Title, and one that applies its criteria for awarding program accreditation in a fair, consistent, and objective manner.
The applicant must provide proof of: in order to satisfy the professional education requirement for licensing in this State. a master’s or higher-level degree in physical therapy from a course of study registered with the department or certified by a reputable certifying body; or completion of a program that is acceptable to the department, substantially equivalent to a master’s degree program in physical therapy registered by the department, and that results in a degree or diploma recognized as meeting the educational requirements for the practice of physical therapy in the country where the studies were completed by the civil authorities of that country.
Physical therapists must pass exams to obtain their licenses.
The National Physical Therapy Examination and other exams with content deemed comparable may be accepted by the department.
Physical therapists can only have certain licenses.
According to section 6735(c) of the Education Law, the department may renew a physical therapy limited permission if the following criteria are met: a demonstrable need for additional clinical training under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, or adequate documentation of extenuating circumstances that precluded the permittee from taking the licensing examination. evidence that the permittee is actively pursuing licensure by keeping open applications for examination and licensure; and submitting an application for renewal of a limited physical therapy permit along with paying the amount specified in section 6735 of the Education Law.
No renewal of a limited permit may be granted, despite the provisions of subdivision (a) of this section, if the permittee is the subject of an ongoing professional misconduct investigation or if the department finds a reasonable basis for a professional misconduct investigation against the permittee, as described in title VIII of the Education Law.
As specified in section 6735(d) of the Education Law, on-site supervision of permittees entails the supervising physical therapist being present at the same location and easily accessible to the permittee.
Physical therapy assistants should pursue professional education.
The candidate must provide proof of each of the following to satisfy the certification’s requirements for professional education: completion of a two-year college program leading to registration by the department as a physical therapist assistant or accreditation by a national accreditation body that is satisfactory to the department;
finishing a physical therapy program that the government has decided is equal to a registered program for assistant physical therapists. A applicant may prove proficiency by completing a national examination that is acceptable to the department when sufficient program records are not available or a site visit is not practical to determine equivalency.
Experience for aides to physical therapists:
Beyond what is necessary as part of an educational program, there shall be no further experience necessary for physical therapist assistants who are registered with the department.
Physical therapist assistant supervision
A physical therapist licensed in the State of New York must be the primary supervisor of a physical therapist assistant. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b) of section 6738 of the Education Law with respect to maintenance programs in residential health care facilities, on-site supervision as required by section 6738(a) of the Education Law shall mean that the supervising physical therapist is physically present in the same facility and is readily available to the physical therapist assistant.
licensing tests for assistants to physical therapists.
The National Physical Therapy Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants or another exam deemed to be of equal content may be accepted by the department in lieu of passing grades.
Limited licenses are required for assistants to physical therapists.
A physical therapist assistant’s restricted permit may be renewed by the department in accordance with section 6741-a (c) of the Education Law if the following criteria are met: a demonstrable need for additional clinical training under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist; or sufficient evidence of extenuating circumstances that precluded the permittee from taking the licensing examination; and evidence that the permittee is actively pursuing licensure by keeping open applications for examination and licensure; and submitting an application for renewal of a limited permit for a physical therapist assistant and paying the amount specified in section 6741-a of the Education Law.
No renewal of a limited permit may be granted, despite the provisions of subdivision (a) of this section, if the permittee is the subject of an ongoing professional misconduct investigation or if the department finds a reasonable basis for a professional misconduct investigation against the permittee, as described in title VIII of the Education Law.
As specified in section 6741-a (d) of the Education Law, on-site supervision of permittees entails the supervising physical therapist being present at the same location and easily accessible to the permittee.
Without a referral, rendering care in the realm of physical therapy.
(Compliant as of November 23, 2006)
According to Education Law section 6731(d), a licensed physical therapist may treat a patient in the practice of physical therapy for 10 visits or 30 days, whichever comes first, without a referral from a doctor, dentist, podiatrist, or nurse practitioner, provided the licensed physical therapist satisfies the following criteria: the licensed physical therapist has completed at least 4,320 clock hours of physical therapy practice over a minimum of 36 months anytime prior to beginning such treatment, meaning the licensed physical therapist has practiced physical therapy on a full-time basis equivalent to not less than three years before beginning such treatment; and
All conditions of subdivision (a) of this section pertaining to the notice of advice are satisfied by the certified physical therapist. notice of counsel In accordance with Education Law section 6731(d) and the requirements of this section, a physical therapist who provides treatment in the practice of physical therapy without a referral from a doctor, dentist, podiatrist, or nurse practitioner shall notify the patient in writing before beginning treatment of the possibility that such treatment may not be covered by the patient’s health care plan or insurer without a referral from a doctor, dentist, podiatrist, or nurse practitioner. This advise must be presented on a form, a copy of which must be supplied to the patient as well as kept on file as a patient record by the licensed physical therapist. The following details must be on the notice of advice form:
a declaration stating the advice in question and a declaration confirming that the patient has read the notice of advice;
the time that therapy will start;
the name and address of the patient;
the patient’s signature on the form, along with the date that they did so;
Name and address of the physical therapist who is providing care;
The physical therapist who is providing treatment must sign the document and include the date of signature.
Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants should continue their education.
(As of May 14, 2009)
Definitions. Throughout this section: An organization recognized for this purpose by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation is one that the department accepts as a dependable authority for the purpose of accreditation at the postsecondary level and that applies its criteria for granting accreditation in a fair, consistent, and nondiscriminatory manner.
Higher education institution refers to a postsecondary institution that awards degrees and is approved by a reliable accrediting body. compliance with requirements.
Except for licensees who are exempt from the requirement, who obtain an adjustment to the requirement in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subdivision, or who are subject to a differential, every licensed physical therapist and certified physical therapist assistant, required under Article 136 of the Education Law to register with the department to practice in New York State, shall comply with the mandatory continuing education requirements as prescribed in subdivision (c) of this section.
Exemptions and modifications to the demand.
Exemptions. Licensees holding the following licenses are excluded from the subdivision (c) of this section’s obligations regarding continuous education: licensees for the three-year term following their initial New York State licensure as a physical therapist or certified physical therapist assistant; and
Unless otherwise specified in subsection (e) of this section, licensed physical therapists or certified physical therapist assistants who are not practicing physical therapy as shown by their lack of a New York State license to do so are not permitted to resume their work in the state. modifications to the prerequisite. If the licensee documents good cause that prevents compliance or the department determines otherwise that there is good cause that prevents compliance, which shall include, but not be limited to, any of the following reasons: poor health or a specific physical or mental disability certified by an appropriate health care professional, the licensee may request a modification to the continuing education requirement as prescribed in subdivision (c) of this section.
compulsory requirements for ongoing education.
General prerequisite.
An applicant for registration must complete at least 36 hours of continuing education, acceptable to the department, as described in paragraph (2) of this subdivision, during each triennial registration period, which is a registration period of three years. Any licensed physical therapist or certified physical therapist assistant whose first registration date after September 1, 2009 occurs less than three years from that date, but on or after January 1, 2010, is required to fulfill continuing education requirements on a prorated basis at the rate of one-half hour of acceptable formal continuing education per month for the period beginning January 1, 2010, up until the first registration date thereafter. These requirements for continuing education must be met between September 1, 2009, and the start day of the next registration session.
Proration. Unless otherwise specified in this section, an applicant for registration must complete acceptable continuing education, as defined in paragraph (2) of this subdivision, on a prorated basis at a rate of one hour of continuing education per month for such registration period, unless otherwise specified in this section. formal continuous education that is acceptable. The conditions of this sentence must be met for continuing education to be accepted by the department. These continuing education courses must cover the topics listed in subparagraph I of this paragraph, be the formats listed in subparagraph (ii), and be subject to the restrictions listed in subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph.
Subjects. Acceptable continuing education must focus on one or more of the following topics and support the professional practice of physical therapy. actions that advance understanding and proficiency in physical therapy examination, evaluation, prognosis, planning, intervention, re-examination, prevention, and results; therapeutic approaches, evidence-based models, and the physical therapy profession’s guiding ideas;
difficulties with patient communications, documentation, and payment; general business procedures and oversight; educational approaches or other subjects that support the practice of physical therapy professionally; or concerns of health care, legislation, and/or ethics that affect physical therapy practice professionally and the public’s health, safety, and welfare. kinds of educational activities. The learning activities listed in this subparagraph that are acceptable for continuing education must also adhere to the restrictions listed in this subparagraph and subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph.
courses of study. Courses offered by sponsors with departmental approval in accordance with subdivision I of this section qualify as acceptable continuing education, and may include, among other things, courses offered by approved sponsors, credit and non-credit courses at universities and colleges, as well as professional development and technical sessions pertaining to the practice of physical therapy. other educational pursuits. The following additional educational activities are permitted as continuing education: planning for and conducting a course that is approved under subdivision I of this section and is offered to physical therapists or physical therapist assistants, with the exception that the licensee may not conduct the course more than once without presenting updated or new information.
The actual instructional time as well as preparation time, which might be up to an extra two hours for every hour of presentation, could all count toward the continuing education hours that could be awarded for this activity. putting together and instructing a department-approved course on the practice of physical therapy at a higher education facility; provided, however, that the licensee may not instruct the course more than once without introducing fresh or updated content. The actual instructional time as well as preparation time, which might be up to an extra two hours for every hour of presentation, could all count toward the continuing education hours that could be awarded for this activity. making a technical presentation at a professional conference sponsored by a group approved in accordance with subdivision I of this section and that sponsors continuing education for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants; however, such a presentation is not acceptable if the licensee has already spoken on the subject without presenting new or revised material. For this activity, continuing education hours may be granted for both the presentation time itself and the preparation time, which may total up to two extra hours for every hour of presentation. obtaining a speciality certification or recertification from a source that the department accepts, as long as the credit hours for continuing education that are given for such certification or recertification are within the department’s set parameters. completing a self-study program, or structured study, offered by a sponsor approved under subdivision I of this section that is based on audio, audio-visual, written, online, and other media but excludes live instruction, transmitted in person or otherwise, during which the learner may communicate and interact with the instructor and other learners;
producing a chapter or article that is published in a book or peer-reviewed journal, as long as the department-prescribed quantity of continuing education credit is offered for such an activity; or completing and passing a test recognized by the department that gauges a licensee’s understanding of New York’s laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the practice of physical therapy. A passing score on such an exam will result in two hours of continuing education credit;
Prohibition. The department shall not recognize as appropriate continuing education any continuing education created with the express intent of increasing profits for the practice of a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant.
Registration re-registration Physical therapists who hold a license and certified physical therapist assistants who are renewing their registration must certify to the department that they have either met the continuing education requirements outlined in this section or are exempt from or subject to adjustments to those requirements as outlined in subdivision (b) of this section.
requirement for a practice lapse.
The following requirements must be fulfilled by a licensee who is resuming the practice of physical therapy after a break in practice, as shown by the fact that they are not registered to do so in New York State, and whose first registration date following the break in practice and after September 1, 2009 occurs less than three years from January 1, 2010. a licensee who has not lawfully practiced physical therapy continuously in another jurisdiction throughout such lapse period must complete at least one-half hour of acceptable continuing education every month starting on January 1, 2010, until the start of the new registration period. This requirement also applies to licensees who have lawfully practiced as physical therapists or physical thers the regular continuing education requirement during the new registration period for a licensee who has continuously practiced physical therapy in another jurisdiction throughout the lapse period, and at least 12 hours of acceptable continuing education for a licensee who has not continuously practiced as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in another jurisdiction during the lapse period.
A licensee who resumes their practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant following a period during which they were not registered to do so in New York State and were not lawfully practicing continuously in another jurisdiction must complete the following, with the exception of what is required in paragraph (1) of this subdivision for the registrations therein specified:
the requirement for continuing education that was in effect during the time the licensee had its last registration period; a minimum of one hour of appropriate continuing education, up to a maximum of 36 hours, must be completed during the 12 months prior to the start of the new registration period for each month that registration has expired; and
If such registration is renewed, at least 12 hours of appropriate continuing education must be completed in each subsequent 12-month period until the next registration date.
A licensee who resumes the practice of physical therapy or physical therapist assistant after a lapse in practice during which the licensee was not registered to do so in New York State but did lawfully practice physical therapy continuously in another jurisdiction throughout the lapse period is required to complete the following requirements, with the exception of those listed in paragraph (1) of this subdivision for registrations therein specified: the requirement for continuing education that applied to the time the licensee was registered during the licensee’s last registration period; and a minimum of one hour of acceptable continuing education, up to a total of 36 hours, must be completed during the new registration period or, at the licensee’s discretion, during the period starting 36 months prior to the start of the new registration period and ending at the end of the new registration period; over the new registration period, the usual ongoing education requirement.registration with conditions.
A licensee who attests to or admits to not complying with the continuing education requirements of this section may receive a conditional registration from the department if they satisfy the following criteria:
Within the time frame of the conditional registration, the licensee promises to fix the issue:
During this conditional registration term, the licensee commits to fulfill the normal continuing education requirement by completing one hour of appropriate continuing education each month; and
The licensee consents to completing any additional continuing education that the department may require throughout the period of conditional registration in order to guarantee that the licensee is providing professional physical therapy services that are appropriate for the licensee’s practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.
Such conditional registration is only valid for a maximum of one year and cannot be renewed or extended. licensee data. Each licensee subject to the requirements of this section shall keep, or ensure that the department has access to, a record of completed continuing education that includes the following information: the title of the course, if one was taken, the type of educational activity, if one was, the subject of the continuing education, the number of hours completed, the sponsor’s name and any identifying number (if applicable), attendance verification, if one was taken, and participation. These records must be kept for at least six years after the date the continuing education was completed and must be made accessible for the department to review in order to comply with this section’s requirements. study of continuous education measurement. Only appropriate continuing education that follows the guidelines in subdivision (c) of this section is eligible for continuing education credit. One continuing education hour of credit for continuing education courses must last at least 50 minutes. Other educational activities may receive continuing education credit if done in accordance with departmental guidelines.
Sponsor consent.
Sponsors of continuing education for licensed physical therapists and certified physical therapist assistants through courses of study or self-study programs must fulfill the standards of either paragraph (2) or (3) of this section in order to get departmental approval.
Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who are licensed must be sponsored by an organization that the department deems to be acceptable for offering courses of study or self-study programs for continuing education: a national physical therapy association or another professional group that the department deems suitable and that promotes best practices in the field of physical therapy across the country or in a particular region; a New York State physical therapy organization that is accredited by the department, is incorporated in New York State or otherwise set up there, and promotes best practices for the physical therapy professions throughout the State of New York and/or in a specific area of the State of New York; a national association of jurisdictional boards for physical therapy that supports ethical conduct in the field and works to advance the public’s health, safety, and welfare; a body, facility, or hospital as described in Section 2801 of the Public Health Law; and a center for higher learning.
Organizational review of sponsors
If a sponsor does not meet the requirements of paragraph (2) of this section, the department shall assess the sponsor’s application for approval to offer continuing education to licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.
At least 90 days before the start date of the continuing education, an organization that wishes to offer continuing education based on a department review under this clause must submit, along with the fee specified in subdivision (j) of this section, an application for advance approval as a sponsor that demonstrates that the organization: will provide classes or programs for independent study in one or more of the topics listed in subparagraph of this section as approved continuing education; is a postsecondary school that is not already deemed approved in accordance with subparagraph of this article, or an entity that possesses knowledge in the professional fields that will be taught; instructors who are specially qualified authorities in physical therapy, as determined by the department with assistance from the State Board for Physical Therapy, to conduct such courses; instructors who are qualified to teach the courses that will be offered, including but not limited to faculty of a physical therapy program offered by a higher education institution;
Provides a technique for measuring participants’ learning and outlines that technique; and will keep records for at least six years following the completion of the coursework. These records must include, but are not restricted to, the name and curriculum vitae of the faculty, a record of the licensed physical therapists’ or physical therapist assistants’ attendance in the course, if one was taken, a record of their participation in the self-instructional coursework, if it was taken, and an outline of the course. The governing body of an approved sponsor must notify the department and transfer all records as instructed by the department if the sponsor decides to stop operating.
Sponsors who are authorized by the department in accordance with this paragraph’s conditions shall be authorized for a period of three years.
The sponsor shall cooperate with the department in allowing such site visits and in providing such information. The department may conduct site visits of, or request information from, a sponsor approved in accordance with the requirements of this paragraph to ensure compliance with such requirements.
If the department determines that a sponsor approved in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph is not complying with those standards, the sponsor’s approval status will be denied or terminated.