Virginia Code Title 54.1, Chapter 34.1 - PT

The Board of Physical Therapists is responsible for creating and administering exams for physical therapists and assistants.

Applicants who are dissatisfied with their examination results can appeal to the Board.

The Board can grant licenses to out-of-state applicants if their credentials from other states are equivalent.

Graduate physical therapists or assistants in training programs can practice under the supervision of a licensed therapist.

Out-of-state applicants may have professional activity requirements or traineeships based on Board regulations.

Licenses can be revoked or refused for reasons like false statements, substance abuse, unprofessional conduct, patient injury, or non-compliance.

The term "license" encompasses any license or related compact privilege issued by the Board.

The Board can prevent a person from taking an examination for various reasons.

Physical therapists must have a referral from a licensed doctor or other qualified healthcare provider in most cases.

A legal requirement for physical therapists to be directed and supervised by a medical professional at the commencement of physical therapy services.

Physical therapists can evaluate and treat patients for up to 60 days without a referral under specific conditions.

Patient is not currently receiving care from a licensed medical professional or the patient gives written consent for the physical therapist to share their records and the physical therapist immediately notifies the other healthcare provider.

First step of the evaluation by a physical therapist.

Without a referral, a physical therapist can treat a patient for no more than 60 consecutive days.

The patient's agreement to share health information with their assigned healthcare provider and the physical therapist.

The physical therapist is obligated to notify the patient's prescribed doctor within 14 days of initiating treatment.

The physical therapist must provide the evaluating doctor with a copy of patient's history and initial evaluation.

Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, or Physician Assistants.

The Board sets rules for physical therapists to get certified for offering certain services without a doctor's referral.

Physical therapists can provide services directly to patients without a referral from a doctor.

To get certified, therapists must complete a transitional program or have 3 years of experience and continuing education.

The certification process focuses on protecting patients by ensuring therapists meet specific standards.

Therapists apply for a single-time certification to perform specific procedures.

The Board controls which services physical therapists can provide without a doctor's referral.

The Board sets minimum educational standards for certified therapists.

The Board sets guidelines for what constitutes unprofessional behavior for physical therapists.

Certified therapists must stay updated with their knowledge by completing continuing education courses.

A specific program for physical therapists that focuses on direct access therapy.

All meetings of the Commission must be open to the public, ensuring transparency and public access.

The Commission can hold closed meetings to discuss specific confidential matters like personnel issues, litigation, or trade secrets.

A reason for a closed meeting is to discuss a member state's failure to uphold its obligations under the Compact.

Closed meetings can cover employee issues like compensation, discipline, or internal personnel practices.

Current, threatened, or potential legal disputes can be discussed in a closed meeting.

Closed meetings can occur during contract negotiations for goods, services, or real estate.

Closed meetings can involve accusing someone of a crime or formally censuring an individual.

Closed meetings can occur to protect confidential information like trade secrets or financial data.

Closed meetings can be held to protect sensitive personal information where disclosure would violate privacy.

Investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes can be discussed in a closed meeting.

The Commission covers its expenses through various sources, including member state assessments, donations, grants, and fees. It also has the authority to collect funds from other parties.

The Commission can levy an annual assessment on each member state. The assessment amount is based on a formula determined by the Commission.

The Commission must have an annual budget approved each year. It can collect funds from other parties in addition to assessments and donations to meet its budgetary needs.

The Commission cannot incur obligations unless sufficient funds are available to cover them. This prevents overspending and protects member states from financial burdens.

The Commission keeps accurate records of its income and expenses. These records are subject to auditing by both internal and external accounting procedures.

Commission members, officers, employees, and representatives are protected from personal liability for actions taken within the scope of their duties, except for intentional misconduct.

The qualified immunity protection does not apply to actions that are intentionally harmful, willful, or reckless.