Virginia Health Regulations: Physical Therapy

Notices to licensees are valid if sent to the licensee's most recent address of record or if personally served.

Licensees must update their address of record with the board within 30 days of any change.

The board can delegate informal fact-finding to subordinates if probable cause for disciplinary action exists.

Certain cases (e.g., those involving specific serious issues) cannot be delegated to agency subordinates.

Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants may get a license through an exam or prior training in a different jurisdiction.

Applicants from outside the US/Canada must provide proof of English proficiency via TOEFL or equivalent.

Applicants who graduated from an approved program must submit proof of graduation with their license application.

Most licensing fees are non-refundable unless specifically noted otherwise.

A physical therapist must regularly re-evaluate their patients, with a minimum frequency outlined by regulations.

The specific schedule for patient re-evaluations is determined by regulations, but should be done as needed.

Physical therapists can be excused from re-evaluation requirements due to illness, vacation, or professional meetings for up to 5 days.

Dry needling, an invasive procedure performed by physical therapists, requires referral and specialized training.

Dry needling requires written referral, additional training, and informed consent from the patient.

Dry needling cannot be delegated to physical therapist assistants or other support personnel.

Physical therapists and assistants must renew their licenses biennially by December 31 of even-numbered years.

A late fee is assessed if a license is not renewed by the first day of the month after the renewal deadline.

Renewing an active license requires fulfilling specific criteria, which may include continuing education.

The board can grant an exemption from license renewal requirements due to circumstances beyond the licensee's control, such as temporary disability, military service, or disaster.

A licensed physical therapist or assistant can request an inactive license, allowing them to pause practicing without losing their license. This requires paying the renewal fee.

A physical therapist or assistant can reactivate an inactive license by paying the renewal fee and meeting any continued competency requirements.

If a license has lapsed for two years or less, reinstatement is possible by paying renewal and late fees and proving continued competency.

If a license has lapsed for more than two years, reinstatement requires fulfilling specific board-approved criteria and passing an exam.

A traineeship is necessary for certain applicants seeking licensure, supervised by a licensed physical therapist and approved by the board.

Physical therapists must comply with legal requirements regarding the confidentiality and disclosure of patient records.

Unlicensed graduates registered with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy to take the national examination are eligible for a traineeship.

The traineeship ends five working days after the candidate receives their national examination results.

An unlicensed graduate can reapply for a new traineeship after failing the examination, provided they have registered to retake it. However, they can't apply for a new one more than a year after receiving their first exam results.

An unlicensed graduate who has passed the national examination can be granted a new traineeship between the time of passing the examination and receiving a license.

An unlicensed graduate cannot be granted more than three traineeships within a year of receiving their first examination results.

Physical therapists in Virginia can apply for certification to provide services to patients without a referral, but they must meet specific requirements.

To be certified for direct access in Virginia, physical therapists need an active, unrestricted Virginia license and must meet one of the specific qualifying criteria outlined in the Code of Virginia.

The specific requirements for direct access certification in Virginia are outlined in § 54.1-3482.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Direct access certification allows physical therapists to treat patients without a physician's prior referral, giving them more autonomy in patient care.

The board can extend the deadline for fulfilling active practice requirements by up to one year, with good cause and a written request before the renewal date.

The board may exempt someone from active practice requirements if they have circumstances beyond their control, like disability, military service, or disaster. It requires a written request before the renewal date.

To renew a compact privilege to practice in Virginia, you must follow the Physical Therapy Compact Commission's rules at the time of renewal.

To renew an active license every two years, physical therapists and assistants must complete at least 30 hours of continuing learning activities.

Continuing learning activities should cover areas like ethics, standard of care, patient safety, new technology, communication, and the changing healthcare system.

To document required continuing learning hours, you must use the board's form, include details about the activities, and keep records for four years.

New licensees are exempt from continuing learning requirements for the first two-year renewal after getting their license through an exam in Virginia.

The board can randomly audit licensees to check their continuing learning records. You must provide documents within 30 days of notification.

Failing to meet continuing learning requirements can lead to disciplinary action by the board.

The board can grant an extension of up to one year for completing continuing learning requirements with good cause and a written request before the renewal date.