The Florida Senate

486.011  Short title.

486.015  Legislative intent.

486.021  Definitions.

486.023  Board of Physical Therapy Practice.

486.025  Powers and duties of the Board of Physical Therapy Practice.

486.028  License to practice physical therapy required.

486.031  Physical therapist; licensing requirements.

486.041  Physical therapist; application for license; fee.

486.051  Physical therapist; examination of applicant.

486.061  Physical therapist; issuance of license.

486.081  Physical therapist; issuance of license without examination to person passing examination of another authorized examining board; fee.

486.085  Physical therapist; renewal of license; inactive status; reactivation of license; fees.

486.102  Physical therapist assistant; licensing requirements.

486.103  Physical therapist assistant; application for license; fee.

486.104  Physical therapist assistant; examination of applicant.

486.106  Physical therapist assistant; issuance of license.

486.107  Physical therapist assistant; issuance of license without examination to person licensed in another jurisdiction; fee.

486.108  Physical therapist assistant; renewal of license; inactive status; reactivation of license; fees.

486.109  Continuing education.

486.115  Disposition of fees.

486.123  Sexual misconduct in the practice of physical therapy.

486.125  Refusal, revocation, or suspension of license; administrative fines and other disciplinary measures.

486.135  False representation of licensure, or willful misrepresentation or fraudulent representation to obtain license, unlawful.

486.151  Prohibited acts; penalty.

486.153  Injunctive relief.

486.161  Exemptions.

486.171  Current valid licenses effective.

486.172  Application of s. 456.021.

486.011  Short title.--This chapter may be cited as the "Physical Therapy Practice Act."

History.--s. 1, ch. 57-67; s. 2, ch. 79-116; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; s. 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 4, ch. 91-429.

486.015  Legislative intent.--The sole legislative purpose in enacting this chapter is to ensure that every physical therapy practitioner practicing in this state meets minimum requirements for safe practice. It is the legislative intent that physical therapy practitioners who fall below minimum competency or who otherwise present a danger to the public be prohibited from practicing in this state.

History.--ss. 1, 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 2, 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 4, ch. 91-429.

486.021  Definitions.--In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the term:

(1)  "Board" means the Board of Physical Therapy Practice.

(2)  "Department" means the Department of Health.

(3)  "License" means the document of authorization granted by the board and issued by the department for a person to engage in the practice of physical therapy.

(4)  "Endorsement" means licensure granted by the board pursuant to the provisions of s. 486.081 or s. 486.107.

(5)  "Physical therapist" means a person who is licensed and who practices physical therapy in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

(6)  "Physical therapist assistant" means a person who is licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter to perform patient-related activities, including the use of physical agents, whose license is in good standing, and whose activities are performed under the direction of a physical therapist as set forth in rules adopted pursuant to this chapter. Patient-related activities performed by a physical therapist assistant for a board-certified orthopedic physician or physiatrist licensed pursuant to chapter 458 or chapter 459 or a practitioner licensed under chapter 460 shall be under the general supervision of a physical therapist, but shall not require onsite supervision by a physical therapist. Patient-related activities performed for all other health care practitioners licensed under chapter 458 or chapter 459 and those patient-related activities performed for practitioners licensed under chapter 461 or chapter 466 shall be performed under the onsite supervision of a physical therapist.

(7)  "Physical therapy practitioner" means a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant who is licensed and who practices physical therapy in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

(8)  "Physical therapy" or "physiotherapy," each of which terms is deemed identical and interchangeable with each other, means a health care profession.

(9)  "Direct supervision" means supervision by a physical therapist who is licensed pursuant to this chapter. Except in a case of emergency, direct supervision requires the physical presence of the licensed physical therapist for consultation and direction of the actions of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who is practicing under a temporary permit and who is a candidate for licensure by examination.

(10)  "Physical therapy assessment" means observational, verbal, or manual determinations of the function of the musculoskeletal or neuromuscular system relative to physical therapy, including, but not limited to, range of motion of a joint, motor power, postural attitudes, biomechanical function, locomotion, or functional abilities, for the purpose of making recommendations for treatment.

(11)  "Practice of physical therapy" means the performance of physical therapy assessments and the treatment of any disability, injury, disease, or other health condition of human beings, or the prevention of such disability, injury, disease, or other condition of health, and rehabilitation as related thereto by the use of the physical, chemical, and other properties of air; electricity; exercise; massage; the performance of acupuncture only upon compliance with the criteria set forth by the Board of Medicine, when no penetration of the skin occurs; the use of radiant energy, including ultraviolet, visible, and infrared rays; ultrasound; water; the use of apparatus and equipment in the application of the foregoing or related thereto; the performance of tests of neuromuscular functions as an aid to the diagnosis or treatment of any human condition; or the performance of electromyography as an aid to the diagnosis of any human condition only upon compliance with the criteria set forth by the Board of Medicine. A physical therapist may implement a plan of treatment for a patient. The physical therapist shall refer the patient to or consult with a health care practitioner licensed under chapter 458, chapter 459, chapter 460, chapter 461, or chapter 466, if the patient's condition is found to be outside the scope of physical therapy. If physical therapy treatment for a patient is required beyond 21 days for a condition not previously assessed by a practitioner of record, the physical therapist shall obtain a practitioner of record who will review and sign the plan. A health care practitioner licensed under chapter 458, chapter 459, chapter 460, chapter 461, or chapter 466 and engaged in active practice is eligible to serve as a practitioner of record. The use of roentgen rays and radium for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes and the use of electricity for surgical purposes, including cauterization, are not authorized under the term "physical therapy" as used in this chapter. The practice of physical therapy as defined in this chapter does not authorize a physical therapy practitioner to practice chiropractic medicine as defined in chapter 460, including specific spinal manipulation. For the performance of specific chiropractic spinal manipulation, a physical therapist shall refer the patient to a health care practitioner licensed under chapter 460. Nothing in this subsection authorizes a physical therapist to implement a plan of treatment for a patient currently being treated in a facility licensed pursuant to chapter 395.

History.--s. 2, ch. 57-67; s. 1, ch. 67-537; s. 1, ch. 73-354; ss. 1, 2, ch. 78-278; ss. 1, 2, ch. 79-116; s. 361, ch. 81-259; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 2, 24, ch. 83-86; s. 1, ch. 83-93; s. 1, ch. 84-275; ss. 3, 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 2, ch. 89-124; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 1, ch. 92-70; s. 181, ch. 94-218; s. 175, ch. 97-264; s. 287, ch. 98-166.

486.023  Board of Physical Therapy Practice.--

(1)  There is created within the department the Board of Physical Therapy Practice, composed of seven members appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation by the Senate.

(2)  Five board members shall be licensed physical therapists in good standing in this state who are residents of this state and who have been engaged in the practice of physical therapy for at least 4 years immediately prior to their appointment. One licensed physical therapist board member may be a full-time faculty member teaching in a physical therapy curriculum in an educational institution in this state. The two remaining members shall be residents of this state who have never been licensed health care practitioners.

(3)  As the terms of the members expire, the Governor shall appoint successors for terms of 4 years, and such members shall serve until their successors are appointed.

(4)  All provisions of chapter 456 relating to activities of the board shall apply.

History.--ss. 3, 17, ch. 89-124; s. 24, ch. 90-228; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 182, ch. 94-218; s. 176, ch. 97-264; s. 143, ch. 98-166; s. 202, ch. 2000-160.

486.025  Powers and duties of the Board of Physical Therapy Practice.--The board may administer oaths, summon witnesses, take testimony in all matters relating to its duties under this chapter, establish or modify minimum standards of practice, and adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this chapter. The board may also review the standing and reputability of any school or college offering courses in physical therapy and whether the courses of such school or college in physical therapy meet the standards established by the appropriate accrediting agency referred to in s. 486.031(3)(a). In determining the standing and reputability of any such school and whether the school and courses meet such standards, the board may investigate and make personal inspection of the same.

History.--s. 12, ch. 57-67; ss. 36, 44, ch. 78-95; s. 2, ch. 79-116; s. 365, ch. 81-259; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 3, 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 4, 17, 18, 19, 20, ch. 86-31; s. 4, ch. 89-124; ss. 4, 5, ch. 91-429; s. 158, ch. 98-200.

Note.--Former s. 486.121.

486.028  License to practice physical therapy required.--No person shall practice, or hold herself or himself out as being able to practice, physical therapy in this state unless she or he is licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter; however, nothing in this chapter shall prohibit any person licensed in this state under any other law from engaging in the practice for which she or he is licensed.

History.--s. 7, ch. 57-67; s. 1, ch. 67-406; s. 6, ch. 67-537; s. 2, ch. 79-116; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 4, 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 457, ch. 97-103.

Note.--Former s. 486.071.

486.031  Physical therapist; licensing requirements.--To be eligible for licensing as a physical therapist, an applicant must:

(1)  Be at least 18 years old;

(2)  Be of good moral character; and

(3)(a)  Have been graduated from a school of physical therapy which has been approved for the educational preparation of physical therapists by the appropriate accrediting agency recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation or the United States Department of Education at the time of her or his graduation and have passed, to the satisfaction of the board, the American Registry Examination prior to 1971 or a national examination approved by the board to determine her or his fitness for practice as a physical therapist as hereinafter provided;

(b)  Have received a diploma from a program in physical therapy in a foreign country and have educational credentials deemed equivalent to those required for the educational preparation of physical therapists in this country, as recognized by the appropriate agency as identified by the board, and have passed to the satisfaction of the board an examination to determine her or his fitness for practice as a physical therapist as hereinafter provided; or

(c)  Be entitled to licensure without examination as provided in s. 486.081.

History.--s. 3, ch. 57-67; s. 2, ch. 67-537; s. 39, ch. 77-121; s. 3, ch. 78-278; s. 2, ch. 79-116; s. 362, ch. 81-259; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 5, 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 5, ch. 89-124; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 28, ch. 94-310; s. 458, ch. 97-103; s. 177, ch. 97-264.

486.041  Physical therapist; application for license; fee.--A person who desires to be licensed as a physical therapist shall apply to the department in writing on a form furnished by the department. She or he shall embody in that application evidence under oath, satisfactory to the board, of possession of the qualifications preliminary to examination required by s. 486.031. The applicant shall pay to the department at the time of filing the application a fee not to exceed $100, as fixed by the board.

History.--s. 4, ch. 57-67; s. 2, ch. 73-354; s. 4, ch. 78-278; s. 2, ch. 79-116; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 6, 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 5, 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 31, ch. 88-205; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 459, ch. 97-103; s. 178, ch. 97-264; s. 158, ch. 99-397.

486.051  Physical therapist; examination of applicant.--The examinations of an applicant for licensing as a physical therapist shall be in accordance with rules adopted by the board, to test the applicant's qualifications and shall include the taking of a test by the applicant. If an applicant fails to pass the examination in three attempts, the applicant shall not be eligible for reexamination unless she or he completes additional educational or training requirements prescribed by the board. An applicant who has completed the additional educational or training requirements prescribed by the board may take the examination on two more occasions. If the applicant has failed to pass the examination after five attempts, she or he is no longer eligible to take the examination.

History.--s. 5, ch. 57-67; s. 24, ch. 61-514; s. 3, ch. 67-537; s. 3, ch. 73-354; s. 2, ch. 79-116; s. 363, ch. 81-259; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 7, 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 6, 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 460, ch. 97-103; s. 179, ch. 97-264.

486.061  Physical therapist; issuance of license.--The board shall cause a license to be issued through the department to each applicant who successfully establishes eligibility under the terms of this chapter and remits the initial license fee set by the board, not to exceed $150. Any person who holds a license pursuant to this section may engage in the practice of physical therapy and use the words "physical therapist" or "physiotherapist," or the letters "P.T.," in connection with her or his name or place of business to denote her or his licensure hereunder.

History.--s. 6, ch. 57-67; s. 5, ch. 67-537; s. 2, ch. 79-116; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 8, 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 7, 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 6, ch. 89-124; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 461, ch. 97-103.

486.081  Physical therapist; issuance of license without examination to person passing examination of another authorized examining board; fee.--

(1)  The board may cause a license to be issued through the department without examination to any applicant who presents evidence satisfactory to the board of having passed the American Registry Examination prior to 1971 or an examination in physical therapy before a similar lawfully authorized examining board of another state, the District of Columbia, a territory, or a foreign country, if the standards for licensure in physical therapy in such other state, district, territory, or foreign country are determined by the board to be as high as those of this state, as established by rules adopted pursuant to this chapter. Any person who holds a license pursuant to this section may use the words "physical therapist" or "physiotherapist," or the letters "P.T.," in connection with her or his name or place of business to denote her or his licensure hereunder.

(2)  At the time of making application for licensure without examination pursuant to the terms of this section, the applicant shall pay to the department a fee not to exceed $175 as fixed by the board, no part of which will be returned.

History.--s. 8, ch. 57-67; s. 7, ch. 67-537; s. 5, ch. 73-354; s. 4, ch. 78-278; s. 2, ch. 79-116; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 9, 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 8, 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 7, ch. 89-124; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 462, ch. 97-103; s. 180, ch. 97-264; s. 159, ch. 99-397.

486.085  Physical therapist; renewal of license; inactive status; reactivation of license; fees.--

(1)  The department shall renew a license upon receipt of the renewal application and the fee set by the board not to exceed $200.

(2)  The department shall adopt rules establishing a procedure for the biennial renewal of licenses.

(3)  A license that has become inactive may be reactivated upon application to the department and completion of the requirements for reactivation under this section. The board shall prescribe by rule continuing education requirements as a condition of reactivating a license. The continuing education requirements for reactivating a license may not exceed 10 classroom hours for each year the license was inactive.

(4)(a)  The board shall adopt rules relating to application procedures for inactive status, for renewal of inactive licenses, and for the reactivation of licenses. The board shall prescribe by rule an application fee for inactive status, a renewal fee for inactive status, a delinquency fee, and a fee for the reactivation of a license. None of these fees may exceed the biennial renewal fee established by the board for an active license.

(b)  The department may not reactivate a license unless the inactive or delinquent licensee has paid any applicable biennial renewal or delinquency fee, or both, and a reactivation fee.

(c)  The department may not reactivate a license unless the inactive licensee has met the continuing education requirements of subsection (3) or has fulfilled one of the following requirements for reactivation of a license:

1.  Provides evidence satisfactory to the board that she or he has actively engaged in the practice of physical therapy in good standing in another state for the 4 years immediately preceding the filing of an application for reactivation; or

2.  Makes application for and passes the examination as provided by s. 486.051 and pays the fee therefor as provided in s. 486.041.

History.--s. 4, ch. 67-537; s. 4, ch. 73-354; s. 4, ch. 78-278; s. 2, ch. 79-116; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 10, 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 9, 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 32, ch. 88-205; s. 30, ch. 91-220; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 253, ch. 94-119; s. 463, ch. 97-103.

Note.--Former s. 486.052.

486.102  Physical therapist assistant; licensing requirements.--To be eligible for licensing by the board as a physical therapist assistant, an applicant must:

(1)  Be at least 18 years old;

(2)  Be of good moral character; and

(3)(a)  Have been graduated from a school giving a course of not less than 2 years for physical therapist assistants, which has been approved for the educational preparation of physical therapist assistants by the appropriate accrediting agency recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation or the United States Department of Education at the time of her or his graduation and have passed to the satisfaction of the board an examination to determine her or his fitness for practice as a physical therapist assistant as hereinafter provided;

(b)  Have been graduated from a school giving a course for physical therapist assistants in a foreign country and have educational credentials deemed equivalent to those required for the educational preparation of physical therapist assistants in this country, as recognized by the appropriate agency as identified by the board, and passed to the satisfaction of the board an examination to determine her or his fitness for practice as a physical therapist assistant as hereinafter provided; or

(c)  Be entitled to licensure without examination as provided in s. 486.107.

History.--s. 10, ch. 67-537; s. 6, ch. 73-354; s. 2, ch. 79-116; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 11, 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 8, ch. 89-124; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 29, ch. 94-310; s. 464, ch. 97-103; s. 181, ch. 97-264.

486.103  Physical therapist assistant; application for license; fee.--A person who desires to be licensed as a physical therapist assistant shall apply to the department in writing on a form furnished by the department. She or he shall embody in that application evidence under oath, satisfactory to the board, of possession of the qualifications preliminary to examination required by s. 486.104. The applicant shall pay to the department at the time of filing the application a fee not to exceed $100, as fixed by the board.

History.--s. 11, ch. 67-537; s. 7, ch. 73-354; s. 4, ch. 78-278; s. 2, ch. 79-116; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 12, 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 10, 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 33, ch. 88-205; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 465, ch. 97-103; s. 182, ch. 97-264; s. 160, ch. 99-397.

486.104  Physical therapist assistant; examination of applicant.--The examination of an applicant for licensing as a physical therapist assistant shall be in accordance with rules adopted by the board, to test the applicant's qualifications and shall include the taking of a test by the applicant. If an applicant fails to pass the examination in three attempts, the applicant shall not be eligible for reexamination unless she or he completes additional educational or training requirements prescribed by the board. An applicant who has completed the additional educational or training requirements prescribed by the board may take the examination on two more occasions. If the applicant has failed to pass the examination after five attempts, she or he is no longer eligible to take the examination.

History.--s. 12, ch. 67-537; s. 8, ch. 73-354; s. 2, ch. 79-116; s. 364, ch. 81-259; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 13, 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 11, 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 466, ch. 97-103; s. 183, ch. 97-264.

486.106  Physical therapist assistant; issuance of license.--The board shall issue a license to each applicant who successfully establishes eligibility under the terms of this chapter and remits the initial license fee set by the board, not to exceed $100. Any person who holds a license pursuant to this section may use the words "physical therapist assistant," or the letters "P.T.A.," in connection with her or his name to denote licensure hereunder.

History.--s. 14, ch. 67-537; s. 10, ch. 73-354; s. 2, ch. 79-116; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 14, 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 12, 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 9, ch. 89-124; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 467, ch. 97-103.

486.107  Physical therapist assistant; issuance of license without examination to person licensed in another jurisdiction; fee.--

(1)  The board may cause a license to be issued through the department without examination to any applicant who presents evidence to the board, under oath, of licensure in another state, the District of Columbia, or a territory, if the standards for registering as a physical therapist assistant or licensing of a physical therapist assistant, as the case may be, in such other state are determined by the board to be as high as those of this state, as established by rules adopted pursuant to this chapter. Any person who holds a license pursuant to this section may use the words "physical therapist assistant," or the letters "P.T.A.," in connection with her or his name to denote licensure hereunder.

(2)  At the time of making application for licensing without examination pursuant to the terms of this section, the applicant shall pay to the department a fee not to exceed $175 as fixed by the board, no part of which will be returned.

History.--s. 15, ch. 67-537; s. 11, ch. 73-354; s. 4, ch. 78-278; s. 2, ch. 79-116; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 15, 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 13, 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 10, ch. 89-124; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 468, ch. 97-103; s. 161, ch. 99-397.

486.108  Physical therapist assistant; renewal of license; inactive status; reactivation of license; fees.--

(1)  The department shall renew a license upon receipt of the renewal application and the fee set by the board not to exceed $150.

(2)  The department shall adopt rules establishing a procedure for the biennial renewal of licenses.

(3)  A license that has become inactive may be reactivated upon application to the department and completion of the requirements for reactivation under this section. The board shall prescribe by rule continuing education requirements as a condition of reactivating a license. The continuing education requirements for reactivating a license may not exceed 10 classroom hours for each year the license was inactive.

(4)(a)  The board shall prescribe by rule an application fee for inactive status, a renewal fee for inactive status, a delinquency fee, and a fee for the reactivation of a license. None of these fees may exceed the biennial renewal fee established by the board for an active license.

(b)  The department may not reactivate a license unless the inactive or delinquent licensee has paid any applicable biennial renewal or delinquency fee, or both, and a reactivation fee.

(c)  The department may not reactivate a license unless the inactive licensee has met the continuing education requirements of subsection (3) or has fulfilled one of the following requirements for reactivation of a license:

1.  Provides evidence satisfactory to the board that she or he has actively engaged in the practice of physical therapy in good standing in another state for the 4 years immediately preceding the filing of an application for reinstatement; or

2.  Makes application for and passes the examination as provided by s. 486.104 and pays the fee therefor as provided in s. 486.103.

History.--s. 13, ch. 67-537; s. 9, ch. 73-354; s. 4, ch. 78-278; s. 2, ch. 79-116; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 16, 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 14, 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 34, ch. 88-205; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 254, ch. 94-119; s. 469, ch. 97-103.

Note.--Former s. 486.105.

486.109  Continuing education.--

(1)  The board shall require licensees to periodically demonstrate their professional competence as a condition of renewal of a license by completing 24 hours of continuing education biennially.

(2)  The board shall approve only those courses sponsored by a college or university which provides a curriculum for training physical therapists or physical therapist assistants which is accredited by, or has status with an accrediting agency approved by, the United States Department of Education or courses sponsored or approved by the Florida Physical Therapy Association or the American Physical Therapy Association.

(3)  The board may make exceptions from the requirements of this section in emergency or hardship cases as provided by rule.

(4)  Each licensee shall be responsible for maintaining sufficient records in a format as determined by rule which shall be subject to a random audit by the department to assure compliance with this section.

(5)  The board may adopt rules within the requirements of this section that are necessary for its implementation.

History.--ss. 2, 3, ch. 91-277; s. 4, ch. 91-429.

486.115  Disposition of fees.--All moneys collected by the department under this chapter shall be deposited and expended pursuant to the provisions of s. 456.025.

History.--s. 24, ch. 61-514; s. 2, ch. 79-116; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 17, 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 144, ch. 98-166; s. 203, ch. 2000-160.

Note.--Former s. 486.072.

486.123  Sexual misconduct in the practice of physical therapy.--The physical therapist-patient relationship is founded on mutual trust. Sexual misconduct in the practice of physical therapy means violation of the physical therapist-patient relationship through which the physical therapist uses that relationship to induce or attempt to induce the patient to engage, or to engage or attempt to engage the patient, in sexual activity outside the scope of practice or the scope of generally accepted examination or treatment of the patient. Sexual misconduct in the practice of physical therapy is prohibited.

History.--s. 184, ch. 97-264.

486.125  Refusal, revocation, or suspension of license; administrative fines and other disciplinary measures.--

(1)  The following acts constitute grounds for denial of a license or disciplinary action, as specified in s. 456.072(2):

(a)  Being unable to practice physical therapy with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of illness or use of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, chemicals, or any other type of material or as a result of any mental or physical condition.

1.  In enforcing this paragraph, upon a finding of the secretary or the secretary's designee that probable cause exists to believe that the licensee is unable to practice physical therapy due to the reasons stated in this paragraph, the department shall have the authority to compel a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to submit to a mental or physical examination by a physician designated by the department. If the licensee refuses to comply with such order, the department's order directing such examination may be enforced by filing a petition for enforcement in the circuit court where the licensee resides or serves as a physical therapy practitioner. The licensee against whom the petition is filed shall not be named or identified by initials in any public court records or documents, and the proceedings shall be closed to the public. The department shall be entitled to the summary procedure provided in s. 51.011.

2.  A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant whose license is suspended or revoked pursuant to this subsection shall, at reasonable intervals, be given an opportunity to demonstrate that she or he can resume the competent practice of physical therapy with reasonable skill and safety to patients.

3.  Neither the record of proceeding nor the orders entered by the board in any proceeding under this subsection may be used against a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in any other proceeding.

(b)  Having committed fraud in the practice of physical therapy or deceit in obtaining a license as a physical therapist or as a physical therapist assistant.

(c)  Being convicted or found guilty regardless of adjudication, of a crime in any jurisdiction which directly relates to the practice of physical therapy or to the ability to practice physical therapy. The entry of any plea of nolo contendere shall be considered a conviction for purpose of this chapter.

(d)  Having treated or undertaken to treat human ailments by means other than by physical therapy, as defined in this chapter.

(e)  Failing to maintain acceptable standards of physical therapy practice as set forth by the board in rules adopted pursuant to this chapter.

(f)  Engaging directly or indirectly in the dividing, transferring, assigning, rebating, or refunding of fees received for professional services, or having been found to profit by means of a credit or other valuable consideration, such as an unearned commission, discount, or gratuity, with any person referring a patient or with any relative or business associate of the referring person. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the members of any regularly and properly organized business entity which is comprised of physical therapists and which is recognized under the laws of this state from making any division of their total fees among themselves as they determine necessary.

(g)  Having a license revoked or suspended; having had other disciplinary action taken against her or him; or having had her or his application for a license refused, revoked, or suspended by the licensing authority of another state, territory, or country.

(h)  Violating a lawful order of the board or department previously entered in a disciplinary hearing.

(i)  Making or filing a report or record which the licensee knows to be false. Such reports or records shall include only those which are signed in the capacity of a physical therapist.

(j)  Practicing or offering to practice beyond the scope permitted by law or accepting and performing professional responsibilities which the licensee knows or has reason to know that she or he is not competent to perform, including, but not limited to, specific spinal manipulation.

(k)  Violating any provision of this chapter or chapter 456, or any rules adopted pursuant thereto.

(2)  The board may enter an order denying licensure or imposing any of the penalties in s. 456.072(2) against any applicant for licensure or licensee who is found guilty of violating any provision of subsection (1) of this section or who is found guilty of violating any provision of s. 456.072(1).

(3)  The board shall not reinstate the license of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant or cause a license to be issued to a person it has deemed unqualified until such time as it is satisfied that she or he has complied with all the terms and conditions set forth in the final order and that such person is capable of safely engaging in the practice of physical therapy.

History.--s. 9, ch. 57-67; s. 8, ch. 67-537; ss. 36, 44, ch. 78-95; s. 2, ch. 79-116; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 18, 24, ch. 83-86; s. 2, ch. 83-93; ss. 84, 119, ch. 83-329; ss. 15, 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 11, ch. 89-124; s. 61, ch. 89-374; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 2, ch. 92-70; s. 470, ch. 97-103; s. 185, ch. 97-264; s. 51, ch. 2001-277.

Note.--Former s. 486.091.

486.135  False representation of licensure, or willful misrepresentation or fraudulent representation to obtain license, unlawful.--

(1)(a)  It is unlawful for any person who is not licensed under this chapter as a physical therapist, or whose license has been suspended or revoked, to use in connection with her or his name or place of business the words "physical therapist," "physiotherapist," "physical therapy," "physiotherapy," "registered physical therapist," or "licensed physical therapist"; or the letters "P.T.," "Ph.T.," "R.P.T.," or "L.P.T."; or any other words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying that she or he is a physical therapist or to represent herself or himself as a physical therapist in any other way, orally, in writing, in print, or by sign, directly or by implication, unless physical therapy services are provided or supplied by a physical therapist licensed in accordance with this chapter.

(b)  It is unlawful for any person who is not licensed under this chapter as a physical therapist assistant, or whose license has been suspended or revoked, to use in connection with her or his name the words "physical therapist assistant," "licensed physical therapist assistant," "registered physical therapist assistant," or "physical therapy technician"; or the letters "P.T.A.," "L.P.T.A.," "R.P.T.A.," or "P.T.T."; or any other words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying that she or he is a physical therapist assistant or to represent herself or himself as a physical therapist assistant in any other way, orally, in writing, in print, or by sign, directly or by implication.

(2)  It is unlawful for any person to obtain or attempt to obtain a license under this chapter by any willful misrepresentation or any fraudulent representation.

History.--s. 10, ch. 57-67; s. 9, ch. 67-537; s. 2, ch. 79-116; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 19, 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 471, ch. 97-103.

Note.--Former s. 486.101.

486.151  Prohibited acts; penalty.--

(1)  It is unlawful for any person to:

(a)  Practice physical therapy or attempt to practice physical therapy without an active license.

(b)  Use or attempt to use a license to practice physical therapy which is suspended or revoked.

(c)  Obtain or attempt to obtain a license to practice physical therapy by fraudulent misrepresentation.

(d)  Use the name or title "Physical Therapist" or "Physical Therapist Assistant" or any other name or title which would lead the public to believe that the person using the name or title is licensed to practice physical therapy, unless such person holds a valid license.

(e)  Make any willfully false oath or affirmation whenever an oath or affirmation is required by this chapter.

(f)  Knowingly conceal information relating to violations of this chapter.

(2)  Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

History.--s. 15, ch. 57-67; s. 438, ch. 71-136; s. 2, ch. 79-116; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 20, 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 16, 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 31, ch. 91-220; s. 4, ch. 91-429.

486.153  Injunctive relief.--The department or any person may, in the name of the state, apply for injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin any person from committing any act in violation of this chapter. Such proceedings shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other penalty or remedy under this chapter.

History.--ss. 20, 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 4, ch. 91-429.

486.161  Exemptions.--

(1)  No provision of this chapter shall be construed to prohibit any person licensed in this state from using any physical agent as a part of, or incidental to, the lawful practice of her or his profession under the statutes applicable to the profession of chiropractic physician, podiatric physician, doctor of medicine, massage therapist, nurse, osteopathic physician or surgeon, occupational therapist, or naturopath.

(2)  No provision of this chapter shall be construed to prohibit:

(a)  Any student who is enrolled in a school or course of physical therapy approved by the board from performing such acts of physical therapy as are incidental to her or his course of study; or

(b)  Any physical therapist from another state from performing physical therapy incidental to a course of study when taking or giving a postgraduate course or other course of study in this state, provided such physical therapist is licensed in another jurisdiction or holds an appointment on the faculty of a school approved for training physical therapists or physical therapist assistants.

(3)  No provision of this chapter prohibits a licensed physical therapist from delegating, to a person qualified by training, experience, or education, specific patient care activities, as defined and limited by board rule, to assist the licensed physical therapist in performing duties in compliance with the standards of the practice of physical therapy. Specific patient care activities, as defined and limited by board rule, must be performed under the direct supervision of the licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in the immediate area, if the person is not a licensed physical therapist assistant.

History.--s. 16, ch. 57-67; s. 2, ch. 65-170; s. 5, ch. 78-278; s. 2, ch. 79-116; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 21, 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 64, ch. 89-374; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 326, ch. 94-119; s. 472, ch. 97-103; ss. 219, 288, ch. 98-166.

486.171  Current valid licenses effective.--

(1)  Any person holding a license to practice physical therapy issued by the board or department, which license is valid when this act takes effect, shall be deemed to be licensed as a physical therapist under this chapter.

(2)  Any person employed by or assisting the physical therapist as an aide shall be considered eligible to continue to perform her or his duties, provided she or he was so employed prior to the 1973 amendments to this chapter. She or he shall not be eligible to be licensed as a physical therapist assistant or to call herself or himself an assistant until she or he meets the requirements of this chapter.

History.--s. 17, ch. 57-67; s. 16, ch. 67-537; s. 12, ch. 73-354; s. 2, ch. 79-116; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 22, 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 473, ch. 97-103.

486.172  Application of s. 456.021.--The provisions of s. 456.021 shall also be applicable to the provisions of this chapter.

History.--s. 7, ch. 78-278; s. 2, ch. 79-116; s. 366, ch. 81-259; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; s. 24, ch. 83-86; ss. 17, 18, ch. 86-31; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 145, ch. 98-166; s. 204, ch. 2000-160.