PT Practice Act Regulations Implications for Practice

1. PT Practice Act RegulationsImplications for Practice Wayne Stuberg, PhD, PT, PCS Munroe-Meyer Institute, UNMC Board of PT, HHS

2. Session Objectives • Provide an overview of the PT Statute & the draft regulations for the new PT Practice Act • Facilitate discussion and gather input for the Board of PT & NE Health & Human Services for the development of new PT regulations • Report back to the Board of PT on suggested modifications

3. Legislative Overview - Statute • LB 994 (New PT Statute) passed during 2005 Legislative session • Statue went into effect July 14, 2006 • http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/crl/statutes/ptstat.pdf • Overview of new PT Statute • See handout

4. Legislative Overview - Regulations • Regulations that are consistent with new law remain and are enforced • Regulations that are inconsistent with new law became void on July 14th, 2006 • Board of PT developed draft regulations in June 2006 • Dissemination of draft regulations at regional meetings across NE

5. How Regulations Become Law • Board of PT drafts regulations • Draft regulations are disseminated to stakeholder group(s) for comment & revision as needed • Public Hearing required to gather input • Board of PT addresses input and forwards Regulations to Regulatory Analysis & Integration Division of Health & Human Services (HHS)

6. How Regulations Become Law • HHS Director gives approval • Attorney General gives approval • Governor’s Policy Research Office gives approval • Regulations filed with Secretary of the State • Regulations disseminated to licensees/certificate holders

7. What has Changed? • New definition of physical therapy consistent with the Federation of State Boards Model Practice Act & the APTA • General supervision means either on-site or via telecommunication • Definition of intervention consistent with Guide to PT Practice • Definition of mobilization or manual therapy • Storage of topical & aerosol medication allowed • Testing includes fine-wire EMG, but not diagnostic

8. What has Changed? • Updated criteria for licensure of foreign trained PTs to be consistent with the Foreign Credentialing Commission on PT (FCCPT) • New coursework requirements • New language proficiency requirements • No temporary licenses for PTs or certificates for PTAs

9. What has Changed? • No PTA Supervisory Certification • New listing of what a PTA cannot do under the general supervision of a PT • Sharp wound debridement to be added • PTA can be the clinical instructor for a PTA student • PTA student clinical services require direct supervision of PT

10. What has Changed? • Guidelines for Fine-Wire EMG provided • New supervisory requirements for PTA • PT supervises 2 PTAs at a time • PT must reevaluate or reexamine patient with a plan of care being implemented by a PTA at least every 30 calendar days • Guidelines for more frequent re-evals provided • Supervisory visit by PT must include patient contact by the PT • New supervisory requirements for PTAs in satellite clinics • Definition of supervisory on-site visit

11. What has Changed? • Treatment-related tasks allowed by an aide require: • Direct supervision of the PT • Treatment related task guidelines provided & not a listing • Written procedures & documentation of training required for treatment-related tasks performed by an aide • Expanded list/definition of unprofessional activities

12. What has Changed? • Mandatory renewal of jurisprudence exam every six years • Expansion of activities allowed as continuing education

13. INPUT? • Current Board of PT Members • Kent Dunovan • Raymond Frew (public member) • Sue Jeffrey • Wayne Stuberg • Board of PT Liaison • Diane Hansmeyer