H828 - Update Physical Therapy Practice Act

• Board of Physical Therapy Examiners can now immediately remove members who cease to meet qualifications, fail to attend three successive meetings without cause, violate Article provisions, or engage in immoral or unethical conduct that compromises board integrity.

• Board investigations are made confidential and privileged, not subject to public records disclosure or discovery, except that Board decisions, hearing notices, statements of charges, and admitted evidence at hearings remain public records.

• Applicants for physical therapy licensure must consent to criminal history record checks; convictions do not automatically bar licensure but the Board must consider factors including crime severity, date, applicant age, circumstances, nexus to job duties, and rehabilitation records.

• Board gains new powers to request criminal history checks from Department of Justice, issue subpoenas, establish recovery programs for substance abuse and mental health issues, and acquire and manage real property with Governor approval.

• Out-of-state licensed physical therapists and assistants are exempted from licensure requirements for up to 60 days annually when providing services to athletic teams or performing arts companies, and during declared emergencies or disasters.