Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Dept. 490 | Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Department 490 — Rules of Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy

Chapter 490-1 Organization of Board

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-1-.01 Organization of Board {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-1-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-1-.01}

The Board of Physical Therapy is composed of eight members who are appointed by the Governor. Members of the public may obtain information from the Board and make submissions or requests to the Board by contacting the Joint Secretary of the Professional Licensing Boards Division, 237 Coliseum Dr., Macon, GA 31217.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-1-2, 43-1-3, 43-1-19, 43-1-24, 43-1-25, 43-33-5, 50-18-70
History. Original Rule entitled "Organization of Board" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Apr. 20, 1973; eff. May 10, 1973.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Jan. 18, 1984; eff. Feb. 7, 1984.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 20, 2004; eff. Sept. 9, 2004.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-1-.02 Officers {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-1-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-1-.02}

(1) The Board shall elect annually from its members a president and vice president, who shall have the privilege of re-election. Elections shall be held at the regular December meeting, with officers to preside at the following meeting, unless otherwise determined by the Board.

(2) The president shall call and preside at all meetings, except that four members may call a meeting, providing all members are adequately notified.

(3) The vice president shall call and preside at all meetings in the absence of the president.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-1-2
History. Original Rule entitled "Officers" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Apr. 20, 1973; eff. May 10, 1973.
Amended: F. Jan. 18, 1984; eff. Feb. 7, 1984.
Amended: F. Jan. 28, 1994; eff. Feb. 17, 1994.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-1-.03 Joint Secretary, Records, Fees {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-1-.03 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-1-.03}

The Joint Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of all meetings and submit a report at each meeting; be custodian of all records; carry on the official correspondence of the Board; and collect and disburse all fees.

History

Authority: Ga. L. 1972, pp. 388-396
History. Original Rule entitled "Joint Secretary, Records, Fees" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Apr. 20, 1973; eff. May 10, 1973.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-1-.04 Repealed {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-1-.04 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-1-.04}

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-1-2, 43-1-19, 43-1-24, 43-1-25, 43-33-7
History. Original Rule entitled "Meetings" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Apr. 20, 1973; eff. May 10, 1973.
Amended: F. Jan. 18, 1984; eff. Feb. 7, 1984.
Amended: F. May 26, 1993; eff. June 15, 1993.
Repealed: F. Aug. 19, 2004; eff. Sept. 8, 2004.

Chapter 490-2 Licensure Requirements

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.01 Application For Licensure And Examination {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-2-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.01}

(1) A completed application for examination must be submitted and approved prior to taking the examination.

(2) Any physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who plans to practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in the State of Georgia must be licensed by the Board or hold a Georgia Compact Privilege issued by the Physical Therapy Compact Commission prior to beginning said practice.

(3) All applications for licensure must be complete within the timeframe indicated in the Joint Secretary Rules and/or policies. All applications not completed within this designated timeframe shall be considered expired and withdrawn. Following expiration of an application, a new application in its entirety, to include all required fees, shall be required for consideration of licensure.

(4) All applicants for licensure and examination are also subject to the provisions of O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19 and 43-33-18 .

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-33-10(11)
History. Original Rule entitled "Application for Registration and Examination" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. May 1, 1973; eff. May 21, 1973.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Application for Licensure and Examination" adopted. F. June 6, 1983; eff. June 26, 1983.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Mar. 22, 1989; eff. Apr. 11, 1989.
Amended: F. July 17, 1989; eff. August 6, 1989.
Amended: F. May 26, 1993; eff. June 15, 1993.
Amended: F. Jan. 24, 1995; eff. Feb. 13, 1995.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 20, 2004; eff. Sept. 9, 2004.
Amended: F. Sep. 14, 2020; eff. Oct. 4, 2020.
Amended: F. Dec. 9, 2022; eff. Dec. 29, 2022.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.02 Licensure: Examination {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-2-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.02}

(1) All physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are required to submit a completed application, the appropriate fee, and pass an examination for licensure to practice the profession in Georgia except as provided for in O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-33-15 . The Board may at its discretion grant a license to an applicant who has previously taken and completed, within the requirements as set by the Board, the examination required.

(a) All applicants who are graduates of Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited schools and are applying for licensure must submit:

Passing scores from the national licensing examination; and
Passing scores from examination on the laws governing the practice of physical therapy in Georgia and the rules of the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy; and
Official proof of graduation directly from the institution granting the entry level degree in physical therapy or physical therapist assistant indicating the date of graduation.

(b) All applicants who graduated from a non-CAPTE accredited school shall provide all of the above information. Additionally, the applicant shall meet the requirements of Board Rule 490-2-.03 .

(c) Verification of licensure in all states in which the licensure candidate holds a license or has ever held a license may be conducted by board staff.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-33-3, 43-33-10, 43-33-12, 43-33-13, 43-33-14, 43-33-15 and 43-33-17
History. Original Rule entitled "Registration Examination" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. May 1, 1973; eff. May 21, 1973.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Apr. 7, 1981; eff. Apr. 27, 1981.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Licensure Examination" adopted. F. June 6, 1983; eff. June 26, 1983.
Amended: F. Jan. 18, 1984; eff. Feb. 7, 1984.
Amended: F. Feb. 4, 1985; eff. Feb. 24, 1985.
Amended: F. Feb. 28, 1986; eff. Mar. 20, 1986.
Amended: F. July 22, 1986; eff. August 11, 1986.
Amended: F. Dec. 8, 1988; eff. Dec. 28, 1988.
Amended: F. Mar. 22, 1989; eff. Apr. 11, 1989.
Amended: F. May 13, 1991; eff. June 1, 1991.
Amended: F. July 1, 1993; eff. July 21, 1993.
Amended: F. Nov. 22, 1996; eff. Dec. 12, 1996.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Jan. 19, 2005; eff. Feb. 8, 2005.
Repealed: New Rule of the same title adopted. F. May 12, 2010; eff. June 1, 2010.
Amended: F. May 30, 2018; eff. June 19, 2018.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.03 Licensure: Foreign-Educated Applicants {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-2-.03 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.03}

(1) All applicants who are graduates of educational programs conducted in a foreign country that are not accredited by CAPTE and approved by the Board must submit credentials prescribed by the Board in order to be considered for approval to take the licensing examination.

(a) Transcripts must be evaluated by a credential evaluation agency approved by the Board to determine if the professional instruction is substantially equivalent to that of entry-level United States-educated therapists. The credentialing evaluation agency shall evaluate the transcripts and professional instruction using the most recent Coursework Tool (CWT) adopted by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy and send its evaluation and a copy of the official transcript directly to the Board. A list of credentialing agencies approved by the Board shall be included in each application packet.

(b) Proof of licensure/certification/registration, that is current and in good standing, to practice physical therapy, or proof of appropriate eligibility to practice physical therapy, in the country of education must be submitted.

(c) Verification of licensure/certification/registration in all jurisdictions in which the candidate holds or has ever held a license/certification/registration must be submitted.

(d) Applicants educated in a non-English speaking physical therapy program must take and receive a passing score of 89 on the IBT TOEFL to include: a passing score of 22 on the writing section, a passing score of 22 on the reading section, a passing score of 21 on the listening section and a passing score of 24 on the speaking section before being allowed to sit for the licensure examination. Official score results must be submitted to the Board.

(e) Applicants educated in an English speaking physical therapy program must have a school official submit an official letter to the Board attesting that the physical therapy curriculum was taught in English.

(f) Once a completed application is on file and prior to initiation of a traineeship, all foreign educated applicants must take and pass the NPTE and the examination on the laws governing the practice of physical therapy in Georgia and the rules of the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy.

(g) All foreign-educated applicants must complete a Board-approved traineeship consisting of a minimum of 480 hours, which must be completed within three (3) months of the issuance of the traineeship permit. This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the Board if the applicant has demonstrated clinical competency with a minimum of 5 years of continuous active practice and license in good standing.

(2) Applicants educated in a foreign physical therapy program that is accredited by CAPTE and approved by the Board, do not have to submit a credentials evaluation but they must meet the conditions of Board Rule 490-2-.02 .

History

Authority: §§ 43-1-25; 43-33-10(1), (2), (3), (10), (11); 43-33-12(1); 43-33-13(1); 43-33-14
History. Original Rule entitled "Board Action Upon Application for Registration" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. May 1, 1973; eff. May 21, 1973.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Licensure: Foreign-Educated Applicants" adopted. F. Jan. 19, 2005; eff. Feb. 8, 2005.
Repealed: New Rule of the same title adopted. F. May 12, 2010; eff. June 1, 2010.
Amended: F. May 23, 2013; eff. June 12, 2013.
Amended: F. Aug. 26, 2015; eff. Sept. 15, 2015.
Amended: F. Sep. 14, 2020; eff. Oct. 4, 2020.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.04 Training Permits {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-2-.04 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.04}

A training permit may be issued pursuant to O.C.G.A. §§ 43-33-10 and 43-33-17 of the Georgia Physical Therapy Act to a qualified applicant following Board-approval of a properly submitted application.

(a) Qualified applicants are:

Graduates of entry-level programs for physical therapists or physical therapist assistants from either a CAPTE or a non-CAPTE-accredited school who have taken and passed the national licensing examination and an examination on the laws and rules governing the practice of physical therapy in Georgia; or,
Applicants for reinstatement, who have not practiced for two (2) and up to five (5) years; or,
Applicants for reinstatement who have not practiced for more than five (5) years and who have successfully taken and passed the national licensing examination and an examination on the laws and rules governing the practice of physical therapy in Georgia; or,
Applicants for endorsement, who have not practiced for two (2) and up to five (5) years; or,
Applicants for endorsement who have not practiced for more than five (5) years and who have successfully taken and passed the national licensing examination and an examination on the laws and rules governing the practice of physical therapy in Georgia.

(b) Initial Applications and Reinstatement Applications.

A notarized training permit application form must be submitted by the trainee's Primary supervisor specifying:

(i) The name and license number of the trainee supervisor who will be responsible for the conduct of the traineeship as defined under section (e) of this rule; and,

(ii) The name, address, phone, fax number and e-mail address of all sites where the trainee and supervisors may be working during the course of the traineeship; and,

(iii) The effective dates of the traineeship; and,

(iv) Acceptance of responsibility for trainee supervision and completion of the performance evaluation; and,

(v) Termination of the traineeship as defined herein; and,

(vi) Type of facility.

A training permit may be renewed one time, for no more than six (6) months, upon written request and with approval of the Board, and only for one good and exceptional reason as determined by the Board. For purposes of this rule, good and exceptional reasons include but are not limited to:

(i) Death of an immediate family member; or

(ii) Illness or incapacitation of the applicant or immediate family member (a physician's statement is required); or

(iii) Jury duty (proof required).

(d) Validity of Permit.

Training permits are subject to the following conditions:

(i) Able to be initiated in the State of Georgia within three months of issuance of such permit.

(ii) Must be returned to the Board by the trainee with a brief explanation of why it was not used.

(iii) A 480 hour traineeship must be completed within three (3) months of initiation. A 1000 hour traineeship must be completed in no less than 6 months or no more than 1 year if approved by the Board;

(iv) A training permit shall become invalid and must be immediately returned to the Board office by the trainee if:

(I) The trainee fails to complete the traineeship within the above prescribed time frames; or,

(II) If the trainee does not exhibit performance satisfactory to the Primary supervisor.

(e) Supervision.

The Primary supervisor or alternate supervisor named on the training permit application holds full responsibility under their license for direct, continuous, on-site supervision of the trainee at all times. The supervisor must assure that the trainee does not perform any patient care activities in his/her absence.
If for some reason the primary supervisor cannot fulfill their duties as supervisor, a new application requesting a new supervisor must be approved by the Board. The trainee may not participate in direct patient care until a new supervisor is approved by the Board. The new supervisor will assure compliance with all terms and obligations outlined in this rule.
The supervisor and alternate supervisor must hold a Georgia license in good standing under O.C.G.A. Title 43, Chapter 33, and have practiced full time for not less than one continuous year.
The supervisor must regularly evaluate trainee performance in all areas as specified by the Board to include cosigning any documentation provided by the trainee. At the end of the traineeship period, the supervisor must submit a performance evaluation on the board approved traineeship performance evaluation reporting form.
The Primary supervisor must notify the Board of unsatisfactory performance at which time the training permit becomes null and void.
The supervising therapist will supervise no more than two (2) trainees at one time.
The supervisor must notify the Board within ten (10) business days when the trainee satisfactorily completes the traineeship.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-33-3, 43-33-10, 43-33-12, 43-33-17
History. Original Rule entitled "Temporary Registration" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
Repealed: F. Mar. 8, 1971; eff. Mar. 28, 1971.
Amended: New Rule entitled "Temporary Registration" adopted. F. May 1, 1973; eff. May 21, 1973.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. May 31, 1974; eff. June 20, 1974.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Nov. 27, 1984; eff. Dec. 17, 1984.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Temporary License" adopted. F. Feb. 28, 1986; eff. Mar. 20, 1986.
Amended: F. Jan. 28, 1987; eff. Feb. 17, 1987.
Amended: F. Dec. 30, 1987; eff. Jan. 19, 1988.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Training Permits" adopted. F. May 26, 1993; eff. June 15, 1993.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Nov. 22, 1996; eff. Dec. 12, 1996.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 19, 1998; eff. July 9, 1998.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. May 26, 2005; eff. June 15, 2005.
Repealed: New Rule of the same title adopted. F. Sept. 24, 2010; eff. Oct. 14, 2010.
Repealed: New Rule of the same title adopted. F. May 25, 2012; eff. June 14, 2012.
Amended: F. Aug. 28, 2019; eff. Sept. 17, 2019.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.05 Repealed {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-2-.05 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.05}

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-1-3, 43-33-10, 43-33-14, 50-13-4
History. Original Rule entitled "Time of Examinations" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. May 1, 1973; eff. May 21, 1973.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. May 31, 1974; eff. June 20, 1974.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Nov. 27, 1984; eff. Dec. 17, 1974.
Amended: F. Jan. 24, 1995; eff. Feb. 13, 1995.
Repealed: F. Aug. 20, 2004; eff. Sept. 9, 2004.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.06 Fees {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-2-.06 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.06}

Fees are maintained by schedule and may be reviewed and changed at the discretion of the Board. Returned checks will be dealt with in accordance with Code Section 16-9-20 of the Criminal Code of Georgia. All fees shall be submitted with the application, request for other services or upon notification by the Board.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 16-9-20, 43-1-7, 43-1-9, 43-1-24, 43-1-25, 43-33-10
History. Original Rule entitled "Written Examinations, Time of, Place, Notice" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Fees" adopted. F. May 1, 1973; eff. May 21, 1973.
Amended: F. Oct. 17, 1975; eff. Nov. 6, 1975.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Mar. 19, 1982; eff. Apr. 8, 1982.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Nov. 27, 1984; eff. Dec. 17, 1984.
Repealed: F. Aug. 20, 2004; eff. Sept. 9, 2004.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.07 Repealed {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-2-.07 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.07}

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 50-13-4
History. Original Rule entitled "Examination Fee" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Mar. 8, 1971; eff. Mar. 28, 1971.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Examination Proctors" adopted. F. May 1, 1973; eff. May 21, 1973.
Repealed: F. Aug. 19, 2004; eff. Sept. 8, 2004.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.08 Practical and Oral Examinations {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-2-.08 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.08}

In addition to the national physical therapy examination, the Board has the right to require a practical and/or oral examination in cases where the Board deems it necessary to establish the qualifications of an individual.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-1-19, 43-1-24, 43-1-25, 43-33-10, 43-33-12 to 43-33-15, 43-33-18
History. Original Rule entitled "Examination of Foreign Trained Therapists" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Practical and Oral Examinations" adopted. F. May 1, 1973; eff. May 21, 1973.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Oct. 21, 2004; eff. Nov. 10, 2004.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.09 Licensure: Reciprocity {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-2-.09 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.09}

(1) The Board may, in its discretion register a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant without an examination as set forth in Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 43-33-15 upon payment of applicable fees. (Refer to fee schedule)

(2) Any applicant applying for licensure pursuant to O.C.G.A. 43-33-15 and who is a graduate of a physical therapy or physical therapist assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and approved by the Board, must provide:

(a) Verification of an active license in good standing from another state board; and,

(b) A verification of licensure in good standing from the state board of all states in which the applicant has held a license to actively practice; and,

(c) Verification of active practice in the two years immediately preceding the date of application; or proof of completion of 26 hours of acceptable continuing education coursework pursuant to the requirements in Board Rule 490-4-.02(1)(2)(4)(7) and (8) and,

(d) Official transcript from the institution granting the entry level degree in physical therapy or physical therapist assistant indicating the date of graduation; and,

(e) Passing scores from the national licensing examination; and,

(f) Passing scores from the Georgia Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination.

(3) Any applicant applying for licensure pursuant to O.C.G.A. 43-33-15 who is a graduate of a physical therapy or physical therapist assistant program not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or approved by the Board, must provide:

(a) Verification of an active license in good standing from another state board; and,

(b) A verification of licensure in good standing from the state board of all states in which the applicant has held a license to actively practice; and,

(d) Official evaluation and transcript from a credential evaluation organization approved by the State of Georgia which shall meet the standards of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy Coursework Tool (CWT) that was in effect at the time the applicant graduated from their physical therapy or physical therapist assistant educational program; and

(e) Passing scores from the national licensing examination; and,

(f) Passing scores from the examination on the laws governing the practice of physical therapy in Georgia and the rules of the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy.

(4) Proof of graduation from an accredited physical therapy or physical therapist assistant program or credential evaluations deemed substantially equivalent to the professional degree, and satisfactory completion of the licensing examination shall be deemed to be prima facie evidence of compliance with Code Section 43-33-15 . The Board, however, may request further verification of any credential submitted if deemed necessary to evaluate the application.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25; 43-33-2, 43-33-10(2); 43-33-15
History. Original Rule entitled "Examination Proctors" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
Repealed: F. May 1, 1973; eff. May 21, 1973.
Amended: New Rule entitled "Licensure: Endorsement" adopted. F. June 27, 1995; eff. July 17, 1995.
Amended: New title "Licensure: Endorsement/Reciprocity." F. Apr. 13, 2017; eff. May 3, 2017.
Amended: F. May 30, 2018; eff. June 19, 2018.
Amended: New title "Licensure: Reciprocity." F. Sep. 14, 2020; eff. Oct. 4, 2020.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.10 Licensure - Endorsement/Reciprocity for Military Spouses and Transitioning Service Members {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-2-.10 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.10}

(1) The Board may, in its discretion register a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant without an examination as set forth in Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 43-33-15 upon receipt of a complete application and payment of applicable fees. (Refer to fee schedule)

(2) A military spouse or transitioning service member, as defined in O.C.G.A. § 43-1-34 , is deemed eligible to apply for licensure pursuant to O.C.G.A. 43-33-15 if the applicant is a holder of a valid physical therapy or physical therapist assistant license in another State for which the training, experience and testing substantially meet or exceed the requirements under this state to obtain a license; and,

(a) The military spouse or transitioning service member must be a graduate of a physical therapy or physical therapist assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) approved by the Board, and must provide:

Verification of an active license in good standing from another state board; and,
Within six (6) months of the issuance of a license, submit a verification of licensure in good standing from the state board of all states in which the applicant has held a license to actively practice; and,
Verification of active continued competence in physical therapy in the two years immediately preceding the date of this application which may include a verification of employment or 26 hours of acceptable continuing education coursework pursuant to the requirements in Board Rule 490-4-.02(1)(2)(4)(7) and (8) ; and,
Official transcript from the institution granting the entry level degree in physical therapy or physical therapist assistant indicating the date of graduation; and,
Passing scores from the national licensing examination.
Passing scores from the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy ethics and jurisprudence examination.

(b) Any military spouse or transitioning service member applying for licensure pursuant to O.C.G.A. 43-33-15 who is a graduate of a physical therapy or physical therapist assistant program not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or approved by the Board, must provide:

Verification of an active license in good standing from another state; and,
Within six (6) months of the issuance of a license, submit verification of licensure in good standing from the state board of all states in which the applicant has actively practiced in the two years immediately preceding the date of this application; and,
Verification of active continued competence in physical therapy in the two years immediately preceding the date of this application which may include a verification of employment or 26 hours of acceptable continuing education coursework pursuant to the requirements in Board Rule 490-4-.02(1)(2)(4)(7) and (8) ; and,
Official evaluation and transcript from a credential evaluation organization approved by the Board which shall meet the standards of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy Coursework Tool (CWT) that was in effect at the time the applicant graduated from their physical therapy or physical therapist assistant educational program; and,
Passing scores from the national licensing examination.
Passing scores from the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy ethics and jurisprudence examination.

(3) Proof of graduation from an accredited physical therapy or physical therapist assistant program or credential evaluations deemed substantially equivalent to the professional degree, and satisfactory completion of the licensing examination shall be deemed to be prima facie evidence of compliance with Code Section 43-33-15 . The Board, however, may request further verification of any credential submitted if deemed necessary to evaluate the application.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25; 43-1-34(b), 43-33-2, 43-33-10(1), (2), (3), (11); 43-33-14; 43-33-15
History. Original Rule entitled "Practical and Oral Examinations" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
Repealed: F. May 1, 1973; eff. May 21, 1973.
Adopted: New Rule entitled "Licensure: Endorsement/Reciprocity for Military Spouses and Transitioning Service Members." F. Oct. 13, 2017; eff. Nov. 2, 2017.
Amended: F. Sep. 14, 2020; eff. Oct. 4, 2020.

Chapter 490-3 Evaluation of Examinations: Applicants

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-3-.01 Evaluation of Examinations. Amended {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-3-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-3-.01}

The passing level for the physical therapist and the physical therapist assistant licensing examinations shall be determined by the Board. Scoring for the NPTE ranges from 200 - 800. The minimum passing score is 600 for both PT and PTA. Prior to 1996 Georgia's standard was 1.5 times the standard deviation below the national mean.

History

Authority: O.G.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-33-10, 43-33-12, 43-33-13, 43-33-14
History. Original Rule entitled "Evaluation of Examinations" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Apr. 20, 1973; eff. May 10, 1973.
Amended: F. Jan. 18, 1984; eff. Feb. 7, 1984.
Amended: F. May 27, 1987; eff. June 16, 1987.
Amended: F. Mar. 22, 1989; eff. Apr. 11, 1989.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. May 13, 1991; eff. June 2, 1991.
Amended: F. Apr. 18, 2016; eff. May 8, 2016.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-3-.02 Re-examination {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-3-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-3-.02}

(1) An applicant who fails the national examination on the first attempt, may retake the examination up to the maximum lifetime limit in accordance with the eligibility criteria established by the exam administrator approved by the Board.

(2) An applicant who fails the examination will receive a notification from the Board to include:

(a) An acknowledgement of receipt of the examination scores with a request that the applicant complete a comprehensive review of their individual Score Report that is provided to them by the exam administrator.

(b) Information on practical considerations to assist and promote learning proficiency, to assist applicants with preparing to retake the examination.

(3) An applicant may submit an appeal form to the Board for one (1) additional attempt to retake and pass the national exam if the applicant has been notified by the exam administrator or the Board that the applicant is ineligible to register to retake the national examination.

(4) The Board in its discretion may require the applicant to complete a board approved traineeship upon passing the examination and prior to the issuance of a license if the applicant has not successfully passed the NPTE within two (2) years of the initial test date.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-33-10, 43-33-12
History. Original Rule entitled "Re-examination" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Mar. 8, 1971; eff. Mar. 28, 1971.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Sept. 15, 1971; eff. Oct. 5, 1971.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Apr. 29, 1973; eff. May 10, 1973.
Amended: F. Oct. 17, 1975; eff. Nov. 6, 1975.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Re-examinations" adopted. F. Mar. 19, 1982; eff. Apr. 8, 1982.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Re-examination" adopted. F. Nov. 27, 1984; eff. Dec. 17, 1984.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Mar. 22, 1989; eff. Apr. 11, 1989.
Amended: F. May 13, 1991; eff. June 2, 1991.
Amended: F. Jan. 24, 1995; eff. Feb. 13, 1995.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. May 26, 2005; eff. June 15, 2005.
Amended: F. Mar. 25, 2019; eff. Apr. 14, 2019.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-3-.03 Hearings {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-3-.03 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-3-.03}

An applicant to whom the Board has refused examination may have a hearing before the Board.

History

Authority: Ga. L. 1972, pp. 338 - 396
History. Original Rule entitled "Hearings" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Apr. 20, 1973; eff. May 10, 1973.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-3-.04 Repealed {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-3-.04 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-3-.04}

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-33-15
History. Original Rule entitled "Endorsement" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Apr. 20, 1973; eff. May 10, 1973.
Amended: F. Oct. 17, 1975; eff. Nov. 6, 1975.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Jan. 18, 1984; eff. Feb. 7, 1984.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Nov. 29, 1984; eff. Dec. 19, 1984.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 25, 1986; eff. Sept. 14, 1986.
Amended: F. Mar. 22, 1989; eff. Apr. 11, 1989.
Repealed: F. June 27, 1995; eff. July 17, 1995.

Chapter 490-4 Renewal: Continuing Competence Requirements-Disciplinary Sanctions

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-4-.01 Renewal and Reinstatement of License and Penalties {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-4-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-4-.01}

(1) Every licensed physical therapist and physical therapist assistant shall biennially apply to the Board for renewal of his/her license, submit proof of continuing competency requirements and pay a renewal fee by December 31st of odd years. Refer to fee schedule and Rule 490-4-.02 .

(2) A license that is not renewed on or before December 31st shall be assessed a late fee. Refer to fee schedule for penalty fee.

(3) A license that is not renewed on or before February 1st of the year following the renewal year shall lapse and be of no force and effect and shall by operation of the law be revoked.

(4) A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant that has been previously licensed in this State who has allowed his/her license to become revoked due to failure to renew, shall be required to submit an application for reinstatement, pay appropriate fee (refer to fee schedule), and shall also be required to meet requirements as provided below:

(a) An applicant who is able to document that he/she has practiced as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant within 2 years shall be required to submit proof of continuing competence requirements as established by the Board;

(b) An applicant who is unable to document that he/she has practiced as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant within 2 years but is able to document such practice within 5 years shall be required to submit proof of continuing competence (Refer to 490-4-.02 ), and shall be required to work under the supervision of a physical therapist licensed in this state for 480 hours of continuous supervised practice to be completed within 3 months with specific stipulations as deemed necessary by the Board, and shall be required to take and pass the examination on the laws governing the practice of physical therapy in Georgia and the rules of the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy; or

(c) An applicant who is unable to document that he/she has practiced as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant within 5 years shall be required to work under the supervision of a physical therapist licensed in this state for 1,000 hours of continuous supervised practice to be completed in no less than 6 months or no more than 1 year if approved by the Board with specific stipulations as deemed necessary by the Board and shall be required to take and pass the following examinations: the licensing examination, and the examination on the laws governing the practice of physical therapy in Georgia and the rules of the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy.

(5) Applicants subject to Rule 490-4-.01(4)(a) may at the discretion of the Board be exempted from continuing competence requirements if such person holds a current license in good standing in another state or if such person is currently employed as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant by the United States Government if such person provides physical therapy services under the direction or control of the employing organization.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-4, 43-1-25, 43-33-10(11), 43-33-16
History. Original Rule entitled "Renewal of Registration and Penalties" adopted. F. and eff. June 30, 1965.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Apr. 20, 1973; eff. May 10, 1973.
Amended: F. Oct. 17, 1975; eff. Nov. 6, 1975.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Nov. 27, 1984; eff. Dec. 17, 1984.
Amended: F. July 19, 1985; eff. August 8, 1985.
Amended: F. Nov. 25, 1985; eff. Dec. 15, 1985.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Renewal of License and Penalties" adopted. F. Aug. 25, 1986; eff. Sept. 14, 1986.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Jan. 28, 1987; eff. Feb. 17, 1987.
Amended: F. Mar. 14, 1988; eff. Apr. 3, 1988.
Amended: F. July 20, 1988; eff. August 9, 1988.
Amended: F. Mar. 22, 1989; eff. Apr. 11, 1989.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Aug. 24, 1989; eff. Sept. 13, 1989.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Jan. 13, 1992; eff. Feb. 2, 1992.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. July 22, 1999; eff. August 11, 1999.
Amended: F. Nov. 7, 2003; eff. Nov. 27, 2003.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Renewal and Reinstatement of License and Penalties" adopted. F. Aug. 17, 2005; eff. Sept. 6, 2005.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Renewal of License and Penalties" adopted. F. Oct. 31, 2007; eff. Nov. 20, 2007.
Repealed: New Rule entitled "Renewal and Reinstatement of License and Penalties" adopted. F. Sept. 29, 2008; eff. Oct. 19, 2008.
Amended: F. Jan. 28, 2011; eff. Feb. 17, 2011.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. May 25, 2012; eff. June 14, 2012.
Amended: F. Dec. 9, 2022; eff. Dec. 29, 2022.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-4-.02 Continuing Competence Requirements {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-4-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-4-.02}

(1) The Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy requires each licensed physical therapist and physical therapist assistant to participate in thirty (30) clock hours of experience per licensure period which is not to exceed ten (10) credit hours per calendar day. The purpose of this requirement is to assist in assuring safe and effective practices in the provision of physical therapy services to the citizens of Georgia.

(a) The Board recommends the requirements for competence as planned learning experiences which have content beyond the licensee's present level of knowledge and competence which may be subject to audit by the board.

(b) Content of the experience must relate to patient care in physical therapy whether the subject is research, treatment, documentation, education, management, or some other content area.

(2) Effective July 1, 2018, (30) hours of continuing competence per biennium shall include a minimum of four (4) contact hours specifically in Georgia Ethics and Jurisprudence as defined in the Georgia Physical Therapy Act or by passage of the Georgia Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination.

(a) A Georgia Ethics and Jurisprudence course must be obtained from a Georgia college or university with an accredited physical therapy education program or a provider which holds a current Physical Therapy Association of Georgia (PTAG) Approval Certificate for the course.

(b) Passage of the Georgia Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination is equivalent to the four (4) hour continuing competence requirement for Georgia Ethics and Jurisprudence provided that the same test result has not been previously submitted to the Board as part of an application for licensure or to satisfy the requirements of an order of the Board.

(3) The following programs and activities may be considered for approval, but are not limited to:

(a) Programs approved by the American Physical Therapy Association and its affiliate components; or

(b) Programs approved by the Physical Therapy Association of Georgia or any other state chapters; or

(d) Programs provided at CAPTE-Accredited colleges and universities with programs in physical therapy when the continuing competency course is held under the auspices of the school of physical therapy; or

(e) Programs offered by similar professional organizations offering experiences that meet the guidelines set forth in paragraph one.

(f) Fifteen (15) hours for undergoing a peer review; or

(g) Ten (10) hours for conducting a peer review when that activity is an adjunct responsibility and not the primary employment; or

(h) Participation as a presenter for continuing education courses, workshops, seminars or symposia which have been approved by the approved list above; Continuing competence credit is based on contact hours and may not exceed 10 hours per topic;

(i) Authorship of a presented scientific poster, scientific platform presentation or published article; Continuing competence credit is 10 hours per even and may not exceed 20 hours;

(j) Teaching a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant credit course when that teaching is an adjunct responsibility and not the primary employment; Continuing competence credit is based on contact hours not to exceed 20 hours;

(k) Certification of clinical specialization by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Continuing competence credit is 30 hours and is recognized only in the biennium in which certification or recertification is awarded.

(l) Self - instruction from reading professional literature; Continuing competence credit is limited to a maximum of three (3) hours; or

(m) Attendance at a scientific poster session, lecture, panel, symposium or university course Continuing competence credit is one hour per contact hour of activity; or

(n) Acting as a clinical education instructor for an accredited physical therapist or physical therapist assistant educational program; Continuing competence credit is one (1) hour per eight (8) contact hours with a maximum credit of 10 hours; or

(o) Acting as a clinical instructor or an intern for a formal, nonacademic, advanced clinical internship or as a mentor or a learner for a formal, nonacademic mentorship with a maximum credit of 10 hours.

(p) Donating time in the role of a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant, within the scope of practice, to a charity event; Continuing competence credit is one (1) hour per eight (8) contact hours, limited to a maximum of five (5) hours;

(q) Reference Policy 13

(r) Post professional physical therapist educational programs that award academic credit are counted as one (1) university credit hour equaling ten (10) continuing competence hours. For example, a two (2) credit hour course in which a passing grade is achieved would equal twenty (20) continuing competence hours.

(4) Unacceptable activities for continuing competence include, but are not limited to:

(a) Orientation and in-service programs;

(b) Meetings for purposes of policy decisions;

(d) Entertainment or recreational meeting or activities;

(e) Committee meetings, holdings of offices, serving as an organization delegate;

(f) Visiting exhibits;

(g) CPR.

(5) Continuing competence requirements shall apply within the first biennium that a physical therapist/physical therapist assistant is licensed in Georgia. However, licensees who have graduated during the current renewal biennium and who have passed the National Physical Therapy Examination are exempt from the continuing competence requirement during the biennium in which they have graduated and successfully passed the exam.

(6) Beginning the January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2016 biennium and thereafter, persons licensed to practice as a physical therapist or a physical therapy assistant or who shall file an application to practice as such in this state are to maintain a record of completed continuing education courses and experiences by registering with an online recording and reporting system approved by the Board.

(a) For the purposes of this requirement, the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy adopts the utilization of CE Broker.

(b) Licensees and applicants shall incur no additional costs from CE Broker for this service.

(c) Every licensee or applicant subject to the rules of the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy shall be deemed to have given such person's consent to the Board and it's representatives to access their continuing competence record retained within the online database for the purposes of auditing and verifying completion of the Board's continuing competency requirements. Such person waives all objections to the admissibility of the record in any proceedings or hearings before the board.

(7) Individuals licensed during the last six (6) months of a biennium renewal period will not be required to meet continuing competence requirements for that biennium.

(8) Individuals who have been reinstated within the last six (6) months of a biennium renewal period may use the continuing competence coursework used for reinstatement, thereby making them exempt from the requirement for that biennium renewal period.

(9) Those licensees selected for audit shall submit documentation of compliance upon receipt of notice. Acceptable documentation shall include:

(a) An official program or outline of the course attended or taught or a copy of the publication which clearly shows that the objectives and content were related to patient care in physical therapy and shows the number of contact hours, as appropriate. The information also should clearly identify the licensee's responsibility in teaching or authorship; and

(b) A certificate or verification of completion of home study which identifies the sponsoring entity or maintain a copy of the final grade report in the case of a University credit course(s), or specialization certificate, or proof of attendance with a copy of the program for the other acceptable activities, or documentation of self-instruction or reading professional literature; or

(c) Verification of a peer review of practice with verification of acceptable practice by a recognized entity. An example of a recognized entity is the American Physical Therapy Association Board Policy (See APTA Policy G03-05-15-40).

(10) Responsibilities of the Licensee:

(a) To maintain the original continuing competence documents no less than five (5) years from the date the Continuing Education credit was obtained. These records should be maintained in the licensee's personal files for no less than five (5) years.

(b) To complete all steps necessary to meet the re-licensure requirements on or before December 31st of the odd numbered years.

(d) To keep a current mailing address and email address on file with the Licensing Board Office at all times.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-24; 43-1-25; 43-33-10(11); 43-33-16
History. Original Rule entitled "Revocation, Refusal to Renew" was filed and effective on June 30, 1965.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule of the same title adopted. Filed April 20, 1973; effective May 10, 1973.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "Disciplinary Sanctions" adopted. Filed December 15, 1982; effective January 4, 1983.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule of the same title adopted. Filed February 4, 1985; effective February 24, 1985.
Amended: Filed February 28, 1986; effective March 20, 1986.
Amended: Rule renumbered as Rule 490-4-.03 and a new Rule entitled "Continuing Education Requirements" adopted. Filed January 28, 1987; effective February 17, 1987.
Amended: Filed June 26, 1987; effective July 16, 1987.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Mar. 22, 1989; eff. Apr. 11, 1989.
Amended: F. Aug. 24, 1989; eff. Sept. 13, 1989.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Jul. 22, 1999; eff. Aug. 11, 1999.
Amended: F. May 9, 2000; eff. May 29, 2000.
Amended: F. May 19, 2004; eff. June 8, 2004.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. June 22, 2007; eff. July 12, 2007.
Repealed: New Rule of the same title adopted. F. May 12, 2010; eff. June 1, 2010.
Amended: F. May 17, 2011; eff. June 6, 2011.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. May 25, 2012; eff. June 14, 2012.
Amended: F. May 23, 2013; eff. June 12, 2013.
Amended: F. Jan. 16, 2015; eff. Feb. 5, 2015.
Amended: F. Feb. 14, 2019; eff. Mar. 6, 2019.
Amended: F. Sep. 14, 2020; eff. Oct. 4, 2020.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-4-.03 Repealed {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-4-.03 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-4-.03}

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19, 43-1-25, 43-33-10, 43-33-12, 43-33-13, 43-33-14, 43-33-18
History. Original Rule entitled "Disciplinary Sanctions" adopted. F. Jan. 28, 1987; eff. Feb. 17, 1987.
Amended: F. Mar. 22, 1989; eff. Apr. 11, 1989.
Amended: F. Feb. 26, 1990; eff. Mar. 18, 1990.
Amended: F. Dec. 6, 1990; eff. Dec. 26, 1990.
Amended: F. Mar. 28, 1994; eff. Apr. 17, 1994.
Amended: F. Mar. 7, 2002; eff. Mar. 27, 2002.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Mar. 16, 2005; eff. Apr. 5, 2005.
Repealed: Rule reserved. F. Jan. 25, 2007; eff. Feb. 14, 2007.
Adopted: New Rule entitled "Continuing Competency Audit." F. Mar. 5, 2018; eff. Mar. 25, 2018.
Repealed: F. Sep. 14, 2020; eff. Oct. 4, 2020.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-4-.04 Inactive License {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-4-.04 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-4-.04}

(a) Any licensee who is no longer practicing as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in the State of Georgia may request an Inactive License status by filing an application for inactive status and paying the appropriate fee. Refer to fee schedule.

(1) An individual holding inactive status may not practice as a physical therapist or work as a physical therapist assistant within the State of Georgia.

(2) Any individual holding inactive status is not subject to the biennial renewal fees or continuing competence requirements.

(3) An individual whose license is under any sanction may not transfer to inactive status while sanctions are in effect.

(4) Any individual holding inactive status may return to active status by meeting all requirements for reinstatement as outlined herein.

(b) A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who has been granted an Inactive license may reinstate the license by submitting an application for reinstatement, pay appropriate fee (refer to fee schedule), and shall also be required to meet requirements as provided below:

(1) An applicant who is able to document that he/she has practiced as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant within 2 years shall be required to submit proof of continuing competence requirements as established by the Board;

(2) An applicant who is unable to document that he/she has practiced as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant within 2 years but is able to document such practice within 5 years shall be required to submit proof of continuing competence (Refer to 490-4-.02 ), and shall be required to work under the supervision of a physical therapist licensed in this state for 480 hours of continuous supervised practice to be completed within three (3) months with specific stipulations as deemed necessary by the Board, and shall be required to take and pass the examination on the laws governing the practice of physical therapy in Georgia and the rules of the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy; or

(3) An applicant who is unable to document that he/she has practiced as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant within 5 years shall be required to take and pass the next licensing examination prior to being allowed to work under the supervision of a physical therapist licensed in this state for 1,000 hours of continuous supervised practice which is to be completed in no less than 6 months or no more than 1 year if approved by the Board with specific stipulations as deemed necessary by the Board.

(c) Applicants subject to Rule 490-4-.04(b) may in the discretion of the Board be exempted from continuing competence and supervision requirements if such person holds a current license in good standing in another state or if such person is currently employed as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant by the United States Government if such person provides physical therapy services under the direction or control of the employing organization.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-33-10, 43-33-12, 43-33-13, 43-33-14, 43-33-16
History. Original Rule entitled "Inactive License" adopted. F. Nov. 7, 2003; eff. Nov. 27, 2003.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Jan. 28, 2011; eff. Feb. 17, 2011.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F.May, 25, 2012; eff. June 14, 2012
Amended: F. Apr. 13, 2017; eff. May 3, 2017.

Chapter 490-5 Supervision and Direction of Physical Therapy Assistant

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-5-.01 Responsibility of the Licensed Physical Therapist in Supervision and Direction of the Physical Therapist Assistant {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-5-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-5-.01}

(1) A licensed physical therapist shall at all times be responsible for providing adequate supervision of the physical therapists assistant, as defined in Rule 490-5-.02 .

(2) The licensed physical therapist shall be present in the same institutional setting, as defined in paragraph (3) of this section, 25 percent of any work week, Monday through Friday, and shall be readily available to the assistant at all other times, including weekend coverage, for advice, assistance and instruction.

(3) "Institutional setting" means any nursing home, acute hospital, convalescent hospital, rehabilitation center, other inpatient facility by any other name and outpatient clinic which would include private office.

(4) The licensed physical therapist in the home health setting responsible for the patient shall supervise the physical therapist assistant working with the patient and shall:

(a) perform the initial patient evaluation to establish a physical therapy diagnosis, treatment goals, frequency, duration, and plan of care;

(b) meet with the assistant no less than once weekly to review all patients being treated;

(d) be available to the assistant at all times for advice, assistance, and instructions.

(5) A licensed physical therapist shall be designated as the physical therapist assistant's supervisor in the school setting and shall:

(a) perform all physical therapy evaluations to develop or amend physical therapy interventions stated on the student's Individual Educational Plan (IEP) for the purpose of assisting with the achievement of educational goals and objectives, including frequency and duration of physical therapy services.

(b) make an on-site visit to each student scheduled for direct weekly services from the physical therapist assistant no less than every two (2) months, and no less than once every five (5) months for students who are scheduled with the physical therapist assistant once monthly or less. The on-site visit shall include, but not be limited to, a case review, reassessment of the program and physical therapy services and review of documentation pre pared by the physical therapist assistant.

(c) document the on-site visit including status of case(s), program or services status or change and indicate instructions given to the physical therapist assistant.

(d) interact with the physical therapist assistant in appropriate ways specific to the goals and objectives stated in the IEP of the student who is scheduled for sessions with the physical therapist assistant.

(e) be available to the physical therapist assistant at all times for advice, assistance and instructions.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-24; 43-1-25; 43-33-3(6); 43-33-10(11)
History. Original Rule entitled "Responsibility of the Licensed Physical Therapist in Supervision and Direction of the Physical Therapy Assistant" was filed on April 7, 1978; effective April 27, 1978.
Amended: Filed November 27, 1984; effective December 17, 1984.
Amended: F. May 26, 1993; eff. June 15, 1993.
Amended: F. Nov. 22, 1996; eff. Dec. 12, 1996.
Amended: F. Feb. 27, 1998; eff. Mar. 19, 1998.
Amended: F. Feb. 25, 2015; eff. Mar. 17, 2015.
Amended: F. Sep. 14, 2020; eff. Oct. 4, 2020.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-5-.02 Adequate Supervision Defined {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-5-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-5-.02}

Adequate supervision by a licensed physical therapist shall include the following:

(a) evaluate each patient and interpret the results to determine and document a physical therapy diagnosis;

(b) plan each patient's treatment program and determine which elements thereof can be delegated to the assistant;

(c) provide periodic reevaluation of the treatment program and of the assistant's performance in relation to the patient;

(d) perform and record an evaluation of the patient and his response to treatment at the termination thereof;

(e) Interact with the assistant in appropriate ways specific to the plan of care of the patients being treated by the assistant.

History

Authority: Ga. L. 1972, p. 395; O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-33-3(6); 43-33-10(9)
History. Original Rule entitled "Adequate Supervision Defined" was filed on April 7, 1978; effective April 27, 1978.
Amended: Filed November 27, 1984; effective December 17, 1984.
Amended: F. Feb. 26, 1990; eff. Mar. 18, 1990.
Amended: F. May 26, 1993; eff. June 15, 1993.

Chapter 490-6 Procedural Rules

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-6-.01 Procedural Rules {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-6-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-6-.01}

The Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy hereby adopts by reference as its permanent rule Chapters 295-3 through 295-13, and any future amendments thereto, Rules and Regulations of the Office of the Joint Secretary, State Examining Boards, relating to procedure for hearings before the several State Examining Boards. The Board in accordance with the licensing Act (O.C.G.A. Section 43-33-18 which enumerates grounds for sanctions), shall have authority to refuse to grant a license to any applicant, and refuse to renew a license, and may restrict, suspend or revoke the registration of any licensed person. The Board hereby adopts and incorporates by reference herein the provisions of O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-1-19.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-1-19, 43-33-10, 43-33-18
History. Original Rule entitled "Procedural Rules" adopted. F. Apr. 7, 1978; eff. Apr. 27, 1978.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Jan. 25, 2007; eff. Feb. 14, 2007.

Chapter 490-7 Verification of License and Examination Scores

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-7-.01 License Verification and/or Charge for Furnishing Scores {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-7-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-7-.01}

The Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy will verify licensure and provide examination scores, when applicable, to another state upon receiving written request from the applicant accompanied by the ascribed fee. Refer to fee schedule for license verification fee.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. 43-33-10(9); 43-1-7
History. Original Rule entitled "Charge for Furnishing Scores" was filed on June 29, 1979; effective July 19, 1979.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule entitled "License Verification and/or Charge for Furnishing Scores" adopted. Filed January 18, 1984; effective February 7, 1984.
Amended: Rule repealed and a new Rule of the same title adopted. Filed November 27, 1984; effective December 17, 1984.

Chapter 490-8 Physical Therapy Aides: Definition and Requirements

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-8-.01 Definition {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-8-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-8-.01}

A physical therapy aide, or anyone who holds himself out as being a physical therapy aide, is an individual other than a licensee under O.C.G.A. 43-33 who aids the licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in the licensee's provision of physical therapy services and whose activities do not require technical training through a formal course of study.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-33-3(9), 43-33-3 -(8), 43-33-13.1
History. Original Rule entitled "Definition" adopted. F. Mar. 28, 1994; eff. Apr. 17, 1994.
Amended: F. Aug. 15, 2000; eff. Sept. 4, 2000.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-8-.02 Supervision {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-8-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-8-.02}

The physical therapy aide must have direct supervision on the premises at all times when providing supportive activities for the physical therapist or the physical therapist assistant.

(a) For purposes of this rule,"direct supervision" shall mean on the premises and immediately available at all times.

(b) For purposes of this rule,"on the premises" shall mean the immediate area of the patient.

(c) A licensee of this chapter may supervise a maximum of two (2) physical therapy aides when they are aiding the licensee's provision of patient evaluation and intervention.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-33-3(9), 43-33-3(8), 43-33-13.1
History. Original Rule entitled "Supervision" adopted. F. Mar. 28, 1994; eff. Apr. 17, 1994.
Amended: F. Aug. 15, 2000; eff. Sept. 4, 2000.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-8-.03 Duties {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-8-.03 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-8-.03}

For purposes of this Rule, the term,"designated physical therapy tasks," as referenced in O.C.G.A. 43-33-13.1, shall be limited to the following:

(a) Physical therapy aides may perform the following tasks independent of supervision by a licensed physical therapist or licensed physical therapist assistant:

Clerical tasks excluding treatment documentation.

(i) "Treatment Documentation" is defined for purposes of this Rule as the creation, generation, composition of any patient care report and shall include but not be limited to patient evaluations, assessment, plans of care, goals, progress notes, consultation reports, discharge summaries and any other written materials related to patient management.

(ii) Nothing in this Rule shall preclude a physical therapy aide from transcribing, recording or copying treatment documentation generated by a licensee of this chapter. Any treatment documentation prepared in this or any manner, however, must be signed by the supervising licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant and by signing the treatment documentation, the licensee is representing that he or she either prepared the treatment documentation or supervised a physical therapy aide in the preparation of the treatment documentation consistent with the Laws and Rules Governing the Practice of Physical Therapy in the State of Georgia.

transporting patients;
assembling and disassembling equipment in treatment areas;
housekeeping activities

(b) The physical therapy aide, at the discretion of the licensee, may provide supportive activities to patient care when specifically meeting the criteria as set forth in 490-8-.02 . Supportive activities or patient care tasks do not include the direct provision of any patient intervention, but do include only assisting a patient in preparation for treatment by a licensee, assisting a patient after cessation of treatment by a licensee, or assisting the licensee during treatment provided by that licensee. Licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are the only providers of physical therapy.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-33-3(8), 43-33-3(9), 43-33-3(10), 43-33-13.1
History. Original Rule entitled "Duties" adopted. F. Mar. 28, 1994; eff. Apr. 17, 1994.
Amended: F. Nov. 29, 1995; eff. Dec. 19, 1995.
Amended: F. Aug. 15, 2000; eff. Sept. 4, 2000.

Chapter 490-9 Code of Ethics

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.01 Purpose {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-9-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.01}

This code shall apply to all licensed physical therapists, physical therapists assistants, and all individuals recognized in the delivery of patient care under Chapter 33 of Title 43 in the State of Georgia. It is intended to provide guidelines by which the licensees and others can determine the propriety of conduct. Anyone found guilty of violating the ethical standards, as set forth in this chapter, shall be guilty of violating Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 43-33-18(a)(6).

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-33-10
History. Original Rule entitled "Purpose" adopted. F. Jan. 29, 1997; eff. Feb. 18, 1997.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.02 Principles of Conduct for Physical Therapists {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-9-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.02}

Any individual who is licensed as a physical therapist shall abide by the following ethical standard:

(1) Act with consideration, within the scope of physical therapy, for the rights and dignity of all individuals.

(a) The physical therapist shall hold as confidential information obtained while acting in a professional capacity.

(b) The physical therapist shall provide optimal physical therapy care for all patients regardless of patient race, gender, age, religion, disability or sexual preference.

(c) The physical therapist should balance considerations of the patient's physical, psychological and socioeconomic welfare in professional decisions and actions and document these considerations in the patient's record of care.

(d) The physical therapist shall communicate and interact with patients and all persons encountered in a professional capacity with courteous regard and timeliness.

(e) The physical therapist shall not engage in any behavior that constitutes harassment or abuse of a patient, professional colleague or associate.

(2) Comply with the laws and regulations governing the practice of physical therapy in the State of Georgia.

(a) Physical therapists are to practice (consultation, evaluations, treatment, research, education, administration and preventive care) in accordance with the state practice act.

(3) Accept responsibility for the exercise of sound judgment.

(a) When implementing treatment, physical therapists shall assume the responsibility for evaluating that individual; planning, implementing, and supervising the therapeutic program; reevaluating and changing the program; and maintaining adequate records of the case, including progress reports.

(b) When performing wellness and preventative services, physical therapists shall assume responsibility for providing optimal patient care.

(c) When the individual's needs are beyond the scope of the physical therapist's expertise, the physical therapist shall so inform and assist the individual in identifying a qualified person to provide the necessary services.

(d) When the physical therapists judge that benefit can no longer be obtained from their services, they shall so inform the individual receiving the services. It is unethical to initiate or continue services that, in the therapist's judgment, either cannot result in beneficial outcome or are contraindicated.

(e) The physical therapist's ability to make independent judgment must not be limited or compromised by professional affiliations, including employment relationships.

(f) Physical therapists are not to delegate to a less qualified person any activity which requires the unique skills, knowledge, and judgment of a physical therapist.

(g) The primary responsibility for physical therapy care assisted by supportive personnel rests with the supervising physical therapist. Adequate supervision requires, at a minimum, that a supervising physical therapist perform the following activities:

Establish effective channels of written and oral communication;
Interpret and communicate critical information about the patient to the supportive personnel;
Perform an initial evaluation of the patient;
Develop a plan of care, including short and long-term goals;
Delegate appropriate tasks to supportive personnel;
Assess the supportive personnel's competence to perform assigned tasks;
Provide supervision in accordance with the law, the patient's condition, and the specific situation;
Identify and document precautions, special programs, contraindications, goals, anticipated progress, and plans for re-evaluation;
Re-evaluate the patient, modify the plan of care when necessary, perform the final evaluation, and establish a follow-up plan.

(h) Physical therapists are obligated to advise their employer(s) of any practice which causes a physical therapist to be in conflict with the ethical principles of this section. Physical therapists are to attempt to rectify any aspect(s) of their employment which is in conflict with the principles of this section.

(4) Seek remuneration for their services that is deserved and reasonable.

(a) Fees for physical therapy services should be reasonable for the service performed, considering the setting in which it is provided, practice costs in the geographic area, judgment of other organizations, and other relevant factors.

(b) Physical therapists shall not:

directly or indirectly request, receive, or participate in the dividing, transferring, assigning, or rebating of an unearned fee;
profit by means of a credit or other valuable consideration, such as an unearned commission, discount, or gratuity in connection with furnishing of physical therapy services;
use influence upon individuals, or families of individuals under their care for utilization of any product or service based upon the direct or indirect financial interest of the physical therapist.

(5) Provide accurate information to the consumer about the profession and the services provided.

(a) Physical therapists are not to use, or participate in the use of, any form of communication containing false, plagiarized, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, or unfair statements.

(6) Accept the responsibility to protect the public and the profession from unethical, incompetent, or illegal acts.

(a) Physical therapists shall report any activity which appears to be unethical, incompetent, or illegal to the proper authorities.

(b) Physical therapists shall not participate in any arrangement in which patients are exploited due to the referring sources enhancing their personal incomes as a result of referring, prescribing, or recommending physical therapy or a specific physical therapy practice.

(c) If a physical therapist is involved in an arrangement with a referring source in which income is derived from the services, the physical therapist has an obligation to disclose to the patient, within the scope of the state law, the nature of the income.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-1-19, 43-1-24, 43-1-25, 43-33-3, 43-33-10, 43-33-13.1, 43-33-18
History. Original Rule entitled "Principles of Conduct for Licensed Physical Therapists" adopted. F. Jan. 29, 1997; eff. Feb. 18, 1997.
Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Jan. 19, 2005; eff. Feb. 8, 2005.
Repealed: New Rule title "Principles of Conduct for Physical Therapists" adopted. No change in Rule text. F. Jan. 25, 2007; eff. Feb. 14, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.03 Principles of Conduct for Physical Therapist Assistants {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-9-.03 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.03}

Any individual who is licensed as a physical therapist assistant shall abide by the following ethical standards:

(1) Act with consideration, within the scope of physical therapy, for the rights and dignity of all individuals.

(a) The physical therapist assistant shall hold as confidential information obtained while functioning as a physical therapist assistant.

(b) The physical therapist assistant shall provide optimal physical therapy care for all patients delegated by the physical therapist regardless of patient race, gender, age, religion, disability or sexual preference.

(c) The physical therapist assistant should be aware of the patient's physical, psychological and socioeconomic welfare in decisions and actions taken while rendering treatment.

(d) The physical therapist assistant shall communicate and interact with patients and all persons encountered with courteous regard and timeliness.

(e) The physical therapist assistant shall not engage in any behavior that constitutes harassment or abuse of a patient, professional colleague or associate.

(2) Comply with the laws and regulations governing the practice of physical therapy in the State of Georgia.

(a) Physical therapist assistants are to practice only under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

(3) Accept responsibility for the exercise of sound judgement.

(a) Upon accepting delegation from a physical therapist, the physical therapist assistant shall provide services within the plan of care established by the physical therapist.

(b) When the individual's needs are beyond the scope of the physical therapist assistant's expertise, the physical therapist assistant shall inform the supervising physical therapist.

(c) When the physical therapistassistant determines that a change in the plan of care is needed, the assistant will contact the supervising physical therapist and request reevaluation of the patient's status.

(d) When the physical therapist assistant determines that the patient has received maximum benefits from physical therapy, he/she shall so inform the supervising physical therapist.

(e) Physical therapist assistants are not to delegate to a less qualified person any activity which requires the unique skills, knowledge, and judgement of a physical therapist assistant.

(f) The primary responsibility for physical therapy care assisted by supportive personnel rests with the supervising physical therapist. Adequate supervision is the responsibility of both the physical therapist and the physical therapist assistant. To insure appropriate supervision, the physical therapist assistant is expected to:

Maintain effective channels of written and oral communication.
Communicate critical information about the patient to the supervising physical therapist in a timely manner.
Function within the established plan of care.
Identify and document treatment activities and all special occurrences.
Request re-evaluation of the patient and/or modification of the plan of care when necessary.

(g) Physical therapist assistants are obligated to advise their employer(s) of any practice which causes a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant to be in conflict with the ethical principles of this section. Physical therapist assistants are to attempt to rectify any aspect(s) of their employment which is in conflict with the principles of this section.

(4). Seek remuneration for their services that is deserved and reasonable.

(a) Physical therapist assistants shall not:

Directly or indirectly request, receive, or participate in the dividing, transferring, assigning, or rebating of an unearned fee;
Profit by means of a credit or other valuable consideration, such as an unearned commission, discount, or gratuity in connection with furnishing of physical therapy services;
Use influence upon individuals, or families of individuals under their care for utilization of any product or service based upon the direct or indirect financial interest of the physical therapist assistant;

(5) Provide accurate information to the consumer about the profession and the services provided.

(a) Physical therapist assistants are not to use, or participate in the use of, any form of communication containing false, plagiarized, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, or unfair statements.

(6) Accept the responsibility to protect the public and the profession from unethical, incompetent, or illegal acts.

(a) Physical therapist assistants shall report any activity which appears to be unethical, incompetent, or illegal to the proper authorities.

(b) Physical therapist assistants shall not participate in any arrangement in which patients are exploited due to the referring sources enhancing their personal incomes as a result of referring, prescribing, or recommending physical therapy or a specific physical therapy practice.

(c) If a physical therapist assistant is involved in an arrangement with a referring source in which income is derived from the services, the physical therapist assistant has an obligation to disclose to the patient, within the scope of the State Law, the nature of the income.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Section 43-33-10
History. Original Rule entitled "Principles of Conduct for Licensed Physical Therapists Assistants" adopted. F. Feb. 27, 1998; eff. Mar. 19, 1998.
Repealed: New Rule title "Principles of Conduct for Physical Therapist Assistants" adopted. No change in Rule text. F. Jan. 25, 2007; eff. Feb. 14, 2007.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.04 Disciplinary Sanctions {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-9-.04 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.04}

When providing physical therapy treatment following appropriate consultation, unprofessional and unethical conduct shall include but is not limited to the following:

(a) Failing to adhere to the Code of Ethics for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapists Assistants, as codified in Rules 490-9-.01 through 490-9-.03 .

(b) Delegating to an aide or unlicensed person any physical therapy task other than those codified in Chapter 490-8.

(c) Failing to provide continuous, immediate and physically present supervision of the aide or unlicensed person when designated tasks are performed.

(d) Performing the technique of dry needling without having met the training and competency requirements as codified in Rule 490-9-.05 .

(e) Failing to adhere to the 'Consumer Information and Awareness Act' as codified in O.C.G.A. § 43-1-33 in relation to conspicuously posting and affirmatively communicating your type of regulatory designator (PT, PTA), level of education, and training to all current and prospective patients by way of a name badge, facility notices and advertisements.

(f) Failing to provide an evaluation on each patient and establishing a physical therapy diagnosis.

(g) Failing to formulate and record in the patient's record a treatment program based upon the evaluation and any other information available.

(h) Failing to perform periodic evaluation of the patient and documenting the evaluations in the patient's record and to make adjustments to the patient's treatment program as progress warrants.

(i) Failing to formulate and record a patient's discharge plan.

(j) Directly or indirectly requesting, receiving or participating in the division, transferring, assigning, rebating or refunding of fees or remuneration earned, in cash or kind, for bringing or referring a patient. For purposes of this Rule:

No physical therapist, physical therapy assistant, employee or agent thereof acting on his behalf, shall enter into or engage in any agreement or arrangement with any individual, entity, or an employee or agent thereof acting on his behalf, for the payment or acceptance or compensation in any form for the referral or recommending of the professional services of either. This prohibition includes any form of fee division or charging of fees solely for referral of a patient.
This prohibition shall include a rebate or percentage of rental agreement or any arrangement or agreement whereby the amount received in payment for furnishing space, facilities, equipment or personnel services.
Provided further, that this Rule shall not preclude a discount, waiver of co-payment or other reduction in price of services by a physical therapist if the reduction in price is properly disclosed to the consumer and third party payers and appropriately reflected in the costs claimed or charges made.

(k) Should it be determined that a licensee is in violation of this rule and the statutes referenced herein, the Board may impose any disciplinary or corrective measure allowed by law.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19, 43-1-20.1, 43-1-24, 43-1-25, 43-1-33, 43-33-3, 43-33-10, 43-33-11, 43-33-18, 43-33-19
History. Original Rule entitled "Disciplinary Sanctions" adopted. F. Jan. 25, 2007; eff. Feb. 14, 2007.
Repealed: Rule entitled "Disciplinary Sanctions" adopted. F. Mar. 21, 2012; eff. Apr. 10, 2012.
Amended: F. Apr. 18, 2016; eff. May 8, 2016.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.05 Dry Needling {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-9-.05 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.05}

(1) Dry needling is a skilled technique performed by a physical therapist using filiform needles to penetrate the skin and underlying tissues to affect change in body structures and functions for the evaluation and management of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, pain, movement impairments, and disability for preventative and therapeutic purposes.

(2) Dry needling must be performed by a licensed physical therapist who:

(a) Has consulted with an individual licensed pursuant to Article 2 or 4 of Chapter 34 of Title 43; and,

(b) Is specifically trained and competent by virtue of education and training to perform dry needling. Online study for dry needling instruction, with the exception of OSHA Blood Borne Pathogens Standards, will not be accepted as a demonstration of competence and training.

(3) A physical therapist has demonstrated specific and competent education and training when the licensee has submitted the following documentation to the Board:

(a) Proof of education in the OSHA Blood Borne Pathogens Standard: and,

(b) At least one of the following:

Proof of graduation from an entry-level physical therapy program that included dry needling instruction consisting of a minimum of 50 hours total and a competency assessment of achievement in its curriculum; or
Proof of graduation from a post-graduate credentialed residency or fellowship program of study that included dry needling instruction consisting of a minimum of 50 hours total and a competency assessment of achievement in its curriculum; or
Proof of documented, successful completion of a didactic dry needling course of study consisting of a minimum of 50 hours total and a competency assessment of achievement in its curriculum.

(4) Effective July 1, 2018, to perform dry needling in the state of Georgia licensed physical therapists and physical therapists applying for licensure must submit documentation of dry needling education and training into the online recording and reporting system approved by the Board.

(a) For the purposes of this requirement, the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy adopts the utilization of CE Broker.

(b) Licensees and applicants shall incur no additional costs from CE Broker for this service.

(c) Every licensee or applicant subject to the rules of the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy shall be deemed to have given such person's consent to the Board and its representatives to access their record retained within the online database for the purposes of auditing and verifying completion of the requirements for dry needling. Such person waives all objections to the admissibility of the record in any proceedings or hearings before the board.

(5) At the time of license renewal, each licensed physical therapist approved to perform dry needling shall attest that he or she is practicing dry needling in the state of Georgia in accordance to the rules and regulations of the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy.

(6) A violation of the provisions outlined in this Board rule or a false attestation on the renewal application is grounds for disciplinary action as determined by the Board.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-24; 43-1-25; 43-33-10(11); 43-33-16
History. Original Rule entitled "Dry Needling" adopted. F. Mar. 21, 2012; eff. Apr. 10, 2012.
Amended: F. May 30, 2018; eff. June 19, 2018.
Amended: F. Sep. 14, 2020; eff. Oct. 4, 2020.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.06 Telehealth {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-9-.06 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.06}

(1) The purpose of this rule is to define and establish guidelines for the practice of telehealth by the spectrum of technologies involving interactive physical therapy services.

(2) Telehealth has been defined as the use of electronic communications to provide and deliver a host of health related information and health care services including, but not limited to physical therapy related information and services, over large and small distances. Telehealth encompasses a variety of health care and health promotion activities including, but not limited to, education, advice, reminders, interventions, and monitoring of interventions. All provisions of Physical Therapy utilizing telehealth mechanisms must:

(a) conform to all Federal and State statutes, rules, regulations and policies governing the practice of physical therapy in the State of Georgia.

(b) With the exception of practices and services identified in O.C.G.A. § 43-33-11(d) , individuals providing physical therapy via telehealth to a patient/client in the State of Georgia must be licensed in the State of Georgia.

(c) A physical therapist that is licensed in another jurisdiction of the United States may provide a consultation via telehealth to a physical therapist in the state of Georgia.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-25, 43-33-2, 43-33-3, 43-33-10, 43-33-11
History. Original Rule entitled "Telehealth" adopted. F. Mar. 5, 2018; eff. Mar. 25, 2018.

Chapter 490-10 Preventative Services

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-10-.01 Preventative Services {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-10-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-10-.01}

A licensed physical therapist or a licensed physical therapist assistant under the supervision of an appropriately licensed physical therapist may perform Preventative services that are not considered "implementing a program of physical therapy treatment without consultation." For purposes of this rule,"Preventative services" is defined as the use of physical therapy knowledge and skills by a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to provide education or activities in a wellness or community setting for the purpose of injury prevention, reduction of stress and or the promotion of fitness, but does not include administration of physical therapy treatment.

History

Authority: Authority O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-33-3, 43-33-18
History. Original Rule entitled "Preventative Services" adopted. F. Dec. 1, 2005; eff. Dec. 21, 2005.

Chapter 490-11 Consultation

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-11-.01 Consultation {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-11-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-11-.01}

(1) For purposes of Official Code of Georgia Annotated, Section 43-33-18(a)(1) :

(a) "Consultation" shall mean provision of professional advice;

(b) A "licensed practitioner of the healing arts" means any health practitioner who is licensed in the State to diagnose and treat individuals with the physical or mental disability or functional limitations at issue, and operating within the scope of practice defined in Title 43 Chapter 33.

(c) For purposes of determining whether a licensed practitioner is appropriate, the physical therapist shall consider, but not be limited to, the following factors:

Physical condition of the patient;
Nature of ailment;
Extent to which the consulting practitioner has knowledge of the patient's history and condition such that an informed judgment can be made concerning course of treatment.

(d) Physical therapists shall document the consultation with the appropriate licensed practitioner of the healing arts prior to implementing a program of physical therapy treatment.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. Secs. 43-1-19, 43-1-24, 43-33-18
History. Original Rule entitled "Consultation" adopted. F. Jan. 26, 2007; eff. Feb. 15, 2007.
Repealed: New Rule with same title adopted. F. May 25, 2012; eff. June 14, 2012.

Chapter 490-12 Practice of Physical Therapy During a Declared Natural Disaster

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-12-.01 Practice of Physical Therapy During A Declared Natural Disaster {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-12-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-12-.01}

(1) Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 43-33-11 , a person currently licensed in another state who is present in the state of Georgia to provide physical therapy services during a declared local, jurisdictional, or national disaster or emergency may do so without penalty for a period not to exceed a total of 60 days during any 12 month period provided that the practice of physical therapy is not contrary to the laws, rules and regulations governing this state.

(2) Upon discovering that a physical therapist has violated any laws, rules and regulations of this state or continued to practice in the state of Georgia beyond 60 days during any 12 month period, the Board shall have the authority issue a cease and desist order prohibiting the practice of physical therapy without a license.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-1-19, 43-1-20.1, 43-1-24, 43-1-25, 43-1-33, 43-33-3, 43-33-10, 43-33-11, 43-33-18, 43-33-19
History. Original Rule entitled "Practice of Physical Therapy During A Declared Natural Disaster" adopted. F. Apr. 19, 2016; eff. May 9, 2016.

Chapter 490-13 Physical Therapy Compact

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-13-.01 Licensure Compact {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-13-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-13-.01}

Pursuant to, the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy hereby adopts as rule the Physical Therapy Compact Commission Rules, with the following additions:

(a) Individuals applying for a compact privilege to Georgia must pay the necessary fees and take and pass the Georgia Jurisprudence Assessment Module (GA-JAM) prior to issuance of the compact privilege;

(b) A licensee from another member state who is providing physical therapy services in Georgia under a compact privilege must comply with the laws, rules and policies related to the practice of physical therapy in the state of Georgia;

(c) A compact privilege holder must report to the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy any encumbrance or adverse action placed upon any physical therapist or physical therapist assistant license held by the compact privilege holder in a non-member state within thirty (30) business days of the effective date; This requirement applies to both public and private actions that may be taken by a non-member state.

(d) Any violation of the laws, rules and policies of the Board may subject the compact privilege holder to disciplinary action by the Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy and loss of the Compact Privilege.

History

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 43-33-10(12); 43-33-30; 43-33-31
History. Original Rule entitled "Licensure Compact" adopted. F. Sep. 14, 2020; eff. Oct. 4, 2020.

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. Department 490 — Rules of Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy

Chapter 490-1 Organization of Board

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-1-.01 Organization of Board {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-1-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-1-.01}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-1-.02 Officers {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-1-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-1-.02}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-1-.03 Joint Secretary, Records, Fees {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-1-.03 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-1-.03}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-1-.04 Repealed {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-1-.04 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-1-.04}

Chapter 490-2 Licensure Requirements

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.01 Application For Licensure And Examination {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-2-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.01}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.02 Licensure: Examination {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-2-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.02}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.03 Licensure: Foreign-Educated Applicants {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-2-.03 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.03}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.04 Training Permits {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-2-.04 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.04}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.05 Repealed {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-2-.05 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.05}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.06 Fees {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-2-.06 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.06}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.07 Repealed {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-2-.07 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.07}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.08 Practical and Oral Examinations {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-2-.08 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.08}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.09 Licensure: Reciprocity {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-2-.09 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.09}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.10 Licensure - Endorsement/Reciprocity for Military Spouses and Transitioning Service Members {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-2-.10 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-2-.10}

Chapter 490-3 Evaluation of Examinations: Applicants

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-3-.01 Evaluation of Examinations. Amended {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-3-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-3-.01}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-3-.02 Re-examination {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-3-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-3-.02}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-3-.03 Hearings {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-3-.03 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-3-.03}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-3-.04 Repealed {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-3-.04 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-3-.04}

Chapter 490-4 Renewal: Continuing Competence Requirements-Disciplinary Sanctions

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-4-.01 Renewal and Reinstatement of License and Penalties {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-4-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-4-.01}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-4-.02 Continuing Competence Requirements {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-4-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-4-.02}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-4-.03 Repealed {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-4-.03 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-4-.03}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-4-.04 Inactive License {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-4-.04 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-4-.04}

Chapter 490-5 Supervision and Direction of Physical Therapy Assistant

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-5-.01 Responsibility of the Licensed Physical Therapist in Supervision and Direction of the Physical Therapist Assistant {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-5-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-5-.01}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-5-.02 Adequate Supervision Defined {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-5-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-5-.02}

Chapter 490-6 Procedural Rules

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-6-.01 Procedural Rules {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-6-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-6-.01}

Chapter 490-7 Verification of License and Examination Scores

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-7-.01 License Verification and/or Charge for Furnishing Scores {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-7-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-7-.01}

Chapter 490-8 Physical Therapy Aides: Definition and Requirements

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-8-.01 Definition {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-8-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-8-.01}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-8-.02 Supervision {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-8-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-8-.02}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-8-.03 Duties {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-8-.03 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-8-.03}

Chapter 490-9 Code of Ethics

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.01 Purpose {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-9-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.01}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.02 Principles of Conduct for Physical Therapists {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-9-.02 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.02}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.03 Principles of Conduct for Physical Therapist Assistants {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-9-.03 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.03}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.04 Disciplinary Sanctions {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-9-.04 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.04}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.05 Dry Needling {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-9-.05 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.05}

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.06 Telehealth {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-9-.06 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-9-.06}

Chapter 490-10 Preventative Services

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-10-.01 Preventative Services {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-10-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-10-.01}

Chapter 490-11 Consultation

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-11-.01 Consultation {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-11-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-11-.01}

Chapter 490-12 Practice of Physical Therapy During a Declared Natural Disaster

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-12-.01 Practice of Physical Therapy During A Declared Natural Disaster {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-12-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-12-.01}

Chapter 490-13 Physical Therapy Compact

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-13-.01 Licensure Compact {#sec-ga.-comp.-r.-regs.-r.-490-13-.01 omnilex-key=us-ga-regs-official--department-490--Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-13-.01}

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