Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150 — TN Boards of Occupational & Physical Therapy

Chapter 1150-01 General Rules Governing the Practice of Physical Therapy

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.01 DEFINITIONS

As used in these rules, the terms and acronyms shall have the following meanings ascribed to them:

(1) The Act – The statute governing the practice of occupational and physical therapy in Tennessee as codified at Title 63, Chapter 13 of the Tennessee Code Annotated.

(2) Advertising – Includes, but is not limited to, business solicitations, with or without limiting qualifications, in a card, sign, or device issued to a person; in a sign or marking in or on any building; or in any newspaper, magazine, directory, or other printed matter. Advertising also includes business solicitations communicated by individual, radio, video, internet, or television broadcasting or any other means designed to secure public attention.

(3) American Physical Therapy Association – When the acronym “APTA” appears in these rules, it is intended to mean the American Physical Therapy Association.

(4) American Physical Therapy Association of Tennessee – When the acronym “APTATN” appears in these rules, it is intended to mean the American Physical Therapy Association of Tennessee, formerly known as the Tennessee Physical Therapy Association.

(5) Applicant – Any individual seeking licensure by the Board and who has submitted an official application and paid the application fee.

(6) Board – The Board of Physical Therapy.

(7) Board Administrative Office – The office of the Unit Director assigned to the Board located at 665 Mainstream Drive, Nashville, TN 37243.

(8) Board Designee – Any person who has received a written delegation of authority from the Board to perform board functions subject to review and ratification by the full Board where provided by these rules.

(9) Clinical Student – A student enrolled in a CAPTE approved developing program or a CAPTE accredited physical therapy program or regionally accredited post professional physical therapist program.

(10) Closed File – An administrative action which renders an incomplete or denied file inactive.

(11) Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) – An agency approved by the Board of Physical Therapy to accredit schools of physical therapy pursuant to T.C.A. § 63-13-307(a).

(12) Consultation – A meeting that is conducted either face-to-face or by some other medium such as, but not limited to, telephone, facsimile, mail, or electronic means, wherein two or more health professionals discuss the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of a particular case.

(13) Continuing Competence – The ongoing application of professional knowledge, skills and abilities which relate to occupational performance objectives in the range of possible encounters that is defined by that individual’s scope of practice and practice setting.

(14) Department – Tennessee Department of Health.

(15) Division – The Division of Health Related Boards, Department of Health, from which the Board receives administrative support.

(16) Examination Service – The testing service whose examination has been adopted by the Board.

(17) Fee – Money, gifts, services, or anything of value offered or received as compensation in return for rendering services; also, the required fee(s) pursuant to these rules.

(18) Foreign Credentialing Commission for Physical Therapy – When the acronym “FCCPT” appears in the text of these rules, the word represents the Foreign Credentialing Commission for Physical Therapy.

(19) Foreign Educated Physical Therapist – When the acronym “FEPT” appears in the text of these rules, the word represents a graduate of a non-CAPTE accredited physical therapist education program located outside of the United States.

(20) Foreign Educated Physical Therapist Assistant – When the acronym “FEPTA” appears in the text of these rules, the word represents a graduate of a non-CAPTE accredited physical therapist assistant education program located outside of the United States.

(21) Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy – When the acronym “FSBPT” appears in the text of these rules, the word represents the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

(22) Good Moral Character – The quality of being well regarded in personal behavior and professional ethics.

(23) Guide to Physical Therapist Practice – The APTA document, adopted by the Board pursuant to Rule 1150-01-.02, that describes physical therapist practice.

(24) He/she Him/her – When “he” appears in the text of these rules, the word represents both the feminine and masculine genders.

(25) HRB – When the acronym “HRB” appears in the text of these rules, it represents Health Related Boards.

(26) Internationally Educated/Foreign Trained – An individual who has graduated from a PT or PTA program outside the United States and its jurisdictions that may or may not be accredited by CAPTE.

(27) License – Document issued to an applicant who has successfully completed the licensure process. The license takes the form of an “artistically designed” license as well as other versions bearing an expiration date.

(28) Licensee – Any person duly licensed by the Board to engage in the practice of physical therapy.

(29) Licensed Physical Therapist (PT) – Any person who has met the qualifications for licensed physical therapist and holds a current, unsuspended and unrevoked license which has been lawfully issued by the Board.

(30) Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) – Any person who has met the qualifications for licensed physical therapist assistant and holds a current, unsuspended and unrevoked license that has been lawfully issued by the Board. PTAs perform physical therapy procedures and related interventions that have been selected and delegated only by the supervising physical therapist.

(31) Manual Therapy Techniques – Comprises a continuum of skilled movements to joints and/or related soft tissues at varying speeds and amplitudes which physical therapists and/or physical therapist assistants may administer.

(32) National Physical Therapy Examinations – When the acronym “NPTE” appears in the text of these rules, the word represents the National Physical Therapy Examinations.

(33) Person – Any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, organization, or political entity.

(34) Physical Therapy Assistive Personnel – (a) Physical therapy aide – Aides, technicians, and transporters trained by and under the direction of physical therapists who perform designated and supervised routine physical therapy tasks.

(b) Other assistive personnel – Other trained or educated health care personnel not defined in paragraph (30) or subparagraph (34)(a) of this rule who perform specific designated tasks related to physical therapy under the supervision of a physical therapist and/or physical therapists assistants. At the discretion of the supervising physical therapist and/or physical therapists assistants, and if properly credentialed and not prohibited by any other law, “other assistive personnel” or “other support personnel” may be identified by the title specific to their training or education.

(35) Physical Therapy Treatment Diagnosis – Both the process and the end result of evaluating information obtained from the examination and/or consultation, which the physical therapist then organizes into defined clusters, syndromes, or categories to help determine the most appropriate intervention strategies.

(36) Recognized Credentialing Agency – An agency approved by the Board which evaluates the educational credentials of international graduates who have not attended CAPTE-accredited or board approved schools of physical therapy pursuant to T.C.A. § 63-13-307(a).

(37) Recognized Educational Institution – Any educational institution that is accredited by CAPTE and which is approved by the Board.

(38) Relative – A parent, foster parent, parent-in-law, child, spouse, brother, foster brother, sister, foster sister, grandparent, grandchild, son-in-law, brother-in-law, daughter-in-law, sister-inlaw, or other family member who resides in the same household.

(39) Restriction – Any action deemed appropriate by the Board to be required of a disciplined licensee during any period of probation, suspension, or revocation with leave to apply or as a prerequisite to the lifting of probation or suspension, or any action deemed appropriate by the Board to be required of an applicant for licensure.

(40) Telemedicine – The use of real time audio, video, or other electronic media and telecommunication technology that enables interaction between a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant and a patient for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation, or treatment of a patient at a distant site where there may be no in-person exchange between a healthcare provider and a patient; or store-and-forward telemedicine services.

(41) Use of a Title or Description – To hold oneself out to the public as having a particular status, including but not limited to, by the use of signs, mailboxes, address plates, stationery, announcements, advertising, the internet, business cards, or other means of professional identification.

(42) Volunteer Personnel – Uncompensated individuals who are limited to observation of physical therapy functions and are prohibited from the delivery of physical therapy services.

(43) Written Evidence – Includes, but is not limited to, written verification from supervisors or other professional colleagues familiar with the applicant’s work.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-103 and 63-13-304.
Administrative History: Original rule filed June 6, 1978; effective July 6, 1978. Amendment filed September 29, 1981; effective December 29, 1981. Repeal and new rule filed September 30, 1987; effective November 14, 1987. Amendment filed March 26, 1991; effective May 10, 1991. Repeal and new rule filed February 21, 1996; effective May 6, 1996. Amendment filed September 24, 1998; effective December 8, 1998. Repeal and new rule filed March 16, 2000; effective May 30, 2000. Amendment filed April 10, 2002; effective June 24, 2002. Amendment filed July 29, 2002; effective October 12, 2002. Amendment filed April 8, 2003; effective June 22, 2003. Amendment filed February 2, 2007; effective April 18, 2007. References to Board of Occupational and Physical Therapy Examiners have been changed by the Secretary of State to the applicable entity; Board of Occupational Therapy and/or Board of Physical Therapy pursuant to Public Chapter 115 of the 2007 session of the Tennessee General Assembly. Amendment filed August 19, 2010; effective November 17, 2010. Amendments filed September 30, 2025; effective December 29, 2025.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.02 SCOPE OF PRACTICE AND SUPERVISION

(1) Scope of Practice (a) Physical therapists may provide physical therapy services without a referral in accordance with T.C.A. § 63-13-303.

(b) Practice of Physical Therapy 1. Examining, evaluating and testing individuals with mechanical physiological and developmental impairments, functional limitations, and disability or other health and movement-related conditions in order to determine a physical therapy treatment diagnosis, prognosis, a plan of therapeutic intervention, and to assess the ongoing effect of intervention; and 2. Alleviating impairments and functional limitations by designing, implementing, and modifying therapeutic interventions that include, but are not limited to: therapeutic exercise; functional training; manual therapy; therapeutic massage; assistive and adaptive orthotic, prosthetic, protective and supportive equipment; airway clearance techniques; debridement and wound care, physical agents or modalities, dry needling, mechanical and electrotherapeutic modalities including patient-related instruction and electrophysiologic studies (motor and sensory nerve conduction, and somatosensory evoked potentials).

(i) Invasive kinesiologic electromyography may be performed only in a university academic setting as part of a research project that has been approved by the educational institution’s Internal Review Board without a referral or;

(ii) Notwithstanding the provisions of subpart (i), diagnostic electromyography must be performed by a licensed physical therapist who has complied with the requirements of paragraph 1150-01-.04(5) and;

(iii) Notwithstanding the provisions of subpart (i), diagnostic and invasive electromyography may only be performed when there is a referral for such service from:

(I) An allopathic physician licensed under T.C.A. §§ 63-6; or (II) An osteopathic physician licensed under T.C.A. §§ 63-9; or (III) A doctor of dentistry licensed under T.C.A. §§ 63-5; or (IV) A doctor of podiatry licensed under T.C.A. §§ 63-3; or (V) A nurse practitioner licensed under T.C.A. §§ 63-7; or (VI) Physician assistant pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 63-19; and 3. Reducing the risk of injury, impairments, functional limitation and disability, including the promotion and maintenance of fitness, health and quality of life in all age populations; and 4. Engaging in administration, consultation, education and research; and 5. Manual Therapy Techniques.

Providing treatment intervention that is unwarranted by the condition of the patient.
Providing treatment that is beyond the point of reasonable benefit.
Abandoning the care of a patient without informing the patient of further care options.
Failing to practice in accordance with the standards set forth in the “Guide to Physical Therapist Practice,” pursuant to Rule 1150-01-.02(1)(f).

(d) “Physical therapy” or “physiotherapy” are identical and interchangeable terms.

“Practice of physical therapy” and “physical therapy assistive personnel” are defined in

Rule 1150-01-.01.

(e) Nothing in this rule shall be construed as authorizing a physical therapist, or physical therapist assistant, or any other person to practice medicine, chiropractic, osteopathy, podiatry, nursing, or practice as a physician assistant.

(f) The Board adopts, as if fully set out herein, and as it may from time to time be amended, the current “Guide to Physical Therapist Practice” issued by the APTA.

Information to acquire a copy may be obtained by contacting the:

American Physical Therapy Association 1111 North Fairfax Street Alexandria, VA 22314-1488 Telephone: (703) 684-2782 Telephone: (800) 999-2782 Fax: (703) 684-7343 T.D.D: (703) 683-6748 Internet: www.apta.org (g) Universal Precautions for the Prevention of Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) – The Board adopts, inclusive of any guidelines of the Department of Health, the Guidelines for the Standard Precautions (Guidelines) published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that can be found in The Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee 2007 Guidelines for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Health Care Settings. Am J Infect Control. 2007 Dec; 35(10 Suppl 2):S65-164, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2007.10.007 and any amendments made by the CDC to the Guideline.

(2) Supervision.

(a) Supervision of licensed physical therapist assistants – Supervision, as applied to the licensed physical therapist assistant, means that all services must be performed under the supervision of a physical therapist licensed and practicing in Tennessee. Guidance for the rendering of such services is as follows:

The licensed physical therapist shall perform the initial evaluation of the patient with the development of a written treatment plan, including therapeutic goals, frequency and time period of services.
The licensed physical therapist shall perform and document re-evaluations, assessments, and modifications in the treatment plan at least every thirty (30)

days. For patients seen longer than sixty (60) days, the licensed physical therapist shall inspect the actual act of therapy services rendered at least every sixty (60) days.

The supervising licensed physical therapist must be available to communicate by telephone or other means whenever the physical therapist assistant is delivering services.
The discharge evaluation must be performed and the resulting discharge summary must be written by the licensed physical therapist.
The licensed physical therapist and the physical therapist assistant shall be equally responsible and accountable for carrying out the provisions of this subparagraph.

(b) Supervision of physical therapy assistive personnel (See Rule 1150-01-.01).

A physical therapist may use physical therapy aides for designated tasks that do not require clinical decision making by the licensed physical therapist or clinical problem solving by the licensed physical therapist assistant. Direct supervision must apply to physical therapy aides and is interpreted to mean that services are provided under the supervision of an on-site physical therapist or physical therapist assistant licensed and practicing in Tennessee.
A physical therapist may use other assistive personnel for selected physical therapy designated tasks consistent with the training, education, or regulatory

authority of such personnel. Other assistive personnel (nationally certified exercise physiologists or certified athletic trainer and massage therapists, etc.) must perform the delegated task under the on-site supervision of a physical therapist. The physical therapist shall then co-sign all related documentation in the patient records.

“On-site supervision” means the supervising physical therapist or physical therapist assistant must:

(i) Be continuously on-site and present in the department or facility where assistive personnel are performing services; and (ii) Be immediately available to assist the person being supervised in the services being performed; and (iii) Maintain continued involvement in appropriate aspects of each treatment session in which a component of treatment is delegated to assistive personnel.

(c) A physical therapist may concurrently supervise no more than the equivalent of three (3) full-time physical therapist assistants. A physical therapist may concurrently supervise no more than the equivalent of two (2) full-time assistive personnel or physical therapy aides.

(d) Pursuant to Rule 1150-01-.01, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants shall provide direct onsite supervision of volunteers. Volunteers may not provide physical therapy to patients.

(e) A physical therapist shall provide on-site supervision, as defined in part (b)3. of paragraph (2) of this rule, to physical therapy clinical students at all times, and will be in accordance with the APTA guidelines for clinical education which suggest a minimum of one (1) year of licensed clinical experience prior to functioning as a clinical instructor for physical therapist students.

(f) A physical therapist assistant shall provide on-site supervision, as defined in part (b)3. of paragraph (2) of this rule, to physical therapist assistant clinical students at all times, and will be in accordance with the APTA guidelines for clinical education which suggest a minimum of one (1) year of licensed clinical experience prior to functioning as a clinical instructor for physical therapist assistant students.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-103, 63-13-104, 63-13-301, 63-13-303 through 63-13-305, and 63-13-311.
Administrative History: Original rule filed June 6, 1978; effective July 6, 1978. Amendment filed September 29, 1981; effective December 29, 1981. Repeal and new rule filed September 30, 1987; effective November 14, 1987. Amendment filed March 26, 1991; effective May 10, 1991. Repeal and new rule filed February 21, 1996; effective May 6, 1996. Repeal and new rule filed March 16, 2000; effective May 30, 2000. Amendment filed January 23, 2002; effective April 8, 2002. Amendment filed April 8, 2003; effective June 22, 2003. Amendment filed September 22, 2005; effective December 6, 2005. References to Board of Occupational and Physical Therapy Examiners have been changed by the Secretary of State to the applicable entity; Board of Occupational Therapy and/or Board of Physical Therapy pursuant to Public Chapter 115 of the 2007 session of the Tennessee General Assembly. Amendment filed September 24, 2009; effective December 23, 2009. Amendments filed August 19, 2010; effective November 17, 2010. Emergency rule filed April 10, 2024; effective through October 7, 2024. Emergency rule expired effective October 8, 2024, and the rule reverted to its previous status. Amendments filed February 4, 2025; effective May 5, 2025. Amendments filed May 22, 2026; effective August 20, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.03 NECESSITY OF LICENSURE

(1) Prior to engaging in the practice of physical therapy in Tennessee, a person must hold a current Tennessee license.

(2) It is unlawful for any person who is not licensed in the manner prescribed in Title 63, Chapter 13 of the Tennessee Code Annotated to represent themselves as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant or to hold themselves out to the public as being licensed by means of using a title on, including but not limited to, signs, mailboxes, address plates, stationery, announcements, advertising, the internet, telephone listings, calling cards, or other means of professional identification.

(3) Physical therapy is one of the healing arts and as such the practice of which is restricted to those persons credentialed by the Board. Persons engaging in the practice of physical therapy without being credentialed or expressly exempted by the laws are in violation of T.C.A. § 63-1-123.

(4) No other person shall hold themselves out to the public by a title or description of services incorporating the words “physical therapist” or “physical therapist assistant” nor shall state or imply that they are licensed as such unless that person is licensed or expressly exempted pursuant to T.C.A. §§ 63-13-301, et seq.

(5) Licensee Use of Titles – Any person who possesses a valid, current and active license issued by the Board that has not been suspended or revoked has the right to use the title “Physical Therapist,” “Doctor of Physical Therapy,” or “Physical Therapist Assistant” as applicable, and to use the acronyms “P.T.,” “D.P.T.,” or “P.T.A.” as applicable, and to practice physical therapy, as defined in T.C.A. § 63-13-103 and T.C.A. § 63-13-310. Any person to whom this

rule applies must use one of the titles authorized by this rule in every “advertisement” [as that term is defined in Rule 1150-01-.13(2)(a)] he or she publishes or the failure to do so will constitute an omission of a material fact which makes the advertisement misleading and deceptive and subjects the licensee to disciplinary action pursuant to T.C.A. § 63-13-312 (3) and (14).

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-1-123, 63-1-145, 63-1-146, 63-13-301, 63-13-304, 63-13-310, and 63-13-315.
Administrative History: Original rule filed September 29, 1981; effective December 29, 1981. Amendment filed April 28, 1983; effective May 31, 1983. Repeal filed September 30, 1987; effective November 14, 1987. Amendment filed March 26, 1991; effective May 10, 1991. Repeal and new rule filed February 21, 1996; effective May 6, 1996. Repeal and new rule filed March 16, 2000; effective May 30, 2000. Amendment filed September 24, 2009; effective December 23, 2009. Amendments filed September 30, 2025; effective December 29, 2025.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.04 QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE

(1) To qualify for licensure by examination, a Physical Therapist or a Physical Therapist Assistant must:

(a) Be of good moral character; and (b) If sitting for the physical therapist examination, be a graduate of a school of physical therapy accredited by CAPTE; or, if sitting for the physical therapist assistant examination, be a graduate of a school for physical therapist assistants accredited by CAPTE or other accrediting bodies at the discretion of the Board; and (c) Pass to the satisfaction of the Board an examination conducted by it to determine fitness for practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.

(d) An applicant shall submit with their application: verification of United States citizenship or lawful presence in the United States pursuant to T.C.A. § 4-58-103.

(2) To qualify for licensure by reciprocity a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant must possess a current and unrestricted license from another U.S. jurisdiction and comply with either (a), (b) or (c) below.

(a) Credentials required for individuals who attained certification, registration or licensure in another state or country from July, 1995, to date:

Be of good moral character;
Graduate from a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program accredited by CAPTE or other accrediting bodies at the discretion of the Board;
Pursuant to Rule 1150-01-.07, obtain verification of licensure status from all states in which they hold or have held a license;
Candidates qualifying for licensure by reciprocity must have passed the licensing examination with a criterion referenced passing point; and 5. An applicant shall submit with their application: verification of United States citizenship or lawful presence in the United States pursuant to T.C.A. § 4-58-103.

(b) Credentials required for applicants who attained certification, registration, or licensure in another state or country from December 29, 1981 to July, 1995.

Be of good moral character;
Graduate from a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program accredited by CAPTE or other accrediting bodies at the discretion of the Board;
Pursuant to Rule 1150-01-.07, obtain verification of licensure status from all states in which they hold or have held a license, or any verification materials from other accrediting bodies at the discretion of the Board;
Candidates qualifying for licensure by reciprocity must have passed the licensing examination with a minimum converted score of seventy-five (75), based on one point five (1.5) sigma below the national mean for the examination. This applies to the score of each individual part as well as the total score; and 5. An applicant shall submit with their application: verification of United States citizenship or lawful presence in the United States pursuant to T.C.A. § 4-58-103.

(c) Credentials required for applicants who attained certification, registration or licensure in another state or country from July 1, 1976 to December 28, 1981:

Be of good moral character;
Graduate from a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program accredited by CAPTE or a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program approved by the American Medical Association;
Pursuant to Rule 1150-01-.07, obtain verification of licensure status from all states in which he holds or has held a license; and 4. Candidates qualifying for licensure by reciprocity must have passed the licensing examination with a minimum converted score of seventy-five (75), based on one point five (1.5) sigma below the national mean for the examination. This applies to the score of each individual part as well as the total score.
An applicant shall submit with their application: verification of United States citizenship or lawful presence in the United States pursuant to T.C.A. § 4-58-103.

(d) Credentials required for applicants who were registered, certified or licensed as a PT or PTA in another state or country prior to July 1, 1976, must comply with the applicable provisions of T.C.A. § 63-13-307(c).

(3) Applicants for licensure by examination for foreign educated physical therapists/physical therapist assistants shall submit all the following information:

(a) Application. Submission of a complete application establishing that the applicant has met the qualifications as set forth in these rules.

(b) Educational Credential Review. Submission of an education credentials review directly to the Board from an approved credentialing agency using the most recent edition of the FSBPT Coursework Tool for FEPT and physical therapist assistants for the

purpose of evaluating and verifying that the applicant’s education substantially equivalent to a curriculum approved by the Board. The curriculum must be evaluated in accordance with the FSBPT Guidelines.

The approved English proficiency examination is the most recent Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
The TOEFL minimum passing score is twenty-two (22) in writing; twenty-four (24) in speaking, twenty-two (22) in reading, and twenty-one (21) in listening. The minimum passing scores must be acquired in one (1) test administration.
Applicants who graduated from an educational program accredited by CAPTE or a non-CAPTE accredited college, university or professional training school located in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States are exempt from the English proficiency requirement.

(d) Ethics and Jurisprudence Requirement. Submission of proof that the applicant has within six (6) months of applying for licensure successfully completed four (4) hours of ethics and jurisprudence training.

(e) Proof of successful passage of the NPTE.

(f) Criminal Background Checks. At the applicant’s expense, an applicant for licensure shall consent to a criminal background check as specified by the Board of Physical Therapy during the application process.

(g) Supervised Clinical Practice.

The non-CAPTE applicant must complete a minimum of 480 clinical hours to be completed in not more than six (6) months. If an applicant has possessed a license in good standing in another state for five (5) or more years, the applicant shall be exempt from the requirement to obtain 480 clinical hours set forth in this

part.

The non-CAPTE applicant must work under onsite supervision for the entirety of the supervised clinical practice. “Onsite supervision” means supervision provided by a physical therapist who is continuously onsite and present in the department or facility where services are provided. The supervising therapist is immediately available to the person being supervised and maintains continued involvement in the necessary aspects of patient care.
The clinical supervisor must have the following qualifications:

(i) Minimum of 1 year of clinical experience;

(ii) An unrestricted license to practice as a physical therapist in the state where the supervised clinical practice is being completed; and (iii) Provides direct patient care in their current role.

(h) Applicants who graduate from a CAPTE accredited educational program shall be exempt from the supervised clinical practice requirement in Rule 1150-01-.04(3)(g).

(4) The recognized credentialing agency must evaluate the curriculum in a manner similar to the FCCPT educational credentials review process.

(a) The applicant must have credentials that comply with the applicable provisions of T.C.A. § 63-13-307(d) if the applicant was registered, certified, or licensed as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in another state or country prior to July 1, 1976.

(b) After receiving written approval from the Board regarding the credentials in subparagraph (a), the applicant must have participated in and successfully completed a Board-approved supervised clinical practice period to provide a broad exposure to general physical therapy skills, pursuant to guidelines approved and issued by the Board and in accordance with Rule 1150-01-.04(3)(g).

(5) Requirements to Qualify to Perform Electrophysiologic Studies (a) Applicants for licensure as a Physical Therapist who seek to conduct diagnostic electromyography (invasive needle study of multiple muscles for diagnosis of muscle and nerve disease), pursuant to Rule 1150-01-.02 (See Practice of Physical Therapy), while practicing must submit to the Board’s administrative office documented evidence of possessing current Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialist (ECS) certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

(b) Applicants for licensure as a Physical Therapist who seek to conduct surface electrophysiological studies (motor and sensory conduction, and somatosensory evoked potentials), and kinesiologic studies (invasive needle study of the muscles to determine the degree and character of a muscle during certain movements) pursuant to Rule 1150-01-.02 (See Practice of Physical Therapy), while practicing must submit to the Board’s administrative office documented evidence of possessing the theoretical background and technical skills for safe and competent performance of such studies.

(c) Supervision – The supervision of applicants who seek to conduct diagnostic electromyography, surface electrophysiological studies, and kinesiologic studies shall be consistent with sound medical practice.

(6) In determining the qualifications of applicants for licensure as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, only a majority vote of the Board shall be required.

(7) An applicant shall submit with their application: verification of United States citizenship or lawful presence in the United States pursuant to T.C.A. § 4-58-103.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-103, 63-13-304, 63-13-306, and 63-13-307.
Administrative History: Original rule filed September 29, 1981; effective December 29, 1981. Repeal and new rule filed September 30, 1987; effective November 14, 1987. Repeal and new rule filed February 21, 1996; effective May 6, 1996. Amendment filed September 24, 1998; effective December 8, 1998. Amendment filed January 31, 2000; effective April 15, 2000. Repeal and new rule filed March 16, 2000; effective May 30, 2000. Amendment filed April 10, 2002; effective June 24, 2002. Amendment filed June 3, 2004; effective August 17, 2004. Amendment filed December 29, 2004; effective March 14, 2005. Amendment filed September 22, 2005; effective December 6, 2005. Amendment filed February 2, 2007; effective April 18, 2007. Amendment filed May 18, 2007; effective August 1, 2007. Amendment filed September 24, 2009; effective December 23, 2009. Amendments filed August 19, 2010; effective November 17, 2010. Amendment filed December 2, 2014; effective March 2, 2015. Amendments filed May 22, 2026; effective August 20, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.05 PROCEDURES FOR LICENSURE

(1) Procedures for all applicants. To become licensed as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in Tennessee, a person must comply with the following procedures and requirements.

(a) The electronic application process shall be completed and submitted to the Board through the Board’s authorized licensure system found and outlined on the Board’s website. Those applicants who prefer to submit a paper application can obtain the appropriate forms from the Board’s administrative office.

(b) An applicant shall respond truthfully and completely to every question or request for information contained in the application form and submit it along with all documentation and fees required by the form and these rules to the Board’s administrative office. It is the intent of these rules that all steps necessary to accomplish the filing of the required documentation be completed prior to filing either the application for licensure or the application for examination.

(c) An applicant shall pay the nonrefundable application fee, the State regulatory fee and, if applicable, the reciprocity fee as provided in Rule 1150-01-.06 when submitting the application.

(d) An applicant shall submit with his application a “passport” style photograph taken within the preceding 12 months.

(e) It is the applicant’s responsibility to request a college transcript from his degree granting institution, pursuant to T.C.A. § 63-13-307, be submitted directly from the school to the Board’s administrative office. The institution granting the degree must be accredited by CAPTE at the time the degree was granted, or for internationally educated and/or foreign trained graduates, an institution granting an equivalent degree.

The transcript must show that the degree has been conferred and carry the official seal of the institution and reference the name under which the applicant has applied for licensure.

(f) An applicant shall submit an original letter of recommendation from a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant licensed in the United States that attests to the applicant’s good moral character. The letter cannot be from a relative. An applicant shall submit this with their application.

(g) An applicant shall disclose the circumstances surrounding any of the following:

Conviction of any crime in any country, state, or municipality, except minor traffic violations.
The denial of a licensure or the discipline of licensee by any state or country.
Loss or restriction of licensure.
Any civil suit judgment or civil suit settlement in which the applicant was a party defendant including, without limitation, actions involving malpractice, breach of contract, antitrust activity, or any other civil action remedy recognized under the country’s or state’s statutory, common, or case law.

(h) An applicant must complete the criminal background process as specified by the Board during the application process.

(i) Application review and licensure decisions shall be governed by Rule 1150-01-.07.

(j) The burden is on the applicant to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that his course work and credentials are equivalent to the Board’s requirements.

(k) The license fee must be received in the Board’s administrative office on or before the 30th day from receipt of notification that the license fee is due. Failure to comply will result in the application file being closed.

(l) A license will be issued after all requirements, including payment of a license fee pursuant to Rule 1150-01-.06, have been met.

(m) An applicant shall submit with their application: verification of United States citizenship or lawful presence in the United States pursuant to T.C.A. § 4-58-103.

(2) Additional procedure for licensure by examination – Passage of required examination pursuant to Rule 1150-01-.08 is a prerequisite to licensure.

(3) Additional procedures for licensure by reciprocity.

(a) To be eligible for licensure by endorsement, at the time of application an FEPT/FEPTA applicant must hold a current, valid license/certification as a physical therapist/physical therapist assistant from a physical therapy licensing authority in the United States. A FEPT/FEPTA applicant who does not meet the requirements of this section may apply for licensure under requirements for licensure by examination for foreign educated physical therapists and foreign educated physical therapist assistants as outlined in

Rule 1150-01-.04(3).

(b) An individual may not apply by endorsement when holding a temporary license from a physical therapy licensing authority in the United States.

(c) Application. Submission of a complete application establishing that the applicant has met the qualifications as set forth in these rules.

(d) Proof of Active Practice. Submission of a written, notarized statement sent directly to the Board from the applicant’s most recent employer or supervisor to verify completion of a minimum of 1000 hours of safe and competent practice as a physical therapist/physical therapist assistant completed in the 12 months immediately prior to application. In the absence of an employer or supervisor, the applicant may submit an affidavit of practice with supporting documentation. In the event an affidavit of practice is submitted in lieu of an employer or supervisor verification, the Board may require additional documentation.

(e) Educational Credential Review. Submission of an original, verified copy of the education credentials review report demonstrating a substantially equivalent education, used by a physical therapy licensing authority of a jurisdiction of the United States to make the determination to issue a license in that jurisdiction.

The educational credentials review shall be completed using the edition of the FSBPT Coursework Tool corresponding to the year of the applicant’s graduation or the most recent version of the FSBPT Coursework Tool.
The educational credentials review shall be sent directly to the Board from an approved credentialing agency or physical therapy licensing authority of a jurisdiction of the United States.

(f) Examinations. Submission of proof that the applicant has:

Successfully passed the NPTE; and 2. Successfully completed the ethics and jurisprudence training as defined in Rule 1150-01-.04(3)(d).

(g) Licensure Verification. Submission of a verification of each license currently or previously held from a physical therapy licensing authority of a jurisdiction of the United States.

(h) Criminal Background Checks. At the applicant’s expense, an applicant for licensure shall consent to a criminal history record check and complete the criminal background process as specified by the Board during the application process.

(i) Administrative staff will receive and issue licensure verification reports from FSBPT. It is the applicant’s responsibility to verify the accuracy of the licensure verification report.

(4) Additional procedures for foreign trained applicants: When necessary, all required documents shall be translated into English and such translation and the original document must be certified as to authenticity by the issuing source. Both versions must be submitted.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-301, 63-13-304, 63-13-306, and 63-13-307.
Administrative History: Original rule filed June 6, 1978; effective July 6, 1978. Amendment filed September 29, 1981; effective December 29, 1981. Repeal and new rule filed September 30, 1987; effective November 14, 1987. Amendment filed March 26, 1991; effective May 10, 1991. Repeal and new rule filed February 21, 1996; effective May 6, 1996. Amendment filed September 24, 1998; effective December 8, 1998. Repeal and new rule filed March 16, 2000; effective May 30, 2000. Amendment filed July 31, 2000; effective October 14, 2000. Amendment filed June 3, 2004; effective August 17, 2004. Amendment filed March 14, 2006; effective May 28, 2006. Amendments filed May 22, 2026; effective August 20, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.06 . If retirement reactivation is requested prior to the expiration of one (1) year from the date of retirement, the Board will additionally require payment of the reinstatement fee as prescribed in Rule 1150-01-.06.

(4) Licensure reactivation applications shall be treated as licensure applications and review and decisions shall be governed by Rule 1150-01-.07.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-104, 63-13-301, 63-13-304, 63-13-306, 63-13-308, and 63-13-309.
Administrative History: Original rule filed February 21, 1996; effective May 6, 1996. Repeal and new rule filed March 16, 2000; effective May 30, 2000. Amendment filed January 16, 2003; effective April 1, 2003. Amendments filed September 30, 2025; effective December 29, 2025.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.07 APPLICATION REVIEW, APPROVAL AND DENIAL

(1) An electronic application packet shall be completed and submitted to the Board through the Board’s authorized licensure system. Those applicants who prefer to submit a paper application can obtain the appropriate forms from the Board’s administrative office.

(2) Initial review of all applications to determine whether or not the application file is complete may be delegated to the Board’s Unit Director. The Board will ratify licensure action taken by the Unit Director or designated Board member.

(3) If an application for licensure is incomplete when received in the Board’s administrative office, the applicant will be notified of such deficiency. The individual will not be deemed eligible to take the examination until the application is judged to be complete and accurate by the administrative office.

(4) The Board may at its discretion delay a decision on eligibility to take the examination for any applicant for whom the Board wishes additional information.

(5) If a completed application has been denied and ratified as such by the Board, the action shall become final and the following shall occur:

(a) A notification of the denial shall be sent by the Board’s administrative office by certified mail return receipt requested. Specific reasons for denial will be stated, such as incomplete information, unofficial records, examination failure, or other matters judged insufficient for licensure, and such notification shall contain all the specific statutory or

rule authorities for the denial.

(b) The notification, when appropriate, shall also contain a statement of the applicant’s right to request a contested case hearing under the Tennessee Administrative Procedures Act (T.C.A. §§ 4-5-301, et seq.) to contest the denial and the procedure necessary to accomplish that action.

(c) An applicant has a right to a contested case hearing if the licensure denial was based on subjective or discretionary criteria.

(d) An applicant may be granted a contested case hearing if licensure denial is based on objective, clearly defined criteria. If after review and attempted resolution by the Board’s administrative staff, the licensure application can not be approved and the reasons for continued denial present a genuine issue of fact and/or law which is appropriate for appeal, an appeal may be requested. Such request must be made in writing to the Board within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the notice of denial.

(6) Any person furnishing false information or omitting pertinent information in such application may be denied the right to sit for the examination or if the applicant has already been licensed before the falseness of such information has been made known to the Board, such license may be subject to suspension or revocation by the Board.

(7) If the Board finds it has erred in the issuance of a license, the Board will give written notice by certified mail of its intent to annul the license. The notice will allow the applicant the opportunity to meet the requirements of licensure within thirty (30) days from date of receipt of the notification.

(8) Abandonment of Application (a) An application shall be deemed abandoned and closed if:

The application has not been completed by the applicant within twelve (12) months after it was initially reviewed by the Board; or 2. The applicant fails to sit for the written exam, if applicable, within six (6) months after being notified of eligibility.

(b) Whenever the applicant fails to complete the application process as stated in (a) above, written notification will be mailed to the applicant notifying him that the file has been closed. An applicant whose file has been closed shall subsequently be considered for licensure only upon the filing of a new application and payment of all appropriate fees.

(9) If an applicant requests an entrance for licensure and, after Board review, wishes to change that application to a different type of entrance, a new application with supporting documents and an additional application fee must be submitted, e.g., reciprocity to examination.

(10) An applicant shall submit an original letter of recommendation from a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant licensed in the United States that attests to the applicant’s good moral character. The letter cannot be from a relative of the applicant.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-301, 63-13-304, 63-13-306, 63-13-307, and 63-13-312.
Administrative History: Original rule filed September 30, 1987; effective November 14, 1987. Amendment filed March 26, 1991; effective May 10, 1991. Repeal and new rule filed February 21, 1996; effective May 6, 1996. Amendment filed September 24, 1998; effective December 8, 1998. Repeal and new rule filed March 16, 2000; effective May 30, 2000. Amendment filed July 31, 2000; effective October 14, 2000. Amendment filed December 2, 2014; effective March 2, 2015. Amendments filed September 30, 2025; effective December 29, 2025.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.08 EXAMINATIONS

In addition to having filed an application, an individual seeking licensure shall be required to pass an examination.

(1) The Board adopts as its examination for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants the NPTE endorsed by the FSBPT or successor examinations.

(2) Examination Application (a) All applicants for examination shall apply directly with the FSBPT at www.fsbpt.org.

(b) All didactic educational requirements must be completed prior to filing an application for licensure or examination.

(3) Eligibility Approval (a) Only a person who has filed the required application, paid the fees, and been notified of acceptance by the Board shall be permitted to take the examination.

(b) The FSBPT will compile an applicant list and forward to the Board. The Board will review the applicant list provided by the FSBPT, determine the eligible applicants, and notify the FSBPT of such determination.

(c) An examination shall be administered only to bona fide candidates for initial licensure or candidates who are not licensed in another jurisdiction and do not have a qualifying exam score in another jurisdiction.

(d) An applicant for licensure and/or examination who has not met the requirements as set forth in T.C.A. § 63-13-306 and § 63-13-307 shall be refused permission to take the examination.

(4) Eligibility Notification (a) The FSBPT will confirm eligibility with the computer based testing provider and notify the candidate with the authorization to test information. The FSBPT will send a letter to each candidate containing information to schedule the examination.

(b) The candidate will contact the computer based testing provider to schedule the examination at the location of their choice. Testing center fees must be paid at the time of scheduling.

Candidates must take the examination within sixty (60) days of the date on the eligibility letter provided by the FSBPT. If the candidate does not take the examination within this time period, they will be removed from the eligibility listings of the computer based testing provider and will be required to begin the examination application process again.
Candidates may reschedule or cancel the examination only as dictated by the FSBPT guidelines and are bound by all FSBPT policies on any fee refunds.

(5) Passing level. Candidates qualifying for licensure by examination must pass the examination with a criterion reference passing point. This passing point shall be set to equal a scaled score of six hundred (600) based on a scale ranging from two hundred to eight hundred (200- 800).

(6) Results will be scored and distributed by the FSBPT.

(7) Retaking (a) An applicant who fails the examination is eligible to retake the examination as outlined by the FSBPT or successor organization.

(b) If the individual neglects, fails to pass, or refuses to take the examination within twelve (12) months after being deemed eligible to sit for the examination, the application shall be denied and the file shall be closed. However, such individual may thereafter, make a new application pursuant to Rule 1150-01-.04, 1150-01-.05, 1150-01-.07, and 1150-01- .08.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-301, 63-13-304, 63-13-306, and 63-13-307.
Administrative History: Original rule filed August 16, 1990; effective September 30, 1990. Repeal filed March 26, 1991; effective May 10, 1991. Repeal and new rule filed February 21, 1996; effective May 6, 1996. Amendment filed September 24, 1998; effective December 8, 1998. Amendment filed January 31, 2000; effective April 15, 2000. Repeal and new rule filed March 16, 2000; effective May 30, 2000. Amendment filed July 31, 2000; effective October 14, 2000. Amendment filed April 10, 2002; effective June 24, 2002. Amendment filed January 19, 2005; effective April 4, 2005. Amendment filed September 24, 2009; effective December 23, 2009. Amendment filed August 19, 2010; effective November 17, 2010. Amendment filed April 6, 2015; effective July 5, 2015. Amendment filed March 31, 2016; effective June 29, 2016. Amendments filed May 22, 2026; effective August 20, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.09 RENEWAL OF LICENSE

(1) Renewal Application (a) The due date for license renewal is the expiration date indicated on the licensee’s renewal certificate.

(b) Methods of Renewal – The preferred method of renewal is through the Board’s authorized licensure system. Failure to receive notification does not relieve the licensee from the responsibility of meeting all requirements for renewal.

(c) To be eligible for renewal, an individual must submit to the Division of Health Related Boards on or before the expiration date all of the following:

A completed and signed board renewal application form; and 2. The renewal and State regulatory fees as provided in Rule 1150-01-.06; and 3. A statement attesting to the completion of continuing competence requirements, as provided in Rule 1150-01-.12. All proof of such requirements shall be uploaded into the vendor’s platform and must meet the requirements of Rule

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.10 PROVISIONAL LICENSE

(1) A provisional license shall be issued for an internationally or foreign educated applicant who has complied with all the licensure qualifications of Rule 1150-01-.04 except the supervised clinical practice period required by subparagraph 1150-01-.04(3)(g).

(2) A provisional license may be issued for a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant whose license has been retired or expired for greater than three (3) years and whose license is presently unencumbered with respect to disciplinary action.

(3) An applicant or a licensee seeking a provisional license shall pay the nonrefundable Provisional License/Application fee and, if applicable, the state regulatory fee, the Reinstatement fee, and the Reciprocity fee as provided in Rule 1150-01-.06 when submitting the application.

(4) Duration of License (a) For applicants who are internationally educated, provisional licenses are valid for no less than twelve (12) weeks and no more than forty-eight (48) weeks. The provisional license may not be renewed.

(b) For physical therapists or physical therapist assistants whose licenses have been retired or expired for greater than three (3) years, provisional licenses are valid for a period of time as determined by the Board. The provisional license may not be renewed.

(5) A physical therapist with a provisional license must work under the direct on-site supervision of a physical therapist who possesses an active, unencumbered license to practice physical therapy in Tennessee and who has completed a minimum of one (1) year of licensed clinical experience.

(6) A physical therapist assistant with a provisional license must work under the direct on-site supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who possesses an active, unencumbered license to practice as a physical therapist or as a physical therapist assistant in Tennessee and who has completed a minimum of one (1) year of licensed clinical experience.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-304, 63-13-307, 63-13-308, and 63-13-309.
Administrative History: Original rule filed February 21, 1996; effective May 6, 1996. Repeal and new rule filed March 16, 2000; effective May 30, 2000. Amendment filed April 8, 2003; effective June 22, 2003. Amendment filed May 18, 2007; effective August 1, 2007. Amendment filed September 24, 2009; effective December 23, 2009. Amendments filed May 22, 2026; effective August 20, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.11 RETIREMENT AND REACTIVATION OF LICENSE

(1) A person who holds a current license and does not intend to practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in Tennessee may apply to convert an active license to inactive (“retired”) status. An individual who holds a retired license will not be required to pay the renewal fee.

(2) A person who holds an active license may apply for retired status in the following manner:

(a) Obtain from the Board’s administrative office an affidavit of retirement form; and (b) Complete and submit the affidavit affirming that, while in retired status, the licensee will not practice or in any way indicate or imply that he holds an active Tennessee license or use within Tennessee any words, letters, titles, or figures which indicate or imply that he is a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant; or (c) Submit a letter, which has been signed and notarized, requesting his license to be placed in retirement. Such letter must contain a statement indicating that the licensee understands that he can not practice or in any way indicate or imply that he holds an active Tennessee license or use within Tennessee any words, letters, titles, or figures which indicate or imply that he is a licensed PT or PTA.

(3) License holders whose licenses have been retired may reactivate their licenses in the following manner:

(a) Submit a written request for licensure reactivation to the Board’s administrative office including a statement describing all relevant experiences education during the period of retirement or inactivity; and (b) Pay the current licensure renewal fees and State regulatory fee as provided in Rule

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.12 CONTINUING COMPETENCE

The Board shall notify applicants for renewal of continuing competence requirements as provided in T.C.A. § 63-13-304(6). The Board shall require each licensed physical therapist and physical therapist assistant to participate in a minimum number of experiences to promote continuing competence for the twenty-four (24) months that precede the licensure renewal month. All applicants for licensure, renewal of license, reactivation of license, or reinstatement of license must demonstrate competency.

(1) The requirements for continuing competence are defined as planned learning experiences which occur beyond the entry level educational requirements for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. Content of the experience must relate to physical therapy whether the subject is intervention, examination, research, documentation, education, management, leadership, or some other content area. 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 Tennessee.

(2) For applicants approved for initial licensure by examination, successfully completing the requirements of Rules 1150-01-.04, .05, and .08, as applicable, shall be considered proof of sufficient competence to constitute compliance with this rule for the initial period of licensure except for the ethics and jurisprudence education requirements of paragraph (4). Applicants approved for initial licensure by examination must successfully complete four (4) hours of ethics and jurisprudence education during their initial period of licensure.

(3) Twenty-Four (24) Month Requirement – Continuing competence credit is awarded for the clock hours spent in an activity as provided in paragraphs (5) and (6), except as provided in paragraph (4), all required hours may be met through Class I activities.

(a) Physical Therapist – Thirty (30) hours are required for the twenty-four (24) months that precede the licensure renewal month.

At least twenty (20) hours of the thirty (30) hour requirement must be from Class I activities as provided in paragraph (5); and.
Up to ten (10) of the thirty (30) hour requirement may be from Class II activities as provided in paragraph (6).

(b) Physical Therapist Assistant – Thirty (30) hours are required for the twenty-four (24) months that precede the licensure renewal month.

At least twenty (20) hours of the thirty (30) hour requirement must be from Class I activities as provided in paragraph (5); and.
Up to ten (10) hours of the thirty (30) hour requirement may be from Class II activities as provided in paragraph (6).

(4) Four (4) of the hours required in parts (3)(a)1. and (3)(b)1. must consist of ethics and jurisprudence education courses. These four (4) hours are required every renewal cycle.

(a) Ethics and Jurisprudence – The APTATN is the sole approval entity for ethics and jurisprudence courses. All ethics and jurisprudence courses approved by the APTATN shall be deemed approved by the Board. Any ethics and jurisprudence course not approved by the APTATN will fail to meet the requirements of this rule. The APTATN shall only approve courses that are a minimum of two (2) hours each in duration. They shall be Class I continuing competence as provided in paragraph (5), and shall as a minimum include education in:

Ethics:

(i) The Code of Ethics for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapists Assistants as defined by the APTA;

(ii) Model for ethical decision making; and (iii) Case analysis.

Jurisprudence:

(i) The Occupational and Physical Therapy Practice Act (Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 13, Parts 1 and 3);

(ii) General Rules Governing the Practice of Physical Therapy (Official Compilation, Rules and Regulations, Chapter 1150-01);

(iii) Board of Physical Therapy Policy Statements;

(iv) Licensure process;

(v) Scope of practice;

(vi) Licensure renewal;

(vii) Disclosures to patients;

(viii) Offenses that may lead to disciplinary action;

(ix) Supervision of Physical Therapist Assistants;

(x) Supervision of Physical Therapy assistive personnel; and (xi) Supervision of others (students, volunteers).

(b) Course approval – Aside from ethics and jurisprudence courses approved under subparagraph (a) above, and those pre-approved courses offered pursuant to paragraph (3) of this rule, the Board does not pre-approve Class I and Class II continuing competence courses, programs, and activities required by paragraphs (3), (5) and (6) of this rule. It is the licensee’s responsibility, using his/her professional judgment, to determine if the courses offered by other entities are applicable, appropriate, and meet the requirements of this rule. However, the APTATN must seek the Board’s approval for offering ethics and jurisprudence courses by submitting the following information to the Board’s office at least thirty (30) days prior to a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board that precedes the course:

Course description or outline;
Names of all lecturers;
Brief resume of all lecturers; and 4. How certification of attendance is to be documented.

Each course approved by APTATN must be approved every twelve (12) months.

(5) Class I acceptable continuing competence evidence shall be any of the following:

(a) Peer review of practice.

External peer review of practice with verification of acceptable practice by a recognized entity, e.g., APTA. Continuing competence credit is twenty (20) hours per review with a maximum of one (1) review each twenty-four (24) month period.
Internal peer review of practice with verification of acceptable practice.

Continuing competence credit is two (2) hours per review with a maximum of two (2) reviews during each twenty-four (24) month period.

(b) Courses, seminars, workshops, and symposia.

Courses, seminars, workshops, and symposia attended by the licensee which have been provided or approved for continuing education units by the APTA or its academies/sections (state chapters of APTA are not considered approved providers), FSBPT, the APTATN, and accredited physical therapist educational programs and physical therapist assistant educational programs.
Relevant and appropriate courses, seminars, workshops, and symposia may be obtained in a variety of formats as defined by the Board’s Continuing Education Policy Statement.
University credit courses – Continuing competence credit is twelve (12) hours per semester credit hour.
Participation as a presenter in continuing education courses, workshops, seminars or symposia which have been approved by the APTA or its sections, FSBPT, the APTATN, and accredited Tennessee schools of physical therapy and Tennessee physical therapist assistant schools. Continuing competence credit is based on contact hours and may not exceed twenty (20) hours per topic.
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 twenty (20) hours. If the same course is taught more than once, contact hours may only be counted once.

Awarding of an advanced degree from an accredited University. Continuing competence credit is twenty-six (26) hours and is recognized only in the twentyfour (24) month period in which the advanced degree is awarded.
Participating in an accredited clinical residency/fellowship program. Continuing competence credit is five (5) hours credit for each week of residency/fellowship with a maximum of twenty-six (26) hours per program.

article undergoing peer review. Continuing competence credit is ten (10) hours per event with a maximum of two (2) events each twenty-four (24) month period.

(d) Certification of clinical specialization.

Certification of clinical specialization by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). Continuing competence credit is twenty-six (26) hours and is recognized only in the twenty-four (24) month period in which certification or recertification is awarded.
Certification of clinical specialization by organizations other than the ABPTS may be recognized as continuing competence credit for up to twenty-six (26) hours, in the twenty-four (24) month period in which certification or recertification is awarded. The number of continuing competence credit hours awarded is determined by the Board.

(e) FSBPT approved activities.

(f) The Board or its designee retains the right to determine whether any submitted course complies with the requirements of this rule.

(6) Class II acceptable continuing competence evidence shall be any of the following (a) Self-instruction from reading professional literature. Continuing competence credit is limited to a maximum of one (1) hour each twenty-four (24) month period.

(b) Attendance at a scientific poster session, lecture, panel or symposium that does not meet the criteria for Class I. Continuing competence credit is one (1) hour per hour of activity with a maximum of two (2) hours credit each twenty-four (24) month period.

(c) Clinical Instruction 1. Serving as a clinical instructor for an accredited physical therapist or physical therapist assistant educational program. Continuing competence credit is one (1) hour per sixteen (16) contact hours with the student(s).

Acting as a clinical instructor for physical therapist participating in a residency program or as a mentor for a learner for a formal, nonacademic mentorship.

Continuing competence credit is one (1) hour per sixteen (16) contact hours.

(d) Participating in a physical therapy study group consisting of two (2) or more physical therapists or physical therapist assistants. Continuing competence credit is limited to a maximum of one (1) hour credit each twenty-four (24) month period.

(e) Attending and/or presenting in-service programs. Continuing competence credit is one (1) hour per eight (8) contact hours with a maximum of four (4) hours credit each twenty-four (24) month period.

(f) Serving the physical therapy profession as a representative to the APTA House of Delegates, on a professional board, committee, or task force. Continuing competence credit is limited to a maximum of four (4) hours credit each twenty-four (24) month period.

(g) Attending a regulatory board meeting may count for a maximum of one (1) hour credit of Class II continuing competence requirements.

(h) Maintaining an active membership in the APTA may count for a maximum of one (1) hour credit of Class II continuing competence requirements.

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

(a) Attending courses regarding:

Regulations of the United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA);
Regulations of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (TOSHA);
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); and 4. Safety;

(b) Non-educational meetings at annual association, chapter or organization meetings;

(8) Documentation of compliance.

(a) Each licensee must retain completion documents, certificates, transcripts and syllabi of all continuing competence requirements of this rule for a period of five (5) years from when the requirements were completed. This documentation must be produced for inspection and verification, if requested in writing by the Board during its verification process. This documentation must be uploaded into the continuing education vendor’s platform and must meet the requirements of Rule 1150-01-.12.

(b) Each sponsor or provider of CEUs must retain records of any CEU offered for a period of not less than five (5) years.

(c) Any licensee who fails to complete the continuing competence activities or who falsely certifies completion of continuing competence activities may be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to T.C.A. §§ 63-13-304, 63-13-312, 63-13-313, and 63-13-315.

(d) Examples of documentation to be maintained and uploaded.

A signed peer review report or an official program or outline of the course attended or taught or copy of the publication which clearly shows that the objectives and content were related to 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.
A CEU certificate or verification of completion of home study which identifies the sponsoring entity, or 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 Class I or II activities, or documentation of self-instruction from reading professional literature.

(9) Reinstatement/Reactivation of an expired or retired license.

(a) Expired or retired for three (3) years or less – An individual whose license has expired or has been retired for three (3) years or less shall submit the appropriate application for reinstatement or reactivation, along with documentation of continuing competence (see examples in paragraph (8)), which must have been initiated and completed within two (2) years prior to submission of the application for reinstatement or reactivation.

(b) Expired or retired more than three (3) years.

An individual whose license has expired or has been retired for more than three (3) years shall submit the appropriate application for reinstatement or reactivation, along with documentation of continuing competence (see examples in paragraph (8)), which must have been initiated and completed within two (2) years prior to submission of the application for reinstatement or reactivation.
The Board may, at its discretion, require additional education, supervised clinical practice, successful passage of examinations, or issue a provisional license.

(10) The Board, in cases of documented illness, disability, or other undue hardship, may waive the continuing competence requirements and/or extend the deadline to complete continuing competence requirements. To be considered for a waiver of continuing competence requirements, or for an extension of the deadline to complete the continuing competence requirements, a licensee must request such in writing with supporting documentation before the end of the twenty-four (24) month period in which the continuing competence requirements were not met.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-304, 63-13-308, 63-13-309, and 63-13-311.
Administrative History: Original rule filed February 21, 1996; effective May 6, 1996. Repeal and new rule filed March 16, 2000; effective May 30, 2000. Amendment filed January 16, 2003; effective April 1, 2003. Amendment filed September 22, 2005; effective December 6, 2005. Amendment filed March 14, 2006; effective May 28, 2006. Amendment filed August 18, 2006; effective November 1, 2006. References to Board of Occupational and Physical Therapy Examiners have been changed by the Secretary of State to the applicable entity; Board of Occupational Therapy and/or Board of Physical Therapy pursuant to Public Chapter 115 of the 2007 session of the Tennessee General Assembly. Amendment filed May 18, 2007; effective August 1, 2007. Amendment filed September 24, 2009; effective December 23, 2009. Amendments filed August 19, 2010; effective November 17, 2010. Amendment filed December 2, 2014; effective March 2, 2015. Amendments filed March 31, 2016; effective June 29, 2016. Amendments filed September 30, 2025; effective December 29, 2025.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.13 ADVERTISING

(1) The lack of sophistication on the part of many of the public concerning physical therapy services, the importance of the interests affected by the choice of a physical therapist and the foreseeable consequences of unrestricted advertising by physical therapists which is recognized to pose special possibilities for deception, require that special care be taken by physical therapists to avoid misleading the public. The physical therapist must be mindful that the benefits of advertising depend upon its reliability and accuracy. Since advertising by physical therapists is calculated and not spontaneous, reasonable regulation designed to foster compliance with appropriate standards serves the public interest without impeding the flow of useful, meaningful, and relevant information to the public.

(2) Definitions (a) Advertisement – Informational communication to the public in any manner designed to attract public attention to the practice of a physical therapist who is licensed to practice in Tennessee.

(b) Licensee – Any person holding a license to practice physical therapy in the State of Tennessee. Where applicable this shall include partnerships and/or corporations.

(c) Material Fact – Any fact which an ordinary reasonable and prudent person would need to know or rely upon in order to make an informed decision concerning the choice of physical therapists to serve his or her particular needs.

(d) Bait and Switch Advertising – An alluring but insincere offer to sell a product or service which the advertiser in truth does not intend or want to sell. Its purpose is to switch consumers from buying the advertised service or merchandise, in order to sell something else, usually for a higher fee or on a basis more advantageous to the advertiser.

(e) Discounted Fee – Shall mean a fee offered or charged by a person for a product or service that is less than the fee the person or organization usually offers or charges for the product or service. Products or services expressly offered free of charge shall not be deemed to be offered at a “discounted fee.”

(3) Advertising Fees and Services (a) Fixed Fees. Fixed fees may be advertised for any service. It presumed unless otherwise stated in advertisement that a fixed fee for a service shall include the cost of all professional recognized components within generally accepted standards that are required to complete the service.

(b) Range of Fees. A range of fees may be advertised for services and the advertisement must disclose the factors used in determining the actual fee, necessary to prevent deception of the public.

The discount fee is in fact lower than the licensee’s customary or usual fee charged for the service; and 2. The licensee provides the same quality and components of service and material at the discounted fee that are normally provided at the regular, non-discounted fee for that service.

(d) Related Services and Additional Fees. Related services which may be required in conjunction with the advertised services for which additional fees will be charged must be identified as such in any advertisement.

(e) Time Period of Advertised Fees.

Advertised fees shall be honored for those seeking the advertised services during the entire time period stated in the advertisement whether or not the services are actually rendered or completed within that time.
If no time period is stated in the advertisement of fees, the advertised fee shall be honored for thirty (30) days from the last date of publication or until the next scheduled publication whichever is later whether or not the services are actually rendered or completed within that time.

(4) Advertising Content. The following acts or omissions in the context of advertisement by any licensee shall constitute unethical conduct, and subject the licensee to disciplinary action pursuant to T.C.A. §§ 63-13-312 and 63-13-313.

(a) Claims that the services performed, personnel employed, materials or office equipment used are professionally superior to that which is ordinarily performed, employed, or used, or that convey the message that one licensee is better than another when superiority of services, personnel, materials or equipment cannot be substantiated.

(b) The misleading use of an unearned or non-health degree in any advertisement.

(c) Promotion of professional services which the licensee knows or should know are beyond the licensee’s ability to perform.

(d) Techniques of communication which intimidate, exert undue pressure or undue influence over a prospective patient.

(e) Any appeals to an individual’s anxiety in an excessive or unfair manner.

(f) The use of any personal testimonial attesting to a quality or competency of a service or treatment offered by a licensee that is not reasonably verifiable.

(g) Utilization of any statistical data or other information based on past performances for prediction of future services, which creates an unjustified expectation about results that the licensee can achieve.

(h) The communication of personal identifiable facts, data, or information about a patient without first obtaining patient consent.

(i) Any misrepresentation of a material fact.

(j) The knowing suppression, omission or concealment of any material fact or law without which the advertisement would be deceptive or misleading.

(k) Statements concerning the benefits or other attributes of therapeutic procedures or products that involve significant risks without including:

A realistic assessment of the safety and efficiency of those procedures or products; and 2. The availability of alternatives; and 3. Where necessary to avoid deception, descriptions or assessment of the benefits or other attributes of those alternatives.

(l) Any communication which creates an unjustified expectation concerning the potential results of any treatment.

(m) Failure to comply with the rules governing advertisement of fees and services, or advertising records.

(n) The use of “bait and switch” advertisements. Where the circumstances indicate “bait and switch” advertising, the Board may require the licensee to furnish data or other evidence pertaining to those sales at the advertised fee as well as other sales.

(o) Misrepresentation of a licensee’s credentials, training, experience, or ability.

(p) Failure to include the corporation, partnership or individual licensee’s name, address, and telephone number in any advertisement. Any corporation, partnership or association which advertises by use of a trade name or otherwise fails to list all licensees practicing at a particular location shall:

Upon request provide a list of all licensees practicing at that location; and 2. Maintain and conspicuously display at the licensee’s office, a directory listing all licensees practicing at that location.

(q) Failure to disclose the fact of giving compensation or anything of value to representative of the press, radio, television or other communicative medium in anticipation of or in return for any advertisement (for example, newspaper article) unless the nature, format or medium of such advertisement make the fact of compensation apparent.

(r) After thirty (30) days of the licensee’s departure, the use of the name of any licensee formerly practicing at or associated with any advertised location or on office signs or buildings. This rule shall not apply in the case of a retired or deceased former associate who practiced in association with one or more of the present occupants if the status of the former associate is disclosed in any advertisement or sign.

(s) Stating or implying that a certain licensee provides all services when any such services are performed by another licensee.

(t) Directly or indirectly offering, giving, receiving, or agreeing to receive any fee or other consideration to or from a third party for the referral of a patient in connection with the performance of professional services.

(5) Advertising Records and Responsibility (a) Each licensee who is a principal partner, or officer of a firm or entity identified in any advertisement, is jointly and severally responsible for the form and content of any advertisement. This provision shall also include any licensed professional employees acting as an agent of such firm or entity.

(b) Any and all advertisements are presumed to have been approved by the licensee named therein.

(c) A recording of every advertisement communicated by electronic media, and a copy of every advertisement communicated by print media, and a copy of any other form of advertisement shall be retained by the licensee for a period of two (2) years from the last date of broadcast or publication and be made available for review upon request by the Board or its designee.

(d) At the time any type of advertisement is placed, the licensee must possess and rely upon information which, when produced, would substantiate the truthfulness of any assertion, omission or representation of material fact set forth in the advertisement or public communication.

(6) Severability. It is hereby declared that the sections, clauses, sentences and parts of these rules are severable, are not matters of mutual essential inducement, and any of them shall be rescinded if these rules would otherwise be unconstitutional or ineffective. If any one or more sections, clauses, sentences or parts shall for any reason be questioned in court, and shall be adjudged unconstitutional or invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remaining provisions thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to the specific provision or provisions so held unconstitutional or invalid, and the inapplicability or invalidity of any section, clause, sentence or part in any one or more instances shall not be taken to affect or prejudice in any way its applicability or validity in any other instance.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-1-145, 63-1-146, 63-13-302, 63-13-304, 63-13-310, 63-13-312, and 63-13-313.
Administrative History: Original rule filed February 21, 1996; effective May 6, 1996. Repeal and new rule filed March 16, 2000; effective May 30, 2000. Amendment filed August 18, 2006; effective November 1, 2006. Amendments filed September 30, 2025; effective December 29, 2025.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.23 TELEMEDICINE

(1) A provider-patient relationship with respect to telemedicine or telehealth is created by mutual consent and mutual communication, except in an emergency, between the patient and the provider. The consent by the patient may be expressed or implied consent; however, the provider-patient relationship is not created simply by the receipt of patient health information by a provider unless a prior provider-patient relationship exists. The duties and obligations created by the relationship do not arise until the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant:

(a) Affirmatively undertakes to diagnose or treat the patient; or (b) Affirmatively participates in the diagnosis or treatment.

(2) The scope of practice of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant is prescribed and limited by Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 13 and the rules set forth in this

chapter and Chapter 1150-01-.02.

(3) A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who delivers services through the use of telemedicine is held to the same standard of professional practice as through in-person encounters, and nothing in this section is intended to create any new standards of care.

(4) Patient Identity and Communication. The physical therapist or physical therapist assistant using telemedicine to deliver physical therapy services or who practices telemedicine, upon an initial contact with the patient shall:

(a) Verify the identity of the patient prior to each session;

(b) Obtain alternative means of contacting the patient;

(c) Arrange for the patient to have alternative means of contacting the physical therapist or physical therapy assistant;

(d) Provide contact methods of alternative communication the physical therapist or physical therapy assistant shall use for emergency purposes;

(e) Use personal identifying information only in secure communications; and (f) Obtain written, informed consent from the patient or other appropriate person with

authority to make health care treatment decisions for the patient before services are provided through telemedicine.

(5) Compliance with Laws and Regulations. A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant practicing telemedicine must:

(a) Have an active Tennessee license or current compact privileges in Tennessee in good standing to practice telemedicine in the state of Tennessee.

(b) Otherwise be authorized by law to practice in another jurisdiction where the patient is physically present or domiciled.

(d) Comply with all other applicable State and Federal Laws, rules and regulations.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-1-155, 63-13-103, 63-13-301, and 63-13-304.
Administrative History: New rule filed September 30, 2025; effective December 29, 2025.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1200-10-01-.10 .

(e) Anyone submitting a signed renewal which is found to be untrue may be subjecting themselves to disciplinary action as provided in Rule 1150-01-.15.

(2) Reinstatement of an expired license may be accomplished upon payment of the reinstatement fee and the renewal fee as provided in Rule 1150-01-.06, and by submitting proof of completing continuing competence requirements as provided in Rule 1150-01-.12.

(3) Renewal issuance decisions pursuant to this rule may be made administratively or upon review by any Board member or the Board’s designee.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-104, 63-13-304, 63-13-306 through 63-13-309, and 63-13-312 through 63-13- 315.
Administrative History: Original rule filed February 21, 1996; effective May 6, 1996. Repeal and new rule filed March 16, 2000; effective May 30, 2000. Amendment filed July 29, 2002; effective October 12, 2002. Amendment filed January 16, 2003; effective April 1, 2003. Amendments filed September 30, 2025; effective December 29, 2025.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.14 CODE OF ETHICS

The Board adopts for licensed physical therapists and physical therapists assistants, as if fully set out herein, and as it may from time to time be amended, the current “Code of Ethics” issued by the APTA.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-103, 63-13-104, 63-13-302, and 63-13-304.
Administrative History: Original rule filed February 21, 1996; effective May 6, 1996. Amendment filed September 24, 1998; effective December 8, 1998. Repeal and new rule filed March 16, 2000; effective May 30, 2000. Amendment filed September 22, 2005; effective December 6, 2005. References to Board of Occupational and Physical Therapy Examiners have been changed by the Secretary of State to the applicable entity; Board of Occupational Therapy and/or Board of Physical Therapy pursuant to Public Chapter 115 of the 2007 session of the Tennessee General Assembly. Amendments filed September 30, 2025; effective December 29, 2025.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.15 DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS, CIVIL PENALTIES, ASSESSMENT OF COSTS, AND

SCREENING PANELS.

(1) Upon a finding by the Board that a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant has violated any provision of the T.C.A. §§ 63-13-101, et seq., or the rules promulgated thereto, the Board may impose any of the following actions separately or in any combination deemed appropriate to the offense.

(a) Letter of Warning and/or Letter of Concern – This is a written action issued by the Board’s consultant to the physical therapist and/or physical therapist assistant for minor or near infractions. It is informal and advisory in nature and does not constitute a formal disciplinary action. However, if the Board takes this action at a contested case hearing through the issuance of a final order, it shall be considered an adverse act by the Board and reportable to the National Practitioner Databank and/or similar agency.

(b) Formal Censure or Reprimand – This is a written action issued to a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant for one time and less severe violations. It is a formal disciplinary action.

(c) Probation – This is a formal disciplinary action which places a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant on close scrutiny for a fixed period of time. This action may be combined with conditions which must be met before probation will be lifted and/or which restrict the individual’s activities during the probationary period.

(d) Licensure Suspension – This is a formal disciplinary action which suspends an individual’s right to practice for a fixed period of time. It contemplates the reentry of the individual into the practice under the license previously issued.

(e) Licensure Revocation – This is the most severe form of disciplinary action which removes an individual from the practice of the profession and terminates the licensure previously issued. If revoked, it relegates the violator to the status he possessed prior to application for licensure. However, the Board may, in its discretion, allow the reinstatement of a revoked license upon conditions and after a period of time it deems appropriate. No petition for reinstatement and no new application for licensure from a person whose license was revoked shall be considered prior to the expiration of at least one (1) year unless otherwise stated in the Board’s revocation order.

(f) Conditions – Any action deemed appropriate by the Board to be required of a disciplined licensee in any of the following circumstances:

During any period of probation, suspension; or 2. During any period of revocation after which the licensee may petition for an order of compliance to reinstate the revoked license; or 3. As a prerequisite to the lifting of probation or suspension or as a prerequisite to the reinstatement of a revoked license; or 4. As a stand-alone requirement(s) in any disciplinary order.

(2) Order of Compliance – This procedure is a necessary adjunct to each previously issued disciplinary order containing probation, suspension or other condition limiting the licensee’s ability to practice. An order of compliance is available only when a petitioner has completely complied with the conditions of a previously issued disciplinary order, including payment of civil penalties, completion of continuing education courses, or payment of administrative costs. If all conditions of the ordered discipline have been satisfied, or if no conditions have been placed on the license in addition to probation or suspension, the Board may consider a petition at its last meeting before the expiration of any such discipline. The Board, at its discretion, may require the petitioner to appear before granting such order. No discipline issued by the Board shall be lifted until the licensee petitions for and receives such order from the Board, which shall only be effective the original date the discipline was to expire, and in no event effective earlier than the date of petition, pursuant to this paragraph.

(a) The Board will entertain petitions for an Order of Compliance as a supplement to a previously issued order upon strict compliance with the procedures set forth in subparagraph (b) in only the following three (3) circumstances:

When the petitioner can prove compliance with all the terms of the previously issued order and is seeking to have an order issued reflecting that compliance; or 2. When the petitioner can prove compliance with all the terms of the previously issued order and is seeking to have an order issued lifting a previously ordered suspension or probation; or 3. When the petitioner can prove compliance with all the terms of the previously issued order and is seeking to have an order issued reinstating a license previously revoked.

(b) Procedures 1. The petitioner shall submit a Petition for Order of Compliance, as contained in subparagraph (c), to the Board’s Administrative Office that shall contain all of the following:

(i) A copy of the previously issued order; and (ii) A statement of which provision of subparagraph (a) the petitioner is relying upon as a basis for the requested order; and (iii) A copy of all documents that prove compliance with all the terms or conditions of the previously issued order. If proof of compliance requires testimony of an individual(s), including that of the petitioner, the petitioner must submit signed statements from every individual the petitioner intends to rely upon attesting, under oath, to the compliance. The Board’s consultant and administrative staff, in their discretion, may require such signed statements to be notarized. No documentation or testimony other than that submitted will be considered in making an initial determination on, or a final order in response to, the petition.

The Board authorizes its consultant and administrative staff to make an initial determination on the petition and take one of the following actions:

(i) Certify compliance and have the matter scheduled for presentation to the Board as an uncontested matter; or (ii) Deny the petition, after consultation with legal staff, if compliance with all of the provisions of the previous order is not proven and notify the petitioner of what provisions remain to be fulfilled and/or what proof of compliance was either not sufficient or not submitted.

If the petition is presented to the Board the petitioner may not submit any additional documentation or testimony other than that contained in the petition as originally submitted.
If the Board finds that the petitioner has complied with all the terms of the previous order an Order of Compliance shall be issued.
If the petition is denied either initially by staff or after presentation to the Board and the petitioner believes compliance with the order has been sufficiently proven the petitioner may, as authorized by law, file a petition for a declaratory order pursuant to the provisions of T.C.A. § 4-5-223 and Rule 1200-10-01-.11.

Petitioner’s Mailing Address:

Petitioner’s E-Mail Address:

Telephone Number:

Attorney for Petitioner:

Attorney’s Mailing Address:

Attorney’s E-Mail Address:

Telephone Number:

The petitioner respectfully represents, as substantiated by the attached documentation, that all provisions of the attached disciplinary order have been complied with and I am respectfully requesting: (circle one)

An order issued reflecting that compliance; or 2. An order issued reflecting that compliance and lifting a previously ordered suspension or probation; or 3. An order issued reflecting that compliance and reinstating a license previously revoked.

Note – You must enclose all documents necessary to prove your request including a copy of the original order. If any of the proof you are relying upon to show compliance is the testimony of any individual, including yourself, you must enclose signed statements from every individual you intend to rely upon attesting, under oath, to the compliance. The Board’s consultant and administrative staff, in their discretion, may require such signed statements to be notarized. No documentation or testimony other than that submitted will be considered in making an initial determination on, or a final order in response to, this petition.

Respectfully submitted this the ____ day of , 20_____.

Petitioner’s Signature (3) Order Modifications – This procedure is not intended to allow anyone under a previously issued disciplinary order, including an unlicensed practice civil penalty order, to modify any findings of fact, conclusions of law, or the reasons for the decision contained in the order. It is also not intended to allow a petition for a lesser disciplinary action, or civil penalty other than the one(s) previously ordered. All such provisions of Board orders were subject to reconsideration and appeal under the provisions of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act (T.C.A. §§ 4-5-301, et seq.). This procedure is not available as a substitute for reconsideration and/or appeal and is only available after all reconsideration and appeal rights have been either exhausted or not timely pursued. It is also not available for those who have accepted and been issued a reprimand.

(a) The Board will entertain petitions for modification of the disciplinary portion of previously issued orders upon strict compliance with the procedures set forth in subparagraph (b) only when the petitioner can prove that compliance with any one or more of the conditions or terms of the discipline previously ordered is impossible. For purposes of this rule the term “impossible” does not mean that compliance is inconvenient or impractical for personal, financial, scheduling or other reasons.

(b) Procedures 1. The petitioner shall submit a written and signed Petition for Order Modification on the form contained in subparagraph (c) to the Board’s Administrative Office that shall contain all of the following:

(i) A copy of the previously issued order; and (ii) A statement of why the petitioner believes it is impossible to comply with the order as issued; and (iii) A copy of all documents that proves that compliance is impossible. If proof of impossibility of compliance requires testimony of an individual(s), including that of the petitioner, the petitioner must submit signed and notarized statements from every individual the petitioner intends to rely upon attesting, under oath, to the reasons why compliance is impossible.

No documentation or testimony other than that submitted will be considered in making an initial determination on, or a final order in response to, the petition.

The Board authorizes its consultant and administrative staff to make an initial determination on the petition and take one of the following actions:

(i) Certify impossibility of compliance and forward the petition to the Office of General Counsel for presentation to the Board as an uncontested matter; or (ii) Deny the petition, after consultation with legal staff, if impossibility of compliance with the provisions of the previous order is not proven and notify the petitioner of what proof of impossibility of compliance was either not sufficient or not submitted.

If the petition is presented to the Board the petitioner may not submit any additional documentation or testimony other than that contained in the petition as originally submitted.
If the petition is granted a new order shall be issued reflecting the modifications authorized by the Board that it deemed appropriate and necessary in relation to the violations found in the previous order.
If the petition is denied either initially by staff or after presentation to the Board and the petitioner believes impossibility of compliance with the order has been sufficiently proven the petitioner may, as authorized by law, file a petition for a declaratory order pursuant to the provisions of T.C.A. § 4-5-223 and Rule 1200- 10-01-.11.

Petitioner’s Mailing Address:

Petitioner’s E-Mail Address:

Telephone Number:

Attorney for Petitioner:

Attorney’s Mailing Address:

Attorney’s E-Mail Address:

Telephone Number:

The petitioner respectfully represents that for the following reasons, as substantiated by the attached documentation, the identified provisions of the attached disciplinary order are impossible for me to comply with:

Note – You must enclose all documents necessary to prove your request including a copy of the original order. If any of the proof you are relying upon to show impossibility is the testimony of any individual, including yourself, you must enclose signed and notarized statements from every individual you intend to rely upon attesting, under oath, to the reasons why compliance is impossible. No documentation or testimony other than that submitted will be considered in making an initial determination on, or a final order in response to, this petition.

Respectfully submitted this the ____ day of , 20____.

Petitioner’s Signature (4) Civil Penalties (a) Purpose – The purpose of this rule is to set out a schedule designating the minimum and maximum civil penalties which may be assessed.

(b) Schedule of Civil Penalties 1. A Type A Civil Penalty may be imposed whenever the Board finds a person who is required to be licensed, certified, permitted or authorized by the Board, guilty of a willful and knowing violation of the Practice Act, or regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, to such an extent that there is, or is likely to be, an imminent, substantial threat to the health, safety and welfare of an individual patient or the public. For purposes of this section, willfully and knowingly practicing as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant without a permit, license, certification, or other authorization from the Board is one of the violations of the Physical Therapy Practice Act for which a Type A Civil Penalty is assessable.

A Type B Civil Penalty may be imposed whenever the Board finds the person required to be licensed, certified, permitted, or authorized by the Board guilty of a violation of the Physical Therapy Practice Act or regulations promulgated pursuant thereto in such a manner as to impact directly on the care of patients or the public.
A Type C Civil Penalty may be imposed whenever the Board finds the person required to be licensed, certified, permitted, or authorized by the Board guilty of a violation of the Physical Therapy Practice Act or regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, which are neither directly detrimental to patients or the public, nor directly impact their care, but have only an indirect relationship to patient care or the public.

(c) Amount of Civil Penalties 1. Type A Civil Penalties shall be assessed in the amount of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000.

Type B Civil Penalties may be assessed in the amount of not less than $100 and not more than $500.
Type C Civil Penalties may be assessed in the amount of not less than $50 and not more than $100.

(d) Procedures for Assessing Civil Penalties 1. The Division of Health Related Boards may initiate a civil penalty assessment by filing a Memorandum of Assessment of Civil Penalty. The Division shall state in the memorandum the facts and law upon which it relies in alleging a violation, the proposed amount of the civil penalty and the basis for such penalty. The Division may incorporate the Memorandum of Assessment of Civil Penalty with a Notice of Charges which may be issued attendant thereto.

Civil penalties may also be initiated and assessed by the Board during consideration of any Notice of Charges. In addition, the Board may, upon good cause shown, assess a type and amount of civil penalty which was not recommended by the Division.
In assessing the civil penalties pursuant to these rules the Board may consider the following factors:

(i) Whether the amount imposed will be a substantial economic deterrent to the violator;

(ii) The circumstances leading to the violation;

(iii) The severity of the violation and the risk of harm to the public; and (iv) The economic benefits gained by the violator as a result of noncompliance; and (v) The interest of the public.

All proceedings for the assessment of civil penalties shall be governed by the contested case provisions of Title 4, Chapter 5, Tennessee Code Annotated.

(5) Assessment of costs in disciplinary proceedings shall be as set forth in T.C.A. §§ 63-1-144 and 63-13-313.

(6) Reconsiderations and Stays – The Board authorizes the member who chaired the Board for a contested case to be the agency member to make the decisions authorized pursuant to Rule

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-04-01-.18 regarding petitions for reconsiderations and stays in that case.

(7) Screening Panels – Any screening panel(s) established pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 63-1-138:

(a) Shall have concurrent authority with the Board members and any individual Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant designated by the Board pursuant to paragraph (6) of Rule 1150-01-.19, to do the acts enumerated in paragraph (6) of Rule

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.19 BOARD MEETINGS, OFFICERS, CONSULTANTS, RECORDS, AND DECLARATORY

ORDERS.

(1) Purpose of Board – The Board is charged by law with the responsibility of regulating the practice of physical therapy.

(2) Board Meetings.

(a) The time, place, and frequency of Board meetings shall be at the discretion of the Board except at least one (1) meeting shall be held annually.

(b) Special meetings are called at the discretion of the Chair or at the request of two (2) members of the Board, provided all members are adequately notified.

(d) Non-Board members present at meetings may address the Board only on recognition by the chairperson.

(e) All meetings of the Board shall be open to the public.

(3) The Board shall elect annually from its members the following officers:

(a) Chair – who shall preside at all Board meetings.

(b) Secretary – who shall preside in the absence of the chair and who along with the Board’s Unit Director, shall be responsible for correspondence from the Board.

(4) Responsibilities of the Board include, but are not limited to:

(a) Adopting and revising rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out its powers and duties;

(b) Adopting and/or administering examinations;

(d) Appointing designees to assist in the performance of its duties; and (e) Conducting hearings.

(5) Board Conflict of Interest – Any Board member having an immediate personal, private, or financial interest in any matter pending before the Board shall disclose the fact in writing and shall not vote upon such matter.

(6) The Board has the authority to select a Board consultant who shall serve as a consultant to the Division and who is vested with the authority to do the following acts:

(a) Recommend whether and what type disciplinary actions should be instituted as the result of complaints received or investigations conducted by the Division.

(b) Recommend whether and under what terms a complaint case or disciplinary action might be settled. Any matter proposed for settlement must be subsequently ratified by the full Board before it will become effective.

(7) Records and Complaints.

(a) All requests, applications, notices, other communications and correspondence shall be directed to the Board’s administrative office. Any requests or inquiries requiring a Board decision or official Board action, except documents relating to disciplinary actions or hearing requests, must be received fourteen (14) days prior to a scheduled Board meeting and will be retained in the administrative office and presented to the Board at the meeting. Such documentation not timely received shall be set over to the next Board meeting.

(b) All records of the Board, except those made confidential by law, are open for inspection and examination under the supervision of an employee of the Division at the Board’s administrative office.

(d) Complaints made against a licensed practitioner may only become public information pursuant to T.C.A. § 63-1-117.

(8) Declaratory Orders – The Board adopts, as if fully set out herein, Rule 1200-10-01-.11, of the Division of Health Related Boards and as it may from time to time be amended, as its rule governing the declaratory order process. All declaratory order petitions involving statutes, rules or orders within the jurisdiction of the Board shall be addressed by the Board pursuant to that rule and not by the Division. Declaratory Order Petition forms can be obtained from the Board’s administrative office.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-1-117, 63-13-102 through 63-13-104, and 63-13-304.
Administrative History: Original rule filed February 21, 1996; effective May 6, 1996. Amendment filed June 10, 1999; effective August 24, 1999. Repeal and new rule filed March 16, 2000; effective May 30, 2000. Amendments filed September 30, 2025; effective December 29, 2025.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.16 DUPLICATE (REPLACEMENT) LICENSE

(1) A license holder whose “artistically designed” license has been lost or destroyed may be issued a new license upon receipt of a request in the Board’s administrative office. Such requests shall be accompanied by the required fee pursuant to Rule 1150-01-.06.

(2) A license holder whose renewal certificate license has been lost or destroyed may be issued a new license upon receipt of a request in the Board’s administrative office. Such requests shall be accompanied by the required fee pursuant to Rule 1150-01-.06.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-1-104, 63-13-104, 63-13-303, and 63-13-304.
Administrative History: Original rule filed February 21, 1996; effective May 6, 1996. Amendment filed September 24, 1998; effective December 8, 1998. Repeal and new rule filed March 16, 2000; effective May 30, 2000. Amendments filed September 30, 2025; effective December 29, 2025.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.17 CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND/OR NAME

(1) Change of Address – Each person holding a license who has had a change of address shall file in writing with the Board his current mailing address, giving both old and new addresses.

Such notification should be received in the Board’s administrative office no later than thirty (30) days after such change is effective and must reference the individual’s name, profession, and license number. Licensees shall complete the change of address process through the electronic license portal within thirty (30) days of the address change.

(2) Change of Name – An individual registered with the Board shall notify the Board in writing within thirty (30) days of a name change. Licensees shall complete the change of name process through the electronic license portal within thirty (30) days of the name change.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-1-108, 63-13-104, 63-13-304, and 63-13-308.
Administrative History: Original rule filed February 21, 1996; effective May 6, 1996. Repeal and new rule filed March 16, 2000; effective May 30, 2000. Amendments filed September 30, 2025; effective December 29, 2025.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.18 MANDATORY RELEASE OF CLIENT RECORDS

(1) Upon request from a client or the client’s authorized representative, an individual licensed with this Board shall provide a complete copy of the client’s records or summary of such records which were maintained by the provider.

(2) It shall be the provider’s option as to whether copies of the records or a summary will be given to the client.

(3) Requests for records shall be honored by the provider in a timely manner.

(4) The individual requesting the records shall be responsible for payment of reasonable costs to the provider for copying and mailing of the records.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-1-101, 63-1-102, 63-2-101, 63-2-102, 63-13-104, 63-13-304, and 63-13-317.
Administrative History: Original rule filed February 21, 1996; effective May 6, 1996. Amendment filed September 24, 1998; effective December 8, 1998. Repeal and new rule filed March 16, 2000; effective May 30, 2000. Amendments filed September 30, 2025; effective December 29, 2025.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.20 CONSUMER RIGHT-TO-KNOW REQUIREMENTS

(1) Malpractice reporting requirements. The threshold amount below which medical malpractice judgments, awards or settlements in which payments are awarded to complaining parties need not be reported pursuant to the “Health Care Consumer Right-To-Know Act of 1998” shall be ten thousand dollars ($10,000).

(2) Criminal conviction reporting requirements. For purposes of the “Health Care Consumer Right-To-Know Act of 1998”, the following criminal convictions must be reported:

(a) Conviction of any felony.

(b) Conviction or adjudication of guilt of any misdemeanor, regardless of its classification, in which any element of the misdemeanor involves any one or more of the following:

Sex.
Alcohol or drugs.
Physical injury or threat of injury to any person.
Abuse or neglect of any minor, spouse or the elderly.
Fraud or theft.

(c) If any misdemeanor conviction reported under this rule is ordered expunged, a copy of the order of expungement signed by the judge must be submitted to the Department before the conviction will be expunged from any profile.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-104, 63-13-304, and 63-32-102.
Administrative History: Original rule filed February 10, 2000; effective April 25, 2000. Amendments filed September 30, 2025; effective December 29, 2025.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.21 PROFESSIONAL PEER ASSISTANCE

The Board shall utilize the services of a professional assistance program, as approved by the Board, for situations regarding licensee substance abuse, chemical abuse, or lapses in professional and/or ethical judgments. Information regarding persons entering the program upon referral by this Board shall be confidential.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-304 and 63-13-312.
Administrative History: Original rule filed March 16, 2000; effective May 30, 2000. Amendments filed September 30, 2025; effective December 29, 2025.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.22 DRY NEEDLING

(1) In order to perform dry needling, a physical therapist must obtain all of the educational instruction described in paragraphs (2)(a) and (2)(b) herein. All such educational instruction must be obtained in person and may not be obtained online or through video conferencing.

(2) Mandatory Training – Before performing dry needling, a practitioner must complete educational requirements in each of the following areas:

(a) Fifty (50) hours of instruction, to include instruction in each of the four (4) areas listed herein, which are generally satisfied during the normal course of study in physical therapy school:

Musculoskeletal and Neuromuscular systems;
Anatomical basis of pain mechanisms, chronic pain, and referred pain;
Trigger Points;
Universal Precautions; and (b) Twenty-four (24) hours of dry needling specific instruction.
The twenty-four (24) hours must include instruction in each of the following six (6) areas:

(i) Dry needling technique;

(ii) Dry needling indications and contraindications;

(iii) Documentation of dry needling;

(iv) Management of adverse effects;

(v) Practical psychomotor competency; and (vi) Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Bloodborne Pathogens Protocol.

Each instructional course shall specify what anatomical regions are included in the instruction and describe whether the course offers introductory or advanced instruction in dry needling.
Each course must be pre-approved or approved by the Board or its consultant, or the Board may delegate the approval process to recognized health-related organizations or accredited physical therapy educational institutions.

(3) A newly licensed physical therapist shall not practice dry needling for at least one (1) year from the date of initial licensure, unless the practitioner can demonstrate compliance with paragraph (2) through his or her pre-licensure educational coursework.

(4) Any physical therapist who obtained the requisite twenty-four (24) hours of instruction as described in paragraph (2)(b) in another state or country must provide upon request or audit same documentation to the Board, as described in paragraph (2)(b), that is required of a course provider.

(5) Dry needling may only be performed by a licensed physical therapist and may not be delegated to a physical therapist assistant, student, or support personnel.

(6) A physical therapist practicing dry needling must supply written documentation, upon request by the Board, that substantiates appropriate training as required by this rule.

(7) All physical therapy patients receiving dry needling shall be provided with information from the patient’s physical therapist that includes a definition and description of the practice of dry needling and a description of the risks, benefits, and potential side effects of dry needling.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-304 and 63-13-305.
Administrative History: New rule filed March 31, 2016; effective June 29, 2016. Amendments filed September 30, 2025; effective December 29, 2025.

Chapter 1150-02 General Rules Governing the Practice of Occupational Therapy

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.01 DEFINITIONS

As used in these rules, the terms and acronyms shall have the following meanings ascribed to them.

(1) The Act - The Occupational and Physical Therapy Practice Act of 1984.

(2) Advertising - Includes, but is not limited to, business solicitations, with or without limiting qualifications, in a card, sign, or device issued to a person; in a sign or marking in or on any building; or in any newspaper, magazine, directory, or other printed matter. Advertising also includes business solicitations communicated by individual(s), radio, video, or television broadcasting or any other means designed to secure public attention.

(3) Applicant - Any individual seeking licensure by the Board who has submitted an official application and paid the application fee.

(4) Board - The Board of Occupational Therapy.

(5) Board’s Administrative Office - The office of the administrator assigned to the Board located at 665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN 37243.

(6) Board Designee - Any person who has received a written delegation of authority from the Board to perform Board functions subject to review and ratification by the full Board where provided by these rules.

(7) Closed File - An administrative action which renders an incomplete or denied file inactive.

(8) Continued Competence - The process by which an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant develops and maintains the knowledge, critical reasoning skills, interpersonal skills, performance skills, and ethical reasoning skills necessary to perform their occupational therapy responsibilities.

(9) Department - Tennessee Department of Health.

(10) Direct Contact - Observed treatment interventions, in-person review, video-teleconferencing, and/or discussion of caseload and treatment planning.

(11) Division - The Division of Health Related Boards, Department of Health, from which the Board receives administrative support.

(12) Dry Needling - Is defined as set forth in T.C.A § 63-13-103.

(13) Electrical Stimulation Certification - An authorization issued by the Board when a licensed occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant has successfully completed requirements to use a device, for which a federally required prescription is necessary, that employs transcutaneous electrical current (direct, alternating, or pulsatile) for the purpose of eliciting muscle contraction, alleviating pain, reducing edema, or drug delivery.

(14) Experiential Component (EC) - The experiential component is an integral part of an entrylevel Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program and includes an in-depth experience in one or more of the following: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, or theory development. Students successfully complete all coursework and Level II fieldwork prior to the commencement of the doctoral experiential component.

(15) Examination Service - The testing service whose written examination has been adopted by the Board.

(16) Fee - Money, gifts, services, or anything of value offered or received as compensation in return for rendering services; also the fees required in Rule .06.

(17) Good Moral Character - The quality of being well regarded in personal behavior and professional ethics.

(18) He/She Him/Her - When “he” appears in the text of these rules, the word represents both the feminine and masculine genders.

(19) Health Related Board (HRB) - Tennessee Department of Health, Health Related Boards.

(20) Healthcare Provider - An individual acting within the scope of a valid license issued pursuant to Title 63.

(21) License - Document issued to an applicant who successfully completes the licensure process. The certificate takes the form of an “artistically designed” license as well as other versions bearing an expiration date.

(22) Licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) - Any person who has met the qualifications for licensed occupational therapist and holds a current, unsuspended or unrevoked license which has been lawfully issued by the Board. The Occupational Therapist is responsible for and directs the evaluation process, develops the intervention plan, and provides occupational therapy services.

(23) Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) - Any person who has met the qualifications for licensed occupational therapy assistant and holds a current, unsuspended or unrevoked, license which has been lawfully issued by the Board. Such person works under the supervision of and in partnership with a licensed occupational therapist.

(24) Occupations - Everyday life activities, named, organized, and given value and meaning by individuals and their culture. The term includes everything that people do to occupy their time, including caring for their needs, enjoying life, and contributing to the social and economic fabric of their communities.

(25) Person - Any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, organization, or body politic.

(26) Recognized Educational Program - An educational program in occupational therapy approved by the Board of Occupational Therapy and accredited by the Accreditation Council of Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) in collaboration with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA); or alternatively, as the case may be, an educational program for occupational therapy assistants approved by the Board of Occupational Therapy and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

(27) Registrant - Any person who has been lawfully issued a license.

(28) Relative - A parent, foster parent, parent-in-law, child, spouse, brother, foster brother, sister, foster sister, grandparent, grandchild, son-in-law, brother-in-law, daughter-in-law, sister-inlaw, or other family member who resides in the same household.

(29) Supervision - A collaborative process for responsible, periodic review and inspection of all aspects of occupational therapy services. The Occupational Therapist is accountable for occupational therapy services provided by the Occupational Therapy Assistant and the aide.

In addition, the Occupational Therapy Assistant is accountable for occupational therapy services they provide. Within the scope of occupational therapy practice, supervision is aimed at ensuring the safe and effective delivery of occupational therapy services and fostering professional competence and development. Supervision is defined as the following:

(a) Continuous: Within sight of the individual being supervised.

(b) Close: Daily direct contact at the site of treatment.

(c) Routine: Direct contact at least every two (2) weeks at the site of treatment, with interim supervision occurring by other methods such as telephone or written communication.

(d) General: At least monthly direct contact with supervision available as needed by other methods.

(e) Minimal:

For supervision of occupational therapists, minimal supervision may be provided on an as-needed basis and may be less than monthly.
For supervision of occupational therapy assistants, minimal supervision is not appropriate.

(30) Telehealth, Telemedicine, or Provider-Based Telemedicine - As authorized by T.C.A. § 63-1- 155, and notwithstanding any restriction imposed by T.C.A. §§ 56-7-1002 and 56-7-1003, “telehealth,” “telemedicine,” and “provider-based telemedicine” mean the use of real time audio, video, or other electronic media and telecommunication technology that enables interaction between a healthcare provider and a patient, or also store-and-forward telemedicine services as defined in T.C.A. § 56-7-1002, for the purpose of diagnosis, consultation, or treatment of a patient at a distant site where there may be no in-person exchange between a healthcare provider and a patient.

(31) Thermal Agents Certification - An authorization issued by the Board when a licensed occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant has successfully completed requirements to use thermal agents, for which a federally required prescription is necessary, that include superficial heating agents (e.g., hot packs, paraffin), cryotherapy, and deep heating agents (e.g., ultrasound).

(32) Upper Limb - “Upper limb” is defined as set forth in T.C.A. § 63-13-103.

(33 Use of a Title or Description - To hold oneself out to the public as having a particular status by means of stating on signs, mailboxes, address plates, stationery, announcements, business cards, or other means of professional identification.

(34) Written Evidence - Includes, but is not limited to, written verification from supervisors or other professional colleagues familiar with the applicant’s work.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-1-155, 63-13-103, 63-13-204, 63-13-206, 63-13-207, and 63-13-216.
Administrative History: Original rule filed November 22, 1978; effective January 8, 1979. Repeal and new rule filed March 15, 1996; effective May 29, 1996. Amendment filed September 11, 1998; effective November 25, 1998. Amendment filed July 31, 2000; effective October 14, 2000. Amendment filed July 29, 2002; effective October 12, 2002. Amendment filed March 10, 2005; effective May 24, 2005. Amendment filed March 24, 2005; effective June 7, 2005. Amendments filed October 11, 2005; effective December 25, 2005. Amendment filed April 17, 2007; effective July 1, 2007. References to Board of Occupational and Physical Therapy Examiners have been changed by the Secretary of State to the applicable entity: Board of Occupational Therapy and/or Board of Physical Therapy pursuant to Public Chapter 115 of the 2007 Session of the Tennessee General Assembly. Amendments filed October 21, 2009; effective January 19, 2010. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.02 SCOPE OF PRACTICE

(1) The license to practice as an Occupational Therapist or an Occupational Therapy Assistant is prescribed and limited by the Tennessee Code Annotated (see especially T.C.A. § 63-13- 103). The license is conferred by the Board of Occupational Therapy for applicants who have been found to meet established standards.

(2) The Board adopts for licensed occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, as if fully set out herein, the “Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics” issued by the American Occupational Therapy Association effective December 2020, and the “Candidate/Certificant Code of Conduct” approved by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy effective July 2022, except to the extent that it conflicts with the laws of the state of Tennessee or the rules of the Board. If either document conflicts with state law or rules, the state law or rules govern the matter. Information to acquire copies may be obtained by contacting the following:

(b) Board of Occupational Therapy 665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor Nashville, TN 37243 Telephone: (615) 741-3807 (a) The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. 6116 Executive Boulevard Suite 200 North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929 Telephone: 800-729-2682, ext. 2652 (members) or 301-652-2682, ext. 2652 (nonmembers)

Fax: (301) 652-7711 Email: customerservice@aota.org or otpractice@aota.org Internet: www.aota.org The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.

One Bank Street Suite 300 Gaithersburg, MD 20878 Telephone: (301) 990-7979 Fax: (301) 869-8492 Email: info@nbcot.org Internet: www.nbcot.org Email: Unit2HRB.Health@tn.gov Internet: www.tn.gov/health (3) “Occupational therapy practice” is defined at T.C.A. § 63-13-103.

(4) Universal Precautions for the Prevention of Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) - The Board adopts, inclusive of any guidelines of the Department of Health, the Guidelines for the Standard Precautions (Guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that can be found in The Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee 2007 Guidelines for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Health Care Settings. Am J Infect Control. 2007 Dec;35(10 Suppl 2):S65-164, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2007.10.007 and any amendments made by the CDC to the Guideline.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-103, 63-13-201, and 63-13-216.
Administrative History: Original rule filed March 15, 1996; effective May 29, 1996. Amendment filed March 21, 1996; effective June 4, 1996. Amendment filed February 13, 2002; effective April 29, 2002. Amendment filed March 10, 2005; effective May 24, 2005. Amendment filed April 17, 2007; effective July 1, 2007. References to Board of Occupational and Physical Therapy Examiners have been changed by the Secretary of State to the applicable entity: Board of Occupational Therapy and/or Board of Physical Therapy pursuant to Public Chapter 115 of the 2007 Session of the Tennessee General Assembly. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.03 NECESSITY OF LICENSURE

(1) It is unlawful for any person who does not possess a valid, current, and active license in the manner prescribed in Title 63, Chapter 13 of The Tennessee Code Annotated to represent himself as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant or to hold himself out to the public as being licensed by using a title on signs, mailboxes, address plates, stationery, announcements, telephone listings, calling cards, or other instruments of professional identification.

(2) Occupational therapy is one of the healing arts and as such the practice is restricted to those persons credentialed by this Board. Persons engaging in the practice of occupational therapy without being credentialed or expressly exempted by the laws are in violation of division law, T.C.A. § 63-13-211.

(3) No person shall hold himself out to the public by a title or description of services incorporating the words “occupational therapist” or “occupational therapy assistant”, nor shall state or imply that he is licensed unless such person is licensed or expressly exempted pursuant to T.C.A. §§ 63-13-201, et seq. The provisions of these rules do not apply to a person if that person is preparing for the practice of occupational therapy under a qualified supervisor in a training institution approved by the Board of Occupational Therapy.

(4) Individuals educated as occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants who are responsible for the teaching or instruction of occupational therapy in an occupational therapy or occupational therapy assistant program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), or in programs in the process of receiving accreditation (who have been granted candidacy status by the ACOTE) are required to be licensed. As per ACOTE Standards, Program Directors, core faculty, and academic fieldwork coordinators employed by OT/OTA programs in the state of Tennessee must be licensed.

(5) Licensee Use of Titles - Any person who possesses a valid, current and active license issued by the Board that has not been suspended or revoked has the right to use the title “Occupational Therapist” or “Occupational Therapy Assistant” as applicable, and to use the acronyms “O.T.” or “O.T.A.” as applicable, and to practice occupational therapy, as defined in T.C.A. § 63-13-103. Any person to whom this rule applies must use one of the titles authorized by this rule in every “advertisement” [as that term is defined in Rule 1150-02- .13(2)(a)] he or she publishes or the failure to do so will constitute an omission of a material fact which makes the advertisement misleading and deceptive and subjects the licensee to disciplinary action pursuant to T.C.A. § 63-13-209(a)(1) and (a)(3).

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-201, 63-13-211, 63-13-212, and 63-13-216.
Administrative History: Original rule filed March 15, 1996; effective May 29, 1996. Amendment filed October 11, 2005; effective December 25, 2005. Amendment filed August 18, 2006; effective November 1, 2006. Amendment filed October 21, 2009; effective January 19, 2010. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.04 QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE

(1) To qualify for licensure as an occupational therapist, an applicant must:

(a) Be of good moral character;

(b) Have successfully completed the academic requirements of an educational program for occupational therapists accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or its predecessor organization;

(c) Have successfully completed the supervised fieldwork experience required by ACOTE; and (d) Pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy; or be eligible for licensure as provided in T.C.A. § 63-13-213.

(2) To be eligible for licensure as an occupational therapy assistant, an applicant must:

(a) Be of good moral character;

(b) Have successfully completed the academic requirements of an educational program for occupational therapy assistants accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or its predecessor organization;

(3) If the date of application for licensure as either an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant is more than three (3) years following successful completion of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Examination and the applicant is not currently practicing in another state and applying for a Tennessee license by reciprocity, the applicant may be subject to additional requirements for licensure to be determined by the Board including, but not limited to the following:

(a) Engage in a formalized process of self-assessment through the use of the AOTA professional development tool.

(b) Submit documentation that applicant has attended and successfully completed a minimum of ten (10) hours of formal learning related to the occupational therapy service delivery for each year between the original qualification for licensure and actual application for licensure, at least twenty (20) of which must have occurred within the twenty-four (24) months prior to application and must relate to the area of practice in which the applicant intends to practice; or (c) Must have a minimum of two (2) hours of continuing education in the area of ethics; one (1) hour of continuing education in Tennessee jurisprudence and a minimum of two (2) hours of continuing education in the area of documentation. These continuing education hours should be obtained within twenty-four (24) months prior to the application.

(d) Upon licensure approval by the Board as either an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, a licensee is required to be supervised during their first twelve (12) months of practice by a licensed occupational therapist in good standing. If the relationship between supervisor and licensee should cease before the expiration of the twelve (12) months, licensee must obtain a new supervisor and notify the Board of the name of the new supervisor within thirty (30) days of obtaining the new supervisor.

(4) Certification in the use of physical agent modalities (a) Electrical stimulation certification - To be eligible for certification in electrical stimulation, an applicant must:

Meet all qualifications in paragraph (1) or (2) of this rule and all applicable procedures in Rule 1150-02-.05; and 2. Submit documentation of current certification from the Hand Therapy Certification Commission; or 3. Successfully complete Board-approved training that shall consist of a total of twenty-five (25) contact hours of didactic and laboratory experiences which include five (5) treatments on clinical patients to be supervised by licensees who hold certification pursuant to subparagraph (a) or by a physical therapist currently licensed in the United States. The treatments shall be from the following categories, and at least one (1) treatment shall be from each category:

(i) Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (ii) Electrical stimulation for pain control (iii) Edema reduction 4. If applicant is seeking certification in the use of physical agent modalities, as provided in paragraph (4) of this rule, the applicant shall present to the Board’s administrative office proof of successful completion of didactic and clinical training that has been completed within the two (2) years preceding the submission of the application for certification.

(b) Thermal agents certification - To be eligible for certification in the use of thermal agents, an applicant must:

Meet all qualifications in paragraph (1) or (2) of this rule and all applicable procedures in Rule 1150-02-.05; and 2. Submit documentation of current certification from the Hand Therapy Certification Commission; or 3. Successfully complete Board-approved training that shall consist of a total of twenty (20) contact hours of didactic and laboratory experiences which include ten (10) treatments on clinical patients to be supervised by licensees who hold certification pursuant to subparagraph (b) or by a physical therapist currently licensed in the United States. Five (5) of the ten (10) treatments shall utilize ultrasound. The treatments shall be from the following categories, and at least one (1) treatment shall be from each category:

(i) Superficial heating agents (ii) Cryotherapy (iii) Deep heating agents 4. If an applicant is seeking certification in the use of physical agent modalities, as provided in paragraph (4) of this rule, the applicant shall present to the Board’s administrative office proof of successful completion of didactic and clinical training that has been completed within two (2) years preceding the submission of the application for certification.

(c) Dry Needling of the Upper Limb Certification - To be eligible for certification in the use of dry needling of the upper limb, an applicant must:

Meet all qualifications in paragraphs one (1) through three (3) of this rule and all applicable procedures in Rule 1150-02-.05;
Submit an Application for Certification to Use Physical Agent Modalities Dry Needling of the Upper Limb to the Board; and 3. Meet all other requirements, as outlined in 1150-02-.21.

(d) Training. The continuous supervision of fieldwork students who are training to be certified in the use of physical agent modalities is required at all times. Such supervision shall only be provided by an occupational therapist who is currently licensed in Tennessee and is currently certified in Tennessee in the use of physical agent modalities.

Approval of all training courses shall be made by the Board. The required training for electrical stimulation and thermal agents certification may be obtained through:

(i) Colleges and universities approved for training occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants by the American Occupational Therapy Association, or physical therapists and physical therapy assistants by the American Physical Therapy Association, or at clinical facilities affiliated with such accredited colleges or universities; or (ii) The American Society of Hand Therapists; or (iii) Any approved provider offering a Board-approved course.

The training for the therapeutic use of electrical stimulation devices shall provide competency in the following areas:

(i) Standards (I) The expected outcome or treatments with therapeutic electrical current (TEC) must be consistent with the goals of treatment.

(II) Treatment of TEC must be safe, administered to the correct area, and be of proper dosage.

(ii) Correct dosage and mode (I) Ability to determine the duration and mode of current appropriate to the patient’s neurophysiological status while understanding Ohm’s law of electricity, physical laws related to the passage of current through various media, as well as impedance.

(II) Ability to describe normal electrophysiology of nerve and muscle; understanding generation of bioelectrical signals in nerve and muscle; recruitment of motor units in normal muscle and in response to a variety of external stimuli.

(III) Ability to describe normal and abnormal tissue responses to external electrical stimuli while understanding the differing responses to varieties of current duration, frequency and intensity of stimulation.

(iii) Selection of method and equipment (I) Ability to identify equipment with the capability of producing the preselected duration and mode.

(II) Ability to describe characteristics of electrotherapeutic equipment and understanding of the therapeutic value of different electrotherapeutic equipment.

(III) Ability to describe safety regulations governing the use of electrotherapeutic equipment.

(IV) Ability to describe principles of electrical currents.

(V) Ability to describe requirements/idiosyncrasies of body areas and pathological conditions with respect to electrotherapeutic treatment.

(iv) Preparation of treatment (I) Ability to prepare the patient for treatment through positioning and adequate instructions.

(II) Ability to explain to the patient the benefits expected of the electrotherapeutic treatment.

(v) Treatment administration (I) Ability to correctly operate equipment and appropriately adjust the intensity and current while understanding rate of stimulator, identification of motor points, and physiological effects desired.

(II) Ability to adjust the intensity and rate to achieve the optimal response, based on the pertinent evaluative data.

(vi) Documentation of treatments - Ability to document treatment including immediate and long-term effects of therapeutic electrical current.

The training for the therapeutic use of thermal agents shall provide competency in the following areas:

(i) Standards (I) The expected outcome or treatments with thermal agents must be consistent with the goals of treatment.

(II) Treatment with thermal agents must be safe, administered to the correct area, and be the proper dosage.

(III) Treatment with thermal agents must be adequately documented.

(ii) Instrumentation (I) Ability to describe the physiological effects of thermal agents as well as differentiate tissue responses to the various modes of application.

(II) Ability to select the appropriate thermal agent considering the area and conditions being treated.

(III) Ability to describe equipment characteristics, indications, and contraindications for treatment, including identifying source and mechanisms of generation of thermal energy and its transmission through air and physical matter.

(iii) Preparation for treatment (I) Ability to prepare the patient for treatment through positioning and adequate instruction.

(II) Ability to explain to the patient the benefits expected of the thermal treatment.

(iv) Determination of dosage - Ability to determine dosage through determination of target tissue depth, stage of the condition (acute vs. chronic), and application of power/dosage calculation rules as appropriate.

(v) Treatment administration - Ability to administer treatment through identification of controls, sequence of operation, correct application techniques and application of all safety rules and precautions.

(vi) Documentation of treatments - Ability to document treatment including immediate and long-term effects of thermal agents.

(5) Internationally trained applicants. Applicants for licensure who have completed educational programs outside the United States shall comply with the general application procedures outlined by the Board in these rules, in addition to furnishing proof of compliance with the requirements of T.C.A. § 63-13-214.

(6) In determining the qualifications of applicants for licensure as an occupational therapist or as an occupational therapy assistant, only a majority vote of the Board of Occupational Therapy shall be required.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-202, 63-13-208, 63-13-213, 63-13-214, and 63-13-216.
Administrative History: Original rule filed March 15, 1996; effective May 29, 1996. Amendment filed July 31, 2000; effective October 14, 2000. Amendments filed March 10, 2005; effective May 24, 2005. Amendment filed October 11, 2005; effective December 25, 2005. Amendments filed August 28, 2012; effective November 26, 2012. Amendments filed October 12, 2021; effective January 10, 2022. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.05 PROCEDURES FOR LICENSURE

To become licensed as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant in Tennessee, a person must comply with the following procedures and requirements.

(1) Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapy Assistant by Examination (a) An application packet shall be requested from the Board’s administrative office.

(b) An applicant shall respond truthfully and completely to every question or request for information contained in the application form and submit it along with all documentation and fees required by the form and these rules to the Board’s administrative office. It is the intent of these rules that all steps necessary to accomplish the filing of the required documentation be completed prior to filing an application and that all documentation be filed simultaneously.

(c) Applications will be accepted throughout the year and completed files will ordinarily be processed at the next Board meeting scheduled for the purpose of reviewing files.

(d) An applicant shall pay the nonrefundable application fee and state regulatory fee as provided in Rule 1150-02-.06 when submitting the application.

(e) An applicant shall submit with his application a “passport” style photograph taken within the preceding 12 months.

(f) It is the applicant’s responsibility to request that a graduate transcript from his degree granting institution, pursuant to T.C.A. § 63-13-202, be submitted directly from the school to the Board’s administrative office. The institution granting the degree must be accredited by the AOTA at the time the degree was granted. The transcript must show that the degree has been conferred and carry the official seal of the institution and reference the name under which the applicant has applied for certification.

(g) An applicant shall submit an original letter of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s good moral character. The letter cannot be from a relative.

(h) Examination Verification 1. It is the responsibility of the applicant to request a copy of his certification examination results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Examination be sent directly to the Board’s administrative office.

For examinations taken prior to January, 1985, the applicant shall request the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy send a verification of certification examination results to the Board of Occupational Therapy. For an examination taken in January, 1985, or later, the applicant shall request that Professional Exam Service send verification of certification examination results to the Board of Occupational Therapy.

(i) Physical agent modality certification. If an applicant is seeking certification in the use of physical agent modalities, as provided in paragraph (4) of Rule 1150-02-.04, the applicant shall present to the Board’s administrative office proof of successful completion of didactic and clinical work that has been completed within the two (2) years prior to submission of the application for certification.

(j) An applicant shall disclose the circumstances surrounding any of the following:

Conviction of any criminal law violation of any country, state, or municipality, except minor traffic violations.
The denial of licensure application by any other state or the discipline of a license in any state.
Loss or restriction of licensure.
Any civil suit judgment or civil suit settlement in which the applicant was a party defendant including, without limitations, actions involving malpractice, breach of contract, antitrust activity or any other civil action remedy recognized under the country’s or state’s statutory, common or case law.

(k) The applicant shall cause to be submitted to the Board’s administrative office directly from the vendor identified in the Board’s licensure application materials, the result of a criminal background check.

(l) When necessary, all required documents shall be translated into English. Both translation and original document, certified as to authenticity by the issuing source must be submitted.

(m) Personal resumes are not acceptable and will not be reviewed.

(n) Application review and licensure decisions shall be governed by Rule 1150-02-07.

(o) The burden is on the applicant to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that his course work and supervised field work experience are equivalent to the Board’s requirements.

(p) The initial licensure fee must be received in the Board’s administrative office on or before the thirtieth (30th) day from receipt of notification that the fee is due. Failure to comply will result in the application file being closed.

(q) A license will be issued after all requirements, including payment of an initial licensure fee pursuant to Rule 1150-02-.06, have been met.

(2) Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapy Assistant by Reciprocity (a) The Board of Occupational Therapy may grant a license to an applicant who presents proof of current licensure or certification as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant in another state, the District of Columbia or a territory of the United States and who possesses educational and experiential qualifications that meet or exceed the requirements for licensure in Tennessee, as determined by the Board of Occupational Therapy, as provided in T.C.A. § 63-13-213.

(b) An application packet shall be requested from the Board’s administrative office.

(c) An applicant shall respond truthfully and completely to every question or request for information contained in the application form and submit it along with all documentation and fees required by the form and these rules to the Board’s administrative office. It is the intent of this rule that all steps necessary to accomplish the filing of the required documentation be completed prior to filing an application and that all documentation be filed simultaneously.

(d) An applicant shall submit with his application a “passport” style photograph taken within the preceding twelve (12) months.

(e) An applicant shall pay the non-refundable application fee, and state regulatory fee as provided in Rule 1150-02-.06 when submitting the application.

(f) Applications will be accepted throughout the year and completed files will ordinarily be processed at the next Board meeting scheduled for the purpose of reviewing files.

(g) It is the applicant’s responsibility to request that a graduate transcript from his degree granting institution, pursuant to T.C.A. § 63-13-202, be submitted directly from the school to the Board’s administrative office. The institution granting the degree must be accredited by the AOTA at the time the degree was granted. The transcript must show that the degree has been conferred and carry the official seal of the institution and reference the name under which the applicant has applied for licensure.

(h) It is the applicant’s responsibility to request verification of licensure status be submitted directly to the Board’s administrative office from all states in which the applicant is or has ever been licensed.

(i) Examination Verification 1. It is the responsibility of the applicant to request a copy of his certification examination results from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Examination be sent directly to the Board’s administrative office.

For examinations taken prior to January, 1985, the applicant shall request the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy send a verification of certification examination results to the Board of Occupational Therapy.
For examinations taken in January, 1985, or later, the applicant shall request that Professional Exam Service, send a verification of certification examination results to the Board of Occupational Therapy.

(j) Physical agent modality certification. If an applicant is seeking certification in the use of physical agent modalities, the applicant shall submit:

Proof of certification in physical agent modalities in a state which has certification requirements that meet or exceed the certification requirements of this state; or 2. Proof of successful completion of training which meets the requirements of Rule 1150-02-.04(4).

(k) An applicant shall disclose the circumstances surrounding any of the following:

Conviction of any criminal law violation of any country, state, or municipality, except minor traffic violations.
The denial of licensure application by any other state or the discipline of a license in any state.
Loss or restriction of licensure.
Any civil suit judgment or civil suit settlement in which the applicant was a party defendant including, without limitations, actions involving malpractice, breach of contract, antitrust activity or any other civil action remedy recognized under the country’s or state’s statutory, common or case law.

(l) The applicant shall cause to be submitted to the Board’s administrative office directly from the vendor identified in the Board’s licensure application materials, the result of a criminal background check.

(m) When necessary, all required documents shall be translated into English. Both translation and the original document, certified as to authenticity by the issuing source, must be submitted.

(n) Personal resumes are not acceptable and will not be reviewed.

(o) Application review and licensure decisions shall be governed by Rule 1150-02-.07.

(p) The burden is on the applicant to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that his course work, and experiential qualifications are equivalent to the Board’s requirements.

(q) The initial licensure fee must be received in the Board’s administrative office on or before the thirtieth (30th) day from receipt of notification that the fee is due. Failure to comply will result in the application file being closed.

(r) A license will be issued after all requirements, including payment of an initial licensure fee pursuant to Rule 1150-02-.06, have been met.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-1-103, 63-13-202, 63-13-203, 63-13-204, 63-13-205, 63-13-212, 63-13-213, and 63-13-216.
Administrative History: Original rule filed March 15, 1996; effective May 29, 1996. Amendment filed July 31, 2000; effective October 14, 2000. Amendments filed March 10, 2005; effective May 24, 2005. Amendments filed October 11, 2005; effective December 25, 2005. Amendment filed March 14, 2006; effective May 28, 2006. Amendment filed April 17, 2007; effective July 1, 2007. Amendment filed August 28, 2012; effective November 26, 2012. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.06 FEES

(1) The fees are as follows:

(a) Application Fee - A nonrefundable fee to be paid by all applicants including those seeking licensure by reciprocity. It must be paid each time an application for licensure is filed.

(b) Endorsement/Verification - A fee paid whenever an individual requests the Board endorse him to another state or whenever a request is made to verify a certificate.

(d) Limited Permit Fee - A nonrefundable fee to be paid when an individual requests a limited permit.

(e) Renewal Fee - To be paid by all license holders. This fee also applies to individuals who reactivate a retired or lapsed license.

(f) Duplicate License Fee - To be paid when an individual requests a replacement for a lost or destroyed “artistically designed” license.

(g) State Regulatory Fee - To be paid by all individuals at the time of application and with all renewal applications pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 9-4-5117.

(h) Inactive License Fee - A nonrefundable fee to be paid each time a licensee requests an Inactive License, and every two (2) years thereafter until reactivation is requested.

(2) All fees shall be established, reviewed and changed by the Board, as appropriate.

(3) All fees must be submitted to the Board’s administrative office by certified or personal check or money order. Checks or money orders are to be made payable to the Board of Occupational Therapy.

(4) Fee Schedule: OT OTA (a) Application $125.00 $100.00 (b) Duplicate License $25.00 $25.00 (c) Endorsement/Verification $25.00 $25.00 (d) Late Renewal Fee $30.00 $30.00 (e) Limited Permit $25.00 $25.00 (f) Renewal (biennial) $135.00 $115.00 (g) State Regulatory Fee (biennial) $10.00 $10.00 (h) Inactive License (biennial) $25.00 $25.00

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-1-103, 63-13-204, 63-13-215, and 63-13-216.
Administrative History: Original rule filed March 15, 1996; effective May 29, 1996. Amendment filed April 17, 2003; effective July 1, 2003. Amendment filed October 11, 2005; effective December 25, 2005. Amendment filed August 18, 2006; effective November 1, 2006. Amendment filed April 17, 2007; effective July 1, 2007. References to Board of Occupational and Physical Therapy Examiners have been changed by the Secretary of State to the applicable entity: Board of Occupational Therapy and/or Board of Physical Therapy pursuant to Public Chapter 115 of the 2007 Session of the Tennessee General Assembly. Amendments filed August 7, 2018; effective November 5, 2018. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.07 APPLICATION REVIEW, APPROVAL AND DENIAL

(1) An application packet shall be requested from the Board’s administrative office.

(2) Applications for licensure will be accepted throughout the year and completed files will be ordinarily processed at the next Board meeting scheduled for the purpose of reviewing files.

(3) Initial review of all applications to determine whether or not the application file is complete may be delegated to the Board’s administrator, provided that final approval of all applications is made and ratified by the Board. In no event may an application be approved or denied without prior review by a member of the Board.

(4) If an application is incomplete when received in the Board’s administrative office, a deficiency letter will be sent to the applicant, within 10 working days, notifying him of the deficiency.

(5) If a completed application has been denied and ratified as such by the Board, the action shall become final and the following shall occur.

(a) A notification of the denial shall be sent by the Board’s administrative office by certified mail return receipt requested. Specific reasons for denial will be stated, such as incomplete information, unofficial records, examination failure or other matters judged insufficient for certification and such notification shall contain all the specific statutory or

rule authorities for the denial.

(c) An applicant has a right to a contested case hearing only if the licensure denial was based on subjective or discretionary criteria.

(d) An applicant may be granted a contested case hearing if licensure denial is based on objective, clearly defined criteria only if after review and attempted resolution by the Board’s administrative staff, the application can not be approved and the reasons for continued denial present a genuine issue of fact and/or law which is appropriate for appeal. Such request must be made in writing within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the notice of denial.

(6) If the Board finds it has erred in the issuance of a license, the Board will give written notice by certified mail of its intent to annul the license. The notice will allow the applicant the opportunity to meet the requirements of licensure within thirty (30) days from date of receipt of the notification.

(7) Whenever requirements for licensure are not completed within twelve (12) months from the date of the initial review of application and credentials, written notification will be mailed to the applicant and the application file will be closed. An applicant whose file has been closed shall subsequently be considered for licensure only upon the filing of a new application and payment of all appropriate fees.

(8) Abandonment of Application (a) An application shall be deemed abandoned and closed if:

The application has not been completed by the applicant within 12 months after it was initially reviewed by the Board; or 2. The applicant fails to sit for the written exam within 12 months after being notified of eligibility.

(b) Whenever the applicant fails to complete the application process as stated in (1) or (2) above, written notification will be mailed to the applicant notifying him that the file has been closed. The determination of abandonment must be ratified by the Board.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-202, 63-13-203, 63-13-204, 63-13-205, 63-13-209, and 63-13-216.
Administrative History: Original rule filed March 15, 1996; effective May 29, 1996. Amendment filed October 11, 2005; effective December 25, 2005. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.08 EXAMINATIONS

In addition to having filed an application, an individual seeking licensure shall be required to pass an examination.

(1) Occupational Therapist examination adopted by the Board:

(a) The examination shall be the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Examination or its successor exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. The Board adopts the passing scores as set by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Examination scores are provided automatically, directly to the candidate by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.

(b) Examinations taken prior to January, 1985 - The applicant shall request the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy send a verification of certification examination results to the Board of Occupational Therapy.

(c) Examinations taken in January, 1985, or later - The applicant shall request that Professional Exam Service send verification of certification examination results to the Board of Occupational Therapy.

(2) Occupational Therapy Assistant Examination adopted by the Board:

(a) The examination shall be the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Examination or its successor examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. The Board adopts the passing scores as set by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Examination scores are provided automatically, directly to the candidate by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-202 and 63-13-216.
Administrative History: Original rule filed March 15, 1996; effective May 29, 1996. Amendments filed March 10, 2005; effective May 24, 2005. Amendment filed October 11, 2005; effective December 25, 2005. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.09 RENEWAL OF LICENSE

(1) Renewal Application (a) The due date for licensure renewal is the last day of the month in which a licensee’s birthday falls pursuant to the Division of Health Related Boards “birthdate renewal system” contained on the renewal certificate as the expiration date.

(b) Methods of Renewal 1. Internet Renewals - Individuals may apply for renewal and pay the necessary fees via the Internet. The application to renew can be accessed at: https://apps.tn.gov/hlrs/ 2. Paper Renewals - For individuals who have not renewed their license online via the Internet, a renewal application form will be mailed to each individual licensed by the Board to the last address provided to the Board. Failure to receive such notification does not relieve the licensee from the responsibility of meeting all requirements for renewal.

(c) A license issued pursuant to these rules is renewable by the expiration date indicated on the renewal certificate. To be eligible for renewal, an individual must submit to the Division of Health Related Boards on or before the expiration date all of the following:

A completed and signed Board renewal application form; and 2. The renewal and state regulatory fees as provided in Rule 1150-02-.06; and 3. A statement attesting to the completion of continued competence requirements, as provided in Rule 1150-02-.12.

(d) Licensees who fail to comply with the renewal rules or notification received by them concerning failure to timely renew shall have their licenses processed pursuant to Rule

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.10 SUPERVISION

The Board adopts, as if fully set out herein, the “Guidelines for Supervision, Roles, and Responsibilities During the Delivery of Occupational Therapy Services” issued by the American Occupational Therapy Association, effective September 2020, to the extent that it agrees with the laws of the state of Tennessee or the rules of the Board. If there are conflicts with state law or rules, the state law or rules govern the matter. Information to acquire a copy may be obtained by contacting either of the following:

American Occupational Therapy Association 6116 Executive Boulevard Suite 200 North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929 Telephone: 800-SAY-AOTA (800-729-2682), ext. 2652 or (301) 652-6611 (members)

Telephone: 1-800-SAY-AOTA (729-2682) and press 0 (non-members)

Fax: (301) 652-7711 Email: customerservice@aota.org or otpractice@aota.org Internet: www.aota.org Board of Occupational Therapy 665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor Nashville, TN 37243 Telephone: (615) 741-3807 Email: Unit2HRB.Health@tn.gov Internet: www.tn.gov/health (1) Supervision of an Occupational Therapist on a limited permit must include initial and routine inspection of written evaluations, written treatment plans, patient/client notes and routine evaluation of performance. The supervision must be conducted in person, by a licensed occupational therapist and must be as follows:

(a) Routine supervision with direct contact every 2 weeks at the site of treatment, with interim supervision occurring by other methods such as the telephone, conferences, written communication, and e-mail.

(b) Supervision must include observation of the individual treatment under a limited permit in order to assure service competency in carrying out evaluation, treatment planning and treatment implementation.

(c) The frequency of the face to face collaboration between the person treating under a limited permit and the supervising therapist should exceed direct contact every 2 weeks if the condition of the patient/client, complexity of treatment, evaluation procedures, and proficiencies of the person practicing under the limited permit warrants it.

(d) Therapists must maintain documentation of each supervisory visit, and must identify a plan for continued supervision. Records must include, at a minimum, the following information:

Location of visit; a method of identifying clients discussed 2. Current plan for supervision (daily, weekly, bi-monthly)
Identification of type(s) of interventions observed. These include but are not limited to:

(i) Interventions (ii) Training (iii) Consultations 4. Other supervisory actions. These include but are not limited to:

(i) Discussion/recommendation for interventions and/or goals (ii) Discussion/training in documentation (iii) Demonstration/training in intervention techniques (iv) Assessment/re-assessment/discharge (v) Additional Comments 5. An agreement statement signed and dated by both parties, that the supervisory visit did occur and met the needs of the supervisor and supervisee.

It is the responsibility of the supervising occupational therapist to provide and the limited permit holder to seek a quality and frequency of supervision that ensures safe and effective occupational therapy service delivery. Both parties (supervisor and supervisee) must keep copies of the supervisory records. Visit records must be maintained for three (3) years, and must be provided to the Board and/or its representative, upon request.

(e) A co-signature by supervising Occupational Therapist is required on evaluations, treatment plans, and discharge summaries.

(2) Supervision of an Occupational Therapy Assistant on a limited permit means initial direction and routine inspection of the service delivery and provision of relevant in-service training. The supervising occupational therapist must provide additional supervision, if the patient’s required level of care is beyond the level of skill of an entry level Occupational Therapy Assistant on a limited permit. This decision is based on client’s level of care, OTA caseload, experience and demonstrated performance competency. Supervision of an Occupational Therapy Assistant on a limited permit must include initial and routine inspection of patient notes and routine evaluation of performance. The supervision must be conducted in person by a licensed occupational therapist and must be as follows:

(a) The Occupational Therapist shall be responsible for the evaluation of the patient and development of the patient/client treatment plan. The Occupational Therapy Assistant on a limited permit may contribute information from observations and standardized test procedures to the evaluation and the treatment plans.

(b) The Occupational Therapy Assistant can implement and coordinate intervention plan under supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist.

(c) The Occupational Therapy Assistant can provide direct services that follow a documented routine and accepted procedure under the supervision of the licensed Occupational Therapist.

(d) The Occupational Therapy Assistant can adapt activities, media, and environment according to needs of patient/client under supervision of the licensed Occupational Therapist.

(e) Documentation provided by the Occupational Therapy Assistant while on a limited permit must be co-signed by a licensed Occupational Therapist.

(f) Therapists must maintain documentation of each supervisory visit, and must identify a plan for continued supervision. Records must include, at a minimum, the following information:

Location of visit; a method of identifying clients discussed 2. Current plan for supervision (daily, weekly, bi-monthly)
Identification of type(s) of interventions observed. These include but are not limited to:

(i) Interventions (ii) Training (iii) Consultations 4. Other supervisory actions. These include but are not limited to:

It is the responsibility of the supervising occupational therapist to provide and the limited permit holder to seek a quality and frequency of supervision that ensures safe and effective occupational therapy service delivery. Both parties (supervisor and supervisee) must keep copies of the supervisory records. Visit records must be maintained for three (3) years, and must be provided to the Board and/or its representative, upon request.

(3) Supervision of an Occupational Therapy Assistant with permanent licensure means initial direction and inspection of the service delivery and provision of relevant in-service training, according to the level of supervision the occupational therapy assistant requires. It is the responsibility of the occupational therapist and the occupational therapy assistant to seek the appropriate quality and frequency of supervision that ensures safe and effective occupational therapy service delivery. This decision is based on client’s level of care, OTA caseload, experience and demonstrated performance competency.

(a) The frequency of the face to face collaboration between the Occupational Therapy Assistant and the supervising Occupational Therapist should exceed direct contact of once a month if the condition of the patient/client, complexity of treatment, evaluation procedures, and proficiencies of the person practicing warrants it.

(b) The Occupational Therapist shall be responsible for the evaluation of the patient and the development of the patient/client treatment plan. The Occupational Therapy Assistant may contribute information from observations and standardized test procedures to the evaluation and the treatment plans.

(c) The Occupational Therapy Assistant can implement and coordinate intervention plan under the supervision of the licensed Occupational Therapist.

(d) The Occupational Therapy Assistant can provide direct services that follow a documented routine and accepted procedure under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist.

(e) The Occupational Therapy Assistant can adapt activities, media, and environment according to the needs of the patient/client, under the supervision of the licensed Occupational Therapist.

(f) Therapists must maintain documentation of each supervisory visit, and must identify a plan for continued supervision. A form is available on the Board’s website which may be used to document supervision. Records must include, at a minimum, the following information:

Location of visit; a method of identifying clients discussed 2. Current plan for supervision (daily, weekly, bi-monthly, monthly, other)
Type of supervision provided. These include but are not limited to:

(i) In person (ii) Phone contact (iii) Electronic contact 4. Identification of type(s) of interventions observed. These include but are not limited to:

(i) Interventions (ii) Training (iii) Consultations 5. Other supervisory actions. These include but are not limited to:

(i) Discussion/recommendation for interventions and/or goals (ii) Discussion/training in documentation (iii) Demonstration/training in intervention techniques (iv ) Assessment/re-assessment/discharge (v) Additional Comments 6. An agreement statement signed and dated by both parties, that the supervisory visit did occur and met the needs of the supervisor and supervisee.

It is the responsibility of the supervising occupational therapist to provide and the occupational therapy assistant to seek a quality and frequency of supervision that ensures safe and effective occupational therapy service delivery. Both parties (supervisor and supervisee) must keep copies of the supervisory records.

Visit records must be maintained for three (3) years, and must be provided to the Board and/or its representative, upon request.

(4) Supervision of occupational therapy students and occupational therapy assistant students.

(a) Supervision of occupational therapy students and occupational therapy assistant students shall be consistent with the standards of the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) for such supervision.

(b) Students enrolled in an entry-level doctor of occupational therapy (OTD) program shall comply with the ACOTE Standards pertaining to the Experiential Component (EC) for purposes of supervision. In the event that the student’s EC includes an in-depth experience in clinical practice or OT/OTA education, the student will be required to have a minimum of eight (8) hours of direct supervision each week by a licensed occupational therapist.

(5) Supervision of an unlicensed person shall be as follows:

(a) There shall be close supervision with daily, direct contact at site of treatment, which demands the physical presence of a licensed physician, occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, whenever the unlicensed person assists in the practice of Occupational Therapy.

(b) There shall be personal instruction, observation and evaluation by the licensed occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant.

(c) There shall be specific delineation of tasks and responsibilities by the licensed physician, occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant who is responsible for reviewing and interpreting the results of care. The licensed physician, occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant must ensure that the unlicensed person does not perform duties for which he is not trained. The tasks that may be delegated to an unlicensed person and the responsibilities of the delegating licensee are set forth in T.C.A. § 63-13-207.

(d) Appropriate records must be maintained to document compliance.

(e) The intensity of the supervision is determined by the nature of the task to be performed, the needs of the consumer, and the capability of the unlicensed person.

(6) Supervision parameters (a) Supervision is a collaborative process that requires both the licensed occupational therapist and the licensed occupational therapy assistant to share responsibility.

Appropriate supervision will include consideration given to factors such as level of skill, the establishment of service competency (the ability to use the identified intervention in a safe and effective manner), experience and work setting demands, as well as the complexity and stability of the client population to be treated.

(b) Supervision is an interactive process that requires both the licensed occupational therapist and the licensed occupational therapy assistant or other supervisee to share responsibility for communication between the supervisor and the supervisee. The licensed occupational therapist should provide the supervision and the supervisee should seek it. An outcome of appropriate supervision is to enhance and promote quality services and the professional development of the individuals involved.

(c) Supervision of occupational therapy services provided by a licensed occupational therapy assistant is recommended as follows:

Entry level occupational therapy assistants are persons working on initial skill development (less than 1 year of work experience) or who are entering new practice environments or developing new skills (one or more years. of experience) and should require close supervision.
Intermediate level occupational therapy assistants are persons working on increased skill development, mastery of basic role functions (minimum one three years of experience or dependent on practice environment or previous experience) and should require routine supervision.
Advanced level occupational therapy assistants are persons refining specialized skills (more than 3 years work experience, or the ability to understand complex issues affecting role functions) and should require general supervision.
Licensed occupational therapy assistants, regardless of their years of experience, may require closer supervision by the licensed occupational therapist for interventions that are more complex or evaluative in nature and for areas in which service competencies have not been established.
Certain occupational therapy assistants may only require minimal supervision when performing non-clinical administrative responsibilities.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-206, 63-13-207, and 63-13-216.
Administrative History: Original rule filed March 15, 1996; effective May 29, 1996. Amendment filed September 11, 1998; effective November 25, 1998. Amendment filed July 31, 2000; effective October 14, 2000. Amendment filed April 17, 2007; effective July 1, 2007. References to Board of Occupational and Physical Therapy Examiners have been changed by the Secretary of State to the applicable entity: Board of Occupational Therapy and/or Board of Physical Therapy pursuant to Public Chapter 115 of the 2007 Session of the Tennessee General Assembly. Amendments filed October 21, 2009; effective January 19, 2010. Amendment filed August 28, 2012; effective November 26, 2012. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.11 RETIREMENT AND REACTIVATION OF LICENSE

(1) A person who holds a current license and does not intend to practice as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant may apply to convert an active license to inactive or retired status.

(2) A person who holds an active license may apply for retired status in the following manner:

(a) Obtain from, complete, and submit to the Board’s administrative office an affidavit of retirement form; and (b) Submit any documentation which may be required by the form to the Board’s administrative office.

(3) A licensee whose license has been retired may reenter active status by doing the following:

(a) Submit a written request for licensure reactivation to the Board’s administrative office; and (b) Pay the licensure renewal fees and state regulatory fee as provided in Rule 1150-02- .06. If retirement reactivation is requested prior to the expiration of one (1) year from the date of retirement, the Board will require payment of the late renewal fee and all past due licensure renewal fees; and (c) Complete the continued competence requirements, as provided in Rule 1150-02-.12.

(4) Licensure reactivation applications shall be treated as licensure applications and review and decisions shall be governed by Rule 1150-02-.07.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-202, 63-13-215, and 63-13-216.
Administrative History: Original rule filed March 15, 1996; effective May 29, 1996. Amendment filed March 24, 2005; effective June 7, 2005. Amendment filed October 11, 2005; effective December 25, 2005. Amendment filed April 17, 2007; effective July 1, 2007. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.12 CONTINUED COMPETENCE

Pursuant to T.C.A. § 63-13-204, the Board is authorized to establish requirements for assessing continued competence of licenses. On January 1, 2006, the Board shall begin to notify applicants for licensure renewal of the continued competence requirements as provided in T.C.A. § 63-13-204(d). Effective January 1, 2022, the Board shall require each licensed occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistant to participate in a minimum number of activities to promote continued competence during the twenty-four (24) months that precede the licensure renewal month. The renewal cycle will begin the first day of the licensee’s birthday month and continue to the last day of the month preceding the licensee’s birthday month.

(1) The requirements for continued competence activities are defined as planned learning experiences that occur for occupational therapists and occupational therapist assistants.

Content of the experiences must relate to a licensee’s current or anticipated roles and responsibilities in occupational therapy. Qualified learning experiences may include theoretical or practical content related to the practice of occupational therapy; research; management; or the development, administration, supervision, and teaching of clinical practice or service delivery programs in occupational therapy. The purpose of this requirement is to assist in assuring safe and effective practices in the provision of occupational therapy services to the citizens of Tennessee.

(2) For applicants approved for initial licensure by examination, successfully completing the requirements of Rules 1150-02-.04, .05, and .08, as applicable, shall be considered proof of sufficient competence to constitute compliance with this rule for the initial period of licensure.

The use of physical agent modalities by any licensee requires additional certification pursuant to Rule 1150-02-.04.

(3) Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants are required to complete twenty-four (24) continued competence credits during the twenty-four (24) months that precede the licensure renewal month.

(a) A maximum of four (4) continued competence credits during the twenty-four (24) months that precede the licensure renewal month that are in excess of the twenty-four (24) credit requirement may be used to partially complete the requirement for the subsequent renewal period.

(b) The subjects of any continued competence credits used to partially complete the requirement for the subsequent twenty-four (24) month period shall not pertain to:

The AOTA Code of Ethics; or 2. The occupational therapy portions of T.C.A. §§ 63-13-101, et seq., the Tennessee Occupational and Physical Therapy Practice Act; or 3. Chapter 1150-02, General Rules Governing the Practice of Occupational Therapy.

(4) Twelve (12) of the required twenty-four (24) continued competence credits must be directly related to the delivery of occupational therapy services.

(5) One (1) hour of the required twenty-four (24) continued competence credits shall pertain to the AOTA Code of Ethics or other ethics related continued competence activities which have implications for the practice of occupational therapy.

(6) One (1) hour of the required twenty-four (24) continued competence credits shall pertain to the occupational therapy portions of T.C.A. §§ 63-13-101, et seq., the Tennessee Occupational and Physical Therapy Practice Act, and shall pertain to Chapter 1150-02, General Rules Governing the Practice of Occupational Therapy.

(7) Suicide Prevention Training required under the “Kenneth and Madge Tullis, MD Suicide Prevention Training Act”:

(a) Current Tennessee Licensees - Beginning January 1, 2020, all persons who hold an active license as an occupational therapist must complete a minimum two (2) hour training program by a Board-approved provider relative to suicide prevention at least once every four (4) years.

(b) New Tennessee Licensees - An occupational therapist applying for initial licensure in the State of Tennessee on or after January 1, 2020 is not required to complete a training program on suicide prevention for two (2) years after the date of initial licensure if the applicant can demonstrate successful completion of a two (2) hour training program by a Board-approved provider that was completed no more than two (2) years prior to the application for initial licensure.

Part (a) or Part (b) of this subparagraph count toward meeting the continuing education requirements listed in this rule.

(8) Ten (10) hours of the required twenty-four (24) continued competence credits may pertain to the licensee’s current or anticipated professional role or may be directly related to the delivery of occupational therapy services.

(9) Continued competence credits are awarded pursuant to the Activity Table in paragraph (12).

(10) Approved Continued Competence Activity Providers (a) American Medical Association (AMA)

(b) American Nurses Association (ANA)

(c) American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and AOTA approved providers (d) American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

(e) American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

(f) International Association of Continuing Education (IACET)

(g) National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NCBOT)

(h) Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)

(i) State occupational therapy associations (j) State occupational therapy regulatory agencies (k) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

(l) Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association (TNOTA) and TNOTA approved providers (m) Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) and TSPN approved providers (11) The Board does not pre-approve continued competence activities. It is the responsibility of the licensed occupational therapist and occupational therapist assistant to use his/her professional judgment in determining whether or not the activities offered by entities other than those specifically approved by the Board are applicable and appropriate to his/her professional development and meet the standards specified in these rules.

(12) Activity Table (Per Twenty-Four (24) Month Cycle)

Approved Activities Equivalency Max.Credits Documentation (a) Volunteer Services to organizations, populations, individuals, that advance the reliance on the use of one’s OT skills and experiences.

This excludes holding any elected or appointed offices. 5 Hours Equals 1 Credit 12 Credits Verification letter from organizations.

Describe outcomes of volunteer service provided. (See guidelines on the Board’s web page at Tennessee.gov/heal th)

(b) Attending workshops, seminars, lectures, professional conferences offered by approved providers, as listed in 1150-02-.12(10). 1 Hour Equals 1 Credit 24 Credits Certificates of attendance or letter from sponsor of course.

(c) Attending workshops, seminars, lectures, professional conferences by other providers. 1 Hour Equals 1 Credit 12 Credits Certificates of attendance or letter from sponsor.

(d) Attending employer-provided continuing education. 1 Hour Equals 1 Credit 12 Credits Attendance records or certificates with name, date of course. (Attending OSHA, CPR & Safety Courses required for maintaining employment are not acceptable.)

(e) Attaining an OT specialty or board certification (i.e., Certified Hand Therapist.) 10 Credits 20 Credits Award of certification within the renewal cycle.

(f) Making professional presentations at state, national or international workshops, seminars, and conferences. 1 Hour Equals 2 Credits 20 Credits Copy of presentation, or program listing.

(g) Panel and/or poster presentations for state, national, or international workshops, seminars, and conferences. 1 Presentation Equals 1 Credit 12 Credits Copy of presentation, or program listing.

Approved Activities Equivalency Max.Credits Documentation (h) Publication of an OT article in non-peer-reviewed publication (e.g., OT Practice, SIS Quarterly, Advance, Community Newsletters, etc.) 1 Article Equals 5 Credits 20 Credits Copy of publication.

(i) Publication of article in peerreviewed professional publication (e.g., journals, book

chapter, research paper) 1 Article Equals 10 Credits 20 Credits Copy of publication.

(j) Publication of chapter(s) in occupational therapy or related professional textbook. 1 Chapter Equals 10 Credits 20 Credits Copy of text and original letter from editor.

(k) Mentoring a licensed OT colleague to improve the skills of the protégé. (Mentor must be currently licensed). 10 Hours Equals 2 Credits 12 Credits Goals and objectives, analysis of protégé performance. (See guidelines)

(l) Mentoring other professionals in good standing to improve the skills of the protégé.

(Mentor must be currently licensed.) 10 Hours Equals 2 Credits 12 Credits Goals and objectives, analysis of protégé performance. (See guidelines)

(m) Mentoring with other professionals in good standing to improve the skills of the protégé. (Protégé must be currently licensed.) 10 Hours Equals 2 Credits 12 Credits Goals and objectives established in collaboration with the mentor and selfanalysis of performance. (See guidelines)

(n) Reflective occupational therapy practice in collaboration with an advanced licensed OT colleague to improve one’s skill level. 10 Hours Equals 2 Credits 12 Credits Verification of skills obtained.

Evaluation experience.

Analysis of learning.

(See guidelines)

(o) Guest lecturer, teaching OT related academic course per semester (must not be one’s primary role). For one time lecture use presentation value, see subparagraph (f). 1 College Credit Hour Equals 6 Credits 20 Credits Date, lecture or academic course title, name of institution, original letter from instructor regarding time spent in classroom, and course/lecture goals and objectives.

Approved Activities Equivalency Max.Credits Documentation (p) Independent reading peerreviewed, role-related professional articles/chapters in textbook, and writing a report describing the implications for improving skills in one’s specific role. Current copyright on textbook edition, which should not exceed 5 years at time of licensure renewal. Textbooks required to be read for academic courses or audit courses are not allowed. 5 Articles and/or Chapters Equal 1 Credit 12 Credits Annotated bibliography and analysis of how articles impacted improving skills in one’s role. (See guidelines)

(q) Providing professional inservice training and/or instruction for occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and related professionals. 1 Hour Equals 1 Credit 12 Credits In-Service training attendance records, goals, and objectives with verification letter from supervisor.

(r) Making presentations for local organizations/associations/ groups on OT related topic.

(e.g., energy conservation, back care and prevention of injury.) 1 Hour Equals 1 Credit 12 Credits Date and location of presentation, copy of presentation or program listing; organization’s contact person.

Approved Activities Equivalency Max.Credits Documentation (s) 1. Level I fieldwork direct supervision OT or OTA (Not one’s primary employment role.)

Level II fieldwork direct supervision OT or OTA (Not one’s primary employment role.) 1 Credit per Student Supervised 1 Credit per each week of supervision, per student supervised 12 Credits (A licensee may not receive more than 12 Credits for fieldwork supervision total.) 12 Credits (A licensee may not receive more than 12 Credits for fieldwork supervision total.)

Documentation required, name of student(s), letter of verification from school, dates of fieldwork. Cosupervision is acceptable; maintain dates & times when acting as primary student supervisor.

Apply appropriate credits based on time spent supervising.

Documentation required, name of student(s), letter of verification from school, dates of fieldwork. Cosupervision is acceptable; maintain dates & times when acting as primary student supervisor.

Apply appropriate credits based on time spent supervising.

(t) Professional manuscript review (editing) for journals or textbooks. 5 Hours Equals 1 Credit 12 Credits Letter from publishing organization, verifying time spent.

(u) Formal academic coursework 1 Credit Hour per Semester Equals 10 Credits 20 Credits Official transcript from an accredited educational institution.

Approved Activities Equivalency Max.Credits Documentation (v) Auditing formal academic coursework. 15 Clock Hours Equals 2 Credits 12 Credits Original letter from instructor regarding time in class or labs at accredited schools. Report by OT/OTA on learning objectives accomplished.

(w) Professional study group/online study group designed to advance knowledge through active participation. 3 Hours Equals 1 Credit 20 Credits Group attendance records; study group goals; analysis of goal attainment and learning. (See guidelines)

(x) Outcomes of self-assessment and professional development plan. 2 Credits for Self- Assessment and Professional Development Plan 2 Credits Acceptable documents include a completed formal self-assessment and professional development plan describing how goals were met and how they impacted competence and skills.

(y) Extensive scholarly research activities, or extensive outcome studies (defined as research associated with, e.g., grants, post graduate studies, peer reviewed journals) 10 Credits 20 Credits Grant funding number, abstractexecutive summary and/or copies of the completed research/studies.

(z) Collaborative or Clinical Research activities 5 Credits 10 Credits Executive summary and/or copies of the completed research studies or letter of verification from senior researcher or supervisor.

(aa) Fellowship Training in specific area. 10 Credits (Minimum 12 Weeks) 12 Credits Certificate awarded from sponsoring organization to include dates and learning objectives.

Approved Activities Equivalency Max.Credits Documentation (bb) Independent learning/study (e.g., CE articles, video, audio, and/or asynchronous online courses.) 2 Hours Equals 1 Credit 12 Credits CEUs, certificate of completion and # of contact hours awarded.

(cc) Synchronous online learning offered by approved providers, as listed in 1150-02-.12(10). 1 Hour Equals 1 Credit 16 Credits CEUs, certificate of completion and # of contact hours awarded.

(dd) External self-study series. 1 Hour Equals 1 Credit 20 Credits Certificate of completion.

(ee) Development of instructional materials using alternative media such as: video, audio and/or software programs to advance professional skills of others (not for proprietary use). 5 Credits 12 Credits Program description and media/software materials available if requested during validation process.

(13) Documentation of compliance.

(a) Each licensee must timely submit proof of successful completion of all continued competence requirements through the Board’s approved continuing education tracking system.

(b) Each licensee must retain documentation of completion of all continued competence requirements of this rule for a period of five (5) years from when the requirements were completed. This documentation must be produced for inspection and verification, if requested in writing by the Board during its verification process.

(c) The licensee must, within forty-five (45) days of receipt of a request from the Board, provide evidence of continued competence activities.

(d) Any licensee who fails to complete the continued competence activities or who falsely certifies completion of continued competence activities may be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to T.C.A. §§ 63-13-108, 63-13-209, and 63-13-210.

(14) Reinstatement/Reactivation of an Expired, Retired or Inactive License.

(a) Expired, retired, or inactive for three (3) years or less - An individual whose license has expired, or has been retired or inactive for three (3) years or less shall submit the appropriate application and documentation of continued competence, as provided in paragraph (13), for the two (2) year period that precedes the reinstatement/reactivation year.

(b) Expired or retired more than three (3) years.

An individual whose license has expired or has been retired for more than three (3) years shall submit the appropriate application and documentation of continued competence, as provided in paragraph (13), for the two (2) year period that precedes the reinstatement/reactivation year; and 2. The Board may, at its discretion, require additional education, supervised clinical practice, or successful passage of examinations.

(15) The Board, in cases of documented illness, disability, or other undue hardship, may waive the continued competence requirements and/or extend the deadline to complete continued competence requirements. To be considered for a waiver of continued competence requirements, or for an extension of the deadline to complete the continued competence requirements, a licensee must request such in writing with supporting documentation before the end of the two (2) year period in which the continued competence requirements were not met.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-204, 63-13-209, 63-13-210, 63-13-215, and 63-13-216.
Administrative History: Original rule filed March 24, 2005; effective June 7, 2005. Amendment filed April 17, 2007; effective July 1, 2007. Amendment filed August 28, 2012; effective November 26, 2012. Amendments filed October 12, 2021; effective January 10, 2022. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.21 DRY NEEDLING TO THE UPPER LIMB

(1) Pursuant to T.C.A. § 63-13-216(l)(4), the Board is authorized to establish minimum competency requirements that an occupational therapist must demonstrate in order to practice dry needling of the upper limb. In order to perform dry needling to the upper limb, an occupational therapist shall submit an Application for Certification to Use Physical Agent Modalities Dry Needling of the Upper Limb and meet all qualifications listed in 1150-02-.04(1) and 1150-02-.04(4)(c). Additionally, the occupational therapist shall obtain all of the educational instruction described below in paragraphs (2)(a) and (2)(b). All such educational instruction must be obtained in person and may not be obtained online or through video conferencing.

(2) Mandatory Training - Before performing dry needling to the upper limb, an occupational therapist must complete educational requirements in each of the following areas:

(a) Fifty (50) hours of instruction, to include instruction in each of the four (4) areas listed herein, which are generally satisfied during the normal course of study in occupational therapy school or continuing education from a Board-approved continuing education provider:

Musculoskeletal and Neuromuscular systems;
Anatomical basis of pain mechanisms, chronic pain, and referred pain;
Trigger Points; and 4. Universal Precautions.

(b) Twenty-four (24) hours of dry needling instruction that includes specific instruction of the upper limb defined as hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder girdle.

The twenty-four (24) hours must include instruction in each of the following six (6) areas:

(i) Dry needling technique;

(ii) Dry needling indications and contraindications;

(iii) Documentation of dry needling;

(iv) Management of adverse effects;

(v) Practical psychomotor competency; and (vi) Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Bloodborne Pathogens Protocol.

Each instructional course shall specify what anatomical regions are included in the instruction and describe whether the course offers introductory or advanced instruction in dry needling.
Each course must be pre-approved or approved by the Board or its consultant, or the Board may delegate the approval process to recognized health-related organizations or accredited occupational therapy educational institutions.

(c) A newly licensed occupation therapist shall not practice dry needling to the upper limb for at least one (1) year from the date of initial licensure unless the practitioner can demonstrate compliance with paragraph (2) through his or her pre-licensure educational coursework.

(3) Any occupational therapist who obtained the requisite twenty-four (24) hours of instruction as described in paragraph (2)(b) in another state or country must provide the same documentation to the Board, as described in paragraph (2)(b), that is required of a course provider. The Board or its consultant must approve the occupational therapist’s dry needling coursework before the therapist can practice dry needling in this state.

(4) Dry needling to the upper limb may only be performed by a licensed occupational therapist and may not be delegated to an occupational therapy assistant or support personnel.

(5) An occupational therapist practicing dry needling to the upper limb must supply written documentation, upon request by the Board, that substantiates appropriate training as required by this rule.

(6) All occupational therapy patients receiving dry needling to the upper limb shall be provided with information from the patient’s occupational therapist that includes a definition and description of the practice of dry needling and a description of the risks, benefits, and potential side effects of dry needling.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-103, 63-13-208, and 63-13-216.
Administrative History: New rule filed December 19, 2022; effective March 19, 2023. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.22 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY LICENSURE COMPACT

Pursuant to T.C.A. § 63-13-502, the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (the Compact) was enacted to facilitate interstate practice of occupational therapy with the goal of improving public access to occupational therapy services. The practice of occupational therapy occurs in the state where the patient/client is located at the time of the patient/client encounter. The Compact preserves the regulatory

authority of states to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensure. The Compact Rules shall have the force of law in each Member State. A licensee providing occupational therapy in a remote state under the Compact privilege shall function within the laws and regulations of the remote state. Any laws in a member state that conflict with the Compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-201 and 63-13-502.
Administrative History: New rule filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1200-10-01-.10 .

(e) Anyone submitting a signed renewal form or letter which is found to be untrue may be subjecting himself to disciplinary action as provided in Rule 1150-02-.15.

(2) Reinstatement of Expired License (a) Reinstatement of an expired license may be accomplished upon meeting the following conditions:

Payment of the current renewal fee and state mandated fees in Rule 1150-02- .06;
Payment of the late renewal fee in Rule 1150-02-.06; and 3. Submitting proof of completion of continued competence requirements, as provided in Rule 1150-02-.12.

(b) Anyone submitting a signed reinstatement application which is found to be untrue may be subjecting himself to disciplinary action as provided in Rule 1150-02-.15.

(3) Renewal issuance decisions pursuant to this rule may be made administratively or upon review by any Board member or the Board’s designee.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-1-107, 63-13-204, and 63-13-216.
Administrative History: Original rule filed March 15, 1996; effective May 29, 1996. Amendment filed July 29, 2002; effective October 12, 2002. Amendment filed March 24, 2005; effective June 7, 2005. Amendment filed October 11, 2005; effective December 25, 2005. Amendments filed August 7, 2018; effective November 5, 2018. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.13 ADVERTISING

(1) Policy Statement. The lack of sophistication on the part of many of the public concerning occupational therapy services, the importance of the interests affected by the choice of an occupational therapist and the foreseeable consequences of unrestricted advertising by occupational therapists, require that special care be taken by occupational therapists to avoid misleading the public. The occupational therapist must be mindful that the benefits of advertising depend upon its reliability and accuracy. Since advertising by occupational therapists is calculated and not spontaneous, reasonable regulation designed to foster compliance with appropriate standards serves the public interest without impeding the flow of useful, meaningful, and relevant information to the public.

(2) Definitions (a) Advertisement - Informational communication to the public in any manner designed to attract public attention to the practice of an occupational therapist who is licensed to practice in Tennessee.

(b) Licensee - Any person holding a license to practice occupational therapy in the State of Tennessee. Where applicable this shall include partnerships and/or corporations.

(c) Material Fact - Any fact which an ordinary reasonable and prudent person would need to know or rely upon in order to make an informed decision concerning the choice of occupational therapists to serve his or her particular needs.

(d) Bait and Switch Advertising - An alluring but insincere offer to sell a product or service which the advertiser in truth does not intend or want to sell. Its purpose is to switch consumers from buying the advertised service or merchandise, in order to sell something else, usually for a higher fee or on a basis more advantageous to the advertiser.

(e) Discounted Fee - Shall mean a fee offered or charged by a person for a product or service that is less than the fee the person or organization usually offers or charges for the product or service. Products or services expressly offered free of charge shall not be deemed to be offered at a “discounted fee.”

(3) Advertising Fees and Services (a) Fixed fees. Fixed fees may be advertised for any service. It is presumed unless otherwise stated in the advertisement that a fixed fee for a service shall include the cost of all professional recognized components within generally accepted standards that are required to complete the service.

(b) Range of Fees. A range of fees may be advertised for services and the advertisement must disclose the factors used in determining the actual fee, necessary to prevent deception of the public.

The discount fee is in fact lower than the licensee’s customary or usual fee charged for the service; and 2. The licensee provides the same quality and components of service and material at the discounted fee that are normally provided at the regular, non-discounted fee for that service.

(e) Time Period of Advertised Fees.

Advertised fees shall be honored for those seeking the advertised services during the entire time period stated in the advertisement whether or not the services are actually rendered or completed within that time.
If no time period is stated in the advertisement of fees, the advertised fee shall be honored for thirty (30) days from the last date of publication or until the next scheduled publication whichever is later whether or not the services are actually rendered or completed within that time.

(4) Advertising Content. The following acts or omissions in the context of advertisement by any licensee shall constitute unprofessional and/or unethical conduct, and subject the licensee to disciplinary action pursuant to T.C.A. § 63-13-209.

(b) The misleading use of an unearned or non-health degree in any advertisement.

(c) Promotion of professional services which the licensee knows or should know are beyond the licensee’s ability to perform.

(d) Techniques of communication which intimidate, exert undue pressure or undue influence over a prospective patient.

(e) Any appeals to an individual’s anxiety in an excessive or unfair manner.

(f) The use of any personal testimonial attesting to a quality or competency of a service or treatment offered by a licensee that is not reasonably verifiable.

(h) The communication of personal identifiable facts, data, or information about a patient without first obtaining patient consent.

(i) Any misrepresentation of a material fact.

(j) The knowing suppression, omission or concealment of any material fact or law without which the advertisement would be deceptive or misleading.

(k) Statements concerning the benefits or other attributes of therapeutic procedures or products that involve significant risks without including:

A realistic assessment of the safety and efficiency of those procedures or products; and 2. The availability of alternatives; and 3. Where necessary to avoid deception, descriptions or assessment of the benefits or other attributes of those alternatives.

(l) Any communication which creates an unjustified expectation concerning the potential results of any treatment.

(m) Failure to comply with the rules governing advertisement of fees and services, or advertising records.

(o) Misrepresentation of a licensee’s credentials, training, experience, or ability.

Upon request provide a list of all licensees practicing at that location; and 2. Maintain and conspicuously display at the licensee’s office, a directory listing all licensees practicing at that location.

(s) Stating or implying that a certain licensee provides all services when any such services are performed by another licensee.

(b) Any and all advertisements are presumed to have been approved by the licensee named therein.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-1-145, 63-1-146, 63-13-201, 63-13-209, 63-13-211, 63-13-212, and 63-13-216.
Administrative History: Original rule filed August 18, 2006; effective November 1, 2006. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.14 LIMITED PERMIT

A limited permit may be issued by the Board to applicants for licensure as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant who have paid the Limited Permit Fee required by Rule 1150-02-.06, and have successfully completed the educational and field experience requirements of paragraphs (1) or (2) of Rule 1150-02-.04, and in the case of entry-level OTD students, the Experiential Component, and are scheduled to take the examination required by Rule 1150-02-.08.

Applicants for licensure who have been issued a limited permit may practice occupational therapy only under supervision of a licensed occupational therapist, as provided in Rule 1150-02-.10. Individuals who have previously failed the exam once in any state are not eligible for a limited permit in Tennessee.

(1) An applicant who has received a limited permit must take the examination within ninety (90) days of the date the applicant received the limited permit. If the applicant does not take the examination within the ninety (90) day period, the limited permit expires at the end of the ninety (90) day period.

(2) If an applicant passes the examination, the applicant’s limited permit remains effective until the Board grants or denies a license to the applicant.

(3) If an applicant fails the examination, the applicant must cease practicing immediately. The applicant’s limited permit expires upon the Board’s receipt of notice that the applicant failed the examination.

(4) An applicant may obtain only one (1) limited permit. The limited permit is non-renewable.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-13-202, 63-13-203, 63-13-205, and 63-13-216.
Administrative History: Original rule filed March 15, 1996; effective May 29, 1996. Amendment filed October 11, 2005; effective December 25, 2005. Amendment filed April 17, 2007; effective July 1, 2007. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.15 DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS, CIVIL PENALTIES, AND SCREENING PANELS

(1) Upon a finding by the Board that an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant has violated any provision of the Tennessee Code Annotated §§ 63-13-101, et seq. or the rules promulgated thereto, the Board may impose any of the following actions separately or in any combination deemed appropriate to the offense:

(a) Advisory Censure - This is a written action issued to the occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant for minor or near infractions. It is informal and advisory in nature and does not constitute a formal disciplinary action.

(b) Formal Censure or Reprimand - This is a written action issued to an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant for one time and less severe violations. It is a formal disciplinary action.

(c) Probation - This is a formal disciplinary action which places an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant on close scrutiny for a fixed period of time. This action may be combined with conditions which must be met before probation will be lifted and/or which restricts the individual’s activities during the probationary period.

(d) Licensure Suspension - This is a formal disciplinary action which suspends an individual’s right to practice for a fixed period of time. It contemplates the reentry of the individual into the practice under the license previously issued.

(e) Licensure Revocation - This is the most severe form of disciplinary action which removes an individual from the practice of the profession and terminates the license previously issued. If revoked, it relegates the violator to the status he possessed prior to application for licensure. However, the Board may, in its discretion allow the reinstatement of a revoked license upon conditions and after a period of time it deems appropriate. No petition for reinstatement and no new application for licensure from a person whose license was revoked shall be considered prior to the expiration of at least one (1) year unless otherwise stated in the Board’s revocation order.

(f) Conditions - Any action deemed appropriate by the Board to be required of a disciplined licensee in any of the following circumstances:

During any period of probation, suspension; or 2. During any period of revocation after which the licensee may petition for an order of compliance to reinstate the revoked license; or 3. As a prerequisite to the lifting of probation or suspension or as a prerequisite to the reinstatement of a revoked license; or 4. As a stand-alone requirement(s) in any disciplinary order.

(2) Once ordered, probation, suspension, revocation, assessment of a civil penalty, or any other condition of any type of disciplinary action may not be lifted unless and until the licensee petitions, pursuant to paragraph (3) of this rule, and appears before the Board after the period of initial probation, suspension, revocation, or other conditioning has run and all conditions placed on the probation, suspension, revocation, have been met, and after any civil penalties assessed have been paid.

(3) Order of Compliance - This procedure is a necessary adjunct to previously issued disciplinary orders and is available only when a petitioner has completely complied with the provisions of a previously issued disciplinary order, including an unlicensed practice civil penalty order, and wishes or is required to obtain an order reflecting that compliance.

When the petitioner can prove compliance with all the terms of the previously issued order and is seeking to have an order issued reflecting that compliance; or 2. When the petitioner can prove compliance with all the terms of the previously issued order and is seeking to have an order issued lifting a previously ordered suspension or probation; or 3. When the petitioner can prove compliance with all the terms of the previously issued order and is seeking to have an order issued reinstating a license previously revoked.

(b) Procedures 1. The petitioner shall submit a Petition for Order of Compliance, as contained in subparagraph (c), to the Board’s Administrative Office that shall contain all of the following:

The Board authorizes its consultant and administrative staff to make an initial determination on the petition and take one of the following actions:

If the petition is presented to the Board the petitioner may not submit any additional documentation or testimony other than that contained in the petition as originally submitted.
If the Board finds that the petitioner has complied with all the terms of the previous order an Order of Compliance shall be issued.
If the petition is denied either initially by staff or after presentation to the Board and the petitioner believes compliance with the order has been sufficiently proven the petitioner may, as authorized by law, file a petition for a declaratory order pursuant to the provisions of T.C.A. § 4-5-223 and Rule 1200-10-01-.11.

Petitioner’s Mailing Address:

Petitioner’s E-Mail Address:

Telephone Number:

Attorney for Petitioner:

Attorney’s Mailing Address:

Attorney’s E-Mail Address:

Telephone Number:

An order issued reflecting that compliance; or 2. An order issued reflecting that compliance and lifting a previously ordered suspension or probation; or 3. An order issued reflecting that compliance and reinstating a license previously revoked.

Note - You must enclose all documents necessary to prove your request including a copy of the original order. If any of the proof you are relying upon to show compliance is the testimony of any individual, including yourself, you must enclose signed statements from every individual you intend to rely upon attesting, under oath, to the compliance. The Board’s consultant and administrative staff, in their discretion, may require such signed statements to be notarized. No documentation or testimony other than that submitted will be considered in making an initial determination on, or a final order in response to, this petition.

Respectfully submitted this the day of , 20 .

Petitioner’s Signature (4) Order Modifications - This procedure is not intended to allow anyone under a previously issued disciplinary order, including an unlicensed practice civil penalty order, to modify any findings of fact, conclusions of law, or the reasons for the decision contained in the order. It is also not intended to allow a petition for a lesser disciplinary action, or civil penalty other than the one(s) previously ordered. All such provisions of Board orders were subject to reconsideration and appeal under the provisions of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act (T.C.A. §§ 4-5-301, et seq.). This procedure is not available as a substitute for reconsideration and/or appeal and is only available after all reconsideration and appeal rights have been either exhausted or not timely pursued. It is also not available for those who have accepted and been issued a reprimand.

No documentation or testimony other than that submitted will be considered in making an initial determination on, or a final order in response to, the petition.

The Board authorizes its consultant and administrative staff to make an initial determination on the petition and take one of the following actions:

If the petition is presented to the Board the petitioner may not submit any additional documentation or testimony other than that contained in the petition as originally submitted.
If the petition is granted a new order shall be issued reflecting the modifications authorized by the Board that it deemed appropriate and necessary in relation to the violations found in the previous order.
If the petition is denied either initially by staff or after presentation to the Board and the petitioner believes impossibility of compliance with the order has been sufficiently proven the petitioner may, as authorized by law, file a petition for a declaratory order pursuant to the provisions of T.C.A. § 4-5-223 and Rule 1200- 10-01-.11.

Petitioner’s Mailing Address:

Petitioner’s E-Mail Address:

Telephone Number:

Attorney for Petitioner:

Attorney’s Mailing Address:

Attorney’s E-Mail Address:

Telephone Number:

Note - You must enclose all documents necessary to prove your request including a copy of the original order. If any of the proof you are relying upon to show impossibility is the testimony of any individual, including yourself, you must enclose signed and notarized statements from every individual you intend to rely upon attesting, under oath, to the reasons why compliance is impossible. No documentation or testimony other than that submitted will be considered in making an initial determination on, or a final order in response to, this petition.

Respectfully submitted this the day of __, 20 .

Petitioner’s Signature (5) Civil Penalties (a) Purpose - The purpose of this rule is to set out a schedule designating the minimum and maximum civil penalties which may be assessed.

(b) Schedule of Civil Penalties 1. A Type A Civil Penalty may be imposed whenever the Board finds a person who is required to be licensed, certified, permitted or authorized by the Board, guilty of a willful and knowing violation of the Practice Act, or regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, to such an extent that there is, or is likely to be, an imminent, substantial threat to the health, safety and welfare of an individual patient or the public. For purposes of this section, willfully and knowingly practicing as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant without a permit, license, certification, or other authorization from the Board is one of the violations of the Occupational Therapy Practice Act for which a Type A Civil Penalty is assessable.

A Type B Civil Penalty may be imposed whenever the Board finds the person required to be licensed, certified, permitted, or authorized by the Board is guilty of a violation of the Occupational Therapy Practice Act or regulations promulgated pursuant thereto in such a manner as to impact directly on the care of patients or the public.
A Type C Civil Penalty may be imposed whenever the Board finds the person required to be licensed, certified, permitted, or authorized by the Board is guilty of a violation of the Occupational Therapy Practice Act or regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, which are neither directly detrimental to patients or the public, nor directly impact their care, but have only an indirect relationship to patient care or the public.

(c) Amount of Civil Penalties 1. Type A Civil Penalties shall be assessed in the amount of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000.

Type B Civil Penalties may be assessed in the amount of not less than $100 and not more than $500.
Type C Civil Penalties may be assessed in the amount of not less than $50 and not more than $100.

Civil Penalties may also be initiated and assessed by the Board during consideration of any Notice of Charges. In addition, the Board may, upon good cause shown, assess a type and amount of civil penalty which was not recommended by the Division.
In assessing the civil penalties pursuant to these rules the Board may consider the following factors:

(i) Whether the amount imposed will be a substantial economic deterrent to the violator;

(ii) The circumstances leading to the violation;

(iii) The severity of the violation and the risk of harm to the public; and, (iv) The economic benefits gained by the violator as a result of noncompliance; and, (v) The interest of the public.

All proceedings for the assessment of civil penalties shall be governed by the contested case provisions of Title 4, Chapter 5, Tennessee Code Annotated.

(6) Reconsiderations and Stays - The Board authorizes the member who chaired the Board for a contested case to be the agency member to make the decisions authorized pursuant to Rule

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-04-01-.18 regarding petitions for reconsiderations and stays in that case.

(7) Screening Panels - Any screening panel(s) established pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 63-1-138:

(a) Shall have concurrent authority with the Board members and any individual Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapist Assistant designated by the Board pursuant to paragraph (6) of Rule 1150-02-.19, to do the acts enumerated in paragraph (6) of Rule 1150-02-.19 subject to the conditions contained therein.

A screening panel(s) comprised of two (2) or more persons shall elect a chairperson prior to convening to conduct business.
A screening panel(s) comprised of two (2) or more persons is required to conduct the informal hearings authorized in subparagraph (b) immediately below.

(b) After completion of an investigation by the Division, may upon request of either the state, or the licensee who is the subject of an investigation but only with the agreement of the state, or upon agreement of both the licensee and the state, conduct a nonbinding informal hearing and make recommendations as a result thereof as to what, if any, terms of settlement of any potential disciplinary action are appropriate.

Neither the Rules of Civil Procedure, the Rules of Evidence, nor Contested Case Procedural Rules under the Administrative Procedures Act shall apply in informal hearings before the screening panel(s). However, Rule 31 of the Rules of the Tennessee Supreme Court may serve as general guidance as to the principles of mediation and alternative dispute resolution.

(i) Evidence may be presented or received in any manner and in whatever order agreed upon by the parties.

(ii) In the absence of an agreement of the parties the screening panel chairperson shall determine the manner and order of presentation of evidence.

A licensee who is the subject of an investigation being considered by a screening panel cannot be compelled to participate in any informal hearing.
Proposed settlements reached as a result of any informal hearing will not become binding and final unless they are:

(i) Approved by a majority of the members of the screening panel which issued them; and (ii) Agreed to by both the Department of Health, by and through its attorney(s), and the licensee; and (iii) Subsequently presented to and ratified by the Board.

The activities of the screening panels and any mediation or arbitration sessions shall not be construed as meetings of an agency for purposes of the open meetings act and shall remain confidential. The members of the screening panels, mediators and arbitrators have a deliberative privilege and the same immunity as provided by law for the Boards, and are not subject to deposition or subpoena to testify regarding any matter or issue raised in any contested case, criminal prosecution or civil lawsuit which may result from or be incident to cases processed before them.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-1-134, 63-1-138, 63-13-201, 63-13-209, 63-13-210, and 63-13-216.
Administrative History: Original rule filed March 15, 1996; effective May 29, 1996. Amendment filed July 29, 2002; effective October 12, 2002. Amendment filed August 9, 2004; effective October 23, 2004. Amendment filed October 11, 2005; effective December 25, 2005. Amendment filed April 17, 2007; effective July 1, 2007. References to Board of Occupational and Physical Therapy Examiners have been changed by the Secretary of State to the applicable entity: Board of Occupational Therapy and/or Board of Physical Therapy pursuant to Public Chapter 115 of the 2007 Session of the Tennessee General Assembly. Amendment filed October 21, 2009; effective January 19, 2010. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.16 DUPLICATE LICENSE

A licensee whose “artistically designed” license has been lost or destroyed may be issued a duplicate document upon receipt of a written request in the Board’s administrative office. Such request shall be accompanied by an affidavit (signed and notarized) stating the facts concerning the loss or destruction of the original document and the required fee pursuant to Rule 1150-02-.06.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-1-106 and 63-13-216.
Administrative History: Original rule filed March 15, 1996; effective May 29, 1996. Repeal and new rule filed October 11, 2005; effective December 25, 2005. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.17 CHANGE OF NAME AND/OR ADDRESS

(1) Change of Name - An individual registered with the Board shall notify the Board in writing within thirty (30) days of a name change. The notice shall provide the old name and the new name and must reference the individual’s profession and license number.

(2) Change of Address - Each person holding a license who has had a change of address shall file in writing with the Board his current mailing address, giving both old and new addresses.

Such requests shall be received in the Board’s administrative office no later than thirty (30) days after such change is effective and must reference the individual’s profession and license number.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-1-106, 63-1-108, and 63-13-216.
Administrative History: Original rule filed March 15, 1996; effective May 29, 1996. Repeal and new rule filed October 11, 2005; effective December 25, 2005. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.18 MANDATORY RELEASE OF CLIENT RECORDS

(1) Upon request from a client or the client’s authorized representative, an individual licensed by this Board shall provide a complete copy of the client’s records or summary of such records which were maintained by the provider.

(2) It shall be the provider’s option as to whether copies of the records or a summary will be given to the client.

(3) Requests for records shall be honored by the provider in a timely manner.

(4) The individual requesting the records shall be responsible for payment of reasonable costs to the provider for copying and mailing of the records.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-2-101, 63-2-102, and 63-13-216.
Administrative History: Original rule filed March 15, 1996; effective May 29, 1996. Amendment filed October 11, 2005; effective December 25, 2005. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.19 BOARD MEETINGS, OFFICERS, CONSULTANTS, RECORDS AND DECLARATORY

ORDERS.

(1) Purpose of Board - The Board is charged by law with the responsibility of regulating the practice of occupational therapy.

(2) Board Meetings (a) The time, place, and frequency of Board meetings shall be at the discretion of the Board except at least one meeting shall be held annually.

(b) Special meetings are called at the discretion of the Chair or at the request of two (2) members of the Board provided all members are adequately notified.

(d) Non-board members present at meetings may address the Board only upon recognition by the chair.

(3) The Board shall elect from its members the following officers:

(a) Chair - who shall preside at all Board meetings.

(b) Secretary - who shall preside in the absence of the chair and who along with the Board’s administrator shall be responsible for correspondence from the Board.

(4) Responsibilities of the Board include, but are not limited to:

(a) Having all powers and duties as outlined in T.C.A. § 63-13-216;

(b) Adopting and/or administering examinations;

(d) Appointing designees to assist in the performance of its duties, e.g., written examination, proctors; and (e) Conducting hearings.

(5) Board Conflict of Interest - Any Board member having an immediate personal, private or financial interest in any matter pending before the Board shall disclose the fact in writing and shall not vote upon such matter.

(6) Board consultants are appointed by the Board and vested with the authority to do the following acts:

(a) Recommend whether and what type disciplinary actions should be instituted as the result of complaints received or investigations conducted by the Division.

(b) Recommend whether and under what terms a complaint, case or disciplinary action might be settled. Any matter proposed for settlement must be subsequently ratified by the full Board before it will become effective.

(7) Records and Complaints (a) All requests, applications, notices, other communications and correspondence shall be directed to the Board’s administrative office. Any requests or inquiries requiring a Board decision or official Board action, except documents relating to disciplinary actions or hearing requests, must be received 14 days prior to a scheduled Board meeting and will be retained in the administrative office and presented to the Board at the Board meeting. Such documentation not timely received shall be set over to the next Board meeting.

(b) All records of the Board, except those made confidential by law, are open for inspection and examination, under the supervision of an employee of the Division at the Board’s administrative office.

(d) Complaints made against a licensee become public information only upon the filing of a notice of charges.

(8) Declaratory Orders - The Board adopts, as if fully set out herein, Rule 1200-10-01-.11, of the Division of Health Related Boards and as it may from time to time be amended, as its rule governing the declaratory order process. All declaratory order petitions involving statutes, rules or orders within the jurisdiction of the Board shall be addressed by the Board pursuant to that rule and not by the Division. Declaratory Order Petition forms can be obtained from the Board’s administrative office.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 10-7-503, 63-13-201, 63-13-209, and 63-13-216.
Administrative History: Original rule filed March 15, 1996; effective May 29, 1996. Amendment filed June 10, 1999; effective August 24, 1999. Amendment filed October 11, 2005; effective December 25, 2005. Amendment filed April 17, 2007; effective July 1, 2007. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.20 CONSUMER RIGHT-TO-KNOW REQUIREMENTS

(2) Criminal conviction reporting requirements. For purposes of the “Health Care Consumer Right-To-Know Act of 1998”, the following criminal convictions must be reported:

(a) Conviction of any felony.

(b) Conviction or adjudication of guilt of any misdemeanor, regardless of its classification, in which any element of the misdemeanor involves any one or more of the following:

Sex.
Alcohol or drugs.
Physical injury or threat of injury to any person.
Abuse or neglect of any minor, spouse or the elderly.
Fraud or theft.

History

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-32-101, 63-32-103, 63-32-105, and 63-13-216.
Administrative History: Original rule filed February 10, 2000; effective April 25, 2000. Amendments filed March 23, 2026; effective June 21, 2026.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150 — TN Boards of Occupational & Physical Therapy

Chapter 1150-01 General Rules Governing the Practice of Physical Therapy

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.01 DEFINITIONS

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.02 SCOPE OF PRACTICE AND SUPERVISION

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.03 NECESSITY OF LICENSURE

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.04 QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.05 PROCEDURES FOR LICENSURE

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.06 . If retirement reactivation is requested prior to the expiration of one (1) year from the date of retirement, the Board will additionally require payment of the reinstatement fee as prescribed in Rule 1150-01-.06.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.07 APPLICATION REVIEW, APPROVAL AND DENIAL

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.08 EXAMINATIONS

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.09 RENEWAL OF LICENSE

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.10 PROVISIONAL LICENSE

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.11 RETIREMENT AND REACTIVATION OF LICENSE

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.12 CONTINUING COMPETENCE

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.13 ADVERTISING

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.23 TELEMEDICINE

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1200-10-01-.10 .

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.14 CODE OF ETHICS

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.15 DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS, CIVIL PENALTIES, ASSESSMENT OF COSTS, AND

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-04-01-.18 regarding petitions for reconsiderations and stays in that case.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.19 BOARD MEETINGS, OFFICERS, CONSULTANTS, RECORDS, AND DECLARATORY

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.16 DUPLICATE (REPLACEMENT) LICENSE

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.17 CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND/OR NAME

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.18 MANDATORY RELEASE OF CLIENT RECORDS

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.20 CONSUMER RIGHT-TO-KNOW REQUIREMENTS

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.21 PROFESSIONAL PEER ASSISTANCE

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.22 DRY NEEDLING

Chapter 1150-02 General Rules Governing the Practice of Occupational Therapy

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.01 DEFINITIONS

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.02 SCOPE OF PRACTICE

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.03 NECESSITY OF LICENSURE

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.04 QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSURE

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.05 PROCEDURES FOR LICENSURE

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.06 FEES

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.07 APPLICATION REVIEW, APPROVAL AND DENIAL

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.08 EXAMINATIONS

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.09 RENEWAL OF LICENSE

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.10 SUPERVISION

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.11 RETIREMENT AND REACTIVATION OF LICENSE

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.12 CONTINUED COMPETENCE

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.21 DRY NEEDLING TO THE UPPER LIMB

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.22 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY LICENSURE COMPACT

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1200-10-01-.10 .

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.13 ADVERTISING

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.14 LIMITED PERMIT

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.15 DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS, CIVIL PENALTIES, AND SCREENING PANELS

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1360-04-01-.18 regarding petitions for reconsiderations and stays in that case.

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.16 DUPLICATE LICENSE

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.17 CHANGE OF NAME AND/OR ADDRESS

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.18 MANDATORY RELEASE OF CLIENT RECORDS

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.19 BOARD MEETINGS, OFFICERS, CONSULTANTS, RECORDS AND DECLARATORY

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-02-.20 CONSUMER RIGHT-TO-KNOW REQUIREMENTS

Poursuivez vos recherches dans ChatGPT ou Claude