What’s the Board Been Up To?

These past years have seen much change in the how the Washington State Board of Physical Therapy communicates and interacts with the public, as well as with each other. Regardless, board members have continued to work hard to meet the patient safety mission. Board members enjoyed a productive year and we are excited to share current issues we're reviewing, approved actions, as well as a quick glimpse into the many facets of board-related functions.

Board rulemaking activity

• Adopted updates to the continuing competency rules
• Updated PT Compact rules to align with the PT Compact Commission rules
• Adopted an update to the ibTOEFL rule that eliminates the requirement that passing scores for all sections of the test be achieved in a single sitting

Board licensing and discipline activity (2019-2021 biennium)

• 7,562 licensed physical therapists and 2,483 physical therapy assistants
• Received 228 complaints regarding the conduct of PTs and PTAs
• Authorized 62 investigations
• Resolved 13 cases through formal or informal discipline
• Approved new process for applicants with a criminal background, allowing for more rapid licensure decisions for PTs and PTAs

Current issues before the board

• Criteria for safe return to practice by PTs/PTAs following a period away from the profession
• Processing of endorsement applications
• Passing score totals on language proficiency tests

Other board activities

• Participation in Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) training and annual delegate assemblies
• Correspondence with the public/clinicians regarding concerns and questions related to practice
• Review and analysis of board fiscal reports, as well as associated trends in the profession that will impact budgeted items through fiscal years 2021 and 2022
• Received updates from the Department of Health during legislative session about house and senate bills that could impact the regulation of health professions
• Continuing education for staff and board members, e.g., Trauma’s Impact on Boundary Violation Investigations Training, Leadership Issues Forums and Health Equity Continuing Education for Health Care Professionals
• Open forums to discuss current concerns faced by clinicians and the public
• Twice a month disciplinary calls to review public reports about PTs and PTAs
• Review of materials used in the education of the public regarding board responsibilities
• Give regular presentations about the board’s responsibilities to PT and PTA schools