Physical therapy, also called physiotherapy, is a thriving occupation in the United States. The U.S. News & World Report reports that the profession is the third-best job in healthcare and sixth overall based on the number and percentage of projected openings through 2031. These movement experts improve the quality of patients' lives through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education. They work with patients of any age, from newborns to the elderly, to achieve fitness goals, regain or maintain independence, and lead more active lives. Many of their patients have injuries, disabilities, or other health concerns that require treatment.
While many use the terms physiotherapist and physical therapist interchangeably, some professional groups describe the difference between a physiotherapist and a physical therapist in how they address healing. Physiotherapists typically use a manual, hands-on approach with soft tissue and fascial releases, stretches, and massages. At the same time, physical therapists provide hands-on therapy with more of an exercise-based approach. Regardless, both Allied Health professions require extensive education and training, including obtaining a doctorate of physical therapy, hands-on clinical training, and optional post-graduate residency, fellowship, or specialty training.
This guide to Physical Therapist/Physiotherapist Residency Issues discusses the potential disciplinary obstacles you may encounter as you progress through your education and training to become a licensed physical therapist and what actions you should take if someone accuses you of professional wrongdoing to protect your career. If you need more information, don't hesitate to contact the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm. We have years of experience defending Allied Health students facing accusations to obtain positive resolutions, and we can help you, too.
Physical Therapist/Physiotherapist Residency Requirements
To become a physical therapist, you will first need to earn a bachelor's degree in a field related to health science, exercise, and/or sports before enrolling in a graduate physical therapy degree program. Some programs may require P.T. students to complete certain prerequisites, such as physics, kinesiology, biology, chemistry, physiology, and human anatomy courses. Once a student obtains a bachelor's degree, they must enroll in and complete an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. These programs begin with courses in pathophysiology, imaging, biomechanics, and anatomy, to name a few. During the program's second year, P.T. students complete their white coat ceremony and begin clinical rotations, receiving hands-on training while supervised by a clinical instructor.
In order to become a licensed physical therapist, you must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), given by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). Once you pass the exam, the next step toward licensure is fulfilling any other criteria for the state where you wish to practice. For example, some states may require compliance training or background checks. Once students have met all criteria, they can apply for a license. To maintain licensure, P.T.s must meet continuing education requirements as determined by the state where they practice. Most require continuing education every two years. These courses help keep therapists current with health standards and trends.
Once you become a licensed physical therapist, some therapists choose to further their practice with a residency or fellowship program or get board-certified with a specialty focus.
Physical therapists work in a wide range of settings, from hospitals, outpatient clinics, people's homes, schools, sports and fitness facilities, workplaces, and long-term care facilities. They also work with a wide range of patients and healthcare professionals. As a result, physical therapists can be subject to a range of disciplinary actions during hands-on clinical rotations or as a resident or a fellow.
What Kind of Discipline Can Physical Therapists Encounter?
Respiratory therapy students can be subject to accusations and disciplinary actions throughout their clinical rotations and residencies:
- Employer Discipline: Physical therapists work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and even patients' homes. They must interact with other healthcare professionals and directly with patients. If a coworker, supervisor, or patient accuses them of wrongdoing during their clinical rotation or residency, their employer will likely investigate, and if they deem the action violates regulations or guidelines, they will take disciplinary action. These actions could lead to you losing this important hands-on training and derail your future plans. An experienced attorney from the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team will stand by you to help you defend yourself against employer disciplinary actions to help protect you and your career.
- State Licensing Discipline: Individual state boards manage licensure for physical therapists, and it's important that you are familiar with what is and is not allowed in your state. Most licensing boards have the authority to change their rules and regulations, though, generally speaking, most are similar. Their process for handling complaints is also similar. When a state board receives a complaint, board members will investigate it to determine whether it is valid. If they deem it worth pursuing, the board will notify you that someone made a complaint against you. As soon as you receive word from the board that someone has filed a complaint, you need to take action and retain an attorney to build a strong case in your defense as soon as possible.
- National Licensing Board Discipline: The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) adheres to the American Physical Therapy Association's Codes of Ethics, which outlines the ethical obligations of all physical therapists regarding patient and therapist management, consultation, education, research, and administration. If the board deems your conduct violates these codes, it can take disciplinary measures, which could put your residency and subsequent licensure in jeopardy. If you receive notice from the FFBPT that your actions are under investigation, you should retain legal representation as soon as possible. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team will stand by you through this difficult process.
What Kind of Misconduct Can Result in Discipline?
Different types of misconduct can result in a supervisory or regulatory body disciplining a physical therapy student:
- Substance abuse misconduct: Physical therapists work closely with other healthcare professionals and one-on-one with patients. Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair your judgment and your footing, putting vulnerable patients at risk. If you show up at work drunk or high, you can expect disciplinary action to follow.
- Practice-related misconduct. Physical therapy residents must follow the direction of licensed physical therapists and other medical professionals when working with patients and follow the standard of procedures. Failing to provide a minimum standard of care can result in disciplinary actions.
- Sexual misconduct. Even seemingly harmless interactions may be misconstrued by coworkers or patients. Be aware of your employer's rules for workplace relationships, and never enter into a relationship with a patient. Otherwise, your residency and future licensure could be at risk.
- Fraud. Fraud in a healthcare setting involves knowingly misrepresenting the type, scope, or nature of medical services provided in a way that results in unauthorized payments. Accepting kickbacks or bribes for goods and services is one form of fraud. Another is billing for services not medically necessary. Engaging in any form of fraud can result in disciplinary measures.
How Are Misconduct Allegations Resolved?
An allegation of misconduct can come from almost anyone, including patients, coworkers, and supervisors. When someone files an allegation of misconduct against you during your journey to become a physical therapist, and after becoming licensed, the governing body that received the complaint will take action. While procedures may differ from one board or employer to the next, they usually follow a similar process.
The process usually begins with a review of the complaint to determine if it is an actual violation of rules or regulations. If the governing body deems the complaint is worth pursuing, it will launch an investigation. Not all complaints result in disciplinary action. In some cases, the board may dismiss the complaint, or they may propose a resolution, which can vary in severity from requiring continuing education to recommending the termination of your residency. Before accepting a resolution offer, consult an experienced student defense attorney to determine the best step forward to protect your career.
If your lawyer advises it's in your best interest to challenge the proposed resolution, your case will move toward a hearing before the board or other governing body. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team can help prepare a strong case in your defense and guide you through the legal process to help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team Can Help
You spent years on your education and training to become a physical therapist or physiotherapist. Don't let someone's claim of wrongdoing on your part interfere with your career plans. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with our Student Defense Team, and let's discuss your case.
