2026/2027
2026 CA DPR Laws & Regulations Exam
Preparation Book with Practice Tests,
Detailed Review Questions, and Study
Notes for Licensing Success
Question 1:
Which governing body holds authority over suspension or disciplinary action of a
physical therapist license in California?
A. American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
B. Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
C. Institutional Review Board
D. PT Board of California
Correct Answer: D. PT Board of California
Rationale:
The PT Board of California is the legally designated regulatory authority responsible
for issuing, renewing, and disciplining physical therapy licenses within the state. This
includes suspension, probation, revocation, and enforcement of professional conduct
standards. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy administers exams but
does not regulate licensure discipline. The American Board of Physical Therapy
Specialties focuses on clinical specialization certification, while Institutional Review
Boards oversee ethical research compliance, not licensure enforcement.
Question 2:
Which condition is required for enrollment in an alcohol diversion program?
A. Physician referral
B. Psychological evaluation
C. Supervisor recommendation
D. Voluntary admission
Correct Answer: D. Voluntary admission
Rationale:
Participation in diversion programs for substance use typically requires voluntary self-
admission, reflecting acknowledgment of impairment and willingness to engage in
rehabilitation. External referrals or mandates alone do not satisfy initial eligibility
requirements. While psychological evaluations may occur later, they are not
,2026/2027
prerequisites. Supervisor recommendations and physician prescriptions may support
treatment but do not define entry eligibility.
Question 3:
A licensed PT must report a change of address to the board within:
A. 15 days
B. 30 days
C. 45 days
D. 60 days
Correct Answer: B. 30 days
Rationale:
Regulatory requirements mandate that licensees notify the board within 30 calendar
days of any change in address to ensure accurate records for communication and legal
correspondence. Shorter or longer timeframes are not consistent with licensure law
standards.
Question 4:
A physician referral for iontophoresis does not specify medication. What is the BEST
action for the PT?
A. Use dexamethasone based on assumed inflammation
B. Proceed with saline trial
C. Consult supervisor for policy clarification
D. Contact physician for clarification of medication
Correct Answer: D. Contact physician for clarification of medication
Rationale:
Iontophoresis requires a specific medication order because pharmacological agents
determine treatment safety and effectiveness. Without explicit prescription,
administering any drug is outside scope and may cause harm or legal violations. The
PT must contact the physician to clarify the medication. Using assumed drugs or
saline is inappropriate, and supervisor consultation does not replace medical
authorization.
Question 5:
What is a key difference between a PTA and a PTLA regarding supervision?
A. PTA requires no supervision
B. PTLA may independently treat patients
,2026/2027
C. PTA allows telephone supervision only
D. PTA requires direct supervision; PTLA requires stricter supervision
Correct Answer: D. PTA requires direct supervision; PTLA requires stricter
supervision
Rationale:
PTAs require direct supervision but may operate with some indirect communication
depending on setting. PTLA (Physical Therapist License Applicant) typically requires
closer supervision and is not permitted to function independently. Telephone
supervision is not sufficient for PTLA in many regulatory contexts. The key
distinction is that PTLA has more restrictive oversight requirements than PTA.
Question 6:
What is the correct documentation method when transferring a patient to another
therapist?
A. Inform patient verbally only
B. Write new PT name in chart
C. Schedule patient with new therapist without documentation
D. Notify physician directly
Correct Answer: B. Write new PT name in chart
Rationale:
Proper transfer of care requires documentation in the medical record to maintain
continuity, accountability, and legal clarity. Verbal communication alone is
insufficient. Scheduling changes without documentation or notifying physicians does
not fulfill legal documentation requirements for therapist-of-record transfer.
Question 7:
Which elements must be included in patient records?
A. Date and nature of service
B. Provider name and title
C. Medical diagnosis
D. A and B only
Correct Answer: D. A and B only
Rationale:
Patient records must include date and nature of services provided as well as the name
and title of the treating provider. Medical diagnosis may be included when relevant
but is not universally mandated within PT documentation requirements. Proper
documentation ensures legal compliance and continuity of care.
, 2026/2027
Question 8:
A foreign PT graduate completed 3 months supervised clinical experience under a
non-APTA CI. What additional requirement remains?
A. 9 months clinical experience
B. 6 months clinical experience
C. No further requirement
D. 12 months clinical experience
Correct Answer: A. 9 months clinical experience
Rationale:
Clinical experience under non-approved supervision does not count toward licensure
requirements. Therefore, remaining required supervised clinical practice must be
completed under approved supervision, totaling an additional 9 months to meet
licensure standards.
Question 9:
Maximum suspension for unprofessional conduct is:
A. ≤ 6 months
B. ≤ 12 months
C. ≤ 18 months
D. ≤ 24 months
Correct Answer: B. ≤ 12 months
Rationale:
Licensure boards typically limit suspension for unprofessional conduct to a maximum
of 12 months for a single disciplinary action. More severe or repeated violations may
escalate penalties, but standard suspension caps are set at one year.
Question 10:
Which abbreviation correctly identifies a licensed physical therapist?
A. PTLA
B. SPT
C. RPT
D. DPT student
Correct Answer: C. RPT
Rationale:
RPT (Registered Physical Therapist) indicates licensure status. PTLA refers to
2026 CA DPR Laws & Regulations Exam
Preparation Book with Practice Tests,
Detailed Review Questions, and Study
Notes for Licensing Success
Question 1:
Which governing body holds authority over suspension or disciplinary action of a
physical therapist license in California?
A. American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties
B. Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
C. Institutional Review Board
D. PT Board of California
Correct Answer: D. PT Board of California
Rationale:
The PT Board of California is the legally designated regulatory authority responsible
for issuing, renewing, and disciplining physical therapy licenses within the state. This
includes suspension, probation, revocation, and enforcement of professional conduct
standards. The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy administers exams but
does not regulate licensure discipline. The American Board of Physical Therapy
Specialties focuses on clinical specialization certification, while Institutional Review
Boards oversee ethical research compliance, not licensure enforcement.
Question 2:
Which condition is required for enrollment in an alcohol diversion program?
A. Physician referral
B. Psychological evaluation
C. Supervisor recommendation
D. Voluntary admission
Correct Answer: D. Voluntary admission
Rationale:
Participation in diversion programs for substance use typically requires voluntary self-
admission, reflecting acknowledgment of impairment and willingness to engage in
rehabilitation. External referrals or mandates alone do not satisfy initial eligibility
requirements. While psychological evaluations may occur later, they are not
,2026/2027
prerequisites. Supervisor recommendations and physician prescriptions may support
treatment but do not define entry eligibility.
Question 3:
A licensed PT must report a change of address to the board within:
A. 15 days
B. 30 days
C. 45 days
D. 60 days
Correct Answer: B. 30 days
Rationale:
Regulatory requirements mandate that licensees notify the board within 30 calendar
days of any change in address to ensure accurate records for communication and legal
correspondence. Shorter or longer timeframes are not consistent with licensure law
standards.
Question 4:
A physician referral for iontophoresis does not specify medication. What is the BEST
action for the PT?
A. Use dexamethasone based on assumed inflammation
B. Proceed with saline trial
C. Consult supervisor for policy clarification
D. Contact physician for clarification of medication
Correct Answer: D. Contact physician for clarification of medication
Rationale:
Iontophoresis requires a specific medication order because pharmacological agents
determine treatment safety and effectiveness. Without explicit prescription,
administering any drug is outside scope and may cause harm or legal violations. The
PT must contact the physician to clarify the medication. Using assumed drugs or
saline is inappropriate, and supervisor consultation does not replace medical
authorization.
Question 5:
What is a key difference between a PTA and a PTLA regarding supervision?
A. PTA requires no supervision
B. PTLA may independently treat patients
,2026/2027
C. PTA allows telephone supervision only
D. PTA requires direct supervision; PTLA requires stricter supervision
Correct Answer: D. PTA requires direct supervision; PTLA requires stricter
supervision
Rationale:
PTAs require direct supervision but may operate with some indirect communication
depending on setting. PTLA (Physical Therapist License Applicant) typically requires
closer supervision and is not permitted to function independently. Telephone
supervision is not sufficient for PTLA in many regulatory contexts. The key
distinction is that PTLA has more restrictive oversight requirements than PTA.
Question 6:
What is the correct documentation method when transferring a patient to another
therapist?
A. Inform patient verbally only
B. Write new PT name in chart
C. Schedule patient with new therapist without documentation
D. Notify physician directly
Correct Answer: B. Write new PT name in chart
Rationale:
Proper transfer of care requires documentation in the medical record to maintain
continuity, accountability, and legal clarity. Verbal communication alone is
insufficient. Scheduling changes without documentation or notifying physicians does
not fulfill legal documentation requirements for therapist-of-record transfer.
Question 7:
Which elements must be included in patient records?
A. Date and nature of service
B. Provider name and title
C. Medical diagnosis
D. A and B only
Correct Answer: D. A and B only
Rationale:
Patient records must include date and nature of services provided as well as the name
and title of the treating provider. Medical diagnosis may be included when relevant
but is not universally mandated within PT documentation requirements. Proper
documentation ensures legal compliance and continuity of care.
, 2026/2027
Question 8:
A foreign PT graduate completed 3 months supervised clinical experience under a
non-APTA CI. What additional requirement remains?
A. 9 months clinical experience
B. 6 months clinical experience
C. No further requirement
D. 12 months clinical experience
Correct Answer: A. 9 months clinical experience
Rationale:
Clinical experience under non-approved supervision does not count toward licensure
requirements. Therefore, remaining required supervised clinical practice must be
completed under approved supervision, totaling an additional 9 months to meet
licensure standards.
Question 9:
Maximum suspension for unprofessional conduct is:
A. ≤ 6 months
B. ≤ 12 months
C. ≤ 18 months
D. ≤ 24 months
Correct Answer: B. ≤ 12 months
Rationale:
Licensure boards typically limit suspension for unprofessional conduct to a maximum
of 12 months for a single disciplinary action. More severe or repeated violations may
escalate penalties, but standard suspension caps are set at one year.
Question 10:
Which abbreviation correctly identifies a licensed physical therapist?
A. PTLA
B. SPT
C. RPT
D. DPT student
Correct Answer: C. RPT
Rationale:
RPT (Registered Physical Therapist) indicates licensure status. PTLA refers to
