*PTBC California Law Exam - The
Physical Therapy Practice Act
PART ONE - ANSWER-BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE
Article 1: Administration
Members of the Board - ANSWER-1) 1 PT involved in PT education,
2) 3 PTs with 5 years experience,
3) 3 public members who aren't licentiates of the board or any other medical board (CA
citizen, not school faculty)
Priority of the Board - ANSWER-Protection of the public
Licensing, regulating and disciplinary roles
The mission of the Physical Therapy Board of California is to promote and protect the
interests of the people of California by the effective and consistent administration and
enforcement of the Physical Therapy Practice Act.
Terms of Serving on the Board - ANSWER-1) Appointed 4 years, exp. on June 1
2) 1 public and 4 PT members appt'd by governor
3) Senate Rules Committee and speaker of assembly each appoint 1 public
4) Members of the Board elect a president
5) Board may elect an executive officer to exercise the duties required
6) Board may appoint an commissioner on examination -who is suitable qualified but not
a member of the Board but will be subject to the rules and regs and same fees
3) Cannot serve more than 2 consecutive terms
Qualifications of Public Members - ANSWER-- Be a citizen of CA.
- Shall not be an officer or faculty member of any college in PT education.
- Shall not be a licentiate of the Medical Board of CA
Meetings - ANSWER-1 regular meeting annually in Sacramento, LA or SF or from time
to time till business is complete
Duties of the Members of the Board - ANSWER-1) May inspect PT facilities
2) May review patient charts
3) Can suspend and revoke licenses (notice must be given)
How is this Chapter cited? - ANSWER-This chapter may be cited as the Physical
Therapy Practice Act
Public Employees - ANSWER-PT consultants under contract for the board are
considered a public employee; or clerical or other employees necessary to carry out
powers and duties of Board
,Article 2
General Provisions
Definition of Physical Therapy - ANSWER-"art and science of physical or corrective
rehab of any bodily or mental condition of any person by use of physical, chemical or
other properties of heat, light, water, electricity...active, passive and resistive exercise
and shall include PT evals, treatment planning, instruction and consultative services"
ARTICLE 2 General Provisions - ANSWER-- NOT ALLOWED:
- use of roentgen rays/radioactive materials for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
- electricity for surgical purposes is authorized
- diagnosis of disease not under Physical Therapy
- can apply topical meds if comply with regs and administration act (conferred with
Medical Board of California as to which ones and protocols; but NOT prescribe them
Neuromuscular evaluation - ANSWER-1) Can perform tissue penetration for evaluation
neuro performance
2) Must have authorization from MD/surgeon
3) PT must be certified by the board
4) PT CANNOT develop or make diagnostic or prognostic interpretations of data
obtained (violation of the Medical Practice Act)
Minimal Time that Patient Records must be kept for - ANSWER-7 years.
1) Patient records shall be kept for a period of no less than 7 years following the
discharge of the patient
2) Records of unemancipated minors shall be kept at least 1 year after the minor has
reached 18 years of age.
No less than 7 years in any case
Documentation - ANSWER-- evaluation, goals, treatment plan, summary of treatment
- any actual intervention given
- sign legibly
PTs cannot do what - ANSWER-1) PTs cannot diagnose disease
2) PTs cannot provide prognostic interpretation of data
3) PTs cannot prescribe medicines
4) Perform medicine, surgery or any other healing art
PT Aide
Duties & Regulations - ANSWER-PT may use 1 aide to assist in PT
1) Patient related - services directly to the patient, excluding non patient related tasks
,2) Non patient related tasks :Observation of patient, transport, physical support only
during gait training/transfers, housekeeping duties, clerical duties, and similar functions
- Under direct, continuous and immediate PT supervision at all time. Direction and order
from PT
- no authority for aide to independently perform PT or a PT procedure
- must be same facility and in proximity to PT aide when performing patient related
tasks.
- when patient related tasks are performed at some point in that day, PT must provide
direct services to the pt for their condition, or to further evaluate and monitor patient
progress and document in patient's record
Who is allowed to use "P.T."and "D.P.T." - ANSWER-1) Only a licensed PT can use the
letters "P.T."
2) A licensed PT who has received a doctoral degree in PT may use "D.P.T."use
unabbreviated qualification in speaking and writing after using Dr. but must specify it is
in PT
3) Can use DPT, PhD or EdD as appropriate with approved doctoral degrees
4) WASC approval for doctoral degree for accreditation
PT Applicant Qualifications - ANSWER-1) Over 18 years old.
2) Successful education and training.
3) Not addicted to drugs/alcohol.
4) No crimes (constituting denial of license).
Examinations required before licensing - ANSWER-1) Laws & regulations to the
practice of PT.
2) National Physical Therapy Examination
Requirements for Reciprocity Applicant - ANSWER-Requirements for being issued a
license without a written examination
1) Licensed in another state, district or territory
2) Graduated PT Edu program deemed equal/higher than CA, passed NPTE or
equivalent (and or met the requirements for foreign applicants if applicable)
3) Files an app and meets requirements
4) Application based on a license certificate from another state - May need oral exam
and present file of past work to board
5) May perform as a PTLA while waiting for license (from receipt of application till
license - only for 1 st time applicants)
Conditions of Graduate Practice as a PTLA - ANSWER-- Letter of authorization after
completing approved course and applied to board for 1st time - will be able to be PTLA
PTLA in effect until regular, renewable license is issued or licensure denied by board.
- Upon failure or license denied by Board, licensee can no longer practice as a PTLA -
only allowed to practice as PTLA once
- PTLA is under direct and immediate supervision of PT
, - not considered a graduate till passed all training and clinical internships required for
graduation
- if fail to take next succeeding exam, fails to pass or obtain a license - all priviledges of
PTLA are lost
- if Computerized test - 90 days to do exam plus all above requirements and procedure.
Article 3
Education - ANSWER-- Shall be a graduate of a professional degree program of an
accredited postsecondary institution or institutions approved by the board, and shall
have completed a professional education including academic coursework and clinical
internship (at least 18 weeks full time) in physical therapy.
What is a PT student's title during Clinical Internship - ANSWER-During internships,
person shall be identified as "physical therapy student" or "physical therapy intern"
- as long as student matriculated in approved, accredited course from performing PT as
part of their studies
Requirements for applying for license if foreign trained or not in an approved US
program - ANSWER-1) If from a foreign school,
a) submit docs to prove equivalence, pass written exam (except if NPTE completed to
satisfaction in another state),
complete 9 months clinical service (direct, supervision, evaluated) Can be waived.
b) During those 9 months, can work as PTLA
c) Same req's apply to American student from non-accredited school
d) If certificate under another state may oral and file of past work
e) If no educational equivalent- may be eligible PTA
Article 4.5 PT Assistant
Supervision of PTA - ANSWER-1) 1 PT: 2PTAs
2) Board may permit more if adequate supervision available if public health and safety
served
3) # of PTAs never exceeds 2X # of PTs
4) Onsite & adequate supervision
PTA - Qualifications - ANSWER-1) Successfully pass examination
2) Completed appropriate education and training
3) Not addicted to drugs/alcohol.
4) No crimes (constituting denial of license).
Requirements for being issued a PTA license without a written examination - ANSWER-
1) Licensed in another state deemed equal/higher than CA
2) Graduated PTA Edu program (CAPTE/APTA)
3) Files an app and meets requirements
4) First time applicant - qualify as PTAA
Physical Therapy Practice Act
PART ONE - ANSWER-BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE
Article 1: Administration
Members of the Board - ANSWER-1) 1 PT involved in PT education,
2) 3 PTs with 5 years experience,
3) 3 public members who aren't licentiates of the board or any other medical board (CA
citizen, not school faculty)
Priority of the Board - ANSWER-Protection of the public
Licensing, regulating and disciplinary roles
The mission of the Physical Therapy Board of California is to promote and protect the
interests of the people of California by the effective and consistent administration and
enforcement of the Physical Therapy Practice Act.
Terms of Serving on the Board - ANSWER-1) Appointed 4 years, exp. on June 1
2) 1 public and 4 PT members appt'd by governor
3) Senate Rules Committee and speaker of assembly each appoint 1 public
4) Members of the Board elect a president
5) Board may elect an executive officer to exercise the duties required
6) Board may appoint an commissioner on examination -who is suitable qualified but not
a member of the Board but will be subject to the rules and regs and same fees
3) Cannot serve more than 2 consecutive terms
Qualifications of Public Members - ANSWER-- Be a citizen of CA.
- Shall not be an officer or faculty member of any college in PT education.
- Shall not be a licentiate of the Medical Board of CA
Meetings - ANSWER-1 regular meeting annually in Sacramento, LA or SF or from time
to time till business is complete
Duties of the Members of the Board - ANSWER-1) May inspect PT facilities
2) May review patient charts
3) Can suspend and revoke licenses (notice must be given)
How is this Chapter cited? - ANSWER-This chapter may be cited as the Physical
Therapy Practice Act
Public Employees - ANSWER-PT consultants under contract for the board are
considered a public employee; or clerical or other employees necessary to carry out
powers and duties of Board
,Article 2
General Provisions
Definition of Physical Therapy - ANSWER-"art and science of physical or corrective
rehab of any bodily or mental condition of any person by use of physical, chemical or
other properties of heat, light, water, electricity...active, passive and resistive exercise
and shall include PT evals, treatment planning, instruction and consultative services"
ARTICLE 2 General Provisions - ANSWER-- NOT ALLOWED:
- use of roentgen rays/radioactive materials for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
- electricity for surgical purposes is authorized
- diagnosis of disease not under Physical Therapy
- can apply topical meds if comply with regs and administration act (conferred with
Medical Board of California as to which ones and protocols; but NOT prescribe them
Neuromuscular evaluation - ANSWER-1) Can perform tissue penetration for evaluation
neuro performance
2) Must have authorization from MD/surgeon
3) PT must be certified by the board
4) PT CANNOT develop or make diagnostic or prognostic interpretations of data
obtained (violation of the Medical Practice Act)
Minimal Time that Patient Records must be kept for - ANSWER-7 years.
1) Patient records shall be kept for a period of no less than 7 years following the
discharge of the patient
2) Records of unemancipated minors shall be kept at least 1 year after the minor has
reached 18 years of age.
No less than 7 years in any case
Documentation - ANSWER-- evaluation, goals, treatment plan, summary of treatment
- any actual intervention given
- sign legibly
PTs cannot do what - ANSWER-1) PTs cannot diagnose disease
2) PTs cannot provide prognostic interpretation of data
3) PTs cannot prescribe medicines
4) Perform medicine, surgery or any other healing art
PT Aide
Duties & Regulations - ANSWER-PT may use 1 aide to assist in PT
1) Patient related - services directly to the patient, excluding non patient related tasks
,2) Non patient related tasks :Observation of patient, transport, physical support only
during gait training/transfers, housekeeping duties, clerical duties, and similar functions
- Under direct, continuous and immediate PT supervision at all time. Direction and order
from PT
- no authority for aide to independently perform PT or a PT procedure
- must be same facility and in proximity to PT aide when performing patient related
tasks.
- when patient related tasks are performed at some point in that day, PT must provide
direct services to the pt for their condition, or to further evaluate and monitor patient
progress and document in patient's record
Who is allowed to use "P.T."and "D.P.T." - ANSWER-1) Only a licensed PT can use the
letters "P.T."
2) A licensed PT who has received a doctoral degree in PT may use "D.P.T."use
unabbreviated qualification in speaking and writing after using Dr. but must specify it is
in PT
3) Can use DPT, PhD or EdD as appropriate with approved doctoral degrees
4) WASC approval for doctoral degree for accreditation
PT Applicant Qualifications - ANSWER-1) Over 18 years old.
2) Successful education and training.
3) Not addicted to drugs/alcohol.
4) No crimes (constituting denial of license).
Examinations required before licensing - ANSWER-1) Laws & regulations to the
practice of PT.
2) National Physical Therapy Examination
Requirements for Reciprocity Applicant - ANSWER-Requirements for being issued a
license without a written examination
1) Licensed in another state, district or territory
2) Graduated PT Edu program deemed equal/higher than CA, passed NPTE or
equivalent (and or met the requirements for foreign applicants if applicable)
3) Files an app and meets requirements
4) Application based on a license certificate from another state - May need oral exam
and present file of past work to board
5) May perform as a PTLA while waiting for license (from receipt of application till
license - only for 1 st time applicants)
Conditions of Graduate Practice as a PTLA - ANSWER-- Letter of authorization after
completing approved course and applied to board for 1st time - will be able to be PTLA
PTLA in effect until regular, renewable license is issued or licensure denied by board.
- Upon failure or license denied by Board, licensee can no longer practice as a PTLA -
only allowed to practice as PTLA once
- PTLA is under direct and immediate supervision of PT
, - not considered a graduate till passed all training and clinical internships required for
graduation
- if fail to take next succeeding exam, fails to pass or obtain a license - all priviledges of
PTLA are lost
- if Computerized test - 90 days to do exam plus all above requirements and procedure.
Article 3
Education - ANSWER-- Shall be a graduate of a professional degree program of an
accredited postsecondary institution or institutions approved by the board, and shall
have completed a professional education including academic coursework and clinical
internship (at least 18 weeks full time) in physical therapy.
What is a PT student's title during Clinical Internship - ANSWER-During internships,
person shall be identified as "physical therapy student" or "physical therapy intern"
- as long as student matriculated in approved, accredited course from performing PT as
part of their studies
Requirements for applying for license if foreign trained or not in an approved US
program - ANSWER-1) If from a foreign school,
a) submit docs to prove equivalence, pass written exam (except if NPTE completed to
satisfaction in another state),
complete 9 months clinical service (direct, supervision, evaluated) Can be waived.
b) During those 9 months, can work as PTLA
c) Same req's apply to American student from non-accredited school
d) If certificate under another state may oral and file of past work
e) If no educational equivalent- may be eligible PTA
Article 4.5 PT Assistant
Supervision of PTA - ANSWER-1) 1 PT: 2PTAs
2) Board may permit more if adequate supervision available if public health and safety
served
3) # of PTAs never exceeds 2X # of PTs
4) Onsite & adequate supervision
PTA - Qualifications - ANSWER-1) Successfully pass examination
2) Completed appropriate education and training
3) Not addicted to drugs/alcohol.
4) No crimes (constituting denial of license).
Requirements for being issued a PTA license without a written examination - ANSWER-
1) Licensed in another state deemed equal/higher than CA
2) Graduated PTA Edu program (CAPTE/APTA)
3) Files an app and meets requirements
4) First time applicant - qualify as PTAA
