Florida Jurisprudence Practice Exam 2026/2027 | Chapter 486, Chapter 456, Rule 64B17
Florida Jurisprudence Practice Exam 2026/2027
Questions and Answers (Verified Answers)
Aligned with Florida Board of Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Examination Standards | Chapter 486 (Physical Therapy Practice Act) | Chapter
456 (General Health Professions) | Rule 64B17 (Florida Administrative Code)
Section 1: Legislative Intent, Definitions, and Board Authority (Questions 1-25)
Q1: What is the sole legislative purpose for enacting Chapter 486 of the Florida Statutes?
A. A. To increase revenue for the state through licensure fees
B. B. To ensure that every physical therapy practitioner in Florida meets minimum requirements for safe
practice [CORRECT]
C. C. To limit the number of physical therapy practitioners in the state
D. D. To establish a competitive marketplace for physical therapy services
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Per s. 486.011, Florida Statutes, the sole legislative purpose in enacting Chapter 486 is to ensure that every physical
therapy practitioner meets minimum requirements for safe practice. It is the legislative intent that practitioners who fall below
minimum competency or who otherwise present a danger to the public be prohibited from practicing in this state. Options A, C,
and D do not reflect the statutory language.
Q2: Which of the following best describes the relationship between the terms "physical therapy" and
"physiotherapy" under Florida law?
A. A. Physiotherapy is a restricted term that requires separate licensure
B. B. Physical therapy and physiotherapy are identical and interchangeable terms under Chapter 486
[CORRECT]
C. C. Physiotherapy refers only to hospital-based interventions
D. D. Physical therapy is the general term; physiotherapy refers to electrotherapeutic modalities only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under Florida law, the terms "physical therapy" and "physiotherapy" are identical and interchangeable with each
other. There is no distinction in scope, setting, or modality between the two terms per Chapter 486 definitions. Neither term
requires separate licensure or denotes a subset of practice.
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, Florida Jurisprudence Practice Exam 2026/2027 | Chapter 486, Chapter 456, Rule 64B17
Q3: How many members compose the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice, and what is the
composition breakdown?
A. A. Five members: three licensed PTs and two consumer members
B. B. Seven members: five licensed PTs and two consumer members [CORRECT]
C. C. Nine members: seven licensed PTs and two consumer members
D. D. Seven members: four licensed PTs, two PTAs, and one consumer member
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Board of Physical Therapy Practice is created within the Department of Health and is composed of seven
members appointed by the Governor. Five members must be licensed physical therapists and two must be consumer members
who are not licensed health professionals. This composition is specified in Chapter 486 and ensures both professional expertise
and public representation.
Q4: Which authority is NOT explicitly granted to the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice under
Chapter 486?
A. A. Administer oaths and summon witnesses
B. B. Establish and modify minimum standards of practice for dry needling
C. C. Change the scope of physical therapy practice without statutory authorization [CORRECT]
D. D. Adopt rules pursuant to Chapter 120, Florida Statutes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Board has broad authority including administering oaths, summoning witnesses, taking testimony, establishing
minimum standards of practice (including for dry needling), and adopting rules. However, unless expressly and specifically
granted in statute, the Board does not have the authority to change the scope of physical therapy practice. Scope changes require
legislative action per the police powers doctrine.
Q5: A physical therapist in Florida uses roentgen rays for diagnostic purposes on a patient. Under which
provision is this activity addressed?
A. A. This is permitted under the general scope of physical therapy practice
B. B. This is excluded from the practice of physical therapy per Chapter 486 [CORRECT]
C. C. This is permitted only in hospital settings under physician supervision
D. D. This is allowed if the PT holds a separate radiography certification
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Chapter 486 specifically excludes the use of roentgen rays and radium for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes from
the practice of physical therapy. Additionally, the use of electricity for surgical purposes such as cauterization is excluded.
These activities fall outside the PT scope regardless of certification or setting.
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, Florida Jurisprudence Practice Exam 2026/2027 | Chapter 486, Chapter 456, Rule 64B17
Q6: Under Florida law, what foundational principle governs the regulation of the physical therapy
profession?
A. A. Professions should be regulated to maximize economic benefit for practitioners
B. B. Professions should be regulated only for the preservation of health, safety, and welfare of the public
under the police powers of the state [CORRECT]
C. C. Professions should be regulated to ensure uniformity across all states
D. D. Professions should be regulated to promote professional advancement and specialization
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The foundational principle guiding regulation is that professions should be regulated only for the preservation of
health, safety, and welfare of the public under the police powers of the state. This principle constrains both the Department of
Health and the Board from unreasonably restricting qualified people from licensure or creating regulations that affect job
creation or retention unreasonably.
Q7: Which statement accurately describes a "Physical Therapist" under Chapter 486?
A. A. Any person who performs physical therapy interventions regardless of licensure status
B. B. A person who is licensed and who practices physical therapy in accordance with Chapter 486 provisions
[CORRECT]
C. C. A person who has completed a physical therapy education program but has not yet passed the licensure
examination
D. D. A person who practices under the direct supervision of a physician in a hospital setting
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under Chapter 486, a "physical therapist" is specifically defined as a person who is licensed and who practices
physical therapy in accordance with Chapter 486 provisions. Completion of education alone does not confer the title, and
practice without active licensure violates the statute regardless of supervision level or setting.
Q8: What is the definition of a "license" under Chapter 486?
A. A. A certificate of completion from an accredited physical therapy program
B. B. A document of authorization granted by the Board and issued by the Department of Health to engage in
the practice of physical therapy [CORRECT]
C. C. A voluntary registration with the Board to indicate specialty certification
D. D. A contractual agreement between a PT and their employing facility
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A "license" is defined as a document of authorization granted by the Board and issued by the Department of Health
for a person to engage in the practice of physical therapy. It is not merely a certificate of education, a voluntary registration, or
an employment agreement. The license is the legal authorization required for practice.
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, Florida Jurisprudence Practice Exam 2026/2027 | Chapter 486, Chapter 456, Rule 64B17
Q9: The Department of Health and the Board are prohibited from unreasonably restricting qualified
individuals from licensure. Which of the following would be considered an unreasonable restriction?
A. A. Requiring passage of the national licensure examination
B. B. Requiring completion of a CAPTE-accredited education program
C. C. Creating a regulation that disproportionately affects job creation or retention without public safety
justification [CORRECT]
D. D. Establishing continuing education requirements for license renewal
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Neither the Department nor the Board may create regulations that unreasonably affect job creation or retention.
While requiring examination, accredited education, and continuing education are reasonable public safety measures, creating
regulations that restrict qualified individuals from entering practice without corresponding public safety benefits would violate
this statutory mandate under Chapter 486 and Chapter 456.
Q10: Which of the following is NOT a power of the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice?
A. A. Take testimony in disciplinary proceedings
B. B. Establish minimum standards of practice including for dry needling
C. C. Grant hospital privileges to physical therapists [CORRECT]
D. D. Summon witnesses for investigations
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Board has the authority to administer oaths, summon witnesses, take testimony, establish and modify minimum
standards of practice (including for dry needling), and adopt rules. Granting hospital privileges is NOT a Board function;
hospital credentialing and privileging are governed by individual hospital bylaws, medical staff rules, and Chapter 395, not by
the Board of Physical Therapy Practice.
Q11: Under Chapter 456 (General Health Professions), which of the following is a universal requirement
applicable to all healthcare licensees in Florida, including physical therapists?
A. A. Maintaining professional liability insurance at all times
B. B. Complying with mandatory reporting of impaired practitioners [CORRECT]
C. C. Completing a residency program prior to independent practice
D. D. Obtaining board certification in a specialty area
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Chapter 456 establishes general regulations that apply to all healthcare licensees in Florida, including mandatory
reporting of impaired practitioners. While professional liability insurance, residency programs, and board certification may
apply to specific professions, the universal requirement under Chapter 456 includes provisions such as mandatory reporting,
disciplinary procedures, and general standards of professional conduct applicable across all health professions.
Page 4
Florida Jurisprudence Practice Exam 2026/2027
Questions and Answers (Verified Answers)
Aligned with Florida Board of Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Examination Standards | Chapter 486 (Physical Therapy Practice Act) | Chapter
456 (General Health Professions) | Rule 64B17 (Florida Administrative Code)
Section 1: Legislative Intent, Definitions, and Board Authority (Questions 1-25)
Q1: What is the sole legislative purpose for enacting Chapter 486 of the Florida Statutes?
A. A. To increase revenue for the state through licensure fees
B. B. To ensure that every physical therapy practitioner in Florida meets minimum requirements for safe
practice [CORRECT]
C. C. To limit the number of physical therapy practitioners in the state
D. D. To establish a competitive marketplace for physical therapy services
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Per s. 486.011, Florida Statutes, the sole legislative purpose in enacting Chapter 486 is to ensure that every physical
therapy practitioner meets minimum requirements for safe practice. It is the legislative intent that practitioners who fall below
minimum competency or who otherwise present a danger to the public be prohibited from practicing in this state. Options A, C,
and D do not reflect the statutory language.
Q2: Which of the following best describes the relationship between the terms "physical therapy" and
"physiotherapy" under Florida law?
A. A. Physiotherapy is a restricted term that requires separate licensure
B. B. Physical therapy and physiotherapy are identical and interchangeable terms under Chapter 486
[CORRECT]
C. C. Physiotherapy refers only to hospital-based interventions
D. D. Physical therapy is the general term; physiotherapy refers to electrotherapeutic modalities only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under Florida law, the terms "physical therapy" and "physiotherapy" are identical and interchangeable with each
other. There is no distinction in scope, setting, or modality between the two terms per Chapter 486 definitions. Neither term
requires separate licensure or denotes a subset of practice.
Page 1
, Florida Jurisprudence Practice Exam 2026/2027 | Chapter 486, Chapter 456, Rule 64B17
Q3: How many members compose the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice, and what is the
composition breakdown?
A. A. Five members: three licensed PTs and two consumer members
B. B. Seven members: five licensed PTs and two consumer members [CORRECT]
C. C. Nine members: seven licensed PTs and two consumer members
D. D. Seven members: four licensed PTs, two PTAs, and one consumer member
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Board of Physical Therapy Practice is created within the Department of Health and is composed of seven
members appointed by the Governor. Five members must be licensed physical therapists and two must be consumer members
who are not licensed health professionals. This composition is specified in Chapter 486 and ensures both professional expertise
and public representation.
Q4: Which authority is NOT explicitly granted to the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice under
Chapter 486?
A. A. Administer oaths and summon witnesses
B. B. Establish and modify minimum standards of practice for dry needling
C. C. Change the scope of physical therapy practice without statutory authorization [CORRECT]
D. D. Adopt rules pursuant to Chapter 120, Florida Statutes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Board has broad authority including administering oaths, summoning witnesses, taking testimony, establishing
minimum standards of practice (including for dry needling), and adopting rules. However, unless expressly and specifically
granted in statute, the Board does not have the authority to change the scope of physical therapy practice. Scope changes require
legislative action per the police powers doctrine.
Q5: A physical therapist in Florida uses roentgen rays for diagnostic purposes on a patient. Under which
provision is this activity addressed?
A. A. This is permitted under the general scope of physical therapy practice
B. B. This is excluded from the practice of physical therapy per Chapter 486 [CORRECT]
C. C. This is permitted only in hospital settings under physician supervision
D. D. This is allowed if the PT holds a separate radiography certification
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Chapter 486 specifically excludes the use of roentgen rays and radium for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes from
the practice of physical therapy. Additionally, the use of electricity for surgical purposes such as cauterization is excluded.
These activities fall outside the PT scope regardless of certification or setting.
Page 2
, Florida Jurisprudence Practice Exam 2026/2027 | Chapter 486, Chapter 456, Rule 64B17
Q6: Under Florida law, what foundational principle governs the regulation of the physical therapy
profession?
A. A. Professions should be regulated to maximize economic benefit for practitioners
B. B. Professions should be regulated only for the preservation of health, safety, and welfare of the public
under the police powers of the state [CORRECT]
C. C. Professions should be regulated to ensure uniformity across all states
D. D. Professions should be regulated to promote professional advancement and specialization
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The foundational principle guiding regulation is that professions should be regulated only for the preservation of
health, safety, and welfare of the public under the police powers of the state. This principle constrains both the Department of
Health and the Board from unreasonably restricting qualified people from licensure or creating regulations that affect job
creation or retention unreasonably.
Q7: Which statement accurately describes a "Physical Therapist" under Chapter 486?
A. A. Any person who performs physical therapy interventions regardless of licensure status
B. B. A person who is licensed and who practices physical therapy in accordance with Chapter 486 provisions
[CORRECT]
C. C. A person who has completed a physical therapy education program but has not yet passed the licensure
examination
D. D. A person who practices under the direct supervision of a physician in a hospital setting
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under Chapter 486, a "physical therapist" is specifically defined as a person who is licensed and who practices
physical therapy in accordance with Chapter 486 provisions. Completion of education alone does not confer the title, and
practice without active licensure violates the statute regardless of supervision level or setting.
Q8: What is the definition of a "license" under Chapter 486?
A. A. A certificate of completion from an accredited physical therapy program
B. B. A document of authorization granted by the Board and issued by the Department of Health to engage in
the practice of physical therapy [CORRECT]
C. C. A voluntary registration with the Board to indicate specialty certification
D. D. A contractual agreement between a PT and their employing facility
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A "license" is defined as a document of authorization granted by the Board and issued by the Department of Health
for a person to engage in the practice of physical therapy. It is not merely a certificate of education, a voluntary registration, or
an employment agreement. The license is the legal authorization required for practice.
Page 3
, Florida Jurisprudence Practice Exam 2026/2027 | Chapter 486, Chapter 456, Rule 64B17
Q9: The Department of Health and the Board are prohibited from unreasonably restricting qualified
individuals from licensure. Which of the following would be considered an unreasonable restriction?
A. A. Requiring passage of the national licensure examination
B. B. Requiring completion of a CAPTE-accredited education program
C. C. Creating a regulation that disproportionately affects job creation or retention without public safety
justification [CORRECT]
D. D. Establishing continuing education requirements for license renewal
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Neither the Department nor the Board may create regulations that unreasonably affect job creation or retention.
While requiring examination, accredited education, and continuing education are reasonable public safety measures, creating
regulations that restrict qualified individuals from entering practice without corresponding public safety benefits would violate
this statutory mandate under Chapter 486 and Chapter 456.
Q10: Which of the following is NOT a power of the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice?
A. A. Take testimony in disciplinary proceedings
B. B. Establish minimum standards of practice including for dry needling
C. C. Grant hospital privileges to physical therapists [CORRECT]
D. D. Summon witnesses for investigations
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Board has the authority to administer oaths, summon witnesses, take testimony, establish and modify minimum
standards of practice (including for dry needling), and adopt rules. Granting hospital privileges is NOT a Board function;
hospital credentialing and privileging are governed by individual hospital bylaws, medical staff rules, and Chapter 395, not by
the Board of Physical Therapy Practice.
Q11: Under Chapter 456 (General Health Professions), which of the following is a universal requirement
applicable to all healthcare licensees in Florida, including physical therapists?
A. A. Maintaining professional liability insurance at all times
B. B. Complying with mandatory reporting of impaired practitioners [CORRECT]
C. C. Completing a residency program prior to independent practice
D. D. Obtaining board certification in a specialty area
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Chapter 456 establishes general regulations that apply to all healthcare licensees in Florida, including mandatory
reporting of impaired practitioners. While professional liability insurance, residency programs, and board certification may
apply to specific professions, the universal requirement under Chapter 456 includes provisions such as mandatory reporting,
disciplinary procedures, and general standards of professional conduct applicable across all health professions.
Page 4
