SECTION 1: LEGISLATIVE INTENT & DEFINITIONS
QUESTION 1
What is the legislative intent of the physical therapy board?
ANSWER: To ensure every PT practitioner practicing in the state meets minimum
requirements for safe practice .
RATIONALE: The sole purpose in Chapter 486, F.S. is to ensure every PT/PTA in the state
meets minimum requirements for safe practice. If a PT/PTA falls below minimum
competency or presents a danger to the public, they shall be prohibited from practicing
in this state
QUESTION 2
Is it the intent that persons desiring to engage in any lawful profession are entitled to do
so?
ANSWER: Yes, they are entitled to do so if qualified .
RATIONALE: The legislative intent affirms that individuals who want to become a PT or
PTA are entitled to do so provided they meet the qualifications
QUESTION 3
Professions should be regulated only for what purpose?
ANSWER: The preservation of health, safety, and welfare of the public .
RATIONALE: Professions are regulated under the police powers of the state to protect
the public's health, safety, and welfare. Regulation should not be used for economic
protectionism
, QUESTION 4
When should professions be regulated?
ANSWER: When unregulated practice may cause harm to the public and that potential for
harm outweighs the impact of regulation .
RATIONALE: Regulation is appropriate when:
● Practice can harm or endanger the health, safety, and welfare of the public
● The public is not effectively protected by other means (other state statutes, local
ordinances, or federal legislation)
● Less restrictive means of regulation are not available
QUESTION 5
What restrictions apply to the Department and the Board?
ANSWER: Neither the Department nor any Board may unreasonably restrict or deter
qualified people from licensure or competition, nor create regulations that unreasonably
affect job creation or retention .
RATIONALE: The Board cannot create an economic condition that unreasonably restricts
competition. Policies should be cost-effective, maximize competition, minimize licensure
costs, and maximize public access to meetings
QUESTION 6
Unless expressly specifically granted in statute, what duties do NOT include?
ANSWER: Changing the scope of physical therapy practice .
RATIONALE: The Board's duties are limited to those specifically granted in statute and do
not include expanding or altering the scope of practice without legislative authority
QUESTION 1
What is the legislative intent of the physical therapy board?
ANSWER: To ensure every PT practitioner practicing in the state meets minimum
requirements for safe practice .
RATIONALE: The sole purpose in Chapter 486, F.S. is to ensure every PT/PTA in the state
meets minimum requirements for safe practice. If a PT/PTA falls below minimum
competency or presents a danger to the public, they shall be prohibited from practicing
in this state
QUESTION 2
Is it the intent that persons desiring to engage in any lawful profession are entitled to do
so?
ANSWER: Yes, they are entitled to do so if qualified .
RATIONALE: The legislative intent affirms that individuals who want to become a PT or
PTA are entitled to do so provided they meet the qualifications
QUESTION 3
Professions should be regulated only for what purpose?
ANSWER: The preservation of health, safety, and welfare of the public .
RATIONALE: Professions are regulated under the police powers of the state to protect
the public's health, safety, and welfare. Regulation should not be used for economic
protectionism
, QUESTION 4
When should professions be regulated?
ANSWER: When unregulated practice may cause harm to the public and that potential for
harm outweighs the impact of regulation .
RATIONALE: Regulation is appropriate when:
● Practice can harm or endanger the health, safety, and welfare of the public
● The public is not effectively protected by other means (other state statutes, local
ordinances, or federal legislation)
● Less restrictive means of regulation are not available
QUESTION 5
What restrictions apply to the Department and the Board?
ANSWER: Neither the Department nor any Board may unreasonably restrict or deter
qualified people from licensure or competition, nor create regulations that unreasonably
affect job creation or retention .
RATIONALE: The Board cannot create an economic condition that unreasonably restricts
competition. Policies should be cost-effective, maximize competition, minimize licensure
costs, and maximize public access to meetings
QUESTION 6
Unless expressly specifically granted in statute, what duties do NOT include?
ANSWER: Changing the scope of physical therapy practice .
RATIONALE: The Board's duties are limited to those specifically granted in statute and do
not include expanding or altering the scope of practice without legislative authority
