Physical Therapy Board of California

Reasons for Discipline

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A physical therapist (PT) or physical therapist assistant (PTA) can be disciplined for a number of reasons, the most serious categories are:

• Sexual Misconduct
  • Sexual Misconduct is prohibited in the practice of physical therapy.
  • Section 2660.1 of the Business and Professions Code states, "A patient, client or customer of a licentiate under this chapter is conclusively presumed incapable of giving free, full and informed consent to any sexual activity which is a violation of Section 726.
• Gross Negligence
  Gross negligence is an extreme departure from accepted standards of practice.
• Repeated Negligent Acts
  Negligent acts that are not an extreme departure from accepted standards of practice, but are still negligent.
• Incompetence
  If a PT or PTA is found to be performing procedures that are beyond their training or expertise, or continuing to use a procedure that is unnecessary or obsolete.
• Aiding and Abetting the Practice of Physical Therapy
  The PT's inappropriate supervision of PTA's and physical therapy aides. The PT aide is an unlicensed person who aids a PT in his or her practice and must be supervised at all times by the PT; the PTA assists the PT in their practice but cannot practice autonomously.
• Billing Fraud, Dishonesty
  • Billing for services not provided.
  • Dishonesty, including filing fraudulent insurance claims.
• Convictions Reported to PTBC from Department of Justice or Other Agencies
  Misdemeanors, Felonies