Reasons for Discipline
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 his or her 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 his or her practice but cannot practice autonomously.
- Billing Fraud, Dishonesty. . .
- Billing for services not provided
- Dishonesty, including filing fraudulent insurance claims
- Convictions reported to the PTBC from Department of Justice and/or other agencies
- Misdemeanors, Felonies
Email the Consumer Protection Program: cps@dca.ca.gov