Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 640 - Physical Therapists
1. Practicing Without a License
Rule: No one may practice physical therapy in Nevada without a valid license from the Nevada Physical Therapy Board.
Case Example: A therapist moves to Nevada and starts treating patients before obtaining a state license. This is considered illegal practice. The Board can issue a cease-and-desist order and impose fines. In some cases, the person may be barred from ever obtaining a license if the violation is severe.
Why it matters: Ensures only qualified individuals provide care and protects patients from unqualified practitioners.
2. Professional Misconduct / Ethics Violations
Rule: Licensees must act ethically, maintain professional conduct, and not exploit patient relationships.
Case Example: A therapist advertises a treatment as “guaranteed cure for chronic back pain” without clinical evidence. This misrepresentation is unethical. The Board may investigate and impose disciplinary measures, which could include fines or license suspension.
Why it matters: Protects patients from false claims and maintains trust in the profession.
3. Improper Patient Treatment or Communication
Rule: Therapists must treat patients competently, explain risks, and document care accurately.
Case Example: A therapist performs a procedure without explaining potential risks, and the patient suffers an injury. This constitutes a violation of patient care standards and may lead to disciplinary action.
Why it matters: Ensures patient safety and informed consent.
4. Delegation and Supervision Violations
Rule: Therapists may delegate only tasks appropriate for assistants or technicians, under proper supervision. Tasks requiring professional judgment cannot be delegated.
Case Example: A therapist tells an assistant to independently assess a patient and design a treatment plan. This is a breach of delegation rules because the judgment required is reserved for licensed physical therapists. Disciplinary actions may follow.
Supervision Example: If a supervising therapist is absent while an assistant treats patients and cannot be contacted, this is a violation of supervision standards.
Why it matters: Prevents unqualified personnel from performing tasks that could harm patients.
5. Improper Recordkeeping and Breach of Confidentiality
Rule: Patient records must be accurate, complete, and confidential. Records may only be shared with patient consent or a legal requirement.
Case Example: A therapist gives patient records to an employer or third party without consent. This is a confidentiality breach, which may result in sanctions or fines.
Additional Case: Falsifying patient records, such as documenting treatment that was never performed, is also a violation and can lead to license suspension.
Why it matters: Protects patient privacy and ensures accountability.
6. Advertising and Billing Misconduct
Rule: Therapists must not advertise in a misleading way, and billing must reflect actual services rendered.
Case Example: A therapist advertises themselves as a “specialist in neurological rehabilitation” without recognized certification. Or, a therapist bills patients for services not provided. Both are violations of NAC 640 rules.
Why it matters: Ensures honesty in representation and prevents financial exploitation of patients.
7. Failure to Meet Continuing Education Requirements
Rule: Licensees must complete and document required continuing education for license renewal.
Case Example: A therapist fails to submit proof of continuing education at renewal. The Board may place the license on inactive status until requirements are met, and practice during that time may be considered unlicensed activity.
Why it matters: Ensures therapists maintain current knowledge and skills.
8. Sexual Misconduct with Patients
Rule: Sexual relationships with patients during treatment or within six months after discharge are prohibited.
Case Example: A therapist engages in a sexual relationship with a patient they are currently treating. This is considered serious misconduct and can lead to license revocation.
Why it matters: Protects patients from exploitation and maintains professional boundaries.
✅ Summary Table of Key Cases
| Situation | Rule Violated | Possible Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Practicing without a license | Unauthorized practice | Cease-and-desist, fines, license denial |
| Misleading advertising | Professional ethics | Discipline, fines, license suspension |
| Poor patient care / risk not explained | Patient safety / competence | Discipline, mandatory remediation |
| Improper delegation / supervision | Delegation rules | Discipline, restrictions on practice |
| Recordkeeping / confidentiality breach | Ethics / documentation | Sanctions, fines, license suspension |
| Billing for unrendered services | Professional ethics | Discipline, fines, restitution |
| Failure to meet continuing education | License renewal requirement | Inactive status, remedial education |
| Sexual misconduct | Ethics / professional boundaries | License suspension or revocation |
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