Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 848 - OREGON BOARD OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 848 governs the Oregon Board of Physical Therapy. This chapter outlines the regulations and procedures that the Board uses to license, regulate, and oversee the practice of physical therapy in the state, ensuring public safety and professional standards.
Here's a breakdown of the key areas covered:
Division 1 - Procedural Rules: These are the foundational rules for how the Board conducts its business, including public meetings, rulemaking processes, and general administrative procedures.
Division 5 - Board Administration: This division details the structure and operation of the Board itself, including the appointment of board members (typically five physical therapists, one physical therapist assistant, and two public members, appointed by the Governor), their terms, and general administrative policies.
Division 10 - Licensed Physical Therapists and Licensed Physical Therapist Assistants: This comprehensive division covers the core licensing requirements for both physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs). It includes:
Education Requirements: Graduation from an accredited physical therapy or physical therapist assistant program (accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education - CAPTE).
Examinations: Passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), and often an Oregon Jurisprudence Assessment Module (OR-JAM) which tests knowledge of Oregon's specific laws and rules.
Application Process: Procedures for initial application, temporary permits, and endorsement for out-of-state licensees.
Background Checks: Requirements for criminal background checks.
Mandatory Training: Specific requirements, such as a one-time pain management education requirement and recurring cultural competence education.
Division 15 - Physical Therapist Assistants: This division specifically defines the scope of practice for PTAs and their supervision requirements. PTAs perform established physical therapy treatments under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, but cannot perform initial evaluations, re-assessments (though they can assist in data gathering), or independently modify a plan of care.
Division 20 - Physical Therapist Aides: This section addresses the limited role of physical therapist aides, who perform designated and supervised routine tasks under the direct on-site supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. There are strict limitations on what tasks an aide can perform.
Division 35 - Continuing Competence: This division outlines the continuing education requirements for license renewal. For example, physical therapists typically need 24 hours every two years, and physical therapist assistants need 12 hours every two years, including specific hours for cultural competence.
Division 40 - Minimum Standards for Physical Therapy Practice and Records: This division sets the professional standards for how physical therapy is practiced in Oregon. It covers:
Plan of Care: Emphasizes that only a physical therapist can develop and modify a plan of care.
Documentation: Requirements for accurate and confidential patient records.
Supervision: Detailed rules for the supervision of PTAs and aides by PTs.
Ethical Conduct: Adherence to recognized standards of ethics in the profession.
Division 45 - Grounds for Discipline and Sanctions: This division specifies the actions the Board can take against licensees who violate laws or rules. Grounds for discipline can include:
Practicing outside the scope of practice.
Substandard care.
Fraud or misrepresentation.
Failure to supervise properly.
Criminal convictions.
Sexual misconduct.
Failure to maintain adequate patient records or confidentiality.
Sanctions can range from letters of reprimand and civil penalties (up to $5,000) to probation, suspension, or revocation of a license.
The overarching goal of OAR Chapter 848 is to protect the public by ensuring that all individuals practicing physical therapy in Oregon are competent, ethical, and adhere to established professional standards.
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