Template:United States Practice Acts

State Name

New York

Temporary License Option

A limited license may be obtained for therapists who are qualified to apply for their certification examinations. These permits cost $70, last 6 months, and are renewable up to one year with justification.  Therapists practicing with a limited license must have on-site supervision by a licensed Physical Therapist. Students graduating from an accredited program may practice up to 90 days without holding a limited license.

License Requirements

a.Application: file an application with the department;
b.Education: have received an education, including completion of a four year college program in physical therapy, in accordance with the commissioner`s regulations, provided that such requirements shall include a bachelor`s, higher degree or equivalent in physical therapy;
c.Experience: have experience satisfactory to the board in accordance with the commissioner`s regulations;
d.Examination: pass an examination satisfactory to the board and in accordance with the commissioner`s regulations;
e.Age: be at least twenty-one years of age;
f.Character: be of good moral character as determined by the department; and
g.Fees: pay a fee of one hundred seventy-five dollars to the department for admission to a department conducted examination and for an initial license; a fee of eighty-five dollars for each reexamination; a fee of one hundred fifteen dollars for an initial license for persons not requiring admission to a department conducted examination; and a fee of one hundred fifty-five dollars for each triennial registration period

Supervision Requirements

Physial therapy students are to be supervised by licensed physical therapists; not necessarily direct.

Supervision is required for new graduates that are not yet licensed, as well as for physical therapists practicing under a limited license.

Continued Competence Requirements

Continuing education is required and reported every three years. The triennial requirement for continuing education is 36 hours, unless the therapist is out of practice during that time period. Physical therapists are not required to complete continuing education courses in the first triennial period following licensure.

Discussion

The act does allow for direct access, as long as the physical therapist is licensed and has been in practice for at least three years. Guidelines for foreign-educated therapists are mentioned, as well as those programs in the United States that have no met accredidation requirement. Under the practice guidelines tab there are sections that address advertising, telecommunication, documentation, opening and closing practices, and use of physical therapy aides.