Maryland

United States Physical Therapy Practice Acts

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Temporary License Requirements/Availability

There are no temporary license requirements stated in the physical therapy practice act for Maryland.

Requirements for License

Licensure by Examination: U.S Graduates

Completed Application Form and Exam Questionnaire.
Application fee of $150 (check or money order only, payable to the Board of Physical Therapy)

Post-graduation transcripts sent to the Board Office directly from the Registrar's office.

Evidence of Registration for the National Physical Therapy Exam. (Go online to www.fsbpt.org)
FSBPT will notify the Maryland Board electronically of your registration. When your application is complete, the Board will notify FSBPT to authorize you to sit for the examination. Effective October 1, 2008 FSBPT will no longer accept checks. All payments must be by credit card or debit card. Examination scores are sent electronically to the Board Office. The Board will notify you of your score. Do not call or e-mail the office regarding score reports. Scores are only available through the post mail.

Passing score on the Maryland Jurisprudence Examination. The Maryland Jurisprudence Exam is an open book exam. It is to be completed and returned to this office. Passing score is 90%.

Licensure by Examination: Foreign Educated

All applicants MUST have a social security number. AIN numbers are no longer being accepted on advise of the Attorney Generals’ office. You can be approved to sit for the exams, however that approval does not render one eligible for licensure if the applicant can’t meet the other criteria.

Federal regulations (45 CFR 61.7) require the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy to report a licensee’s Social Security number when making reports to the Federal Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank (HIPDB). Therefore all applicants for licensure are required to submit a social security number.

The Board of Physical Therapy is unable to issue a license to practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in the State of Maryland until submission of the social security number. The Board will send a letter to foreign educated applicants letting the applicant know that they will be eligible to receive a Maryland license once the applicant has furnished the Board their social security number. Once the Board receives that number, you will be issued a license to practice in the State of Maryland.

Completed Application Form and Exam Questionnaire.
Application fee of $150 (check or money order only, payable to the Board of Physical Therapy)
Evaluation of educational credentials sent directly to this office from one of the following acceptable credentials agencies:

Foreign Credential Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT)
124 West Street South, 3rd Floor
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 684-8406

International Credentialing Associates (ICA)
10801 Starkey Road
Suite 104
Seminole, FL 33777
(727) 549-8555

International Consultants of Delaware (ICD)
Division of CGFNS International
P.O. Box 8629
Philadelphia, PA 19101-8629
(215) 222-8454 Ext. 603 (Lines open M-F from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern time)
E-mail: icdeval.com

International Education Research Foundation (IERF)
P.O. Box 3665
Culver City, CA 90231-3665
(310)-258-9451
Evidence of Registration for the National Physical Therapy Exam. (Go online to www.fsbpt.org)
The FSBPT will keep your registration in a queue. When your application is complete and approved, the Maryland Board office will notify FSBPT to authorize you to sit for the examination. Examination scores are sent electronically to this office. Do not call or e-mail this office regarding score reports. We will mail the results to you. Scores are only available through the mail.
Passing score on the Maryland Jurisprudence Examination. The Maryland Jurisprudence Exam is an open book exam. It is to be completed and returned to this office. Passing score is 90%.
Evidence of oral competency in the English language. If not taught in English, the Test of English as a Foreign Language will be required (TOEFL). See below:
Implementation of TOEFL in Licensing:

Background – The Educational Testing Service (ETS) has developed and certified an internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). It contains four sections; writing, speaking, listening and reading. Standards for passing each of the sections have been established by several certification and licensing organizations including the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The scales (range of numbers used) differs between sections, making a direct comparison of sections inappropriate. For example, a score of 20 in one section is not equal in any manner to a score of 20 in another section.

Policy – In using TOEFL as one of the criteria in qualifying foreign-educated physical therapists for whom English is not their primary language applying for licensure in Maryland, the Board has adopted the following minimum or cut scores in each of the four sections:

Writing - 24 Speaking - 26 Listening - 18 Reading – 21

Note: The Board has adopted these minimum cut scores for each section. The Board has not adopted the total score.

Review – It is anticipated that the cut scores for each section of the test may change from time to time as experience with tests develop. It is expected that FSBPT will advise the Board of any future changes in the cut scores at which time the Board can vote on these changes and will advise applicants.

Licensure by Endorsement: U.S Graduates

Applicant must have a current license in another state

Completed Application Form.
Application fee of $150 (check or money order only, payable to the Board of Physical Therapy)

Copy of current out of state physical therapy license showing expiration date.
Verification of out of state license. Download Out-of-State Verification Form
Post-graduation transcripts sent to the Board Office directly from the Registrar's office.
Copy of Receipt of request to Transfer NPTE Scores to the Maryland Board. (Go online to www.fsbpt.org to request a transfer of scores).
Passing score on the Maryland Jurisprudence Examination. The Maryland Jurisprudence Exam is an open book exam. It is to be completed and returned to this office. Passing score is 90%.
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Licensure by Endorsement: Foreign Educated

Completed Application Form.
Application fee of $150 (check or money order only, payable to the Board of Physical Therapy)

Copy of current out of state physical therapy license showing expiration date.
Verification of out of state license. Download Out-of-State Verification Form
Proof of competency in English language (either recent TOEFL scores or a verification from a physical therapy program).
Credentials evaluation report for the State of Maryland from an approved credentialing agency. (see listing above under Licensure by Exam – Foreign Educated).
Copy of Receipt of request to Transfer NPTE Scores to the Maryland Board. (Go online to www.fsbpt.org to request a transfer of scores).
Passing score on the Maryland Jurisprudence Examination. The Maryland Jurisprudence Exam is an open book exam. It is to be completed and returned to this office. Passing score is 90%.

Licensure by Transfer: U.S Graduates

Applicants that registered to take or have taken the National Physical Therapy Examination in another state but did not obtain licensure in that statee

Completed Application Form and Exam Questionnaire.
Application fee of $150 (check or money order only, payable to the Board of Physical Therapy)
Post-graduation transcripts sent to the Board Office directly from the Registrar's office.
Evidence that you have registered or have taken the National Physical Therapy Examination in another state.
Copy of Receipt of request to Transfer NPTE Scores to the Maryland Board. (Go online to www.fsbpt.org to request a transfer of scores).
Signed and dated statement that you do not hold a physical therapist license in any state
Passing score on the Maryland Jurisprudence Examination. The Maryland Jurisprudence Exam is an open book exam. It is to be completed and returned to this office. Passing score is 90%.

Licensure by Transfer: Foreign Educated

If you are foreign educated and applying by transfer of examination scores, we will need your credentials evaluation report for the State of Maryland and evidence of oral competency in the English language sent directly to this office. We do not need the transcript from your PT program

Reinstatement of Licensure

Within 3 years of expiration of license and NEVER licensed in another state

Completed Reinstatement Application.

Reinstatement fee of $400 (check or money order only, payable to the Board of Physical Therapy)

Copies of Continuing Education Certificates for courses taken within past 2 years. That is, 30 contact hours or 3.0 CEUS for a physical therapist or 20 contact hours or 2.0 CEUS for a physical therapist assistant.

Signed and dated statement as to whether or not applicant has continued to practice in Maryland after expiration of the license

Maryland license lapsed AND Applicant has a current out-of-state license

Completed Reinstatement Application.

Reinstatement fee of $400 (check or money order only, payable to the Board of Physical Therapy)

Copies of Continuing Education Certificates for courses taken within past 2 years. That is 30 contact hours or 3.0 CEUS for a physical therapist or 20 contact hours or 2.0 CEUS for a physical therapist assistant.

Copy of current out of state physical therapy license showing expiration date.

Verification of out of state license. Download Out-of-State Verification Form

Signed and dated statement as to whether or not applicant has continued to practice in Maryland after expiration of the license

Maryland license lapsed AFTER Three Years and Applicant hasn't held a license in any state for more than 3 years.

If you have not held licensure anywhere for 3 years or more, then you will need to proceed as a new graduate applicant. You will be required to re-take the national licensure examination.

You are also required to have a verification sent from the last state where you were licensed. You will receive the same license number you had previously. Follow the instructions under

Licensure by Examination.

Supervision

Chapter 04 Physical Therapy Aide
Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§13-206, Annotated Code of Maryland

.02 Requirements.

A. Supervision.

(1) The physical therapy aide shall be under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist when performing those physical therapy treatments that the aide is permitted to perform.

(2) Exceptions. An aide may:

(a) Perform non-treatment-related activities, such as secretarial, clerical, and housekeeping duties without direct supervision;

(b) Perform patient-related activities that do not involve treatment (such as transporting patients, undressing and dressing patients, removing and applying assistive and supportive devices) without direct supervision;

(c) Assist a physical therapist assistant when more than one individual is required to ensure the safety and welfare of the patient during ambulation, transfers, or functional activities without direct supervision.

B. In-Service Training. There shall be documented evidence of sufficient in-service training to assure safe performance of the duties assigned to the aide

.03 Activities Which May Be Performed by Aides under Direct Supervision.

The following activities may be performed by aides under direct supervision:

A. Assist in the practice of gait and ambulation;

B. Assist in the practice of functional activities;

C. Assist in the practice of transfers;

D. Assist in the routine follow-up of specific exercises;

E. Assist in the application of hot or cold packs;

F. Assist in the procedure of Hubbard tank;

G. Assist in the procedure of whirlpool;

H. Assist in the application of contrast bath;

I. Assist in the application of infrared; and

J. Assist in the application of paraffin bath.

.04 Prohibited Activities.

A. Evaluation may not be performed by aides.

B. Treatments other than those listed in Regulation .03 may not be performed by aides.

.05 Penalty.

A physical therapy aide who violates the above regulations shall be considered by the Board to be practicing physical therapy in violation of the Maryland Physical Therapy Practice Act and may be referred to the appropriate State's Attorney's Office with a recommendation by the Board that the physical therapy aide be prosecuted.

Physical Therapy Students

(20) "Student" means an individual who is currently enrolled in a physical therapy or physical therapist assistant educational program approved by the Board.

The physical therapist shall:

(h) Provide direct supervision of students and aides;

(i) Ascertain and periodically reevaluate the ability of students and aides to perform the assigned duties;

Continued Competence

Chapter 08 Continuing Education Requirements
Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§13-206 and 13-311, Annotated Code of Maryland

.01 Scope.

This chapter governs:

A. A licensee applying for renewal;

B. An individual applying for reinstatement of licensure; and

C. Sponsors of continuing education courses.

.02 Definitions.

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) "Continuing education unit (CEU)" means the basic unit of measurement for a licensee's direct participation in continuing education consisting of 10 contact hours.

(2) Contact Hour.

(a) "Contact hour" means a period of 60 minutes in which actual learning takes place.

(b) "Contact hour" does not include:

(i) A portion of the program devoted to registration, breaks, meals; or

(ii) Fractions of an hour.

.03 Continuing Education Requirements.

A. Continuing education is a requirement for renewal or reinstatement of licenses for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants and may be obtained by:

(1) Postgraduate studies;

(2) Attendance or presentation at seminars, conferences, or workshops;

(3) Authoring, co-authoring, or editing of a book, book chapter, refereed article, or abstract; or

(4) Home study, including internet courses.

B. Professional education eligible for continuing education credit shall be:

(1) Relevant to the clinical practice of physical therapy; and

(2) Directed to a professional audience.

C. The Board shall have final approval of the relevancy of the program to the practice of physical therapy.

D. Continuing education courses shall have course materials that include clear and concise written statements of:

(1) Intended learning outcomes;

(2) Behavioral objectives; and

(3) Performance objectives.
E. Continuing education courses sponsored by the American Physical Therapy Association are automatically approved by the Board.

.04 Continuing Education Course Approval.

A. To obtain approval of a continuing education course, a course sponsor shall submit the following materials to the Board 6 weeks before the course:

(1) An application on a Board-approved application form, accompanied by any required fee;

(2) A complete hour-by-hour agenda of the course;

(3) A clear and concise written statement describing the course's intended learning outcomes, behavioral objectives, or performance objectives;

(4) A curriculum vitae for each instructor describing the instructor's competence in the course subject matter and skill in instructional methodologies; and

(5) If an instructor is not licensed by the Board and plans to perform physical therapy in conjunction with the course, an application for a restricted license obtained from the Board.

B. Public Representations.

(1) If a course is approved by the Board, the Board shall notify the sponsor of the approval.

(2) If a sponsor receives notification under §B(1) of this regulation, the sponsor may represent that a course has been approved by the Board.

(3) Approved course certificates and advertisements shall contain the following statement: "This course has been approved by the Maryland State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for ______ CEUs."

(4) A record of course attendees shall be retained by the sponsor for at least 4 years.

(5) The sponsor shall submit to the Board for approval any changes in an approved course, such as changes in speaker, content, or length.

C. Term of Approval.

(1) The Board shall approve a continuing education course for a period of 4 years.

(2) At the expiration of the 4-year approval period, the course sponsor may resubmit the course and shall meet the approval requirements of §A of this regulation.

.05 Renewal Requirements.

A. A licensee shall earn CEUs between April 1 and March 31 during the 2-year period before renewal and maintain the records of the course subject, hours, date, and continuing education units to present to the Board on request.

B. CEUs completed after March 31 of the year of the renewal may not be accepted.

C. All renewal applications shall be accompanied by a continuing education form to be completed by the licensee.

D. A physical therapist shall earn 3 CEUs equal to 30 contact hours for the renewal period.

E. A physical therapy assistant shall earn 2 CEUs equal to 20 contact hours for the renewal period.

F. CEUs may not be carried over from one renewal period to the next.

G. Failure to substantiate CEUs if requested by the Board shall result in denial of license renewal or of reinstatement of a license.

H. If the licensee has met all the requirements for renewal, the Board may renew a license for the first renewal period following the issuance of the original license without requiring the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to complete any CEUs if, at the time of renewal, the original license was issued 1 year or less before the renewal period.

.06 Auditing Compliance with Continuing Education Requirements.

A. The Board shall audit the continuing education records of as many licensees as time and resources allow.

B. The Board shall send an audit letter to those to be audited at the close of the renewal period.

C. At the time of audit, the audited licensees shall submit:

(1) Continuing education certificates earned between April 1 and March 31 during the 2-year period before renewal; and

(2) A completed continuing education form.

D. The Board may request from the licensee a brochure, agenda, or other material for courses that have not been previously approved by the Board.

.07 Reinstatement Requirements.

A. A physical therapist shall earn 3 CEUs in the 2-year period immediately preceding reinstatement.

B. A physical therapy assistant shall earn 2 CEUs in the 2-year period immediately preceding reinstatement.

.08 Continuing Education Unit Requirements for Physical Therapy Clinical Practice.

A. Continuing Education is a requirement for renewal or reinstatement of licenses for a physical therapy clinical practice.

B. Activities meeting the criteria for continuing education requirements for practice of physical therapy may be classified as follows:

(1) Postgraduate academic course work in physical therapy taken at an accredited college or university may earn 1 CEU per credit hour;

(2) Attendance at Board-approved or American Physical Therapy Association sponsored continuing education courses or workshops may earn 1 CEU for every 10 contact hours;

(3) Presentation of a continuing education course or workshop may earn 2 contact hours for every hour of presentation with presentations of the same subject matter receiving CEU credit only once in a 2-year period;

(4) Authoring, co-authoring, or editing of a book, book chapter, or refereed journal article may earn 3 CEUs with proof accompanying the request for approval;

(5) Authoring an abstract may earn 1 CEU;

(6) Completion of an approved self-study course may earn 1 contact hour per interactive hour;

(7) Completion of an approved internet course may earn 1 contact hour per interactive hour;

(8) Completion of continuing education relevant to the administration of physical therapy practice may earn up to 1.5 CEUs; or

(9) Postgraduate academic course work in administration of the practice of physical therapy may earn a maximum of 1.5 CEUs in each 2-year period.

C. CEUs may not be carried over from one renewal period to the next.

D. Failure to substantiate CEUs if requested by the Board shall result in denial of license renewal or of reinstatement of a license.

E. If the licensee has met all the requirements for renewal, the Board may renew a license for the first renewal period following the issuance of the original license without requiring the physical therapist or the physical therapist assistant to complete any CEUs, if, at the time of renewal, the original license was issued 1-year or less before the renewal date.

F. To aid licensees in the selection of appropriate continuing education courses, the Board may review, without charge, a course brochure, outline, or agenda before the licensee attends the course, if the request is submitted at least 1 month before the course date.

Does the Act appear restrictive? Why/Why not?

The Act appears to be restrictive because it states what is exactly included for each section.  For example, in the Requirements for Documentation section under Standards of Practice, it states which information must be included for different types of patient visits.  Also, in the Activities Which May Be Performed by Aides under Direct Supervision section under Physical Therapy Aide, there is a list of activities that may be performed by aides under direct supervision.

Is there anything unusual about this act?

One of the things I noticed that was unusual about this act was that if the Board issues a notice of initial denial to an applicant for a license, the applicant may not withdraw the application without approval from the Board, which was stated in the Notice of Charges or Notice of Initial Denial section under Rules of Procedure for Board Hearings.  I do not quite understand why the applicant must have an approval from the Board before withdrawing his or her application after initial denial of license.

References

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Disclaimer:   Informational Content is assimilated from the state practice act is a resource only and should not be considered a  substitute for the content within the state practice act.  All state practice acts can change and it is recommended that you refer to the original resource in the link above.