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Jurisprudence and Physical Therapy

Calista Kelly, PT, DPT, ACEEAA, Cert. MDT

March 1, 2024

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Question

Do all states mandate jurisprudence requirements for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, and what is the rationale behind the need for professionals in physical therapy to stay informed and up-to-date with their practice act?

Answer

Jurisprudence requirements for physical therapists vary across states in the United States, with each state's physical therapy licensing board or regulatory agency establishing its own rules and regulations, including any jurisprudence requirements. Jurisprudence courses and/or exams assess therapists' knowledge of the laws and regulations governing physical therapy in a specific state. 

Therapists must stay informed about and adhere to their practice acts for several reasons:

  1. Legal and Ethical Compliance: Understanding and following the regulations outlined in practice acts ensures therapists comply with legal and ethical standards, maintaining a high standard of professional conduct.

  2. Patient Safety and Quality of Care: Practice acts often include guidelines and standards aimed at protecting patients' well-being and safety.  Staying updated on these regulations enables therapists to implement best practices for their patients' safety.

  3. Professional Accountability: Adhering to the Practice Act demonstrates professional accountability, ensuring therapists can be held responsible for maintaining the highest standards of care through their actions and decisions.

  4. Licensing and Certification Requirements: Practice acts govern licensing and certification requirements. To maintain professional credentials, therapists must be aware of continuing education, renewal, and other requirements specific to the state or states practicing in.

  5. Professional Development: Staying current with the practice act allows therapists to engage in ongoing professional development, attending conferences, or training sessions to enhance their skills and knowledge for optimal client care.

  6. Adaptation to Changes: Practice acts may undergo updates or changes over time. Staying informed about these changes enables therapists to adapt their practices, incorporating new evidence-based practices and aligning with evolving standards.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on jurisprudence requirements for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in a particular state, it is recommended to contact the state's physical therapy licensing board or regulatory agency.


calista kelly

Calista Kelly, PT, DPT, ACEEAA, Cert. MDT

Senior Managing Editor, PhysicalTherapy.com

Calista holds a master’s degree in physical therapy from St. Ambrose University and a doctorate degree (DPT) from the University of Mississippi. She attained a credentialing certificate from the McKenzie Institute in 2011 and the CEEAA credential in 2014 from the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association. In 2019, she completed the requirements for the Advanced Credentialed Exercise Expert for Aging Adults (ACEEAA) through the Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy.  Calista has been licensed as a physical therapist since 2001 and has worked as a clinician in a variety of settings including ICU, outpatient orthopedics/sports medicine, neuro, SNF/LTC, LTACH, wound care, home health, and pediatrics. Her practice interests are spine care, jurisprudence, orthopedics, acute care, wound care, and temporomandibular disorders. 


Related Courses

Georgia Ethics and Jurisprudence
Presented by Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS, Calista Kelly, PT, DPT, ACEEAA, Cert. MDT
Text/Transcript

Presenters

Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPSCalista Kelly, PT, DPT, ACEEAA, Cert. MDT
Course: #4916Level: Intermediate4 Hours
  'ability to start and stop as needed, and do at own pace'   Read Reviews
PTs and PTAs in the state of GA are required to complete a 4 hour course on jurisprudence and ethics for license renewal. This online text-based home study course reviews the jurisprudence and ethics components as outlined by the Georgia Board of Physical Therapy and is applicable for PTs and PTAs licensed in the state of Georgia.

Ethics and Jurisprudence for the Physical Therapy Professional Licensed in Hawaii
Presented by Calista Kelly, PT, DPT, ACEEAA, Cert. MDT, Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS
Text/Transcript

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Calista Kelly, PT, DPT, ACEEAA, Cert. MDTKathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS
Course: #4977Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'It’s always good to review this material again'   Read Reviews
For each renewal period, licensees must obtain continuing competence units (CCUs), including two units in ethics, laws, and rules (jurisprudence). This course reviews the jurisprudence and ethics components outlined by the Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy and applies to PTs and PTAs licensed in Hawaii.

Ethics and Jurisprudence for the Physical Therapy Professional Licensed in Illinois
Presented by Calista Kelly, PT, DPT, ACEEAA, Cert. MDT, Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS
Text/Transcript

Presenters

Calista Kelly, PT, DPT, ACEEAA, Cert. MDTKathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS
Course: #5006Level: Intermediate3 Hours
  'It refreshes your professional skills and knowledge pertaining to ethical issues'   Read Reviews
For license renewal, PTs and PTAs in Illinois are required to complete a three-hour course on ethics and jurisprudence. This online text-based home study course reviews ethics and jurisprudence (rules and regulations) for practice in Illinois and is applicable to PTs and PTAs licensed in the state of Illinois.

Ethics and Jurisprudence for the Physical Therapy Professional Licensed in Tennessee
Presented by Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS, Calista Kelly, PT, DPT, ACEEAA, Cert. MDT
Text/Transcript

Presenters

Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPSCalista Kelly, PT, DPT, ACEEAA, Cert. MDT
Course: #5054Level: Intermediate4 Hours
  'Informative'   Read Reviews
For license renewal, PTs and PTAs in Tennessee are required to complete a four-hour course on ethics and jurisprudence. This online text-based home study course reviews ethics and jurisprudence (rules and regulations) for practice in Tennessee and applies to PTs and PTAs licensed in the state.

Alabama Jurisprudence
Presented by Calista Kelly, PT, DPT, ACEEAA, Cert. MDT
Text/Transcript

Presenter

Calista Kelly, PT, DPT, ACEEAA, Cert. MDT
Course: #3796Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'Straight forward'   Read Reviews
A review of the Alabama Physical Therapy Practice Act and Administrative Code, along with key compliance-related updates (mandatory reporting for child abuse, HIPAA) for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants licensed in the state of Alabama. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.

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