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AN ACT relating to physical therapy. 1
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky: 2
SECTION 1. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 327 IS CREATED TO 3
READ AS FOLLOWS: 4
The General Assembly finds and declares that: 5
(1) The practice of physical therapy should be regulated and controlled by this 6
chapter and administrative regulations promulgated thereunder in order to 7
protect and safeguard the health and safety of the citizens of the Commonwealth 8
of Kentucky; and 9
(2) Each individual licensed or privileged under this chapter shall be responsible and 10
accountable for making decisions that are based upon the individual's 11
educational preparation and experience in physical therapy and shall practice 12
physical therapy with reasonable skill and safety. 13
SECTION 2. KRS 327.010 IS REPEALED AND REENACTED TO READ 14
AS FOLLOWS: 15
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: 16
(1) "Active patient" means a person who is or has been under a physical therapy 17
plan of care unless care is transferred or terminated in writing; 18
(2) "Board" means the Board of Physical Therapy established in Section 5 of this 19
Act; 20
(3) "Physical therapist" means a professional person who has met the educational 21
requirements of this chapter and is licensed to practice physical therapy pursuant 22
to this chapter; 23
(4) "Physical therapist assistant" means a person who is licensed pursuant to this 24
chapter and provides physical therapy services under the direction and 25
supervision of a licensed physical therapist; 26
(5) (a) "Physical therapy" means the use of selected knowledge and skills in 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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planning, organizing, and directing programs for the care of individuals 1
whose ability to function is impaired or threatened by disease or injury, 2
which encompasses preventive measures, screening, tests in aid of diagnosis 3
and evaluation, and invasive or noninvasive procedures with emphasis on 4
the skeletal system, integumentary system, neuromuscular and 5
cardiopulmonary function, as it relates to physical therapy. 6
(b) "Physical therapy" also includes: 7
1. Screening or evaluations performed to determine the degree of 8
impairment of relevant aspects such as but not limited to nerve and 9
muscle function, including subcutaneous bioelectrical potentials, 10
motor development, functional capacity, and respiratory or circulatory 11
efficiency; and 12
2. Physical therapy treatment, which includes but is not limited to: 13
a. Physical therapy treatment performed upon referral by a 14
licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, chiropractic, 15
or podiatry; 16
b. Exercises for increasing or restoring strength, endurance, 17
coordination and range of motion; 18
c. Stimuli to facilitate motor activity and learning; 19
d. Instruction in activities of daily living; and 20
e. The use of assistive devices and the application of physical 21
agents to relieve pain or alter physiological status. 22
(c) "Physical therapy" does not include the use of: 23
1. Roentgen rays and radium for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes; or 24
2. Electricity for surgical purposes, including cauterization and colonic 25
irrigations; 26
which are not authorized as physical therapy in this chapter; 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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(6) "Provisional license" means a license granted by the board to an applicant who 1
has not yet successfully completed the board-approved examination; and 2
(7) "Refer" or "referral" means the procedure by which a licensed health care 3
provider designates the initiation of physical therapy treatment by a licensed 4
physical therapist. 5
Section 3. KRS 327.020 is amended to read as follows: 6
(1) A[No] person shall not practice, work, or hold himself or herself out as being able 7
to practice physical therapy or work as a physical therapist assistant unless the 8
person: 9
(a) 1. Meets the educational requirements of this chapter; 10
2. Is licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter; 11
3. Is in good standing with the board; and 12
4. Holds a license that is not suspended or revoked; or 13
(b) Is eligible to practice or work through a compact privilege granted under KRS 14
327.300. 15
(2) [Nothing contained in ]This chapter shall not be construed to: 16
(a) Prohibit any person licensed in this state under any other law from engaging 17
in the practice for which that person is duly licensed;[. Nothing contained in 18
this chapter shall ] 19
(b) Prohibit routine and restorative services performed by personnel employed by 20
hospitals, physicians, or licensed health care facilities as relates to physical 21
therapists;[. This chapter does not ] 22
(c) Preclude certified occupational therapists, respiratory technicians, or 23
respiratory therapists from practicing as defined in the United States 24
Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Public Health Service, Health 25
Resources Administration, Bureau of Health Manpower, DHEW publication 26
No. (HRA) 80-28, "A Report On Allied Health Personnel[.]"; or 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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(d) Affect or prevent: 1
1. A physical therapist student from engaging in clinical practice under 2
the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, as part of the student's 3
educational program; 4
2. A physical therapist assistant student from engaging in clinical 5
practice under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist or of a 6
physical therapist assistant consistent with administrative regulations 7
promulgated by the board, as part of the student's educational 8
program; 9
3. A physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant who is licensed to 10
practice in another state or country from conducting or participating 11
in a clinical residency under the supervision of a physical therapist 12
licensed in Kentucky and for a period of not more than ninety (90) 13
days; 14
4. A physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant who is licensed to 15
practice in another state or country from conducting or participating 16
in the teaching of physical therapy in connection with an educational 17
program and for a period of not more than ninety (90) days; 18
5. A physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant licensed in 19
another state or country from performing physical therapy on 20
members of an out-of-state sports or entertainment group they 21
accompany to Kentucky; 22
6. The practice of chiropractic as defined in KRS 312.015; 23
7. The practice of occupational therapy as defined in KRS 319A.010; or 24
8. a. A physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant who is 25
practicing in the United States Armed Services, United States 26
Public Health Service, or United States Department of Veterans 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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Affairs pursuant to federal regulations for jurisdictional 1
licensure of healthcare providers. 2
b. If a person described in subdivision a. of this subparagraph 3
engages in the practice of physical therapy outside the course 4
and scope of his or her federal employment as a physical 5
therapist or a physical therapist assistant, he or she shall then be 6
required to obtain a license in accordance with this chapter and 7
administrative regulations promulgated by the board[ Persons 8
regularly employed by the United States shall be exempted from 9
the provisions of this chapter while engaged in this employment]. 10
(3) A licensed physical therapist may hold himself or herself out as a "physical 11
therapist" or "licensed physical therapist" and may use the abbreviations "P.T." or 12
"L.P.T." as a part of or immediately following the physical therapist's name, in 13
connection with the physical therapist's[his or her] profession. 14
(4) A licensed physical therapist assistant may hold himself or herself out as a 15
"physical therapist assistant" or "licensed physical therapist assistant" and may 16
use the abbreviations "P.T.A." or "L.P.T.A." as a part of or immediately 17
following the physical therapist assistant's name, in connection with the physical 18
therapist assistant's profession. 19
(5) It shall be unlawful for any person, or for any business entity, its employees, agents, 20
or representatives to use in connection with the person's or entity's name or business 21
activity the words "physical therapy," "physical therapist," "physiotherapy," 22
"physiotherapist," "registered physical therapist," the letters "P.T.," "L.P.T.," or any 23
other words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying directly or 24
indirectly that physical therapy is provided or supplied or to bill for physical 25
therapy unless that physical therapy is provided by or under the supervision of a 26
physical therapist licensed and practicing in accordance with this chapter. 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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(6)[(5)] The provisions of subsections (1), (2), and (5)[(4)] of this section shall not 1
apply to volunteer health practitioners providing services under KRS 39A.350 to 2
39A.366. 3
Section 4. KRS 327.025 is amended to read as follows: 4
Any physical therapist, physical therapist[therapist's] assistant, or employer of physical 5
therapy practitioners having knowledge of facts by actual or direct knowledge shall report 6
to the board [of physical therapy ]a physical therapist or physical therapist[therapist's] 7
assistant who: 8
(1) Has been convicted of any[a] felony, or of a misdemeanor as referenced by 9
subsection (2)(f) of Section 10 of this Act that involved acts that bear directly on 10
the qualifications or ability of the applicant or[,] licensee[, or certificate holder] to 11
practice physical therapy; 12
(2) Is suspected of fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure a license to 13
practice physical therapy or of negligently performing actions that justify action 14
against a physical therapist or physical therapist[therapist's] assistant's license as 15
identified in KRS 327.070(2); 16
(3) Has had a license to practice as a physical therapist or a license[certificate] to work 17
as a physical therapist[therapist's] assistant denied, limited, suspended, probated, or 18
revoked in another jurisdiction on grounds sufficient to cause a license [or 19
certificate ]to be denied, limited, suspended, probated, or revoked in this 20
Commonwealth; or 21
(4) Is practicing physical therapy without a current active license, compact 22
privilege[certificate], or valid provisional license[temporary permit] issued by the 23
board. 24
Section 5. KRS 327.030 is amended to read as follows: 25
(1) There is hereby established a Board of Physical Therapy which shall consist of 26
seven (7) members who shall be appointed by the Governor as follows:[.] 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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(a)[(1)] One (1) board member shall be a resident of Kentucky who is not 1
affiliated with or does not have more than five percent (5%) financial interest 2
in any health care profession or business; and[.] 3
(b)[(2)] All other board members shall: 4
1.[(a)] Be residents of Kentucky; 5
2.[(b)] Have engaged in the practice of physical therapy in Kentucky for 6
the past five (5) years; and 7
3.[(c)] Not have been disciplined by the board, or have been under any 8
disciplinary action, in the past five (5)[two (2)] years. 9
(2)[(3)] All vacancies shall be filled by the Governor from a list of at least three (3) 10
persons [per position ]submitted by the American[Kentucky] Physical Therapy 11
Association Kentucky Chapter or as provided by KRS 12.070. 12
(3)[(4)] Appointments[For appointments] to the board [after December 31, 2008, the 13
first two (2) appointments shall be for a term of two (2) years. The third 14
appointment shall be for a term of three (3) years. All other subsequent 15
appointments ]shall be for a term of four (4) years. All members shall serve until 16
their successors are appointed and qualify. No member shall serve for more than 17
two (2) consecutive terms. 18
(4)[(5)] The Governor may remove any member of the board for misconduct, 19
incompetence, or neglect of duty. 20
(5)[(6)] The board may request the removal of a board member by the Governor. 21
(6)[(7)] The board shall annually elect a chair and chair-elect. 22
(7)[(8)] The board shall provide orientation to all new board members regarding the 23
duties of the board. 24
(8) The board may employ an executive director and other personnel and may 25
purchase materials and supplies it deems necessary for the proper discharge of its 26
duties. 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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(9) There shall be no liability on the part of, and no action for damages against, any 1
current or former board member, representative, agent, or employee of the board, 2
when the person is functioning within the scope of board duties, acting without 3
malice and with the reasonable belief that the actions taken by him or her are 4
warranted by law. 5
(10) The board may purchase professional liability insurance for its members, staff, 6
investigators, general counsel, consultants, agents, and employees. The purchase 7
of or failure to purchase insurance shall not be deemed a waiver of any immunity 8
already conferred on the board, its members, staff, investigators, general counsel, 9
consultants, agents, and employees. 10
(11)[(10)] Each board member shall receive, in addition to travel, lodging, and other 11
actual and necessary expenses, a per diem not to exceed two hundred fifty[one 12
hundred twenty] dollars ($250)[($120)] for each day the member is actually 13
engaged in the discharge of official duties approved by the board. The board shall, 14
by promulgation of administrative regulations, set the amount of the per diem. 15
(12) The board may utilize the Attorney General's Office pool of hearing officers in 16
accordance with KRS 13B.030. However, if the Attorney General's office cannot 17
provide a hearing officer, the board may employ or contract with a hearing 18
officer of its choice. 19
(13) With the approval of the board, the executive director may hire additional officers 20
and other personnel necessary for the proper functioning of the board, fix their 21
salaries, and prescribe their duties. Any person employed under this section shall 22
not be subject to the provisions of KRS Chapter 18A. 23
Section 6. KRS 327.040 is amended to read as follows: 24
(1) The board shall: 25
(a) Administer and enforce this chapter and set and evaluate the qualifications 26
of applicants for licensure and for provisional licenses; and 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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(b) Promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 1
13A to: 2
1. Effectively carry out and enforce the provisions of this chapter, 3
including the regulation of physical therapists, physical therapist 4
assistants, and the use of supportive personnel; and 5
2. Establish the fee amounts for all fees required by this chapter and the 6
fees for services provided by the board, which shall not exceed 7
amounts necessary to generate sufficient funds to effectively carry out 8
and enforce the provisions of this chapter, including costs related to 9
administration, overhead, staffing, information technology, 10
investigations, inspections, administrative procedures, court costs, 11
supplies, equipment, travel, educational awards, education and 12
outreach efforts, and reserve funds for capital, operational, and 13
programmatic expenses[It shall be the duty of the State Board of 14
Physical Therapy to receive applications from persons desiring to 15
become physical therapists and to determine whether said applicants 16
meet the qualifications and standards required by this chapter of all 17
physical therapists. The board shall also be charged with enforcement of 18
the provisions of this chapter]. 19
(2) The board is an agency of state government with the power to institute criminal 20
proceedings in the name of the Commonwealth against violators of this chapter, and 21
to institute civil proceedings to enjoin any violation of this chapter. The board shall 22
investigate every alleged violation of this chapter coming to its notice by the 23
complaint procedure set forth in administrative regulations promulgated by the 24
board, and shall take action as it may deem appropriate. It shall be the duty of the 25
Attorney General, the Commonwealth's attorneys, and the county attorneys to assist 26
the board in prosecuting all violations of this chapter. 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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(3) The board shall meet at least once each quarter at such place in this state as may be 1
selected by the board. Four (4) members of the board shall constitute a quorum for 2
the transaction of business. All meetings shall be held at the call of the board 3
chair[chairman] or at a call of a quorum of members upon not less than ten (10) 4
days' written notice, unless notice shall be waived. The presence of any member at 5
any meeting of the board shall constitute a waiver of notice thereof by the member. 6
(4) The board may conduct investigations and schedule and conduct administrative 7
hearings in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B, to enforce the provisions of this 8
chapter or administrative regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter. The 9
board may[shall have the authority to] administer oaths, receive evidence, interview 10
persons, issue subpoenas, and require the production of books, papers, documents, 11
or other evidence. In case of disobedience to a subpoena, the board may invoke the 12
aid of the Franklin Circuit Court. Any order or subpoena of the court requiring the 13
attendance or testimony of witnesses or the production of documentary evidence 14
may be enforced and shall be valid anywhere in the Commonwealth. 15
(5) The board shall keep minutes[a minute book] containing a record of all meetings of 16
the board. 17
(6) The board shall maintain an electronic record[a register] of all persons licensed [or 18
certified ]under this chapter. This record[register] shall show the name of every 19
licensee [or certificate holder ]in this state, the licensee's[his] current business 20
or[and] residence address and telephone numbers, email address, and the date and 21
number of the licensee's[his] license[ or certificate]. A licensee [or certificate 22
holder ]shall notify the board of a change of name, address, email address, or 23
telephone number, within thirty (30) days of the change. 24
(7) [The board's records shall be updated annually.] 25
[(8) ]The board shall [publish annually and ]make available[,] a current directory of all 26
licensed physical therapists and [certified ]physical therapist[therapists'] assistants. 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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(8)[(9)] The board shall adopt a seal which shall be affixed to every license [and 1
certificate ]granted by it. 2
(9)[(10)] The board may promulgate administrative regulations establishing a measure 3
of continued competency as a condition of license renewal.[ 4
(11) The board may promulgate and enforce reasonable administrative regulations for 5
the effectuation of the purposes of this chapter pursuant to the provisions of KRS 6
Chapter 13A.] 7
(10)[(12)] The board shall promulgate by administrative regulation a code of ethical 8
standards and standards of practice. 9
(11) The board may issue advisory opinions and declaratory rulings related to this 10
chapter and the administrative regulations promulgated thereunder as 11
established by administrative regulations. 12
(12)[(13)] The board may[shall have the right to] regulate physical therapist[therapists'] 13
assistants and may promulgate reasonable administrative regulations regarding 14
licensure[certification], limitations of activities, supervision, and educational 15
qualifications for physical therapist[therapists'] assistants. The board may establish 16
reasonable fees for the licensure[certification], renewal, and endorsement of 17
physical therapist[therapists'] assistants. The fees shall not exceed corresponding 18
fees for physical therapists. 19
(13) (a)[(14)] The board shall promulgate administrative regulations governing the 20
physical and mental examination of physical therapists, physical 21
therapist[therapists'] assistants, or applicants, who may be impaired by reason 22
of a mental, physical, or other condition that impedes their ability to practice 23
competently. 24
(b) For purposes of enforcing this subsection and carrying out other duties 25
prescribed in this chapter[section], the board shall have the power to order an 26
immediate temporary suspension in accordance with KRS 13B.125 if there is 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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a reasonable cause to believe that a physical therapist, physical 1
therapist[therapist's] assistant, or applicant may be impaired by reason of a 2
mental, physical, or other condition or presents an immediate danger to the 3
health, welfare, or safety of the public[ that impedes his or her ability to 4
practice competently]. 5
(14) The board may convene committees and task forces to review and advise the 6
board on pertinent issues of public protection of the practice of physical therapy 7
in the Commonwealth. 8
Section 7. KRS 327.045 is amended to read as follows: 9
(1) The board shall establish an impaired physical therapy practitioners committee to 10
promote the early identification, intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation of 11
physical therapists and physical therapist[therapists'] assistants who may be 12
impaired by reason of illness or of alcohol or drug abuse, or as a result of any 13
physical or mental condition. 14
(2) The board may enter into a contractual agreement with a nonprofit corporation, 15
physical therapy professional organization, or similar organization for the purpose 16
of creating, supporting, and maintaining an impaired physical therapy practitioners 17
committee. 18
(3) The board may promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS 19
Chapter 13A to effectuate and implement a committee formed by the provisions of 20
this section. 21
(4) The[Beginning January 1, 2001, the] board shall collect an assessment fee[ not to 22
exceed twenty dollars ($20)] per licensee[ or certificate holder], payable to the 23
board, to be added to each licensure [and certification ]renewal application fee. 24
Proceeds from the assessment shall be expended on the operation of an impaired 25
physical therapy practitioners committee formed by the provisions of this section. 26
The fee shall be set by the promulgation of administrative regulations. 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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(5) Members of an impaired physical therapy practitioners committee, any 1
administrator, staff member, consultant, agent, volunteer, or employee of the 2
committee acting within the scope of their duties and without actual malice, and all 3
other persons who furnish information to the committee in good faith and without 4
actual malice shall not be liable for any claim or damages as a result of any 5
statement, decision, opinion, investigation, or action taken by the committee or by 6
an individual member of the committee. 7
(6) All information, interviews, reports, statements, memoranda, or other documents 8
furnished to or produced by the impaired physical therapy practitioners committee, 9
all communication to or from the committee, and all proceedings, findings, and 10
conclusions of the committee, including those relating to intervention, treatment, or 11
rehabilitation, which in any way pertain or refer to a physical therapist or physical 12
therapist[therapist's] assistant who is or may be impaired, shall be privileged and 13
confidential. 14
(7) All records and proceedings of the committee that pertain or refer to a licensee[ or a 15
certificate holder] who may be, or actually is, impaired shall be privileged and 16
confidential and shall be used by the committee and its members only in the 17
exercise of the proper function of the committee and shall not be considered public 18
records and shall not be subject to court subpoena and subject to discovery or 19
introduction as evidence in any civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings except 20
as described in subsection (8) of this section. 21
(8) The committee may disclose information relative to an impaired physical therapist 22
or physical therapist[therapist's] assistant only when: 23
(a) It is essential to disclose the information to persons or organizations needing 24
the information in order to address the intervention, treatment, or 25
rehabilitation needs of the impaired practitioner; 26
(b) Its release is authorized in writing by the impaired physical therapist or 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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physical therapist[therapist's] assistant; or 1
(c) The information is subject to court order or the disclosure is otherwise 2
authorized by law. 3
(9) The impaired physical therapy practitioners committee shall make an annual report 4
to the board. 5
Section 8. KRS 327.050 is amended to read as follows: 6
(1) Before the board may issue a license to a physical therapist applicant or a 7
physical therapist assistant applicant[applying for licensure by the board as a 8
physical therapist], the applicant[a person] shall have successfully completed an 9
accredited program in physical therapy approved by the board. No school shall be 10
approved by the board unless it has been approved for the educational preparation 11
of physical therapists or physical therapist assistants by the recognized national 12
accrediting agency for physical therapy educational programs. 13
(2) Any person who possesses the qualifications required by this chapter and who 14
desires to apply for licensure as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant 15
in Kentucky shall make written application to the board, on forms to be provided by 16
the board. The application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee 17
in an amount to be determined by the board[, but not to exceed two hundred fifty 18
dollars ($250)]. 19
(3) If it appears from the application that the applicant possesses the qualifications 20
required by this chapter and has not yet successfully completed the board-approved 21
examination, the applicant shall be allowed to sit for the examination and tested in 22
the subjects the board may determine to be necessary. 23
(4) Examinations shall be held within the state at least once a year at the time and place 24
as the board shall determine. 25
(5) An applicant who is admitted to the examination or an applicant who has submitted 26
satisfactory evidence that the applicant[he] has been accepted as a candidate for 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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licensure by examination in a state which offers an examination approved by the 1
board may be granted a provisional license[temporary permit] which shall be valid 2
until the applicant's[his] examination is graded and the applicant[he] is notified by 3
the board of the applicant's[his] score. The board may summarily withdraw a 4
provisional license[temporary permit] upon determination that the person has made 5
any false statement to the board on the application, or the person fails to pass an 6
examination approved by the board. 7
(6) An applicant who receives a passing score as determined by the board and who 8
meets the other qualifications required by this chapter shall be licensed as a 9
physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. 10
(7) An applicant who fails to receive a passing score on the[his] examination shall not 11
be licensed, but the board may, by administrative regulation, permit applicants to 12
take the examination more than once. 13
(8) All licenses[ and certificates] shall be renewed biennially[,] upon payment on or 14
before March 31 of each odd-numbered[uneven-numbered] year of a renewal fee in 15
an amount to be promulgated by the board by administrative regulations. 16
(9) Licenses[ and certificates] which are not renewed by March 31 of each odd-17
numbered[uneven-numbered] year shall lapse.[ 18
(10) This chapter shall not be construed to affect or prevent: 19
(a) A student of physical therapy from engaging in clinical practice under the 20
supervision of a licensed physical therapist, as part of the student's 21
educational program; 22
(b) A physical therapist who is licensed to practice in another state or country 23
from conducting or participating in a clinical residency under the supervision 24
of a physical therapist licensed in Kentucky and for a period of not more than 25
ninety (90) days; 26
(c) A physical therapist who is licensed to practice in another state or country 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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from conducting or participating in the teaching of physical therapy in 1
connection with an educational program and for a period of not more than 2
ninety (90) days; 3
(d) A physical therapist licensed in another state or country from performing 4
therapy on members of the out-of-state sports or entertainment group they 5
accompany to Kentucky; or 6
(e) The practice of chiropractic as defined in KRS 312.015(3).] 7
Section 9. KRS 327.060 is amended to read as follows: 8
(1) The board shall issue a license to: 9
(a) An individual who holds a valid license from another state, who meets 10
requirements specified in KRS 327.050 and who has no imposed or pending 11
disciplinary actions. 12
(b) An individual who has been educated as a physical therapist or physical 13
therapist assistant outside the United States and who has: 14
1. Completed the application process; 15
2. Provided satisfactory evidence to the board that his or her education is 16
substantially equivalent to the requirements for physical therapists or 17
physical therapist assistants educated in United States accredited 18
educational programs; 19
3. Provided written proof that the school of physical therapy education 20
outside the United States is recognized by its own ministry of education; 21
4. Successfully completed the examinations provided for in KRS 327.050; 22
5. Passed the board-approved English language proficiency examinations 23
if English is not the applicant's[his or her] native language; 24
6. Successfully completed, prior to licensure, a board-approved, supervised 25
practice period of not less than three (3) months nor more than six (6) 26
months, under the direct supervision of a physical therapist who holds 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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an unrestricted[ Kentucky] license. This requirement may be satisfied by 1
at least three (3) months of supervised practice as a physical therapist in 2
a state with license requirements comparable to or more stringent than 3
those of Kentucky; 4
7. Provided proof of legal authorization to reside and seek employment in 5
the United States or its territories; 6
8. Provided proof of authorization to practice as a physical therapist or 7
physical therapist assistant without limitations in the country where the 8
professional education occurred; 9
9. Submitted to a prescreening process by an agency approved by the 10
board; and 11
10. Submitted educational credentials to the board for evaluation by an 12
agency approved by the board. 13
(2) The board may approve an agency to prescreen applicants for initial licensure under 14
this section. 15
(3) The board may approve one (1) or more services to provide an evaluation of the 16
applicant's educational credentials for board approval for licensing under this 17
section. 18
(4) The board may waive the requirements of subsection (1)(b) 3., 9., and 10. of this 19
section if the applicant is a graduate of a professional physical therapy education 20
program preapproved by the board. 21
(5) The board may waive the requirements of subsection (1)(b)6. of this section for 22
an applicant for credentialing by endorsement pursuant to administrative 23
regulations of the board. 24
Section 10. KRS 327.070 is amended to read as follows: 25
(1) The board, after due notice and an opportunity for an administrative hearing 26
conducted in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B may take any one (1) or a 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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combination of the following actions against any licensee, licensee of another 1
member state as defined in KRS 327.300[certificate holder], or applicant: 2
(a) Refuse to license[ or certify] any applicant; 3
(b) Refuse to renew the license[ or certificate] of any person; 4
(c) Permanently revoke, suspend,[Suspend or revoke] or place on probation the 5
license[ or certificate] of any person; 6
(d) Impose restrictions on the scope of practice of any person; 7
(e) Issue an administrative reprimand to any person; and 8
(f) Issue a private admonishment to any person[; and 9
(g) Impose fines for violations of this chapter not to exceed two thousand five 10
hundred dollars ($2,500)]. 11
(2) The following acts by a licensee, licensee of another member state as defined in 12
KRS 327.300[certificate holder], or applicant may be considered cause for 13
disciplinary action: 14
(a) Indulgence in excessive use of alcoholic beverages or abusive use of 15
controlled substances; 16
(b) Engaging in, permitting, or attempting to engage in or permit the performance 17
of substandard patient care by himself or by persons working under his 18
supervision due to a deliberate or negligent act or failure to act, regardless of 19
whether actual injury to the patient is established; 20
(c) 1. Having engaged in or attempted to engage in sexual contact as defined 21
in KRS 510.010, whether consensual or nonconsensual, with any 22
active patient of record, or with the parent or legal guardian of the 23
active patient of record, unless a consensual sexual relationship exists 24
between, and predated, the patient and therapist relationship; or 25
2. Requesting sexual favors or physical contact of a sexual nature unless 26
a prior consensual sexual relationship exists with any active patient of 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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record of the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant[Having 1
engaged in or attempted to engage in a course of lewd or immoral 2
conduct with any person: 3
1. While that person is a patient of a health care facility defined by KRS 4
216B.015 where the physical therapist or physical therapist's assistant 5
provides physical therapy services; or 6
2. While that person is a patient or client of the physical therapist or 7
physical therapist's assistant]; 8
(d) Having sexual contact, as defined by KRS 510.010(7), without the consent of 9
both parties, with any individual[an employee or coworker of the licensee or 10
certificate holder]; 11
(e) Sexually harassing any individual[an employee or coworker of the licensee or 12
certificate holder]; 13
(f) Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor in the courts of this state or any other 14
state, territory, or country which impedes a person's[affects his] ability[ to 15
continue] to practice competently and safely on the public, if in accordance 16
with KRS Chapter 335B. "Conviction," as used in this paragraph, shall 17
include a deferred conviction, deferred prosecution, deferred sentence, 18
finding or verdict of guilt, an Alford plea, an admission of guilt, or a plea of 19
nolo contendere; 20
(g) Obtaining or attempting to obtain a license [or certificate ]by fraud or material 21
misrepresentation or making any other false statement to the board; 22
(h) Engaging in fraud or material deception in the delivery of professional 23
services, including reimbursement, or advertising services in a false or 24
misleading manner; 25
(i) Evidence of gross negligence or gross incompetence in his practice of 26
physical therapy; 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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(j) Documentation of being declared mentally disabled by a court of competent 1
jurisdiction and not thereafter having had his rights restored; 2
(k) Failing or refusing to obey any lawful order or administrative regulation of the 3
board; 4
(l) Promoting for personal gain an unnecessary device, treatment, procedure, or 5
service, or directing or requiring a patient to purchase a device, treatment, 6
procedure, or service from a facility or business in which he has a financial 7
interest; 8
(m) Being impaired by reason of a mental, physical, or other condition that 9
impedes his or her ability to practice competently; 10
(n) Having had a license revoked or suspended, other disciplinary action taken, 11
or an application for licensure refused, revoked, or suspended by the proper 12
authorities of another state, territory, or country; 13
(o) Interfering with an investigation or disciplinary proceeding by failure to 14
cooperate, by willful misrepresentation of facts, or by the use of threats or 15
harassment against any patient or witness to prevent that patient or witness 16
from providing evidence in a disciplinary proceeding or any legal action; 17
(p) Failing to maintain patient confidentiality without documented 18
authorization of the patient or authorized decision maker, or unless 19
otherwise required by law; 20
(q) Engaging, or attempting to engage, in conduct that subverts or undermines 21
the integrity of the licensure examination process; 22
(r)[(n)] Violation of KRS 304.39-215; and 23
(s)[(o)] Conduct that is subject to the penalties under KRS 304.99-060(4) or (5). 24
(3) A private admonishment shall not: 25
(a) Be subject to disclosure to the public under KRS 61.878(1)(l);[. A private 26
admonishment shall not ] 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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(b) Constitute disciplinary action, but may be used by the board for statistical 1
purposes or in subsequent disciplinary action against the same licensee[, 2
certificate holder,] or applicant; or 3
(c) Be admissible in any proceeding under KRS Chapter 13B, except as 4
provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection. 5
(4) (a) The board shall develop specific guidelines through the promulgation of 6
administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to follow 7
upon receipt of an allegation of sexual misconduct by a physical therapist 8
or physical therapist assistant licensed by the board or granted a compact 9
privilege under KRS 327.300. 10
(b) The guidelines shall include investigation, inquiry, and hearing procedures 11
which ensure that the process does not revictimize the alleged victim or 12
cause harm if a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant is falsely 13
accused. 14
(5) The board, staff, and investigators may receive periodic education on pertinent 15
issues, including but not limited to topics affecting the practice of physical 16
therapy and public protection. 17
(6) (a) The board may, by administrative regulation promulgated in accordance 18
with KRS Chapter 13A, establish which disciplinary action records may be 19
expunged. 20
(b) Any records that are expunged shall be exempt from disclosure under the 21
Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS 61.870 to 61.884. 22
(c) The board shall not report expunged disciplinary actions for any purpose 23
other than statistical. 24
SECTION 11. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 327 IS CREATED TO 25
READ AS FOLLOWS: 26
(1) The board shall establish the amounts, limits, or ranges for any fines imposed 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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under this chapter through the promulgation of administrative regulations in 1
accordance with KRS Chapter 13A and shall fine any person who: 2
(a) Violates or aids in the violation of Section 3, 4, 8, or 9 of this Act for 3
practicing or for performing services without a license required by the 4
board; 5
(b) Is issued a notice of violation by the board for failure to comply with this 6
chapter or administrative regulations promulgated under this chapter; 7
(c) Exercises or attempts to exercise control over, interferes with, or attempts to 8
influence the professional judgment of a licensee in any manner, including 9
through coercion, collusion, extortion, inducement, or intimidation; 10
(d) 1. Violates any ruling of the board or hinders any agent of the board in 11
carrying out the duties assigned to the agent; 12
2. Is an officer who refuses to enforce the provisions of this chapter 13
when called upon by the board to do so; or 14
3. Attempts in any way to hinder or obstruct the board in carrying out the 15
provisions of this chapter; or 16
(e) Willfully refuses to obey its lawful orders and resists, obstructs, interferes 17
with, threatens, attempts to intimidate, or in any other manner interferes 18
with an agent of the board. 19
(2) Each day or part of a day that a violation continues is a separate violation and 20
subject to daily penalties. 21
(3) For any violation of this chapter, in addition to any other fines designated in this 22
section, the board may impose on any person fines in an amount equal to the cost 23
of investigative and legal fees incurred by the board in processing the case. 24
(4) The board may seek an injunction in the Circuit Court of the county in which the 25
alleged violation occurred against any individual who practices physical therapy 26
without a license issued by the board under this chapter or a compact privilege 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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granted under KRS 327.300. 1
Section 12. KRS 327.075 is amended to read as follows: 2
(1) The board may reinstate within three (3) years a license[ or certificate] which has 3
lapsed[,] upon payment of the prescribed renewal fee and, in addition, the payment 4
of a reinstatement fee to be promulgated by the board by administrative regulations. 5
(2) The board may reinstate a license[ or certificate] which has been lapsed for more 6
than three (3) years[,] upon a showing that the applicant is able to practice with 7
reasonable competency. In determining competency, the board may require the 8
applicant to successfully complete additional requirements established by the 9
board by promulgation of an administrative regulation in accordance with KRS 10
Chapter 13A[all or any part of the required examination]. 11
(3) The board may reinstate a license which has been suspended or revoked under 12
provisions of this chapter if, after a hearing conducted in accordance with KRS 13
Chapter 13B, the board determines the applicant is able to practice the profession 14
with reasonable competency and is able to maintain the ethical code and standards 15
of practice promulgated by administrative regulation. As a condition of 16
reinstatement, the board may impose reasonable restrictions under which the 17
licensee[ or certificate holder] shall practice. 18
(4) Any person aggrieved by a final order of the board denying, suspending, or 19
revoking that person's[his] license[ or certificate] may appeal to the Franklin 20
Circuit Court in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B. 21
SECTION 13. KRS 327.080 IS REPEALED AND REENACTED TO READ 22
AS FOLLOWS: 23
(1) All fees and other moneys received by the board pursuant to this chapter shall be 24
deposited in the State Treasury to the credit of a revolving fund for the use of the 25
board. 26
(2) (a) No part of this revolving fund shall revert to the general fund of this 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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Commonwealth. 1
(b) Notwithstanding KRS 45.229, fund amounts not expended at the close of a 2
fiscal year shall not lapse but shall be carried forward into the next fiscal 3
year. 4
(3) All expenses incurred by the board shall be paid from this revolving fund, 5
including: 6
(a) The compensation of members of the board; 7
(b) Salaries, wages, and benefits of the employees of the board; 8
(c) Payment of contractors hired by the board; 9
(d) Administrative services provided to the board; 10
(e) Investigative and legal services; 11
(f) Court costs; 12
(g) Technology expenses related to administration of this chapter; and 13
(h) All other expenses incurred by board. 14
Section 14. KRS 327.200 is amended to read as follows: 15
(1) A treating physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who provides or 16
facilitates the use of telehealth shall ensure: 17
(a) That the informed consent of the patient, or another appropriate person with 18
authority to make the health care treatment decision for the patient, is 19
obtained before services are provided through telehealth; and 20
(b) That the confidentiality of the patient's medical information is maintained as 21
required by this chapter and other applicable law. At a minimum, 22
confidentiality shall be maintained through appropriate processes, practices, 23
and technology as designated by the board and that conform to applicable 24
federal law. 25
(2) The board shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS 26
Chapter 13A to implement this section and as necessary to: 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS HB 255/GA
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(a) Prevent abuse and fraud through the use of telehealth services; 1
(b) Prevent fee-splitting through the use of telehealth services; and 2
(c) Utilize telehealth in the provision of physical therapy and in the provision of 3
continuing education. 4
(3) For purposes of this section, "telehealth" means the use of interactive audio, video, 5
or other electronic media to deliver health care. It includes the use of electronic 6
media for physical therapy diagnosis, consultation, treatment, transfer of health or 7
medical data, and continuing education. 8
Section 15. KRS 327.310 is amended to read as follows: 9
The Board of Physical Therapy established in KRS 327.030 shall require a national and 10
state criminal background investigation for every applicant seeking a license[, 11
certificate,] or provisional license[temporary permit] issued by the board permitting the 12
applicant to engage in a profession authorized by the board. The criminal background 13
investigation shall be by means of a fingerprint check by the Department of Kentucky 14
State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation, pursuant to the following requirements: 15
(1) The applicant shall provide the applicant's[his or her] fingerprints to the 16
Department of Kentucky State Police for submission to the Federal Bureau of 17
Investigation after a state criminal background check is conducted; 18
(2) The results of the national and state criminal background check shall be sent to the 19
board for the screening of applicants; 20
(3) The board shall be prohibited from releasing any criminal history record 21
information to any private entity or other licensing board, or authorizing receipt by 22
such entity or board; and 23
(4) Any fee charged by the Department of Kentucky State Police or the Federal Bureau 24
of Investigation shall be an amount no greater than the actual cost of processing the 25
request and conducting the background check. The board may charge this fee to the 26
applicant for licensure[ or certification]. 27