Indiana Physical Therapist License Defense Attorney

Lawyer Helping Address Disciplinary Issues Involving the Indiana Board of Physical Therapy

Physical therapists can provide essential care for patients in a variety of situations. A person who has suffered a serious injury may need ongoing treatment to restore range of motion in different parts of the body, rebuild muscle strength, or regain function. Physical therapy can also help address musculoskeletal disorders and other health conditions that affect people's ability to move different parts of their bodies and perform certain types of activities. Because physical therapists can play an important role in maintaining patients' health, they are closely regulated by government agencies and licensing boards. There are multiple reasons why a physical therapist may face disciplinary action, and in these situations, they will need to determine how they may be able to prevent the loss of their professional license.

At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc., we work with physical therapists and other licensed professionals to address complaints, respond to investigations, and avoid discipline when possible. We understand the laws and regulations that apply to physical therapists, and we are experienced in handling cases before multiple different divisions of the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA). We will advise you of your options and provide you with representation in disciplinary hearings, and we will do everything we can to make sure you will be able to maintain a valid license and continue practicing physical therapy.

Reasons for Physical Therapist License Discipline

To receive a professional license, a physical therapist will need to provide a transcript from the school where they obtained their physical therapy degree, and they will need to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The Indiana Board of Physical Therapy handles licensing issues, and it may take disciplinary action against a physical therapist based on issues such as:

• Professional incompetence - Physical therapists are allowed to provide certain types of treatment, and they may face discipline if they perform services that are outside the bounds of their knowledge and experience or if they fail to follow an established treatment plan.
• Failure to receive the proper referrals - Physical therapists may evaluate and treat a person for up to 42 calendar days. If a patient requires additional treatment beyond this time period, the physical therapist will need to receive a referral from a doctor, psychologist, podiatrist, dentist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. A physical therapist may face discipline if they provide treatment without receiving the required referrals.
• Failure to follow the standards of practice - Discipline may be based on claims that a physical therapist has failed to remain informed about the current standards and practices when providing treatment to patients, that they suffer from a physical or mental disability that has affected their ability to treat patients effectively, or that they have an addiction or dependency on drugs or alcohol that may potentially endanger patients.
• Criminal convictions - A physical therapist will need to pass a criminal background check to obtain a professional license. Previous convictions for offenses that may be related to the practice of physical therapy may affect a license application or renewal, and new arrests or convictions for certain types of crimes may be grounds for license discipline. These may include any offenses that may affect a person's ability to provide effective treatment to patients, such as theft or fraud, or offenses that may endanger public safety, such as assault or DUI.
• Inappropriate conduct - Disciplinary action may be warranted if a physical therapist has engaged in sexual contact or sexual relationships with patients or if they are accused of sexual harassment or other forms of sexual misconduct.

Contact Our Indiana Physical Therapist License Discipline Lawyer

If you need to determine how to avoid discipline to your physical therapist license, our firm can advise you of the best steps you can take as you respond to complaints, investigations, or disciplinary proceedings. To set up a complimentary consultation, contact us today at 463-219-2612.