The Board of Physical Therapy: Composition, Authority, and Discipline
Composition and authority
The Alabama Board of Physical Therapy regulates the practice of physical therapy. Candidates should understand that the Board is a state regulatory body whose members are appointed, that it includes PT and PTA representatives plus public members, and that it exercises quasi-legislative (rulemaking) and quasi-judicial (disciplinary) functions. The Board adopts rules consistent with the Practice Act, sets fees, approves continuing education, and investigates complaints.
Disciplinary procedure
The typical sequence is: complaint filed → investigation → notice to the licensee → opportunity for hearing → findings and order → sanctions. Sanctions range from reprimand and probation to suspension or revocation, plus civil penalties and costs. Due process concepts - notice, a fair hearing, and the right to respond - are frequently tested. The Board may also seek injunctive relief against unlicensed practice.
Rulemaking
Rules must be consistent with the statute and are generally adopted after public notice and comment. The Board cannot enlarge its own statutory authority through rulemaking.
Question traps
- Assuming the Board can criminally prosecute - it imposes administrative discipline; criminal matters go to prosecutors.
- Confusing the Board's authority with that of a professional association (the association has no disciplinary power).
- Forgetting that a licensee must be given notice and a hearing before sanctions.
- Believing a single board member can revoke a license - action requires board process.
Rule of thumb
Match each power to its branch: rulemaking = prospective standards, licensing = entry control, discipline = retrospective sanctions after notice and hearing.