Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules Governing Physical Therapy Practice
The Statutory Framework
Physical therapy in Florida is governed primarily by Chapter 486, Florida Statutes (Physical Therapy Practice Act) and Chapter 64B17, Florida Administrative Code (Board of Physical Therapy Practice rules). Candidates must know the statutory definitions that control scope: "practice of physical therapy," "physical therapist," "physical therapist assistant," and "direct supervision." The statute defines practice broadly as examining, evaluating, and testing individuals with mechanical, physiological, and developmental impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities; alleviating impairments and functional limitations by designing, implementing, and modifying treatment interventions; and preventing injury, impairment, functional limitation, and disability. The Board's rules fill in operational detail: licensure procedures, continuing education, supervision standards, and disciplinary guidelines.
Key Statutory Concepts
Know the practice of physical therapy definition and the separate definition of physical therapist assistant practice, which is limited to implementing a plan of care developed by a physical therapist. Understand direct supervision (supervising PT on the premises and immediately available) versus general supervision (not required to be on the premises but available by telecommunications). The statute sets the Board of Physical Therapy Practice composition and powers, and the practice act violations that trigger discipline, including unlicensed practice, practicing beyond scope, and failing to report.
Common Traps
Questions often test whether a task falls within PT scope versus PTA scope, or whether a setting requires direct versus general supervision. Another trap is confusing the statutory definition with the rule's operational requirement. For example, the statute may define a term, while the rule specifies documentation or notification requirements. Also watch for questions about who may perform wound care or electroneuromyographic examinations-these have specific statutory conditions.
Worked Example
A question asks: "A PTA is treating a patient in an outpatient clinic while the supervising PT is at another facility but reachable by phone. Is this permissible?" Under Florida law, PTAs in most outpatient settings require direct supervision unless a specific exception applies. The correct answer is likely no, because the PT must be on the premises and immediately available. Rule of thumb: when in doubt about supervision, default to the stricter standard (direct) unless the statute or rule expressly permits general supervision.