Rhode Island

United States Physical Therapy Practice Acts

Original Editor - Your name will be added here if you created the original content for this page.

Lead Editors - Your name will be added here if you are a lead editor on this page.  Read more.

Temporary License Requirements/Availability

According to Rhode Island's Practice Act, temporary license is available for graduate students.  In order for the student to be eligible to apply, they are required to have graduated from a program accredited by CAPTE and have filed the appropriate documentation and application with the Board. Following approval, the student will practice under the supervision of a physical therapist licensed in Rhode Island.  The documentation that is completed by the student is required to be signed as G.P.T (Graduate Physical Therapist).  Their temporary license will be automatically revoked if the applicant fails to take the licensure exam within 90 days following their graduation date or if they fail to pass the exam.   

Requirements for License

In order to be considered for licensure in Rhode Island, the applicant is required to submit written forms to the Board that verify the following has been met:

a) is at least eighteen (18) years of age;
b) is of good moral character;
c) has graduated from an education program in physical therapy accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or other accrediting agency as approved by the Department in consultation with the Board
d) has passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) or other physical therapy certification examination as approved by the Department in consultation with the Board to determine the applicant’s fitness to engage in the practice of physical therapy. 

An applicant can receive duly licensure to practice in the state of Rhode Island without taking the NPTE.  The applicant will be issued a license if the Board believes they have adequately fulfilled the requirements put forth from the state.  An application must be filed 30 days prior to meeting with the Board and have completed all licensure forms and fees. In addition, supporting documentation may be required.

Supervision

Such supervision shall include but not be limited to the following:

A physical therapist shall be present on the premises, and immediately available whenever a physical therapist student is performing treatment procedures or patient- related activities. A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall be present on the premises, and immediately available whenever a physical therapist assistant student or supportive personnel is performing treatment procedures or patient-related activities.
A qualified physical therapist must be accessible by telecommunications to the physical therapist assistant at all times while the physical therapist assistant is treating patients.
The physical therapist shall maintain the following written documentation regarding the supervision of a physical therapist assistant:
a) necessary instruction; b) on-site supervision of the physical therapist assistant's performance; c) review of the physical therapist assistant’s documentation; d) a reassessment; and, e) appropriate update of the patient's program and goals.
All of the above shall occur when re-evaluation of the patient is indicated but no less than once during a one (1) month period.
The physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall maintain the following written documentation regarding the supervision of supportive personnel:
a) necessary instruction and documented competence; b) line-of-sight supervision of the treatment performed by the supportive
personnel; and c) review of the supportive personnel’s documentation on a daily basis.

8.1.7 No physical therapist assistant and/or supportive personnel shall evaluate new patients admitted for physical therapy service and/or establish a physical therapy treatment program based on the physician's referral or prescription; and
8.1.8 The physical therapist shall discharge such other supervisory activity (ies) as may be deemed appropriate and in accordance with policies and procedures of the health care facility and/or agency.

Physical Therapy Students

In order for a student to qualify to re-take the examiniation following 3 failed attempts the individual must request a formal meeting with the Board,  The decision for additional coursework and/or training will be made prior to a future re-examination attempt. 

Continued Competence

The Act states that thephysical therapist and the physical therapist assistant is responsible for his/her individual professional development and continued competence in physical therapy. The number of hours required are not listed in the Act, however, according to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy, Rhode Island requires 20-29 hours of continuing education requirements for licensure. 

Does the Act appear restrictive? Why/Why not?

The Practice Act does not prohibit direct access, however, restrictions are placed on physical therpists who treat patients through direct access.  The Act requires the following:

• obtain informed consent
• refer the patient to a doctor of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, podiatry, or chiropractic within ninety (90) days after the initial evaluation, however, a physical therapist shall not be required to make such a referral after treatment is concluded.

The Act also states that a physical therapist with less then one year experience is prohibited from treating a patient without a referral from a doctor of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, podiatry, or chiropractic.

References

References will automatically be added here, see adding references tutorial.

Disclaimer:   Informational Content is assimilated from the state practice act is a resource only and should not be considered a  substitute for the content within the state practice act.  All state practice acts can change and it is recommended that you refer to the original resource in the link above.