6. After an investigation is complete, make a recommendation to the full Board for one of the following: a. Close – No violation b. Sanction if investigative findings are that a violation has occurred. (C) In all situations, the Cognizant member shall report to the Board the actions taken regarding the application or investigation of the complaint. (D) The Cognizant member timely receives and reviews copies of Enforcement Referrals and/or Dispositions to investigations in each case. (E) All requests for additional information, from staff or Cognizant member shall be in writing. (F) If a matter regarding a licensee is referred to the AG’s office for a consent order, the order will include the requirement that the disciplined licensee must take and receive a passing score on the jurisprudence examination within 3 months of the docket date of the order. Policy #9 - Peer Review (A) Individuals working as peer reviewers for the board must have no disciplinary history, current clinical expertise with a minimum of five (5) years of experience and be capable of providing an expert opinion on the subject matter and to general questions of patient care, record keeping and billing. Peer reviewers are selected by the Board on a case- by- case basis. Policy #10 - Mental Physical Evaluations The Board will accept the guidelines for mental physical evaluations as provided by O.C.G.A § 43- 33-18(a)(2). Policy #12 - Position on Medications The Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy adopts the APTA position of Medications in the Provision of Physical Therapy which states: The scope of practice of physical therapy often requires the use of medications in the course of patient/ client management, such as in the administration of phonophoresis, iontophoresis, nebulized bronchodilators, and in integumentary repair and protection. The application and storage of medications used in physical therapy is within the scope of physical therapy practice. Policy #13 - Georgia Jurisprudence (A) In order to meet the minimum four (4) contact hour continuing competence requirement, a Georgia Ethics and Jurisprudence Continuing Competency Course must include a review of the Georgia General Provisions (Title 43 Chapter 1 -specifically 43-1-9 and 43-1- 19 through 43-1-27), Georgia Physical Therapy Practice Act (Title 43 Chapter 33), Board Rules (Chapter 490), Board Policies and a general review of the Board’s web-site (http://sos.ga.gov/ index.php/licensing/plb/39), including the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s). A review of the Jurisprudence exam will occur when the laws and rules change. (B) The requirement of (4) contact hours in Ethics and Jurisprudence can be met through coursework or may also be satisfied by taking and passing completion of the Georgia Jurisprudence Exam offered by FSBPT. (C) Licensees will not receive credit towards the current continuing competency requirements for any passing score on a Georgia Jurisprudence Exam that was taken to satisfy the requirements for initial licensure in this State, prior renewal cycles or the terms and conditions of a Board Order. Policy #14 - Foreign Credentialing (A) The Board requires sixty (60) hours of general education and ninety (90) hours of professional education for a total of 150 hours for foreign educated applicants. The Board further authorizes the use of the FSBPT Retro Tools for applicants educated prior to 1997.
(B) The Board approved foreign credentialing agencies are ICA, IERF and FCCPT. Policy #15 - Residency / Internship Programs Pursuant to O.C.G.A.§43-33-1, the Board will consider for approval educational institutions for the purposes of offering programs to develop advanced physical therapy skills. All educational institutions that are providing such advanced training must petition the Board prior to allowing practice of residents/fellows per applicant that is unlicensed in Georgia and enrolled in said program. Policy #16 - Telehealth The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the practice of telerehabilitation (telehealth) by the spectrum of technologies involving interactive telehealth. Telehealth has been defined as the use of electronic communications to provide and deliver a host of health-related information and health care services including, but not limited to physical therapy related information and services, over large and small distances. Telehealth encompasses a variety of health care and health promotion activities including, but not limited to, education, advice, reminders, interventions, and monitoring of interventions. (A) All provisions of Physical Therapy utilizing telehealth mechanisms must conform to all statutes, rules and policies governing the practice of physical therapy in the State of Georgia. (B) With the exception of part(c), individuals providing physical therapy via telehealth to a patient/client in the State of Georgia must be licensed in the State of Georgia. (C) A physical therapist that is licensed in another jurisdiction of the United States may provide a consultation via telehealth to a physical therapist in the state of Georgia. *Definition adapted with permission from APTA Policy #17 - Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant Relationship Upon initiation of a physical therapy plan of intervention, physical therapists may, at their discretion, allow physical therapy treatments to be performed by physical therapist assistants to include the period in the 21 days or eight (8) visits, whichever comes first, prior to discharge or receipt of a referral from the patient’s provider. Ultimately the responsibility for the quality of care provided by supportive personnel resides with the Physical Therapist. While technology allows for supervision in new and expanded methods, the PTAs, Trainees, and Students should know who and how to contact the supervising PT. (A) It is recommended that the PT supervise no more than three (3) other supportive clinicians at any given time. For the purposes of this policy, supportive clinicians are defined as PTAs, Trainees, and PT/PTA students. (B) Care coordination discussions are expected in all settings. Such communication should be documented in the patients’ medical record. The frequency of the communication should be based on the patient condition, progression and setting. Review of Georgia Board of Physical Therapy Website and Frequently Asked Questions The Board of Physical Therapy website is found at https://sos. ga.gov/index.php/licensing/plb/39. This site has four main tabs which include: ● Board and Exam Information: Meeting schedules and minutes, exam information, and board members. ● Online Services: Address and Email updates, licensure search, application status, and license renewal. ● Laws, Policies, and Rules: Emergency Rules Georgia Physical Therapy Act, Board Rules, Physical Therapy Compact Proposed Rules, Proposed Rules, Rule Waive Register, and Board Policies.
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