What is one role of the Board of Physical Therapy?

The role of the Board of Physical Therapy is fundamentally centered around ensuring that the standards of practice in the field are maintained to protect public welfare. One of the primary responsibilities of the Board is to specify minimum standards for education and experience required for credentialing. This includes setting criteria for licensure and maintaining the integrity of the profession by ensuring that only qualified individuals are allowed to practice physical therapy.

This oversight is crucial because it establishes a baseline competency that practitioners must meet, which directly impacts the quality of care that patients receive. By defining these educational standards, the Board ensures that all licensed physical therapists have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective care. This regulatory function supports the overall health and safety of the community as it relates to physical therapy services.

In contrast, providing direct patient care, conducting physical therapy assessments, and managing therapy clinics fall outside the scope of the Board's functions, as these are the responsibilities of individual practitioners and clinic administrators. The Board focuses on regulatory and oversight activities rather than the direct practice of physical therapy.