Arizona Physical Therapy Board Attorney

The job of the Arizona Physical Therapy Board is to protect and promote the welfare of the people of Arizona. They do this by ensuring each person who holds a license as a physical therapist in the State of Arizona is competent to practice safely. This means the Arizona Physical Therapy Board has the authority to discipline the license of any medical doctor.

Chelle Law’s Arizona Physical Therapy Board Attorneys have represented over 1000 health care professionals before Arizona licensing boards and have the experience needed to help physical therapy professionals with Arizona Physical Therapy Board matters. We can assist all physical therapists with Arizona Physical Therapy Board issues, including:

• Physical Therapist
• Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Links of Interest:

• Appeals
• Complaint
• Criminal History
• Discipline
• License Probation

Arizona Physical Therapy Board Complaint

Who can file a complaint against a physical therapist? Patients, Health Care Facilities, other professionals, among others. When the Arizona Board of Physical Therapy receives a complaint, the Board initiates an investigation into the complaint. Investigations happen when the Board has jurisdiction and the Complaint isn’t dismissed. When the board decides to investigate, the physical therapist receives notice and the board assigns an investigator to the case. Please note, having an attorney during this step can be crucial for physical therapists as they must submit a response, interview with the investigator while also possibly appearing at a Arizona Physical Therapy Board.

Physical Therapist Application Assistance

Applicants to the Arizona Physical Therapy Board who have a criminal history or previous discipline by the Arizona Physical Therapy Board (or any other Board) may be subject to denial of their application for licensure. Thus, those with a criminal or disciplinary history from other licensing boards will be investigated by the Board. 

Reporting a Criminal Charge to the Arizona Physical Therapy Board

Behavioral health professionals who currently hold a valid license with the Arizona Physical Therapy Board or pending applicants must notify the board of nursing of any criminal charge that may affect patient safety within ten business days.  Ask one of our attorney’s what crimes an individual must report and the potential discipline that can come with it.

Substance Abuse Recovery Program

In lieu of disciplinary action the Arizona Physical Therapy Board may allow a physical therapist or PTA to actively participate in a board approved substance abuse recovery program if:

1. The Board discovers the physical therapist is impaired.
2. The physical therapist doesn’t have a conviction of a felony relating to a controlled substance
3. The physical therapist enters into a written agreement with the Board for a restricted license and complies with all of the terms of the agreement

AZ Physical Therapy Board Administrative Appeal and Hearing

Any licensee may request an appeal of an Arizona Physical Therapy Board disciplinary action. However, any Board appeal isn’t heard by an administrative law judge with the Arizona Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH).  This Board oversees their own hearings.  Furthermore, in some circumstances, a case is sent automatically to hearing. The hearing isn’t as formal as a trial, but is similar. Each party presents evidence using documents or sworn testimony. Each party also gives an opening and closing argument which should explain why the the Board should rule one way or the other. A physical therapist’s attorney can cross examine witnesses and testify on his or her behalf. After the hearing the Board makes the decision to either accept, reject or modify their original decision.  If a professional feels there has been an error they can request a rehearing.

Arizona Physical Therapist Disciplinary Actions

Arizona physical therapists with a license or certification receive disciplinary action from the Arizona Physical Therapy Board.  If the Board determines formal disciplinary action is necessary it’ll happen after the completion of an investigation. It’s the job of the Board to review any complaint alleging a violation of the Arizona laws and regulations.  Thus, at a Board Meeting the Board will vote to determine the outcome of each investigation.  The Board can vote on a non-disciplinary outcome or vote to offer the physical therapist formal discipline.  Disciplinary actions can include:

• Dismissal
• Advisory Letter
• Civil Penalty of not more than $10,000
• Probation
• Refuse to Renew a License
• Nondisciplinary Order for Continuing Education
• Voluntary Surrender
• Suspension
• Revocation

Consultation with Chelle Law Attorney

If you’re interested in setting up a consultation with our Arizona Physical Therapy Board Attorney or learning more about the services we provide to Arizona physical therapists, contact us today.