Arizona Physical Therapy Board Probation Attorney

Probation from the Arizona Physical Therapy Board against the licenses of physical therapists in Arizona is offered through a Consent Agreement.  The Consent Agreement requires the physical therapist do certain things (drug testing, work supervision, counseling, continuing education).  Or alternatively, refrain from doing things (using alcohol, prescribing schedule drugs, seeing certain patients, etc.). The Arizona Physical Therapy Board can place physical therapists on probation through:

• Stipulated Rehabilitation Agreement
• Interim Practice Restriction
• Decree of Censure with Probation
• Letter of Reprimand with Probation
• Practice Limitation

Physical therapists who hold a license in Arizona can face disciplinary actions by the Arizona Physical Therapy Board for many different reasons.  If the Physical Therapy Board determines formal licensing action is necessary it will happen after the completion of an investigation. It’s the job of the Board to review any complaint alleging a violation of the Arizona Practice Act and Arizona law.  Thus, at an Arizona Physical Therapy Board Meeting, the Board will vote to determine the outcome of each investigation, thus, a defense attorney may be needed.  The Board can vote on a non-disciplinary outcome or vote to offer the physical therapist formal discipline.

Compliance/Responding to Practice Complaints and Investigations

After receiving an Arizona Physical Therapy Board Complaint or self-report, a physical therapist receives a notice from the Board requesting additional information as well as a response to allegations found in the complaint. From here, the Physical Therapy Board assigns an investigator to the complaint and they begin to collect evidence. The documents and evidence collected includes:

• Patient medical records
• Employment files from the physical therapist’s employer and business
• Criminal records
• Interviews of people associated with the Board Complaint (These interviewees can include the patient, medical director, colleagues, etc.)

Arizona Physical Therapy Board Disciplinary Actions

When a physical therapist is facing a complaint or investigation by their physical therapy board, they may also face Arizona Physical Therapy Board Disciplinary Actions. Facing disciplinary action can have vast repercussions on a medical career. This can include license probation, suspension or revocation. It can also jeopardize employment. A physical therapist under investigation can face termination at their current job after receiving a complaint or after the Board initiates an investigation.

There are certain allegations that can cause a physical therapist to receive disciplinary action. These include:

• Improper record keeping
• Reporting false information
• Negligence
• Physical abuse of patients
• Sexual abuse of patients
• Criminal convictions
• Substance Abuse
• Disruptive Conduct

Arizona State Board Formal Discipline

Arizona Physical Therapy Board Disciplinary Actions disciplinary actions are given to physical therapists with a license or certification in Arizona.  If the Board determines formal disciplinary action is necessary it will 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. Chelle Law’s Arizona Physical Therapy Board Attorneys have represented over 1,000 health care professionals before Arizona licensing boards. At Chelle Law, our attorney’s have the experience to help physical therapists with all Arizona Physical Therapy Board matters.

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

Arizona Physical Therapy Board Non Disciplinary Actions

• CASE DISMISSAL: The Board may dismiss a complaint if they determine the information indicates there was not a violation of the rules of the Arizona law.  This outcome is not available to the public.
• ADVISORY LETTER: A letter from the Board expressing concern that the physical therapist’s conduct was not ideal; however, the conduct does not necessarily violate the law or Board policy and no further contact is needed.  This will not effect future licensure or if the physical therapist wishes to further their education. This is not shown on license verification.
• NON-DISCIPLINARY ORDER FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION: An order that dictates the physical therapist must complete a number of hours of continuing education for specific topics.

Arizona Physical Therapy Board Unprofessional Conduct

• REVOCATION: If the Board revokes a physical therapist’s license the physical therapist will be unable to practice or get licensed again for a period of time. After the license revocation the physical therapist will need to reapply for their license. If the physical therapist reapplies for licensure they must demonstrate the grounds for revocation (substance abuse, mental health problems, criminal convictions) has been rectified through an applicable program. This is a public document.
• VOLUNTARY SURRENDER: The physical therapist voluntarily gives up their license. The benefit of this voluntary consent is that the Board is usually willing to reduce the amount of time until a physical therapist can reapply.
• SUSPENSION: A suspension stops the physical therapist from practicing. It prohibits any patient contact or services for a period of time until the Board lifts the suspension.
• PROBATION: The Board offers probation through a consent agreement. The consent agreement requires the physical therapist do certain things (drug testing, work supervision, counseling, continuing education).  Alternatively, they may need to refrain from doing things (unsupervised care like home health, working under the supervision, using alcohol, etc.) A request for a removal of probation will be needed.
• CIVIL PENALTY: Similar to a Decree of Censure, but the physical therapist can be fined.  The Civil Penalty is listed as formal discipline.

AZ Physical Therapy Board Complaint

Who can file an Arizona Physical Therapy Board Complaint against a physical therapist? Patients, health care facilities, other professionals, among others. When the Arizona Physical Therapy Board receives a complaint, the Board initiates an investigation into the complaint (if the Board has jurisdiction and the Complaint isn’t dismissed). After this happens, 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 an Arizona Physical Therapy Board.

Physical Therapy Board Discipline Attorney

If you’re interested in learning more about our Arizona Physical Therapy Board Attorney services and how to protect your license, set up a consultation with Chelle Law today.