DEPARTMENT OF REGULATORY AGENCIES
STATE PHYSICAL THERAPY BOARD
PHYSICAL THERAPIST LICENSURE & PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT CERTIFICATION
4 CCR 732-1
[Editor’s Notes follow the text of the rules at the end of this CCR Document.]
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GENERAL RULE PROVISIONS
101.  Definitions 
The purpose of this rule is to address the requirement under section 12-41-113(1), C.R.S., regarding supervision of persons not licensed as a physical therapist, and to clarify the types/levels of supervision utilized throughout the Physical Therapy Practice Act and these Board rules.  
A.  “General supervision” means the physical therapist is not required to be on site for direction and supervision, but must be available at least by telecommunications.
B.  “Direct supervision” means the physical therapist is physically present in the same physical building.
C.  “Immediate supervision” means the physical therapist is physically present or immediately available in the same physical building to support the individual being supervised.
102.  Licensure & Certification Requirements: Credit for Military Experience
The purpose of this rule is to outline the conditions and procedures governing the evaluation of an applicant’s military training and experience under section 24-34-102(8.5), C.R.S.
A.  Education, training, or service gained in military services outlined in section 24-34-102(8.5), C.R.S., that is to be accepted and applied towards receiving either a physical therapist license or a physical therapist assistant certification must be substantially equivalent, as determined by the Board, to the qualifications otherwise applicable at the time of the receipt of the application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide timely and complete evidence of the education, training and/or service gained in the military for review and consideration. Satisfactory evidence of such education, training or service will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
103.  Recognized Accrediting Agency
The purpose of this rule is to designate a nationally recognized accrediting agency for accrediting physical therapy and physical therapist assistant programs pursuant to sections 12-41-103(1), 12-41-107, 12-41-109, 12-41-111, 12-41-114, 12-41-205, 12-41-206, and 12-41-207, C.R.S.
A.  The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) is recognized as the accrediting agency for accrediting both physical therapy and physical therapist assistant programs. 
104.  Approved Examinations for Licensing
The purpose of this rule is to designate a nationally-recognized examination approved by the Board pursuant to sections 12-41-107, 12-41-109, 12-41-111, 12-41-205, 12-41-206, and 12-41-207, C.R.S.
A.  The examination developed by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) entitled the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for physical therapists is approved as the required examination in the licensure process. An applicant must achieve a passing score as determined by FSBPT in order to be eligible for licensure as a physical therapist.
B.  The examination developed by FSBPT entitled the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for physical therapist assistants is approved as the required examination in the certification process. An applicant must achieve a passing score as determined by FSBPT in order to be eligible for certification as a physical therapist assistant.
105.  Declaratory Orders
The purpose of this rule is to establish procedures for the handling of requests for declaratory orders filed pursuant to the Colorado Administrative Procedures Act at section 24-4-105(11), C.R.S.
A.  Any person or entity may petition the Board for a declaratory order to terminate controversies or remove uncertainties as to the applicability of any statutory provision or of any rule or order of the Board.
B.  The Board will determine, at its discretion and without notice to petitioner, whether to rule upon such petition. If the Board determines that it will not rule upon such a petition, the Board shall promptly notify the petitioner of its action and state the reasons for such decision.
C.  In determining whether to rule upon a petition filed pursuant to this rule, the Board will consider the following matters, among others:
1.  Whether a ruling on the petition will terminate a controversy or remove uncertainties as to the applicability to petitioner of any statutory provisions or rule or order of the Board;
2.  Whether the petition involves any subject, question or issue that is the subject of a formal or informal matter or investigation currently pending before the Board or a court involving one or more petitioners;
3.  Whether the petition involves any subject, question or issue that is the subject of a formal or informal matter or investigation currently pending before the Board or a court but not involving any petitioner;
4.  Whether the petition seeks a ruling on a moot or hypothetical question or will result in an advisory ruling or opinion; and
5.  Whether the petitioner has some other adequate legal remedy, other than an action for declaratory relief pursuant to CRCP 57, which will terminate the controversy or remove any uncertainty as to the applicability to the petitioner of the statute, rule, or order in question.
D.  Any petition filed pursuant to this rule shall set forth the following:
1.  The name and address of the petitioner and whether the petitioner is licensed or certified pursuant to Title 12, Article 41.
2.  The statute, rule, or order to which the petition relates.
3.  A concise statement of all of the facts necessary to show the nature of the controversy or uncertainty and the manner in which the statute, rule, or order in question applies or potentially applies to the petitioner.
E.  If the Board determines that it will rule on the petition, the following procedures shall apply:
1.  The Board may rule upon the petition based solely upon the facts presented in the petition. In such a case:
a.  Any ruling of the Board will apply only to the extent of the facts presented in the petition and any amendment to the petition.
b.  The Board may order the petitioner to file a written brief, memorandum, or statement of position.
c.  The Board may set the petition, upon due notice to petitioner, for a non-evidentiary hearing.
d.  The Board may dispose of the petition on the sole basis of the matters set forth in the petition.
e.  The Board may request the petitioner to submit additional facts in writing. In such event, such additional facts will be considered as an amendment to the petition.
f.  The Board may take administrative notice of facts pursuant to the Colorado Administrative Procedures Act at section 24-4-105(8), C.R.S., and may utilize its experience, technical competence, and specialized knowledge in the disposition of the petition.
2.  If the Board rules upon the petition without a hearing, it shall promptly notify the petitioner of its decision.
3.  The Board may, at its discretion, set the petition for hearing, upon due notice to petitioner, for the purpose of obtaining additional facts or information or to determine the truth of any facts set forth in the petition or to hear oral argument on the petition. The hearing notice to the petitioner shall set forth, to the extent known, the factual or other matters that the Board intends to inquire.
4.  For the purpose of such a hearing, to the extent necessary, the petitioner shall have the burden of proving all the facts stated in the petition; all of the facts necessary to show the nature of the controversy or uncertainty; and the manner in which the statute, rule, or order in question applies or potentially applies to the petitioner and any other facts the petitioner desires the Board to consider.
F.  The parties to any proceeding pursuant to this rule shall be the Board and the petitioner. Any other person may seek leave of the Board to intervene in such a proceeding, and leave to intervene will be granted at the sole discretion of the Board. A petition to intervene shall set forth the same matters as are required by section D of this rule. Any reference to a "petitioner" in this rule also refers to any person who has been granted leave to intervene by the Board.
G.  Any declaratory order or other order disposing of a petition pursuant to this rule shall constitute agency action subject to judicial review pursuant to the Colorado Administrative Procedures Act at section 24-4-106, C.R.S.
106.  Reporting Criminal Convictions, Judgments, and Administrative Proceedings
The purpose of this rule is to delineate the procedures a licensee or a certificate holder must adhere to when an act enumerated in sections12-41-115, 12-41-117(2), 12-41-210, or 12-41-212(2), C.R.S., has occurred.
A.  A licensee or certificate holder must inform the Board within 90 days of any of the following events:
1.  The conviction of a felony under the laws of any state or of the United States, or of any level of crime related to the practice of physical therapy. A guilty verdict, a plea of guilty, a plea of nolo contendere, or the imposition of a deferred sentence accepted by the court is considered a conviction.
2.  A disciplinary action imposed by another jurisdiction that licenses, certifies, or registers physical therapists or physical therapist assistants including, but not limited to, a citation, sanction, probation, civil penalty, or a denial, suspension, revocation, or modification of a license, certification, or registration, whether it is imposed by consent decree, order, or in some other manner, for any cause other than failure to pay a license, certification, or registration fee by the due date.
3.  Revocation or suspension by another state board, municipality, federal or state agency of any health services related license, certification, or registration, other than a license, certification, or registration as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.
B.  Any award, judgment, or settlement of a civil action or arbitration in which there was a final judgment or settlement for malpractice of physical therapy.
C.  The notice to the Board must include the following information:
1.  If the event is an action by a governmental agency:
a.  The name of the agency;
b.  Its jurisdiction;
c.  The case name;
d.  The docket, proceeding, or case number by which the event is designated; and
e.  A copy of the consent decree, order, or decision.
2.  If the event is a conviction of a crime described above:
a.  The court;
b.  Its jurisdiction;
c.  The case name;
d.  The case number;
e.  A description of the matter or a copy of the indictment or charges;
f.  Any plea or verdict accepted or entered by the court; and
g.  A copy of the imposition of sentence related to the conviction and the completion of all terms of the sentence.
3.  If the event concerns a civil action or arbitration proceeding:
a.  The court or arbitrator;
b.  The jurisdiction;
c.  The case name;
d.  The case number;
e.  A description of the matter or a copy of the complaint or demand for arbitration; and
f.  A copy of the verdict, the court decision or arbitration award, or, if settled, the settlement agreement and court’s order of dismissal.
4.  The licensee or certificate holder notifying the Board may submit a written statement with the notice to be included with the licensee’s or certificate holder’s records.
107.  Reporting Physical or Mental Illness or Condition 
The purpose of this rule is to clarify the notification requirements of sections 12-41-118.5 and 12-41-214, C.R.S. 
A.  A licensed physical therapist or certified physical therapist assistant must notify the Board if he/she suffers from any of the following:
 1.  A long-term (more than 90 days) physical illness/condition that renders the licensee or certificate holder unable, or limits his/her ability, to practice physical therapy with reasonable skill and patient safety; or   
2.  A debilitating mental illness/condition that renders the licensee or certificate holder unable, or limits his/her ability, to practice physical therapy with reasonable skill and patient safety.  
B.  The physical therapist or physical therapist assistant must notify the Board in writing of the illness or condition within 30 days from the date it impacts his/her ability to perform physical therapy services with reasonable skill and safety; and submit, within 60 days, his/her current strategy for practice modification, limitation, or restriction with consideration of the illness or condition to ensure safe patient care and his/her safety, and a letter from his/her treating medical or mental health provider describing: 
1.  The diagnosis and a description of the illness or condition; 
2.  The date that the illness or condition was first diagnosed; 
3.  Treatment plan; 
4.  The impact on the licensee’s or certificate holder’s ability to practice safely based on his/her review of a job description for a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant; and 
5.  Any applicable modifications, limitations, or restrictions to his/her practice. 
C.  Pursuant to sections 12-41-118 and 12-41-213, C.R.S., the Board may require the licensee or certificate holder to submit to an examination to evaluate the extent of the illness or condition and its impact on his/her ability to practice with reasonable skill and safety. 
D.  Pursuant to sections 12-41-118.5 and 12-41-214, C.R.S., the Board may enter into a non-disciplinary confidential agreement with the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in which he/she agrees to limit his/her practice based on any restriction(s) imposed by the illness or condition, as determined by the Board. A licensee or certificate holder subject to discipline for habitually abusing or excessively using or abusing alcohol, a habit-forming drug, or a controlled substance is not eligible to enter into a confidential agreement. 
PHYSICAL THERAPIST LICENSURE RULES
201.  Supervision and/or Direction of Persons Not Licensed as a Physical Therapist 
Pursuant to section 12-41-113(1), C.R.S., the purpose of this rule is to clarify supervision and/or direction provisions for persons not licensed as a physical therapist, which include a physical therapist assistant, certified nurse aide, provisional physical therapist, physical therapy aide, athletic trainer, massage therapist, student physical therapist, or student physical therapist assistant. A therapist of record must be established if physical therapy services are being provided by any of the persons not licensed as a physical therapist listed above. A physical therapist who performs an initial examination and evaluation, and develops an appropriate plan of care, shall be the therapist of record for that patient, unless that physical therapist transfers the responsibility to another licensed physical therapist, or a provisional physical therapist under supervision of a physical therapist or a student physical therapist under supervision of a clinical instructor actively licensed by the State of Colorado as a physical therapist, experienced and skilled enough to take on such responsibility through documentation in the patient records, including the transfer of the procedures and responsibilities provided in this rule.
A.  Delegation of duties is determined by the education and training of the individual being delegated responsibilities as allowed pursuant to Article 41 of Title 12, C.R.S., and these Board rules. If a task cannot be delegated, then a physical therapist must personally attend to the task in-person and not through a patient chart review. 
1. A physical therapist shall determine if the individual not licensed as a physical therapist who is being delegated responsibility has the appropriate education, training, and/or experience to perform duties as allowed by statute and/or rule.  
2. A physical therapist shall rely on his/her expertise and clinical reasoning when determining the most appropriate utilization of a person not licensed as a physical therapist to provide for the delivery of service that is safe, effective, and efficient.  
3. A physical therapist must personally perform and cannot delegate to a person not licensed as a physical therapist the initial clinical contact, interpretation of referrals, initial examinations and evaluations, diagnosis and prognosis, development and modification of plans of care, determination of discharge criteria, and supervision of physical therapy services rendered to the patient/client, except for a provisional physical therapist under supervision of a physical therapist or a student physical therapist under supervision of a clinical instructor actively licensed as a physical therapist, experienced and skilled enough to take on such responsibility.
4. A physical therapist shall not delegate wound debridement to a person not licensed as a physical therapist, except to a provisional physical therapist under supervision of a physical therapist or a student physical therapist under supervision of a clinical instructor actively licensed as a physical therapist, experienced and skilled enough to take on such responsibility, but may delegate non-selective wound care to a physical therapist assistant. 
B.  A physical therapist is responsible for providing adequate or proper supervision and/or direction to a person not licensed as a physical therapist pursuant to section 12-41-115(1)(e), C.R.S. 
1. A physical therapist may supervise up to 4 individuals at one time who are not physical therapists to assist in the physical therapist’s clinical practice. This limit does not include student physical therapists and student physical therapist assistants supervised by a physical therapist for educational purposes. 
2. A physical therapist shall regularly evaluate and observe the performance of any person under his/her supervision and/or direction to ensure that all physical therapy services rendered meet the standard of care for delegation to be continued.
C.  Pursuant to the definitions provided in Rule 101, a physical therapist shall provide: 
1. General supervision to a physical therapist assistant. However, pursuant to section 12-41-113(2), C.R.S., direct supervision is required if the physical therapist assistant is administering topical and aerosol medications when they are consistent within the scope of physical therapy practice and when any such medication is prescribed by a licensed health care practitioner who is authorized to prescribe such medication. A prescription or order shall be required for each such administration within a plan of care. 
2. General supervision to a certified nurse aide in a home health care setting, as part of a physical therapist plan of care. 
3. Direct supervision to a provisional physical therapist. In addition, the supervising physical therapist must perform records review and co-signature of notes. 
4. Direct supervision to a physical therapy aide. 
5. Direct supervision to an athletic trainer providing athletic training within a physical therapist plan of care.   
6. Direct supervision to a massage therapist providing massage therapy within a physical therapist plan of care.
7. Immediate supervision to a student physical therapist or a student physical therapist assistant. 
202.  Supervision of Physical Therapist Assistants and Physical Therapy Aides 
The purpose of this rule is to specify supervisory provisions required by section 12-41-113(1), C.R.S., for physical therapist assistants certified in accordance with section 12-41-204, C.R.S., and physical therapy aides. This rule applies to all physical therapists who utilize physical therapist assistants and/or aides in their practice. The physical therapist shall establish a patient relationship with the client prior to any delegation that has been deemed as allowable and appropriate pursuant to Article 41, Title 12, C.R.S., and Board rules. 
Physical Therapist Assistants 
A.  For the purposes of these rules, physical therapists may supervise physical therapist assistants performing physical therapy services as defined in section 12-41-103(6), C.R.S., and pursuant to Rule 101 and Rule 201 as determined by the physical therapist of record, except for interventions or services that are otherwise prohibited by law.
1.  Physical therapist assistants may perform non-selective wound care, but may not perform wound debridement.
2.  Physical therapist assistants may not perform dry needling.
3.  Physical therapist assistants may not perform joint mobilization, unless the supervising physical therapist has determined that the physical therapist assistant has the necessary degree of education, training and skill for safe patient care. Entry-level education is inadequate; additional formal continuing education (psychomotor and didactic) is required to perform joint mobilization. Thrust, high-velocity techniques are not within the scope of the physical therapist assistants’ practice.
4.  Physical therapist assistants may not perform or assist a physical therapist in providing physical therapy of animals.
B.  The following condition must be met before a physical therapist can utilize a physical therapist assistant: a physical therapist must be designated and recorded in the patient/client records as responsible for supervising the care and interventions provided by the physical therapist assistant. The designated physical therapist must consistently provide for the planning, evaluating, and supervising of all care rendered to the patient/client.
C.  The physical therapist is responsible for the performance of all services performed by the physical therapist assistant. This responsibility requires the physical therapist to assure services are performed with a degree of care and skill appropriate to the physical therapist assistant’s education and training.
D.  The physical therapist assumes accountability for the acts delegated to or performed by a physical therapist assistant. Before delegating performance of physical therapy services to a physical therapist assistant working under general supervision, as defined in Rule 101(A), the supervising physical therapist shall ensure that the physical therapist assistant is qualified by education and training to perform the physical therapy services in a safe, effective, and efficient manner.
E.  A physical therapist assistant may not supervise other personnel in the provision of physical therapy services to a patient. 
F.  A physical therapist assistant under the general supervision, as defined in Rule 101(A), of a physical therapist may act as a clinical instructor for a physical therapist assistant student. However, immediate supervision, as defined in Rule 101(C), of the student physical therapist assistant by the physical therapist is required if the physical therapist assistant student is providing physical therapy services.   
Physical Therapy Aides 
G.  All individuals not licensed as a physical therapist, not licensed as a provisional physical therapist, not certified as a physical therapist assistant, not authorized to practice as a student physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, and not otherwise regulated as a health care professional, shall be considered an aide for the purposes of this rule. 
H.  A physical therapy aide may participate in limited designated tasks, as assigned by a physical therapist. The supervising physical therapist must participate in patient care on each date of service when a physical therapy aide is involved in care. Supervision must also occur in compliance with Rule 101 and Rule 201.
I.  As to recordkeeping, a physical therapy aide may participate only in basic data recording in the medical record.
J.  Wound care/debridement, dry needling, administration of medications, joint mobilization, and treatment on animals shall not be delegated to a physical therapy aide. The supervising physical therapist shall ensure that the physical therapy aide is qualified by education and training to participate in limited designated tasks as assigned by the physical therapist.   
203.  Authorized Practice of Physical Therapy by a Person Not Licensed In Colorado
The purpose of this rule is to clarify the following conditions under which a physical therapist not licensed in Colorado may practice for a temporary period of time pursuant to section 12-41-114(1)(f), C.R.S., which allows the practice of physical therapy in Colorado for no more than 4 consecutive weeks or more than once in any 12-month period by a physical therapist licensed, certified, or registered in another state or country when providing services in the absence of a physical therapist licensed in Colorado. This provision is not available for a person applying for a license in Colorado whose application is pending review and potential approval. Additional requirements for eligibility including the following:
A.  The entity wishing to employ or engage the services of a visiting, physical therapist who is not otherwise licensed in Colorado must notify the Board at least one week prior to the start date and must document the need for employing or engaging the services of a visiting physical therapist.    
B.  The visiting physical therapist must possess a current and active license, certification, or registration in good standing in another state or country and provide a copy of the license, certification, or registration to the Board at least one week prior to practicing in Colorado.
C.  The visiting physical therapist must have been engaged in the active, clinical practice of physical therapy for 2 of the last 5 years in order to be eligible. 
204.  Licensure by Examination for Physical Therapists
The purpose of this rule is to delineate the requirements for licensure by examination for physical therapists pursuant to section 12-41-107, C.R.S. 
A.  An applicant is required to demonstrate that he/she has successfully completed a physical therapy program that is either:
1.  Accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency pursuant to Rule 103; or 
2.  Substantially equivalent pursuant to Rule 205.   
B.  If applying to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), an applicant: 
1.  Must have successfully completed a physical therapy program or be eligible to graduate within 90 days of a program pursuant to section A of this rule; and  
2.  Must meet the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy’s (FSBPT) current eligibility requirements in effect at the time of registering for the NPTE, including any exam retake or low score limit policies.   
C.  An applicant for licensure by examination must graduate from a physical therapy program pursuant to section A of this rule and pass the NPTE within the 2 years immediately preceding the date of the application.  
D.  An applicant who is unable to meet the requirements under section C of this rule may request to demonstrate competency by any other means. The Board shall consider such a request on a case-by-case basis. The decision to approve such a request shall be at the sole discretion of the Board. In considering whether to approve such a request, the Board shall consider public safety, the particular circumstances and hardships faced by the applicant, and such other factors as the Board deems appropriate. If the Board grants a license under this section D, the Board may subject said license to such lawful conditions as the Board finds are necessary to protect the public.
205.  Licensing of Foreign-Trained Physical Therapist Graduates of Non-Accredited Programs
The purpose of this rule is to establish procedures for determining whether a foreign-trained physical therapist applicant who has graduated from a non-accredited program has substantially equivalent education and training as required pursuant to section 12-41-111(1)(a), C.R.S.
A.  A foreign-trained applicant who has graduated from a non-accredited program must have education and training in physical therapy substantially equivalent to the entry-level education and training required at accredited physical therapy programs in the United States in effect at the time of the applicant’s graduation. This includes an assessment of the applicant’s general and professional education, as well as training in wound care and debridement.
B.  Applicants who wish to have their general and professional education considered “substantially equivalent” in order to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) through Colorado and qualify for licensure shall submit their credentials to the Foreign Credentialing Commission of Physical Therapy (FCCPT). The applicant must submit a credentials evaluation utilizing the version of the Coursework Evaluation Tool for Foreign-Educated Physical Therapists developed by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) that applies to the applicant’s year of graduation in order to evaluate the applicant’s credentials against the requirements at accredited physical therapy programs in place at the time of the applicant’s graduation. The Board will not accept a credentials evaluation from an organization not listed in this rule.
C.  A foreign-trained applicant who has graduated from a non-accredited program and already passed the NPTE may submit a credentials evaluation from a credentialing agency other than FCCPT provided that:
1.  The credentialing agency utilized the version of the Coursework Evaluation Tool for Foreign-Educated Physical Therapists developed by FSBPT that applies to the applicant’s year of graduation in order to evaluate the applicant’s credentials against the requirements at accredited physical therapy programs in place at the time of the applicant’s graduation; and   
2.  The applicant has been licensed in good standing and actively engaged in clinical practice as a licensed physical therapist in the United States for 2 out of the 5 years immediately preceding his/her application for licensure.  
D.  All expenses associated with the credential evaluation are the responsibility of the applicant.
E.  Failure to have a credentials evaluation pursuant to the terms of this rule will result in the Board denying the application.
F.  In the event a foreign-trained applicant’s general education is found to be deficient, the applicant may take and pass subject examinations from the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) to overcome the deficiency in general education.
G.  In the event a foreign-trained applicant’s professional education is found to be deficient, the applicant shall either:
1. Successfully complete a Board-approved plan to overcome deficiencies; or 
2. Overcome the deficiency by obtaining a master or doctorate degree at an accredited physical therapy program.
H.  Degrees obtained in a transitional program are not equivalent to a professional entry-level physical therapy degree and will not be accepted for initial licensure.
206.  Licensure by Endorsement for Physical Therapists
The purpose of this rule is to delineate the requirements for licensure by endorsement for physical therapists pursuant to section 12-41-109, C.R.S. In order to be qualified for licensure by endorsement, an applicant is required to demonstrate that he/she does not currently have a revoked, suspended, restricted, or conditional license to practice as a physical therapist, or is currently pending disciplinary action against such license in another state or territory of the United States. An applicant must meet one of the following requirements:
A.  Graduated from an accredited physical therapy program within the past 2 years and passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). 
B.  Practiced in the United States as a licensed physical therapist for at least 2 of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of the application. 
C.  If an applicant has not practiced as a licensed physical therapist for at least 2 of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of the application, then he/she is required to have passed the NPTE, or its equivalent, and may demonstrate competency through successful completion of 1 of the following:
1.  Complete 60 points of Professional Development Activities (PDA) pursuant to Rule 213(C)(2)(a-c) during the 2 years immediately preceding the application. 
a.  An applicant seeking to demonstrate competency through this pathway shall:
i.  Complete the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy’s (FSBPT) online continuing education competence learning and assessment tool (oPTion) or a comparable objective third-party assessment that compares a licensee’s knowledge, skills, and abilities to the standards for entry-level practice accepted by the Board; and   
ii.  Successfully complete 60 Category I points, directly related to the physical therapist’s clinical practice and address any areas of deficiencies identified in the objective third-party assessment. 
b.  The applicant must submit the results of the objective third-party assessment and the corresponding 60 Category I points for Board consideration within 1 year of completing the objective third-party assessment. 
2.  Successfully complete a Board authorized internship.
a.  An applicant seeking to demonstrate competency through an internship shall:
i.  Arrange for a Colorado-licensed, practicing physical therapist (the “supervising physical therapist”) to supervise the internship; and 
ii.  Ensure that the supervising physical therapist immediately notifies the Board in writing of the establishment of the internship and submits for the Board’s approval a plan for supervision using the most current version of the “Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument” (CPI) or a comparable objective third-party assessment that compares a licensee’s knowledge, skills, and abilities to standards for entry-level practice accepted by the Board.
b.  The internship shall not commence without the Board’s written approval of the supervising physical therapist’s plan for supervision specified in subparagraph (2)(c) of this rule.
c. The internship shall consist of: 
i.  The applicant’s actual practice of physical therapy as defined in  section 12-41-103(6), C.R.S.;  
ii.  Supervision of the applicant at all times by any Colorado-licensed, practicing physical therapist on the premises where physical therapy services are being rendered; and
iii.  A minimum of 240 hours clinical practice within a consecutive 6-month period commencing from the Board’s written approval of the plan for supervision.
d.  The applicant shall ensure that the supervising physical therapist files a written report at the completion of the internship. This report must indicate whether the applicant demonstrates entry-level performance in all skills assessed by the CPI or comparable objective third-party assessment. Hard copy or electronic copies of the CPI or comparable objective third-party assessment are acceptable.
D.  An applicant who is unable to demonstrate competency under sections A, B, or C of this rule may request to demonstrate competency by any other means. The Board shall consider such a request on a case-by-case basis. The decision to approve such a request shall be at the sole discretion of the Board. In considering whether to approve such a request, the Board shall consider public safety, the particular circumstances and hardships faced by the applicant, and such other factors as the Board deems appropriate. If the Board grants a license under this section D, the Board may subject said license to such lawful conditions as the Board finds are necessary to protect the public. 
207.  Reinstatement or Reactivation of an Expired or Inactive Physical Therapist License
The purpose of this rule is to establish the qualifications and procedures for applicants seeking reinstatement of an expired physical therapist license or reactivation of an inactive physical therapist license pursuant to sections 12-41-112 and 12-41-112.5, C.R.S.
A.  An applicant seeking reinstatement or reactivation of a physical therapist license shall complete a reinstatement or reactivation application and pay a fee as established by the Director.
B.  If the license has been expired or inactive for 2 years or less:
1. Effective November 1, 2016, and if:
a. The licensee was practicing in Colorado until his/her license expired or was placed on inactive status during the renewal period ending October 31, 2016, the applicant shall demonstrate continuing professional competency pursuant to section 12-41-114.6, C.R.S., and Rule 213; or  
b. The licensee was practicing outside of Colorado until his/her license expired or was placed on inactive status during the renewal period ending October 31, 2016, the applicant may demonstrate continuing professional competency through an option listed in section C below. 
2. Effective November 1, 2018, all applicants must demonstrate continuing professional competency pursuant to section 12-41-114.6, C.R.S., and Rule 213 for the 2 years immediately preceding the date the application is received.   
C.  If the license has been expired or inactive for more than 2 years, an applicant must establish “competency to practice” pursuant to section 24-34-102(8)(d)(II), C.R.S., by submitting 1 of the following:
1.  Verification of an active, valid physical therapist license in good standing from another state or jurisdiction, along with proof of clinical physical therapy practice in that state or jurisdiction which includes a minimum of an average of 400 hours per year for the 2 years immediately preceding the date of application. The work experience must be attested as to the number of hours. 
2.  If an applicant has not practiced as a licensed physical therapist within the last 10 years in another state or jurisdiction, then: 
a.  Evidence of completing the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy’s (FSBPT) online continuing competence learning and assessment tool (oPTion) or a comparable objective third-party assessment that compares a licensee’s knowledge, skills, and abilities to the standards for entry-level practice accepted by the Board and an average of 15 points of Professional Development Activities (PDA) pursuant to Rule 213(C)(2)(a-c) for each year the license has been expired or inactive (1.25 points for each month). 
i.  The applicant must submit the results of the objective third-party assessment and the corresponding PDA points for Board consideration within 1 year of completing the objective third-party assessment.
ii.  All points must be Category I, and directly related to the physical therapist’s clinical practice and address any areas of deficiencies identified in the objective third-party assessment.
b.  Completion of a 240-hour internship within 6 consecutive months using the most current version of the “Physical Therapist Clinical Performance Instrument” (CPI) as the professional standard and measure of continued competency or a comparable objective third-party assessment that compares a licensee’s knowledge, skills, and abilities to the standards for entry-level practice accepted by the Board as required in Rule 206(C)(2). Satisfactory completion of the internship shall require both 240 hours of internship practice and successful demonstration of entry-level performance on all skills on the CPI or comparable objective third-party assessment on electronic or paper form.
c.  Practice for 6 months on probationary status with a practice monitor subject to the terms established by the Board.
3.  If an applicant has not practiced as a licensed physical therapist for the last 10 or more years in another state or jurisdiction, then he or she is required to re-take and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).  
4. An applicant who is unable to demonstrate competency under paragraphs (1), (2), or (3) of this section may request to demonstrate competency by any other means. The Board shall consider such a request on a case-by-case basis. The decision to approve such a request shall be at the sole discretion of the Board. In considering whether to approve such a request, the Board shall consider public safety, the particular circumstances and hardships faced by the applicant, and such other factors as the Board deems appropriate. If the Board grants a license under this paragraph (4), the Board may subject said license to such lawful conditions as the Board finds are necessary to protect the public.
D.  An applicant for reinstatement or reactivation who has actively practiced in Colorado on an expired or inactive license in violation of section 12-41-106, C.R.S., is subject to denial of application, disciplinary action, and/or other penalties as authorized in the Physical Therapy Practice Act at section 12-41-101, et seq., C.R.S., and in accordance with section 24-34-102, et seq., C.R.S.
208.  Use of Titles Restricted
The purpose of this rule is to clarify the use of titles and educational degrees pursuant to section 12-41-104, C.R.S.
A.  Obtaining a physical therapy license does not automatically entitle or confer upon the licensee the right to use the title “Dr.” or “Doctor”.
B.  A licensed physical therapist can use the title “Doctor” or “Dr.” only when such licensee has, in fact, been awarded a physical therapy doctorate degree (D.P.T.), or another academic or clinical doctorate degree (e.g., Ph.D., Sc.D.) from an accredited program by a nationally recognized accrediting agency as required pursuant to section 6-1-707, C.R.S., pertaining to the use of titles and degrees.
C.  A physical therapist holding a doctorate degree may include the title “Doctor” or “Dr.” only when accompanied by the words of the conferred degree following his/her legal name and after the title “P.T.”, for example: “Dr. Jane/John Doe, P.T., D.P.T.” or “Dr. Jane/John Doe, P.T., Ph.D.” 
D.  A physical therapist not holding a physical therapy doctorate or transitional doctorate degree may not use the title D.P.T.
210.  Requirements for Physical Therapists to Perform Physical Therapy of Animals
The purpose of this rule is to implement the requirements of sections 12-41-103.6(2)(b)(II) and 12-41-113(4), C.R.S., regarding the authority of physical therapists to treat animals.
A.  A physical therapist must have the knowledge, skill, ability, and documented competency to perform an act that is within the scope of practice for physical therapists.
B.  The Division of Professions and Occupations shall maintain a data base of all physical therapists that are qualified pursuant to this rule to practice physical therapy of animals in this state.
C.  All physical therapists that choose to practice physical therapy of animals shall provide the Board with such therapist’s name, current address, education, and qualifications to perform physical therapy of animals for inclusion in the data base referenced in section B of this rule. Information in the data base shall be open to public inspection at all times. Forms for physical therapists to provide such information shall be provided by the Board.
D.  A physical therapist that desires to perform physical therapy of animals must comply with the following educational requirements:
1.  Minimum of 80 contact hours over and above entry-level human physical therapy program course work for non-human animals, to include:
a.  FOUNDATION/CLINICAL SCIENCES
i.  Gross and applied non-human animal anatomy/physiology; 
ii.  Wound healing and response of tissues to disuse and remobilization in the non-human animal; 
iii.  Animal behavior; 
iv.  Animal restraint; and 
v.  Zoonotic and infectious diseases. 
b.  EXAMINATION/EVALUATION/PROGNOSIS/PT DIAGNOSIS
i.  Medical and surgical management of orthopedic, neurological, critically injured, geriatric, arthritic, and obese non-human animals; and 
ii.  Gait and other movement analyses. 
c.  INTERVENTION/PLAN OF CARE/OUTCOME
i.  Therapeutic exercise applied to non-human animals; 
ii.  Therapeutic modalities; and 
iii.  Outcome assessment and documentation. 
d.  CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
i.  Documented successful completion of a minimum of 120 hours under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist listed in the data base maintained by the Division of Professions and Occupations to perform physical therapy of animals or a licensed veterinarian.
E.  Prior to performing physical therapy of an animal, the physical therapist shall obtain veterinary medical clearance of the animal by a Colorado-licensed veterinarian and must document such clearance in the animal patient’s record.
F.  Veterinary medical clearance means:
1.  The veterinarian has previously examined the animal patient and has provided a differential diagnosis, if appropriate; and 
2.  The veterinarian has cleared the animal for physical therapy.
G.  It is expected that the physical therapist and the veterinarian will continue professional collaboration as necessary for the well-being of the animal patient.
H.  Once veterinary medical clearance has been received; the physical therapist is responsible for developing the plan of care for the animal patient’s physical therapy.
I.  The animal patient’s record must include the verbal or written veterinary medical clearance. If verbal clearance is received, the physical therapist must document the verbal clearance in the animal patient’s record, including the name of the veterinarian, date, and time clearance was received.
J.  Complaints against physical therapists alleging a violation related to animal physical therapy will be forwarded to the State Board of Veterinary Medicine for its review and advisory recommendation to the State Physical Therapy Board. The State Physical Therapy Board retains the final authority by statute for decisions related to discipline of any physical therapist.
211.  Requirements for Physical Therapists to Perform Dry Needling
A.  Dry needling (also known as Trigger Point Dry Needling) is a physical intervention that uses a filiform needle to stimulate trigger points, diagnose and treat neuromuscular pain and functional movement deficits; is based upon Western medical concepts; requires an examination and diagnosis, and treats specific anatomic entities selected according to physical signs.    Dry needling does not include the stimulation of auricular or distal points.
B.  Dry needling as defined pursuant to this rule is within the scope of practice of physical therapy.
C.  A    Physical Therapist must have the knowledge, skill, ability, and documented competency to perform an act that is within the Physical Therapist’s scope of practice.    Except as part of a course of study on dry needling pursuant to paragraph D.2 of this Rule, a Physical Therapist shall not perform dry needling unless competent to do so.
D.  To be deemed competent to perform dry needling, a Physical Therapist must:
1.  have practiced for at least two years as a licensed Physical Therapist; and
2.  have successfully completed a dry needling course of study that consists of a minimum of 46 hours of in-person (i.e. not online) dry needling training.
E.  A provider of a dry needling course of study must meet the educational and clinical prerequisites as defined in this rule, paragraph D above and demonstrate a minimum of two years of dry needling practice techniques.    The provider is not required to be a Physical Therapist.
F.  Physical Therapists performing dry needling in their practice must have written informed consent for each patient where this technique is used.    The patient must sign and receive a copy of the informed consent form.    The consent form must, at a minimum, clearly state the following information:
1.  Risks and benefits of dry needling; and
2.  Physical Therapist’s level of education and training in dry needling; and
3.  The Physical Therapist will not stimulate any distal or auricular points during dry needling.
G.  When dry needling is performed, it must be clearly documented in the procedure notes and must indicate how the patient tolerated the technique, as well as the outcome after the procedure.
H.  Dry needling shall not be delegated and must be directly performed by a qualified, licensed Physical Therapist.
I.  Dry needling must be performed in a manner consistent with generally accepted standards of practice, including clean needle techniques, and the guidelines and recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC” ).
J.  The Physical Therapist shall supply written documentation, upon request by the Board, which substantiates appropriate training as required by this Rule.    Failure to provide written documentation, upon request, is a violation of this Rule, and is prima facie evidence that the Physical Therapist is not competent and not permitted to perform dry needling
212.  Inactive License Status for Physical Therapists
The purpose of this rule is to outline the conditions and procedures governing inactive licensure status pursuant to section 12-41-112.5, C.R.S.
A.  A physical therapist with an inactive license must not engage in any act or conduct that constitutes the practice of physical therapy while the physical therapist’s license is inactive.
B.  A physical therapist with an inactive license is exempt from the professional liability insurance requirements of section 12-41-114.5, C.R.S.
C.  A physical therapist with an inactive license is exempt from the continuing professional competency requirements of section 12-41-114.6, C.R.S., and Rule 213. 
D.  A physical therapist may apply for reactivation of an inactive license by successfully meeting the requirements of Rule 207.
213.  Continuing Professional Competency Requirements for Licensure Renewal  
The purpose of this rule is to establish a continuing professional competency program pursuant to section 12-41-114.6, C.R.S., wherein a physical therapist shall maintain and demonstrate continuing professional competency in order to renew a license to practice physical therapy in the state of Colorado. 
Furthermore, pursuant to section 12-41-114.6(2), C.R.S., records of assessment or other documentation developed or submitted in connection with the continuing professional competency program are confidential and not subject to inspection by the public or discovery in connection with a civil action against a physical therapist. A person or the Board shall not use the records or documents unless used by the Board to determine whether a physical therapist is maintaining continuing professional competency to engage in the profession. 
A.	 Definitions
1.	 Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (AKS): an objective third-party assessment that compares a licensee’s knowledge, skills, and abilities to the standards for entry-level practice. 
2.	 Continuing Professional Competency: the ongoing ability of a physical therapist to learn, integrate, and apply the knowledge, skills, and judgment to practice as a physical therapist according to generally accepted standards and professional ethical standards. 
3.	 Continuing Professional Development (CPD): the Board program through which a licensee can satisfy the continuing professional competency requirements in order to renew, reinstate, or reactivate a license. 
4.	Deemed Status: A method to satisfy continuing professional competency requirements. A licensee who satisfies the continuing professional competency requirements of a Colorado state agency or department, an accrediting body recognized by the Board, or an entity approved by the Board pursuant to section 12-41-114.6(1)(c), C.R.S., may qualify under this method in lieu of completing the Board’s CPD program. 
5.	 Learning Plan: a Board approved form through which a licensee documents his/her goals and plans of learning that were developed from his/her Reflective Self-Assessment (RSAT), which is defined below, and AKS (when appropriately applied). 
6.	Military Exemption: A method to satisfy continuing professional competency requirements. A licensee who has been approved for this exemption will not be required to meet continuing professional competency requirements during the renewal period in which he/she was approved by the Division of Professions and Occupations. 
7.	 Professional Development Activities (PDA): learning activities undertaken to increase the licensee’s knowledge and skill or hone existing knowledge and skill for the purpose of continuing professional development. 
8.	 Reflective Self-Assessment Tool (RSAT): a reflective practice tool in which a licensee can reflect upon his/her knowledge and skills pertaining to the foundational areas of physical therapy practice taking into account the licensee’s current level and area of practice. 
B.	 Continuing Professional Competency Requirements
1.	 Effective after the 2014 license renewal, or upon the completion of the first renewal of a license thereafter, the licensee shall demonstrate continuing professional competency in order to renew a license by:
a.	 Participation in the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program; 
b.	 Participation in a program of continuing professional competency through a Colorado state agency or department, including continuing competency requirements imposed through a contractual arrangement with a provider as set forth in section 12-41-114.6(1)(c), C.R.S. This status is defined as “Deemed Status” in section A(4) of this rule and further described in section D of this rule; or 
c.	 Receiving an exemption for military service as defined in section 12-70-102, C.R.S. Military exemptions must be approved by the Division of Professions and Occupations. Licensees seeking a military exemption shall submit a request in writing with evidence that the licensee’s military service meets the criteria established in section 12-70-102, C.R.S., and section E of this rule. 
2.	 A licensee shall attest at the time of the renewal of a license to his/her compliance with continuing professional competency requirements. 
C.	 Continuing Professional Development Program
1.  The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program entails the following: 
a.  The licensee shall complete the Reflective Self-Assessment Tool (RSAT) once per 2-year renewal period. A licensee shall use the Board approved form. 
i. The execution of a Learning Plan once per 2-year renewal period that is based upon the licensee’s Reflective Self-Assessment Tool (RSAT) or Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (AKS). A licensee shall use the Board approved form. 
ii. Accrual of 30 points of Professional Development Activities (PDA) per 2-year renewal period. 
2.  Professional Development Activities (PDA)
a.  Professional Development Activities must be relevant to the licensee’s practice as a physical therapist and pertinent to his/her Learning Plan. The Board will not pre-approve specific courses or providers. The licensee shall determine which activities and topics will meet his/her Learning Plan, and select an appropriate provider. 
b.  Professional Development Activities are separated into Category I, Category II, and Category III activities and each category has a corresponding point value. Points are used in lieu of continuing education units (CEU) or contact hours to allow credit for non-continuing education type activities. 
c.  Points will be accepted if the activity is included in the Board’s Professional Development Activities List. The Board may accept or reject activities submitted for consideration that are not identified on its list. 
d.  A minimum of 15 of the required 30 points must be Category I activities. 
e.  Professional Development Activities will only apply for one 2-year renewal period. 
3.  The completion of an Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (AKS) will not be accepted more than once every 10 years. 
a.  An AKS must meet the following criteria: 
i.  Be drafted and validated by qualified physical therapists and psychometricians; 
ii.  Be comprised of evidence based practice; 
iii.  Be maintained for relevancy and advancements in and affecting the profession; and 
iv.  Provide feedback to the participant/licensee regarding his/her performance and suggested learning opportunities to enhance his/her knowledge and skills. 
b.  Administrative Approval. The Board finds the following AKSs to have met the criteria established in section C(3)(a) of this rule, and are administratively approved by the Board:
i.  The online continuing competence learning and assessment tool (oPTion) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). 
ii.  If the AKS is not listed as administratively approved by the Board in this rule, then additional documentation demonstrating the AKS satisfies the Board criteria will be required prior to registering and completing the AKS. 
c.  The licensee may count the completion of an AKS as a Category I activity toward a mandatory 30 PDA points for the corresponding 2-year renewal period in compliance with the State Physical Therapy Board’s Professional Development Activities List for assigned point values. 
4.  Audit of Compliance. The following documentation is required for an audit of compliance of a licensee’s Continuing Professional Development:
a.  The Learning Plan that is signed and executed which contains the licensee’s goals in the form and manner as approved by the Board. 
b.  A certificate of completion or other report issued by the AKS provider indicating the name of the licensee, AKS title, content, and the licensee’s date of completion. 
c.  Documentation of 30 points of Professional Development Activities in compliance with the State Physical Therapy Board’s Professional Development Activities List for documentation requirements for PDAs. 
d.  The Board may accept or reject Professional Development Activities (PDA) that do not meet the criteria established by the Board for PDA or standards of quality as defined in the State Physical Therapy Board’s Professional Development Activities List, Standards of Quality for Category I Continuing Education Activities, and this rule. 
D.	 Deemed Status. The following criteria must be met in order to claim this status:
1.  In order to renew a license, a licensee shall attest to his/her Deemed Status. 
2.  To qualify, the licensee must be in full compliance with the requirements of his/her state agency or department during the entire 2-year renewal period of his/her physical therapist license and on track to successfully complete that program or have successfully completed it.  
3.  Licensees claiming Deemed Status are subject to an audit of compliance. To satisfy an audit of compliance, the licensee shall submit appropriate evidence of participation in a qualifying program through submission of: 
a.  Proof from the Colorado state agency or department or contractual entity verifying that the licensee  is in compliance with its continuing professional competency program; and 
b.  A letter from his/her employer certifying dates of employment for the entire 2-year license renewal period, without any break; or 
c.  Other documentation approved by the Board which reflects the licensee’s compliance with a program of continuing professional competency. 
E.	 Military Exemption. Pursuant to section 12-70-102, C.R.S., licensees who have been called to federally funded active duty for more than 120 days for the purpose of serving in a war, emergency, or contingency may request an exemption from the continuing professional competency requirements for the renewal, reinstatement, or reactivation of his/her license for the 2-year renewal period that falls within the period of service or within six months following the completion of service. 
1.  Military exemptions must be approved by the Division of Professions and Occupations. Licensees seeking a military exemption shall submit a request in writing with evidence that the licensee’s military service meets the criteria established in section 12-70-102, C.R.S. 
2.  After being granted a military exemption, in order to complete the renewal process, a licensee shall attest to his/her military exemption. 
F.	 Records Retention. A licensee shall retain documentation demonstrating his/her compliance for 2 complete 2-year renewal periods. 
G.	 Non-Compliance. Falsifying an attestation or other documentation regarding the licensee’s compliance with continuing professional competency requirements constitutes the falsification of information in an application and may be grounds for discipline pursuant to sections 12-41-115(1)(k) and (r), C.R.S. 
H.	 Reinstatement and Reactivation. A licensee seeking to reinstate or reactivate a license which has been expired or inactivated for 2 years or less shall meet the competency requirements outlined in Rule 207(B). 
215.  Provisional Physical Therapist License
The purpose of this rule is to establish the qualifications and procedures for applicants seeking a provisional license to practice as a physical therapist pursuant to section 12-41-107.5, C.R.S. Refer to Rule 201 for applicable supervision requirements. 
A.  A provisional license may be issued only one time and cannot be renewed or reinstated. 
B.  An applicant is not eligible to be issued a provisional physical therapist license if he/she has failed or passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).
C.  Pursuant to section 12-41-107.5, C.R.S., a provisional physical therapist license expires no later than 120 days after it is issued. If the individual passes the NPTE after the license was issued, then the license will expire no later than the 120 days after the date it was issued, or a regular license to practice as a physical therapist is issued to the licensee. However, if the individual issued a provisional license fails the NPTE after the license was issued, then the license expires within 3 business days of his/her failing results being sent to the candidate. 
D.  A provisional physical therapist shall purchase and maintain professional liability insurance, or be insured under a supervising physical therapist, for the amounts specified in section 12-41-114.5(1), C.R.S., unless the provisional physical therapist is exempted pursuant to section 12-41-114.5(3), C.R.S.  
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT RULES
301.  Supervision Required for Physical Therapist Assistant Practice
The purpose of this rule is to clarify supervision parameters pursuant to section 12-41-203(2), C.R.S.
Physical therapist assistants (“P.T.A.”) shall not provide physical therapy services unless the physical therapist assistant works under the general supervision, as defined in Rule 101(A), of a licensed physical therapist.
302.  Supervision of Others by Physical Therapist Assistants Prohibited
The purpose of this rule is to clarify supervisory parameters pursuant to section 12-41-103.6(2)(b), C.R.S.
A.  A physical therapist assistant may not supervise other personnel in the provision of physical therapy services to a patient.  
B.  A physical therapist assistant under the general supervision, as defined in Rule 101(A), of a physical therapist may act as a clinical instructor for a physical therapist assistant student. However, immediate supervision, as defined in Rule 101(C), of the student physical therapist assistant remains with the physical therapist if the physical therapist assistant student is providing physical therapy services.
303.  Certification by Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants
The purpose of this rule is to delineate the requirements for certification by examination for physical therapist assistants pursuant to section 12-41-205, C.R.S. 
A.  An applicant is required to demonstrate that he/she has successfully completed a physical therapy program pursuant to Rule 204 or a physical therapist assistant program that is either:
1.  Accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency pursuant to Rule 103; or 
2.  Substantially equivalent pursuant to Rule 304.   
B.  If applying to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), an applicant: 
1.  Must have successfully completed a physical therapy or physical therapist assistant program,  or be eligible to graduate within 90 days of a program pursuant to section A of this rule; and  
2.  Must meet the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy’s (FSBPT) current eligibility requirements in effect at the time of registering for the NPTE, including any exam retake or low score limit policies.   
C.  An applicant for certification by examination must graduate from a physical therapy or physical therapist assistant program pursuant to section A of this rule and pass the NPTE within the 2 years immediately preceding the date of the application.   
D.  An applicant who is unable to meet the requirements under section C of this rule may request to demonstrate competency by any other means. The Board shall consider such a request on a case-by-case basis. The decision to approve such a request shall be at the sole discretion of the Board. In considering whether to approve such a request, the Board shall consider public safety, the particular circumstances and hardships faced by the applicant, and such other factors as the Board deems appropriate. If the Board grants a certification under this section D, the Board may subject said certification to such lawful conditions as the Board finds are necessary to protect the public.
304.  Certification of Foreign-Trained Physical Therapist Assistant Graduates of Non-Accredited Programs
The purpose of this rule is to establish procedures for determining whether a foreign-trained physical therapist assistant applicant who has graduated from a non-accredited program has substantially equivalent education and training as required pursuant to section 12-41-207(1)(a), C.R.S.
A.  A foreign-trained applicant who has graduated from a non-accredited program must have education and training as a physical therapist assistant substantially equivalent to the entry-level education and training required at accredited physical therapist assistant programs in the United States in effect at the time of the applicant’s graduation.  This includes but is not limited to an assessment of the applicant’s foundational studies and applied and technical education, as well as training in non-selective wound care.
B.  Applicants who wish to have their foundational studies, and applied/technical education considered “substantially equivalent” in order to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) through Colorado and qualify for certification shall submit their credentials to the Foreign Credentialing Commission of Physical Therapy (FCCPT). The applicant must submit a credentials evaluation utilizing the version of the Coursework Tool for Foreign Educated Physical Therapist Assistants developed by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) that applies to the applicant’s year of graduation in order to evaluate the applicant’s credentials against the requirements at accredited physical therapist assistant programs in place at the time of the applicant’s graduation. The Board will not accept a credentials evaluation from an organization not listed in this rule. 
C.  A foreign-trained applicant who has graduated from a non-accredited program and already passed the NPTE may submit a credentials evaluation from a credentialing agency other than FCCPT provided that:
1.  The credentialing agency utilized the version of the Coursework Evaluation Tool for Foreign-Educated Physical Therapists developed by FSBPT that applies to the applicant’s year of graduation in order to evaluate the applicant’s credentials against the requirements at accredited physical therapist assistant programs in place at the time of the applicant’s graduation; and   
2.  The applicant has been licensed, certified, or registered in good standing and actively engaged in clinical practice as a physical therapist assistant in the United States for 2 out of the 5 years immediately preceding his or her application for certification.  
D.  All expenses associated with the credentials evaluation are the responsibility of the applicant.
E.  Failure to have a credentials evaluation pursuant to the terms of this rule will result in the Board denying the application.
F.  In the event a foreign-trained applicant’s foundational studies are found to be deficient, the applicant may take and pass subject examinations from the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) to overcome the deficiency in general education.
G.  In the event a foreign-trained applicant’s applied and technical education is found to be deficient, the applicant shall either:
1. Successfully complete a Board-approved plan to overcome deficiencies; or 
2. Overcome the deficiency by obtaining an associate degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program.
305.  Certification by Endorsement for Physical Therapist Assistants
The purpose of this rule is to delineate the requirements for certification by endorsement pursuant to section 12-41-206, C.R.S. In order to be qualified for certification by endorsement, an applicant is required to demonstrate that he/she does not currently have a revoked, suspended, restricted, or conditional license, certification, or registration to practice as a physical therapist assistant, or is currently pending disciplinary action against such license, certification, or registration in another state or territory of the United States. An applicant must meet one of the following requirements:
A.  Graduated from an accredited physical therapy or physical therapist assistant program within the past 2 years and passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). 
B.  Practiced in the United States as a licensed, certified, or registered physical therapist assistant for at least 2 of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of the application. 
C.  If an applicant has not practiced as a licensed, certified, or registered physical therapist assistant for at least 2 of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of the application, then he/she is required to have passed the NPTE, or its equivalent, and may demonstrate competency through successful completion of 1 of the following:
1.  Completion of 60 hours of continuing education related to the practice of physical therapy during the 2 years immediately preceding the application.
a.  An applicant seeking to demonstrate competency through this pathway shall:
i.  Complete an objective third-party assessment that compares a certificate holder’s knowledge, skills, and abilities to the standards for entry-level practice accepted by the Board; and   
ii.  Successfully complete all hours as Category I in compliance with the “Physical Therapy Board Standards for Continuing Education Activities”, directly related to the physical therapist assistant’s clinical practice and address any areas of deficiencies identified in the objective third-party assessment. 
b.  The applicant must submit the results of the objective third-party assessment and the corresponding 60 Category I continuing education hours for Board consideration within 1 year of completing the objective third-party assessment. 
2.  Successful completion of a Board authorized internship.
a.  An applicant seeking to demonstrate competency through an internship shall:
i.  Arrange for a Colorado-licensed, practicing physical therapist (the “supervising physical therapist”) to supervise the internship; and 
ii.  Ensure that the supervising physical therapist immediately notifies the Board in writing of the establishment of the internship and submits for the Board’s approval a plan for supervision using the most current version of the “Physical Therapist Assistant Clinical Performance Instrument” (CPI) or a comparable objective third-party assessment that compares a certificate holder’s knowledge, skills, and abilities to the standards for entry-level practice accepted by the Board.
b.  The internship shall not commence without the Board’s written approval of the supervising physical therapist’s plan for supervision specified in subparagraph (2)(c) of this rule.
c. The internship shall consist of: 
i.  The applicant’s actual practice of physical therapy as defined in section 12-41-103(6), C.R.S.;  
ii.  Direct supervision, as defined in Rule 101(B), of the applicant at all times by the Board approved Colorado-licensed, practicing physical therapist; and
iii.  A minimum of 240 hours clinical practice within a consecutive 6-month period commencing from the Board’s written approval of the plan for supervision.
d.  The applicant shall ensure that the supervising physical therapist files a written report at the completion of the internship. This report must indicate whether the applicant demonstrates entry-level performance in all skills assessed by the CPI or comparable objective third-party assessment. Hard copy or electronic copies of the CPI or comparable objective third-party assessment are acceptable.
D.  An applicant who is unable to demonstrate competency under sections A, B, or C of this rule may request to demonstrate competency by any other means. The Board shall consider such a request on a case-by-case basis. The decision to approve such a request shall be at the sole discretion of the Board. In considering whether to approve such a request, the Board shall consider public safety, the particular circumstances and hardships faced by the applicant, and such other factors as the Board deems appropriate. If the Board grants a certification under this section D, the Board may subject said certification to such lawful conditions as the Board finds are necessary to protect the public.
306.  Reinstatement of an Expired Certification for Physical Therapist Assistants
The purpose of this rule is to establish the qualifications and procedures for applicants seeking reinstatement of an expired physical therapist assistant certification pursuant to section 12-41-208, C.R.S.
A.  An applicant seeking reinstatement of an expired physical therapist assistant certification shall complete a reinstatement application and pay a reinstatement fee as established by the Director.
B.  If the certification has been expired for more than 2 years, an applicant must establish “competency to practice” pursuant to 24-34-102(8)(d)(II)(A) & (D), C.R.S., by submitting 1 of the following:
1.  Verification of an active, valid physical therapist assistant license, certification, or registration in good standing from another state or jurisdiction, along with proof of clinical physical therapy practice in that state or jurisdiction which includes a minimum of an average of 400 hours per year for the 2 years immediately preceding the date of application. The work experience must be attested as to the number of hours.
2.  If an applicant has not practiced as a licensed, certified, or registered physical therapist assistant within the last 10 years in another state or jurisdiction, then: 
a.  Evidence of completing an objective third-party assessment that compares a certificate holder’s knowledge, skills, and abilities to the standards for entry-level practice accepted by the Board and an average of 30 hours per year in physical therapy continuing education courses since the date the certification expired.  
i.  The applicant must submit the results of the objective third-party assessment and the corresponding continuing education hours for Board consideration within 1 year of completing the objective third-party assessment.
ii.  All continuing education hours must be Category I in compliance with the “Physical Therapy Board Standards for Continuing Education Activities”, and directly related to the physical therapist assistant’s clinical practice and address any areas of deficiencies identified in the objective third-party assessment.
iii.  The Board may accept 2.5 hours for each month the certification is expired. 
b.  Completion of a 240-hour internship within 6 consecutive months using the most current version of the “Physical Therapist Assistant Clinical Performance Instrument” (CPI) as the professional standard and measure of continued competency or a comparable objective third-party assessment that compares a certificate holder’s knowledge, skills, and abilities to the standards for entry-level practice accepted by the Board as required in Rule 305(C)(2). Satisfactory completion of the internship shall require both 240 hours of internship practice and successful demonstration of entry-level performance on all skills on the CPI or comparable objective third-party assessment on electronic or paper form.
c.  Practice for six months on probationary status with a practice monitor subject to the terms established by the Board.
3.  If an applicant has not practiced as a licensed, certified, or registered physical therapist for the last 10 or more years in another state or jurisdiction, then he/she is required to re-take and pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).  
4. An applicant who is unable to demonstrate competency under paragraphs (1), (2), or (3) of this section may request to demonstrate competency by any other means. The Board shall consider such a request on a case-by-case basis. The decision to approve such a request shall be at the sole discretion of the Board. In considering whether to approve such a request, the Board shall consider public safety, the particular circumstances and hardships faced by the applicant, and such other factors as the Board deems appropriate. If the Board grants a certification under this paragraph (4), the Board may subject said certification to such lawful conditions as the Board finds are necessary to protect the public.
C.  An applicant for reinstatement who has actively practiced in Colorado on an expired certification in violation of section 12-41-204, C.R.S., is subject to denial of application, disciplinary action, and/or other penalties as authorized in the Physical Therapy Practice Act at section 12-41-201 et seq., C.R.S., and in accordance with section 24-34-102 et seq., C.R.S.
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Editor’s Notes
History
Rules 7, 10, 11 eff. 11/30/2007.
Rule 6 eff. 03/30/2011.
Rules 1 - 11 emer. rule repealed eff. 03/09/2012.
Rules 1 - 11 emer. rule eff. 03/09/2012.
Rules 1 - 11, 303, 304 emer. rule eff. 04/02/2012.
Rules 301, 302, 305, 306 emer. rule eff. 06/01/2012.
Rules 1 - 11 repealed eff. 06/30/2012.
Rules 201 - 211, 301 - 305 eff. 06/30/2012.
Rules 101 – 102, 212, 214 eff. 01/30/2013.
Rules 207 and 213, eff. 11/01/2014. 
Rule 215 emer. rule eff. 06/02/2014.
Rules 202, 203, 205, 215, 303 eff. 09/14/2014. 
Rules 207 and 213, eff. 11/01/2014. 
Rules 102, 103, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 208, 212, 302, 303, 304, 305, and 306 eff. 05/15/2015. 
Rules 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 201, 202, 204, 205, 206, 207, 209 (repealed), 210, 212, 213, 214 (repealed), 215, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, and 306 eff. 11/14/2016. 
Rules 106, 107, 201, 204, 213, 303, and 305 eff. 03/02/2017.