The Role of the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board University of Cincinnati PT Program

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board2 Topics to Cover  Role of the Board  Purpose of Regulation  National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE)  Licensure Process  Keeping Your License  The Board vs. the Professional Association  The Role of the PT, PTA, & Unlicensed Personnel

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board3 Role of the Board The Mission of the OTPTAT Board is to Protect the Public, NOT the Licensee

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board4 Role of the Board The mission of the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board is to actively promote and protect the health of the citizens of Ohio through effective regulation of the professions of occupational therapy, physical therapy, and athletic training.

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board5 The Purpose of Regulation…  Regulation is intended to: Ensure public protection; Offer assurance to public that practitioner is competent to provide safe services; and Provide a means to discipline individuals who fail to comply with the profession’s standards. *Schmitt, Kara & Shimberg, Benjamin. (1996). Demystifying Occupational and Professional Regulation. Lexington, KY: The Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation.

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board6 The Board’s Authority  The Revised Code empowers the Board to regulate the professions of OT, PT, & AT.  Board members appointed by the Governor to three-year terms.  The law authorizes the Board to adopt administrative rules (Administrative Code).  Authorizes hiring an Executive Director.

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board7 Major Responsibilities of the Board  Establish Entrance Requirements Education Training and Experience Assessing initial competence  Rule Making  Discipline  Assuring Continued Competence

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board8 OTPTAT Board Info  Joint Board consisting of an Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Section  Total of 8 full-time staff 2 Admin Staff, 3 Investigative Staff, 3 Licensure Staff  PT Section has 9 Section members

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board9 Is This Within My Scope of Practice?  Contact the Board if you have any questions, but realize… There are no licensed practitioners on staff; We aren’t lawyers & can’t give legal advice; Staff will often suggest you send your question in writing (via mail or ) for an answer.

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board10 The Exam  National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)  Includes both PT and PTA Exams  PT: required for licensure in all 50 states  Same passing score in all states

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board11 What is the Purpose of the NPTE?  Provides examination service to regulatory board licensing or certifying PT/PTAs  Provides consistent and defensible standards for evaluation of entry level candidates  Designed to assess minimal entry level competence of the candidate

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board12 National Physical Therapy Examination  PT Exam – 250 multiple choice questions 5 hour exam with 5 sections of 50 questions One 15 minute break after section 2 finished 50 questions do not count toward passing score  May take other breaks between sections but clock does not stop  Each question has 4 possible options with one correct answer  Exam is computerized

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board13 A Sample Question A patient is referred to physical therapy with a diagnosis of pes anserine bursitis. The physical therapist selects ultrasound as part of the intervention. The ultrasound should be applied to the area: 1. Proximal to the lateral femoral condyle 2. Proximal to the medial femoral condyle 3. Distal to the medial tibial condyle 4. Distal to the lateral tibial condyle

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board14 How is the Passing Score Set Two different methods for determining passing scores:  Norm referenced Based on the population “grading on the curve”  Criterion referenced Based on an absolute standard Each judge estimates the % of new grads who will answer each question correctly (the difficulty of the question)

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board15 Equating  Problem: Since questions vary in levels of difficulty, and each form is made up of different questions, how do we assure each form of the exam has a passing score that represents the appropriate standard that was determined by the Modified Angoff Study?  Answer: As much as possible, develop forms of the exam that represent the same level of difficulty Equate the forms so that the they are on the same scale of difficulty

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board16  Describes the process of putting forms of the exam on the same difficulty scale so that the passing score of each form represents the defined level of minimal competence.  Each form is scaled so that it is scored on a range from 200 (not getting any questions correct )to 800 (getting all the questions correct)  Candidates must achieve a scaled score of 600 to pass Equating

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board17 “FAIR” is when…  The passing score represents the same level of knowledge even though candidates taking different forms may need to answer a different number of questions in order to pass

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board18 What’s Involved In Taking The NPTE? Application returned to candidate Apply for licensure with a state License application approved? Candidate can register for NPTE Candidate receives ATT letter Contact Prometric for appointment Candidate takes NPTE FSBPT reports score to jurisdiction Jurisdiction reports score to candidate YES NO Apply for a license with a state License application approved Candidate registers for NPTE Candidate receives ATT letter Candidate contacts Prometric for appointment Candidate takes the exam FSBPT reports score to the jurisdiction Jurisdiction reports score to the candidate Application returned to the candidate NO YESYES

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board19 Helpful Hints on taking the NPTE  Carefully and thoroughly read the NPTE Candidate Handbook  All the information you need to know about the exam is included in the handbook. 

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board20 Hints on taking the NPTE…  Schedule Early  Test Early  Plan Ahead  Do not register for the exam until you are ready to take the exam.  Confirm your test date and appointment  Make sure your name on your ID matches the name on your Authorization-To-Test (ATT) letter

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board21 Hints for Taking the NPTE  No partying the night before  Give yourself plenty of time to arrive  Pace yourself during the exam  ≈ 50 seconds per question  Studies have shown this is adequate time

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board22 Scheduling a Test Date  Authorization to Test letter (ATT) 60 days to sit for the exam One state only  Prometric Test Center Over 300 test centers in the United States On-line scheduling described in ATT letter Candidate may take the exam at any test center that offers the exam irrespective of which state applied to

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board23 Examination Costs for Students  Cost of the examination paid to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) $370  Application fee paid to Ohio OTPTAT Board $100  Cost of the computer examination service paid to Prometric $70.60

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board24 Cheating on the Exam  The Board and the FSBPT take cheating very seriously.  Rule (B)(2) states: A licensee shall not cheat or assist others in conspiring to cheat on the NPTE or jurisprudence exam Your license can be disciplined for violating this rule  Sharing recalled exam items is a form of cheating and a violation of U.S. copyright law

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board25 Cheating – Recent FSBPT Actions  Individual offered to sell copy of PEAT NPTE scores won’t be transferred for at least 6 months $10,000 penalty Completion of ethics remediation program  Individual posted actual exam items on PT study website NPTE scores won’t be transferred for at least 6 months $25,000 penalty Completion of ethics remediation program  In both situations, the individual was also referred to the appropriate state board for potential disciplinary action

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board26 Ohio Revised Code Requirements  R.C (B) states: “No person shall practice or in any way imply or claim to the public… to be able to practice physical therapy or to provide physical therapy services, including practice as a PTA, unless the person holds a valid license under sections to of the Revised Code.”

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board27 Licensure  If you practice without an Ohio license, you will be disciplined for practicing physical therapy without a license!!  “Licensure Applicant” status eliminated in 2007

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board28 How Do I Get Licensed? 1. Graduate from CAPTE program; 2. Apply to OTPTAT Board to sit for NPTE; 3. Register with FSBPT to sit for NPTE; 4. Receive ATT from FSBPT; 5. Pass NPTE and PT Laws & Rules exam.  Note: Effective March 24, 2008, all applicants for initial licensure need a criminal records check conducted by both the BCI and FBI.

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board29 State Application Information In this state: If you’re applying in another state: to obtain a directory of State PT Boards

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board30 Submitting the Application  Applicants for initial licensure can submit a paper application or apply on-line  Paper applications can be downloaded from the Board’s website  Apply on-line through the Ohio e-License Center Select “Application Site” option

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January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board33 Criminal Records Checks  HB 104 requires the Board to receive the results of a criminal records check before issuance of a license.  The law requires the applicant to submit the results of a criminal records check conducted by both the FBI and Ohio BCI.  Only applies to initial license applications. No fingerprints needed for renewal or reinstatement. 

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January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board37 What Happens if I Fail?  May only take the exam three times within a rolling 12 month period  You must submit a new examination application to retake NPTE in Ohio  Analyze how you can improve FSBPT Performance Feedback Adequate preparation

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board38 I Have My License. Now What?  Your first renewal: Check your authorization to practice letter to determine when your initial license expires. All PT licenses expire on January 31 of even numbered years.  If initial issue date is on or before October 1, 2009, your license will expire on 1/31/2010.  If initial issue date is after October 1, 2009, your license will expire on 1/31/2012.

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board39 I Have My License. Now What?  PT Licensees (OAC ): You are exempt from CE for first renewal. Must submit 24 contact hours of CE. All CE activities must have an Ohio Approval Number (issued by OPTA). All CE must be completed in 24-month period ending on January 31.

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board40 I Have My License. Now What?  What happens on February 1? If you did not renew, your license automatically expires. Renewal means the Board received AND processed your renewal application. To return to active practice in Ohio, you must submit a reinstatement application.

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board41 Correct Use of Credentials  PT is the professional credential that authorizes you to legally practice physical therapy in Ohio  MSPT, MPT, DPT are academic degrees  To correctly use both the professional & academic credentials, a physical therapist should use: Jane Doe, PT, DPT or John Doe, PT, MPT A PT should not simply use Jane Doe, DPT or John Doe, MPT

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board42 OTPTAT v. OPTA The Alphabet Soup of the Profession  OTPTAT is your state regulatory agency. It licenses individuals and enforces the practice act.  OPTA is the state professional association. Along with the APTA, it advocates on the state/federal level for the profession.  The professional association  the licensing board.  State licensure does not require OPTA membership.

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board43 Supervision & Delegation Rules  Changes to rules to went into effect on May 1,  These changes clarified and modified the role of unlicensed personnel.

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board44 PT Responsibilities  Rule (C) outlines the tasks that a physical therapist cannot delegate.  These include, but are not limited to: Interpreting physician referrals Initial patient evaluation Developing plan of care Assessing competence of other personnel Adjustment of plan of care Performing final evaluation

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board45 PTA Responsibilities  Under PT supervision, the PTA may: Carry out duties appropriate to established PT services Adjust treatment procedure within the established plan of care Review medical information with medical persons, family, or the patient Progress patient treatment program within parameters of the plan of care Document in patient records

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board46 Other Licensed Personnel vs. Unlicensed Personnel Other Licensed Personnel  Any person holding an Ohio license to practice as a health care practitioner other than a PT/PTA Unlicensed Personnel  Any person who is on the job trained

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board47 Other Licensed Personnel  Category includes individuals such as: ATs, RNs, OTs, LMTs, etc., providing services pursuant to the PT plan of care  Responsibility for care rendered lies at all times with the PT  Must work under direct supervision of a PT or PTA, as delegated by the PT

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board48 Other Licensed Personnel  Direct supervision = PT/PTA in same building & able to immediately respond to needs of patient  PT/PTA must have involvement with patient during each visit  Delegation done in accordance with knowledge of the other licensed personnel

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board49 Unlicensed Personnel  Responsibility for care rendered lies at all times with the PT  Support the delivery of PT services by personally assisting the PT / PTA/ PT Student / PTA Student while one of these individuals is concurrently providing services to the same patient

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board50 Unlicensed Personnel  May be assigned ROUTINE duties that assist in the delivery of PT operations, including: Maintenance & care of equipment and supplies Preparation, maintenance, and cleanup of treatment areas Transportation of patients Office & clerical procedures Assisting patients preparing for, during, and at the conclusion of treatment (eg: changing clothes)

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board51 Supervision  PT has ultimate responsibility for all care and services delivered as physical therapy  PT shall select appropriate portions of the program to be delegated and shall direct PTA in delegated functions  PT must assure that care is provided in accordance with state law

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board52 Supervision of the PTA  Supervising PT not required to be physically on site or on location  Supervising PT must be available by telecommunications at all times and able to appropriately respond to patient’s needs  Supervising PT should have regularly scheduled & documented conferences with the PTA Board recommends at least 1x per month

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board53 Supervision of Students  Students must be enrolled in CAPTE program  Must function under on-site supervision at all times Student PT needs PT supervision Student PTA needs PT or PTA supervision  Supervisor must countersign all student documentation

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board54 Regional Licensure Requirements Information for Ohio in parens () MIINKYWVPA Temporary Licensure (No) NoYes Jurisprudence exam (Yes) YesNo # of times indiv may sit for exam (No limit) No limit 2x then remedi- ation CE Required? # of Hours (24/12) No CE 30 hrs 20 hrs20 hrs 20 hrs (only for practice w/o referral cert)

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board55 Change of Address  Ohio law requires all licensees to notify the Board, in writing, of a change of address within THIRTY days of the change.  Failure to notify the Board, could result in the delay of the processing of your renewal application.

January 12, 2010OTPTAT Board56 Contacting the Board  You may contact the Board by any of the following methods: Internet: Phone: Fax: PT Section Ohio OTPTAT Board 77 S. High Street, 16th Floor Columbus, OH