Section 1340.15  Application for Licensure Under Section 8.1 of the Act (Grandfather) (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 20 Ill. Reg. 10678, effective July 26, 1996)

 

Section 1340.20  Approved Curriculum

 

a)         In determining whether an applicant's curriculum should be approved, the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation-Division of Professional Regulation (Division) may consider accreditation of the applicant's school by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

 

b)         The Division shall, upon the recommendation of the Physical Therapy Licensing and Disciplinary Board (Board), approve an applicant's physical therapist curriculum if the school from which the applicant graduated meets the following minimum criteria:

 

1)         It is legally recognized and authorized by the jurisdiction in which it is located to confer a physical therapy degree;

 

2)         It has a faculty sufficient to make certain that the educational obligations to the student are fulfilled.  The faculty must have demonstrated competence as evidenced by appropriate degrees in their areas of teaching from professional colleges or institutions; and

 

3)         It maintains permanent student records that summarize the credentials for admission, attendance, grades and other records of performance.

 

4)         For applicants graduating prior to January 1, 2002, the applicant's curriculum shall have a minimum of 120 semester hours that shall include a minimum of 50 semester hours credit in general education and at least the following subject areas in professional education (a minimum of 57 semester hours required):

 

A)        Basic Health Sciences

 

i)          Anatomy

 

ii)         Physiology

 

iii)        Pathology

 

iv)        Kinesiology

 

v)         Neurology

 

vi)        Psychology

 

B)        Clinical Sciences to include, but not limited to the major areas of:

 

i)          Medicine

 

ii)         Surgery

 

iii)        Physical therapy theory and application, including therapeutic exercise, evaluation procedures, physical agents, mechanical modalities, electrotherapy, massage, orthotics and prosthetics, and professional issues

 

C)        Clinical Education – a minimum of 800 clock hours.

 

5)         Applicants graduating after January 1, 2002, but before January 1, 2024, must have a minimum of a master’s degree in physical therapy.

 

6)         Applicants graduating after January 1, 2024 must have a minimum of a doctoral degree in physical therapy.

 

7)         No course in which the applicant received a grade lower than a C will be accepted for coursework.

 

c)         The Division shall, upon the recommendation of the Board, approve an applicant's physical therapist assistant curriculum if it meets the following minimum criteria:

 

1)         The school from which the applicant graduated:

 

A)        Is legally recognized and authorized by the jurisdiction in which it is located to offer a physical therapist assistant curriculum that leads to an associate degree;

 

B)        Has a faculty sufficient to make certain that the educational obligations to the student are fulfilled.  The faculty must have demonstrated competence as evidenced by appropriate degrees in their areas of teaching from professional colleges or institutions; and

 

C)        Maintains permanent student records that summarize the credentials for admission, attendance, grades and other records of performance.

 

2)         The applicant's curriculum includes at least the following subject areas in professional education (a minimum of 29 semester hours required):

 

A)        Basic Health Sciences, which shall include the following:

 

i)          Anatomy and physiology

 

ii)         Pathology

 

iii)        Psychology

 

iv)        Kinesiology

 

B)        Clinical Sciences to include, but not be limited to, the major areas of:

 

i)          Medicine and surgery

 

ii)         Applied physical therapy science, including gross evaluation techniques, physical agents, mechanical modalities, therapeutic exercise, electrotherapy, massage, and professional issues; and

 

C)        Clinical Education − a minimum of 600-clock hours.

 

3)         No course in which the applicant received lower than a C will be accepted for coursework.

 

d)         Recommendation of Approval

 

1)         The Division, upon the recommendation of the Board, has determined that the curricula of all physical therapist and physical therapist assistant programs accredited by CAPTE on or after January 1, 1996 meet the minimum criteria set forth in subsections (b) and (c) and are, therefore, approved.

 

2)         In the event of a decision by CAPTE to deny or withdraw accreditation of any physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program, the Board shall proceed to evaluate the curriculum and either approve or disapprove it in accordance with subsections (b) and (c).

 

e)         Graduates from Outside the United States

 

1)         A graduate of a physical therapist program outside the United States or its territories shall have credentials evaluated, by a credentialing service acceptable to the Department, to determine equivalence of education to an approved curriculum in the United States.  The credentialing service must have a physical therapist consultant on its staff.  The Department and the Board recognize the Foreign Credentialing Commission of Physical Therapy, Inc. (FCCPT), P.O. Box 25827, Alexandria, Virginia  22313 as an acceptable service.  A person who graduated from a physical therapist program outside the United States or its territories and whose first language is not English shall submit certification of passage of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

 

2)         A graduate of a physical therapist assistant program outside the United States or its territories shall have credentials evaluated, by a credentialing service acceptable to the Department, to determine equivalence of education to a physical therapist assistant degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.  The Board recognizes FCCPT as an acceptable service.  A person who graduated from a physical therapist assistant program outside the United States or its territories and whose first language is not English shall submit certification of passage of TOEFL.

 

3)         The minimum total score for passage of the TOEFL is based on FCCPT accepted standards.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 13093, effective August 24, 2023)

 

Section 1340.30  Application for Licensure on the Basis of Examination

 

a)         An applicant for a physical therapist license by examination shall submit:

 

1)         A completed and signed application on forms provided by the Division;

 

2)         Certification of graduation from a physical therapist program, signed by the Director of the Physical Therapy Program or other authorized university official and bearing the seal of the university, which meets the requirements set forth in Section 1340.20; and

 

3)         The required fee set forth in Section 1340.57.

 

b)         An applicant for a physical therapist assistant license by examination shall submit:

 

1)         A completed and signed application on forms provided by the Division;

 

2)         Certification of graduation from a physical therapist assistant program and attainment of a minimum of an associate degree signed by the director of the Physical Therapist Program or other authorized school official and bearing the seal of a school that meets the requirements set forth in Section 1340.20; and

 

3)         The required fee set forth in Section 1340.57.

 

c)         If supporting documentation for the application is not in English, a certified translation must be included.

 

d)         An applicant shall have 60 days, or until the next date when the test is administered, after approval of the application to take the examination.  If the examination is not taken on the authorized test date, the examination fee is forfeited, and the applicant shall resubmit the required examination fee to the designated testing service.  An applicant who fails to take the examination on the authorized test date shall forfeit the right to work as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant until the examination is passed.

 

e)         If the applicant has ever been licensed/registered in another state or territory of the United States, the applicant shall also submit a certification, on forms provided by the Division, from the state or territory of the United States in which the applicant was originally licensed and the state in which the applicant predominantly practices and is currently licensed, stating:

 

1)         The time during which the applicant was licensed/registered in that jurisdiction, including the date of the original issuance of the license;

 

2)         A description of the examination in that jurisdiction; and

 

3)         Whether the file on the applicant contains any record of disciplinary actions taken or pending.

 

f)         An applicant for a license, who has successfully completed the examination recognized by the Division in another jurisdiction but who has not been licensed in that jurisdiction, shall file an application in accordance with subsection (a) or (b) and have the examination scores submitted to the Division by the reporting entity.

 

g)         When the accuracy of any submitted documentation or the relevance or sufficiency of the course work or experience is questioned by the Division or the Board because of lack of information, discrepancies or conflicts in information given or a need for clarification, the applicant seeking licensure shall be requested to:

 

1)         Provide the requested information as may be necessary; and/or

 

2)         Appear for an interview before the Board to explain the relevance or sufficiency, clarify information or clear up any discrepancies or conflicts in information.

 

h)         If the applicant has been determined eligible for licensure except for passing of the examination, the applicant shall be issued a letter of authorization to test that allows the applicant to practice under supervision in accordance with Section 2 of the Illinois Physical Therapy Act (the Act).  Supervision shall constitute the presence of the licensed physical therapist on site to provide supervision.  The applicant shall not begin practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, license pending, until the letter of authorization to test is received.

 

i)          Examination Prior to Graduation

 

1)         An applicant enrolled in an approved physical therapist program or physical therapist assistant program may apply to take the examination no more than 120 days prior to graduation if the applicant provides certification from the physical therapist program or physical therapist assistant program of the date upon which the applicant is expected to graduate.  If certification of graduation is not received within 90 days after the scheduled graduation date, the results of the examination shall be void.

 

2)         The results of the examination shall be made available to the applicant, but no license shall be issued until the Division has received certification that the applicant graduated within 90 days after the scheduled graduation date specified in the certification received from the physical therapist program or physical therapist assistant program required by subsection (i)(1), and until the applicant has met all other requirements for licensure set forth in the Act and this Part.

 

3)         If the applicant fails the examination, the applicant must submit a certificate of graduation to the Division or its designated testing service prior to taking the next examination.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 13093, effective August 24, 2023)

 

Section 1340.40  Examination

 

a)         The examination for a physical therapist license shall be the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy for physical therapists.

 

b)         The examination for a physical therapist assistant license shall be the NPTE for physical therapist assistants.

 

c)         The passing score for the physical therapy and physical therapist assistant examination shall be the passing score established by the testing entity. The scores shall be submitted to the Division from the designated testing service.

 

d)         An applicant who fails the examination 3 times in any jurisdiction will be required to complete a remedial training program that is pre-approved by the Division or Board.  The structured clinical training program will be no less than 3 months or 360 hours.  This training program can include a portion of didactic training not to exceed 120 hours but must be included in the training program pre-approved by the Division or Board.  The training shall be under the direct, on site, personal supervision of a licensed physical therapist.  Proof shall be sent to the Division that includes certification that the applicant successfully completed the remedial training program.

 

e)         Any person licensed in Illinois as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall not be admitted to the examination.  However, in no way shall this provision limit the Division's ability to require reexaminations for restoration or enforcement purposes.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 13093, effective August 24, 2023)

 

Section 1340.50  Endorsement

 

a)         An applicant who is currently licensed under the laws of another state or territory of the United States and who wishes to be licensed as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant by endorsement shall submit:

 

1)         A completed and signed application, on forms provided by the Division;

 

2)         Certification, on forms provided by the Division, of successful completion of an approved physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program as set forth in Section 1340.20;

 

3)         Certification from the state or territory of original licensure and the state in which the applicant is currently licensed and practicing, if other than original, stating the time during which the applicant was licensed in that state, whether the file on the applicant contains record of any disciplinary actions taken or pending, and the applicant's license number;

 

4)         If the applicant's first language is not English, certification of passage of TOEFL.  This provision does not apply to individuals who are licensed in a U.S. jurisdiction and have been actively practicing in another U.S. jurisdiction for 3 years prior to the date of application for licensure in Illinois;

 

5)         A report of the applicant's examination record forwarded directly from the test reporting service; and

 

6)         The required fee set forth in Section 1340.57.

 

b)         The Division shall examine endorsement applications as needed to determine whether the requirements in the jurisdiction at the date of licensing were substantially equivalent to the requirements then in force in this State and whether the applicant has otherwise complied with the Act.

 

c)         The credentials of a foreign educated physical therapist (FEPT) who is currently licensed in another jurisdiction and is seeking licensure through endorsement in Illinois should be evaluated using the version of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy Coursework Tool retro tool that covers the date the applicant graduated from their respective physical therapy education program.

 

d)         Any applicant for licensure by endorsement showing proof of licensure in another jurisdiction for at least 10 consecutive years without discipline shall submit a completed and signed application on forms provided by the Department; the required fee set forth in Section 1340.57; and proof of licensure in another jurisdiction for at least 10 consecutive years without discipline by certified verification of licensure from the jurisdiction in which the applicant practiced.

 

e)         The Division shall either issue a license by endorsement to the applicant or notify the applicant in writing of the reasons for the denial of the application.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 13093, effective August 24, 2023)

 

Section 1340.55  Renewals

 

a)         Every physical therapy license issued under the Act shall expire on September 30 of each even-numbered year. Every physical therapist assistant license issued under the Act shall expire on September 30 or each odd-numbered year.  The holder of a license may renew the license during the month preceding the expiration date of the license by paying the required fee and completing continuing education (CE) as set forth in Section 1340.61.

 

b)         It is the responsibility of each licensee to notify the Division of any change of address.  Failure to receive a renewal form from the Division shall not constitute an excuse for failure to renew a license or pay the renewal fee.

 

c)         Practicing or offering to practice on a license that has expired shall be considered unlicensed activity and shall be grounds for discipline as set forth in Section 31 of the Act.

 

(Source:  Amended at 41 Ill. Reg. 2912, effective March 1, 2017)

 

Section 1340.57  Fees

 

The following fees shall be paid to the Division and are not refundable:

 

a)         Application Fees

 

1)         The fee for application for a license as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant is $100.  In addition, applicants for an examination shall be required to pay, either to the Division or to the designated testing service, a fee covering the cost of determining an applicant's eligibility and providing the examination.  Failure to appear for the examination on the scheduled date, at the time and place specified, after the applicant's application for examination has been received and acknowledged by the Division or the designated testing service, shall result in the forfeiture of the examination fee.

 

2)         The fee for application as a continuing education sponsor is $500. Illinois State colleges and universities and Illinois State agencies are exempt from payment of this fee.

 

b)         Renewal Fees

 

1)         The fee for the renewal of a license shall be calculated at the rate of $30 per year.

 

2)         The fee for renewal of CE sponsor approval is $250 for the renewal period.

 

c)         General Fees

 

1)         The fee for the restoration of a license other than from inactive status is $50 plus payment of all lapsed renewal fees, but not to exceed $200.

 

2)         The fee for restoration of a license from inactive status is the current renewal fee.

 

3)         The fee for a certification of a licensee's record for any purpose is $20.

 

4)         The fee to have the scoring of an examination authorized by the Division reviewed and verified is $20 plus any fees charged by the designated testing service.

 

5)         The fee for a roster of persons licensed as physical therapists or physical therapist assistants in this State shall be the actual cost of producing the roster.

 

(Source:  Amended at 42 Ill. Reg. 14185, effective July 11, 2018)

 

Section 1340.60  Restoration

 

a)         Any person seeking restoration of a license that has expired or been placed on inactive status for more than 5 years shall submit:

 

1)         A completed and signed application, on forms provided by the Division;

 

2)         The required fee set forth in Section 1340.57; and

 

3)         Proof of having met the CE requirements set forth in Section 1340.61.  CE must be completed during the 24 months preceding application for restoration.  In addition, the applicant shall submit one of the following:

 

A)        Certification of current licensure from another state or territory completed by the appropriate state board and proof of current active practice; 

 

B)        An affidavit attesting to military service as set forth in Section 15 of the Act. If application is made within 2 years after discharge, and if all other provisions of Section 15 of the Act are satisfied, the applicant will not be required to pay a restoration fee or any lapsed renewal fees;

 

C)        Proof of passage of the examination set forth in Section 1340.40; or

 

D)        Evidence of recent attendance at educational programs in physical therapy, including attendance at college level courses,  special seminars, or any other similar program, or evidence of recent related work experience to show that the applicant has maintained competence in the applicant's field.  The Division will accept:

 

i)          For an applicant whose license has lapsed 5 to 10 years, 160 contact hours of clinical training under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist preapproved by the Board.

 

ii)         For an applicant whose license has lapsed for 10 years or more, 320 contact hours of clinical training under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist preapproved  by the Board.

 

b)         A person applying for restoration of a license that has expired for 5 years or less shall submit:

 

1)         A completed and signed application, on forms provided by the Division;

 

2)         The required fees set forth in Section 1340.57. If application is made within 2 years after discharge from military service, and if all other provisions of Section 15 of the Act are satisfied, the applicant will be required to pay only the current renewal fee; and 

 

3)         Proof of the required hours of CE set forth in Section 1340.61.  These CE hours shall be earned within the 2 years immediately preceding the restoration of the license.

 

c)         A licensee seeking restoration of a license that has been on inactive status for less than 5 years shall have the license restored upon payment of the current renewal.  A licensee seeking restoration of a license shall be required to submit proof of the required hours of CE set forth in Section 1340.61.  These CE hours shall be earned within the 2 years immediately preceding the restoration of the license.

 

d)         When the accuracy of any submitted documentation or the relevance or sufficiency of the course work or experience is questioned by the Division or the Board because of lack of information, discrepancies or conflicts in information given or a need for clarification, the applicant seeking restoration may be requested to:

 

1)         Provide the requested information as may be necessary; and/or

 

2)         Appear for an interview before the Board to explain the relevance or sufficiency, clarify information, or clear up any discrepancies or conflicts of information.  Upon the recommendation of the Board and approval by the Director, an applicant shall have the license restored or will be notified in writing of the reason for the denial of the application.

 

(Source:  Amended at 42 Ill. Reg. 14185, effective July 11, 2018)

 

Section 1340.61  Continuing Education

 

a)         CE Hour Requirements

 

1)         Every physical therapist shall complete 40 hours of CE relevant to the practice of physical therapy during each prerenewal period as a condition of renewal.  Beginning with the September 2016 renewal, at least 3 hours of the 40 hours must include content related to the ethical practice of physical therapy, including jurisprudence.

 

2)         Every physical therapist assistant shall complete 20 hours of CE relevant to the practice of physical therapy during each prerenewal period as a condition of renewal.  Beginning with the September 2017 renewal, at least 3 hours of the 20 hours must include content related to the ethical practice of physical therapy, including jurisprudence.

 

3)         A prerenewal period is the 24 months preceding September 30 in the year of the renewal.

 

4)         A CE hour equals 50 minutes.  After completion of the initial CE hour, credit may be given in one-half hour increments.

 

5)         Courses that are part of the curriculum of a university, college or other educational institution shall be allotted CE credit at the rate of 15 CE hours for each semester hour or 10 CE hours for each quarter hour of academic credit awarded.

 

6)         A renewal applicant is not required to comply with CE requirements for the first renewal following the original issuance of the license.

 

7)         Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants licensed in Illinois but residing and practicing in other states must comply with the CE requirements set forth in this Section. CE credit hours used to satisfy the CE requirements of another state may be submitted for approval for fulfillment of the CE requirements of the State of Illinois if the CE requirements in the other state are equivalent to the CE requirements in this Section.

 

b)         Approved CE

 

1)         All CE activities shall be relevant to the advancement, extension and enhancement of providing patient/client management, including but not limited to physical therapy examination, evaluation, intervention, and prevention and providing physical therapy services or fulfilling the other professional roles of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. Courses not acceptable for the purpose of this definition include, but are not limited to, personal estate planning, personal financial planning, personal investments, and personal health.

 

2)         CE hours may be earned by verified attendance at or participation in a program that is offered by an approved CE sponsor who meets the requirements set forth in subsection (c).  Credit shall not be given for courses taken in Illinois from unapproved sponsors.

 

3)         CE may also be earned from the following activities:

 

A)        Teaching a course for an approved CE sponsor or a CAPTE accredited PT or PTA program.  An applicant will receive 2 hours of credit for each CE hour awarded to course attendees the first time the course is taught and 1 hour of credit for each CE hour the second time the same course is taught; no credit will be given for teaching the same course 3 or more times.  A maximum of 50% of the total CE requirements may be earned through CE instruction.  The applicant must be able to provide verification of unique content for each CE course taught via course goals, objectives, and outline.

 

B)        American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) Clinical Specialist Certification.  An applicant will receive 40 hours of CE credit for the prerenewal period in which the initial certification is awarded.

 

C)        American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)-approved post-professional clinical residency or fellowship.  An applicant will receive 1 hour of CE credit for every 2 hours spent in clinical residency, up to a maximum of 20 hours.  Clinical residency hours may not be used for CE credit if the applicant is also seeking CE credit for hours earned for post-professional academic coursework in the same prerenewal period.

 

D)        Professional research, writing, and/or editing.  An applicant may receive CE credit for publication of scientific papers, abstracts, or review articles in peer-reviewed and other professional journals; publication of textbook chapters; serving as an editor of professional books or journals; as a primary author or co-author of professional grants; and poster or platform presentations at conferences sponsored by any entity that has preapproved status, up to a maximum of 50% of the total CE requirements:

 

i)          15 hours for each referenced article.

 

ii)         3 hours for each non-refereed article, abstract of published literature or book review.

 

iii)        5 hours for each textbook chapter.

 

iv)        5 hours for each poster or platform presentation or review article.

 

v)         5 hours for serving as a book editor or peer-reviewed journal editor.

 

vi)        5 hours for serving as a primary author or co-author of professional grants.

 

E)        Self-study.

 

i)          An applicant may obtain 75% of his or her total CE credit by taking correspondence or web-based courses, including pre-recorded professional presentations and pre-recorded webinars, from an approved CE sponsor.  These courses shall include a test that must be passed in order to obtain credit.

 

ii)         An applicant can receive 50% of his or her total CE credit for completion of published tests/quizzes based on APTA publications.  The applicant will be responsible for verifying successful completion.  (These publication-based tests/quizzes, typically offered for less than 1 hour of CE credit, are the only exception to the requirement that all approved CE activities must be at least 1 hour.)

 

F)         Virtual attendance at live professional presentations, provided the participant is able to communicate in real time with the speaker and other participants.  This shall not be considered self-study under subsection (b)(3)(E).

 

G)        Educational programs at Illinois Physical Therapy Association (IPTA) district meetings.  Up to 5 hours of CE credit may be obtained for attendance at these programs.  Credit will be earned based on actual hours of participation and must be verified with an attendance list and referenced presentation materials.

 

H)        Departmental in-services. Up to 5 hours of CE credit may be obtained for attendance at in-services at healthcare facilities or organizations.  Credit will be earned based on actual hours of participation and must be verified with an attendance list and referenced presentation materials.

 

I)         Up to 5 CE hours may be earned for completion of skills certification courses.  A maximum of 2 hours in cardiopulmonary resuscitation certified by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or other qualified organization may be accepted, while a maximum of 3 hours may be accepted for certification or recertification in Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or their equivalent.

 

J)         Clinical instructor.  Physical therapists may obtain up to 10 hours of CE credit by being a clinical instructor and physical therapist assistants may obtain up to 5 hours of CE credit by being a clinical instructor.  Credit will be earned based on hours of cumulative student clinical instruction, with 1 hour of CE credit per 120 student hours.  CE credit hours for clinical instruction will be awarded by the student's academic institution.

 

K)        Journal clubs.  Up to 5 hours of CE credit may be obtained for participation in a journal club.  Credit will be earned based on actual hours of participation and must be verified with an attendance list and list of articles from peer-reviewed journals discussed at each meeting.

 

L)        Up to 8 hours of CE may be obtained by serving on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Physical Therapy Association or American Physical Therapy Association.  Hours shall be calculated by number of months served with 1 credit hour for each 3 months of board service.

 

M)       Up to 8 hours of CE may be obtained by serving on the Board of Directors or a committee or sub-committee of a chartered professional organization for physical therapists.  Hours shall be calculated by number of months served with 1 credit hour for each 3 months of board service.

 

4)         CE will not be awarded for the following types of activities:

 

A)        Entry-level physical therapist or physical therapist assistant academic coursework.

 

B)        Employee orientation programs.

 

C)        Professional meetings or conventions, other than educational programming by approved sponsors.

 

D)        Committee meetings except as defined under Sections 1340.61(b)(3)(L) and 1340.61(b)(3)(M).

 

E)        Work experience.

 

F)         Individual scholarship, mass media programs or self-study activities not identified in subsection (b)(2)(E).

 

c)         CE Sponsors and Programs

 

1)         Approved sponsor, as used in this Section, shall mean:

 

A)        APTA and its components, including programs, courses and activities approved by the IPTA;

 

B)        Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy;

 

C)        Colleges, universities, or community colleges or institutions with physical therapist or physical therapist assistant education programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education; for post-professional academic coursework, all accredited colleges and universities would be approved sponsors; and

 

D)        Any other person, firm, association, corporation, or group that has been approved and authorized by the Division pursuant to subsection (c)(2) upon the recommendation of the Board to coordinate and present CE courses or programs.

 

2)         Entities seeking a license as a CE sponsor pursuant to subsection (c)(1)(D) shall file a sponsor application, along with the required fee set forth in Section 1340.57.  (State agencies, State colleges and State universities in Illinois shall be exempt from paying this fee.)  The applicant shall certify to the following:

 

A)        That all courses and programs offered by the sponsor for CE credit will comply with the criteria in subsection (b) and all other criteria in this Section.  The applicant shall be required to submit a sample 3-hour CE program with course materials, presenter qualifications and course outline for review prior to being approved as a CE sponsor;

 

B)        That the sponsor will be responsible for verifying attendance at each course or program, and provide a certification of attendance as set forth in subsection (c)(6)(A); and

 

C)        That, upon request by the Division, the sponsor will submit evidence as is necessary to establish compliance with this Section.  Evidence shall be required when the Division has reason to believe that there is not full compliance with the statute and this Part and that this information is necessary to ensure compliance.

 

3)         Each licensed sponsor shall submit by September 30 of each even-numbered year a sponsor application along with the renewal fee set forth in Section 1340.57. 

 

4)         Each CE program by a licensed sponsor shall provide a mechanism for written evaluation of the program and instructor by the participants.  The evaluation forms shall be kept for 5 years and shall be made available to the Division upon written request.

 

5)         All courses and programs shall:

 

A)        Contribute to the advancement, extension and enhancement of professional clinical skills and scientific knowledge in the practice of physical therapy;

 

B)        Provide experiences that contain scientific integrity, relevant subject matter and course materials;

 

C)        Be developed and presented by persons with education and/or experience in the subject matter of the program;

 

D)        Provide for a mechanism for the evaluation of the program by the participants;

 

E)        Be open to all licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants and not be limited to the members of a single organization or a group; and

 

F)         Specify the number of CE hours that may be applied toward Illinois CE requirements for licensure renewal.

 

6)         Certificate of Attendance by a Licensed Sponsor

 

A)        It shall be the responsibility of the sponsor to provide each participant in a program with a certificate of attendance signed by the sponsor.  The sponsor's certificate of attendance shall contain:

 

i)          The name of the sponsor;

 

ii)         The name of the participant;

 

iii)        A detailed statement of the subject matter;

 

iv)        The number of hours actually attended in each topic;

 

v)         The date of the program; and

 

vi)        Signature of the sponsor.

 

B)        The sponsor shall maintain these records for not less than 5 years.

 

7)         The licensed sponsor shall be responsible for assuring verified continued attendance at each program.  No renewal applicant shall receive credit for time not actually spent attending the program.

 

8)         Upon the failure of a licensed sponsor to comply with any of the foregoing requirements, the Division, after notice to the sponsor and hearing before and recommendation by the Board pursuant to the Administrative Hearing Rules (see 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1110) shall thereafter refuse to accept CE credit for attendance at or participation in any of that sponsor's CE programs until the Division receives reasonably satisfactory assurances of compliance with this Section.

 

d)         CE Earned in Other Jurisdictions

 

1)         If a licensee has earned CE hours in another jurisdiction from a nonapproved sponsor for which he/she will be claiming credit toward full compliance in Illinois, that applicant shall submit an application along with a $20 processing fee prior to taking the program or 90 days prior to the expiration date of the license.  The Division or the Board shall review and recommend approval or disapproval of this program using the criteria set forth in this Section.

 

2)         If a licensee fails to submit an out of state CE approval form within the required time, late approval may be obtained by submitting the application with the $20 processing fee plus a $10 per CE hour late fee not to exceed $150.  The Division or the Board shall review and recommend approval or disapproval of this program using the criteria set forth in this Section.

 

e)         Certification of Compliance with CE Requirements

 

1)         Each renewal applicant shall certify, on the renewal application, full compliance with CE requirements set forth in subsection (a).

 

2)         The Division may require additional evidence demonstrating compliance with the CE requirements.  It is the responsibility of each renewal applicant to retain or otherwise produce evidence of compliance for a minimum of 5 years.

 

3)         When there appears to be a lack of compliance with CE requirements, an applicant will be notified and may request an interview with the Board, at which time the Board may recommend that steps be taken to begin formal disciplinary proceedings as required by Section 10-65 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act [5 ILCS 100].

 

f)         Waiver of CE Requirements

 

1)         Any renewal applicant seeking renewal of his/her license without having fully complied with these CE requirements shall file with the Division a renewal application, the renewal fee set forth in Section 1340.57, a statement setting forth the facts concerning the noncompliance, and a request for waiver of the CE requirements on the basis of those facts.  If the Division, upon the written recommendation of the Board, finds from the affidavit or any other evidence submitted that good cause has been shown for granting a waiver, the Division shall waive enforcement of the CE requirements for the renewal period for which the applicant has applied.

 

2)         Good cause shall be defined as an inability to devote sufficient hours to fulfilling the CE requirements during the applicable prerenewal period because of:

 

A)        Full-time service in the armed forces of the United States of America during a substantial part of the prerenewal period; or

 

B)        Extreme hardship shall be determined on an individual basis by the Board and be defined as an inability to devote sufficient hours to fulfilling the CE requirements during the applicable prerenewal period because of:

 

i)          A temporary incapacitating illness documented by a statement from a currently licensed physician.  A CE waiver under this subsection (f) may only be granted for one renewal period and shall not be granted for any subsequent period;

 

ii)         Temporary undue hardship (e.g., prolonged hospitalization, being disabled and unable to practice physical therapy on a temporary basis).

 

3)         If an interview with the Board is requested at the time the request for the waiver is filed with the Division, the renewal applicant shall be given at least 20 days written notice of the date, time and place of the interview by certified mail, return receipt requested.

 

4)         Any renewal applicant who submits a request for waiver pursuant to subsection (f)(1) shall be deemed to be in good standing until the Division's final decision on the application has been made.

 

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 6034, effective April 5, 2024)

 

Section 1340.65  Unprofessional Conduct

 

a)         Pursuant to Section 17(l)(H) of the Act, unprofessional conduct in the practice of physical therapy shall include, but not be limited to:

 

1)         The promotion of the sale of services, goods, appliances or drugs in such manner as to exploit the patient or client for the financial gain of the practitioner or of a third party.

 

2)         Directly or indirectly offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving, or agreeing to receive any fee or other consideration to or from a third party for the referral of a patient or client.

 

3)         Revealing of personally identifiable facts, data or information about a patient or client obtained in a professional capacity without the prior consent of the patient or client, except as authorized or required by law.

 

4)         Practicing or offering to practice beyond the scope permitted by law, or accepting and performing professional responsibilities which the licensee knows or has reason to know that he or she is not competent to perform.

 

5)         Delegating professional responsibilities to a person when the licensee delegating such responsibilities knows or has reason to know that the person to whom the responsibilities were delegated is not qualified by training, experience, or licensure to perform them.

 

6)         Failing to exercise appropriate supervision over persons who are authorized to practice only under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

 

7)         Overutilizing services by providing excessive evaluation or treatment procedures not warranted by the condition of the patient or by continuing treatment beyond the point of possible benefit.

 

8)         Making gross or deliberate misrepresentations or misleading claims as to professional qualifications or of the efficacy or value of the treatments or remedies given or recommended, or those of another practitioner.

 

9)         Gross and willful and continued overcharging for professional services, including filing false statements for collection of fees for which services are not rendered.

 

10)         Failing to maintain a record for each patient that accurately reflects the evaluation and treatment of the patient.

 

11)         Advertising or soliciting for patronage in a manner that is fraudulent or misleading.  Examples of advertising or soliciting which is considered fraudulent or misleading, for example advertising that contains false, fraudulent, deceptive or misleading materials, warranties or guarantees of success, statements that play upon vanities or fears of the public, or statements that promote or produce unfair competition.

                         

b)         The Division hereby incorporates by reference the "Code of Ethics", July 2010, approved by the American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria VA 22314, with no later amendments or editions.

 

(Source:  Amended at 42 Ill. Reg. 14185, effective July 11, 2018)

 

Section 1340.66  Advertising

 

a)         Persons licensed to practice physical therapy in the State of Illinois may advertise in any medium or other form of public communications in a manner which presents information to the public in a truthful, direct, dignified and readily comprehensible manner.

 

b)         If an advertisement is communicated to the public over television or radio, it shall be prerecorded and approved for broadcast by the licensee and a recording of the actual transmission, including videotape, shall be retained by the licensee for 3 years.

 

c)         Information which may be contained in advertising shall include, but not be limited to:

 

1)         Licensee's name, address, office hours and telephone number;

 

2)         Schools attended;

 

3)         Announcement of additions to or deletions from professional staff;

 

4)         Announcement of the opening of, change of, or return to practice;

 

5)         Professional memberships;

 

6)         Credit arrangements and/or acceptance of Medicare/Medicaid patients and credit cards;

 

7)         Foreign language ability;

 

8)         Usual and customary fees for routine professional services which must include a statement that fees may be adjusted due to complications or unforeseen circumstances; and

 

9)         Description of offices in which licensee practices (e.g., accessibility to the disabled, convenience of parking).

 

d)         Information which may be untruthful, fraudulent, deceptive or misleading includes, but is not limited to, that which:

 

1)         Contains a misrepresentation of fact or omits a material fact required to prevent deception;

 

2)         Guarantees favorable results or creates false or unjustified expectations of favorable results;

 

3)         Takes advantage of the potential client's fears, anxieties, vanities, or other emotions;

 

4)         Contains exaggerations pertaining to the quality of physical therapy care;

 

5)         Describes as available products or services which are not permitted by the laws of this State or applicable federal laws; and

 

6)         Advertises professional services which the licensee is not licensed to render.

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 13093, effective August 24, 2023)

 

Section 1340.70  Granting Variances

 

The Director may grant variances from this Part in individual cases when he or she finds that:

 

a)         the provision from which the variance is granted is not statutorily mandated;

 

b)         no party will be injured by the granting of the variance; and

 

c)         the rule from which the variance is granted would, in the particular case, be unreasonable or unnecessarily burdensome.

 

(Source:  Amended at 42 Ill. Reg. 14185, effective July 11, 2018)

 

Section 1340.75  Intramuscular Manual Therapy

 

a)         A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant licensed to practice in the State of Illinois may only perform intramuscular manual therapy under the following conditions:

 

1)         Prior to completion of the education under subsection (a)(2), successful completion of a total of 50 credit hours of college-level instruction from an accredited program in the following areas:

 

A)        the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular system;

 

B)        the anatomical basis of pain mechanisms, chronic pain and referred pain;

 

C)        myofascial trigger point theory; and

 

D)        universal precautions.

 

2)         Completion of at least 30 hours of didactic course work specific to intramuscular manual therapy.  This requirement can be fulfilled by the didactic pre-study required for the intramuscular manual therapy practicum course.

 

3)         Successful completion of at least 54 practicum hours in intramuscular manual therapy course work offered through an approved CE sponsor as defined in Section 1340.61(c).  Each instructional course shall specify what anatomical regions are included in the instruction and describe whether the course offers introductory or advanced instruction in intramuscular manual therapy.  Each instruction course shall include the following areas:

 

A)        intramuscular manual therapy technique;

 

B)        intramuscular manual therapy indications and contraindications;

 

C)        documentation of intramuscular manual therapy;

 

D)        management of adverse effects;

 

E)        practical psychomotor competency; and

 

F)         the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Bloodborne Pathogens standard.

 

4)         Postgraduate classes qualifying for completion of the mandated 54 hours of intramuscular manual therapy shall be in one or more modules, with the initial module being no fewer than 27 hours. Therapists or physical therapist assistants shall complete at least 54 hours in no more than 24 months.

 

5)         Completion of at least 200 patient treatment sessions.

 

A)        Physical therapists must complete the treatment sessions under general supervision supported by the American Physical Therapy Association.

 

B)        Physical therapist assistants must complete the treatment sessions under direct line of sight supervision by a licensed physical therapist who has met the requirements of this Section.

 

6)         Successful completion of a competency examination approved by the Division.  The Division will accept competency examinations administered as part of the intramuscular manual therapy practicum course work.

 

b)         Each licensee is responsible for maintaining records of the completion of the requirements of subsection (a) and shall be prepared to produce those records upon request by the Division.

 

c)         A newly-licensed physical therapist shall not practice intramuscular manual therapy for at least one year from the date of initial licensure unless the practitioner can demonstrate compliance with subsection (a) through the practitioner's prelicensure educational coursework.

 

d)         Intramuscular manual therapy may be performed by a licensed physical therapist and only be delegated to a licensed physical therapist assistant that has met the requirements of this Section and is supervised by a licensed physical therapist who has met the requirements of this Section and maintains direct line of sight observation and supervision of the physical therapist assistant at all times while the treatment is rendered.

 

e)         A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall not advertise, describe to patients or the public, or otherwise represent that dry needling is acupuncture, nor shall the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant represent that they practice acupuncture unless separately licensed under the Acupuncture Practice Act [225 ILCS 2].

 

(Source:  Amended at 47 Ill. Reg. 13093, effective August 24, 2023)

 

Section 1340.85  Physical Therapy Services

 

a)         A physical therapist providing services without a referral from a health care professional must notify the patient's treating health care professional within 5 business days after the patient's first visit that the patient is receiving physical therapy pursuant to Section 1.2 of the Act.  In the case where there is no treating health care professional, the physical therapist should offer to notify a health care professional of the patient's choice. 

 

b)         A physical therapist providing services to a patient who has been diagnosed by a health care professional as having a chronic disease that may benefit from physical therapy must communicate at least monthly with the patient's treating health care professional to provide updates on the patient's course of therapy pursuant to Section 1.2 of the Act.  This provision does not apply to services delivered by a physical therapist as part of the Illinois Early Intervention (EI) Program, an individualized education plan (IEP), or a federal 504 plan (29 U.S.C. 701) through a school system.

 

(Source:  Added at 47 Ill. Reg. 13093, effective August 24, 2023)