Board of Physical Therapy Practice

486.023 Board of Physical Therapy Practice.--

(1) There is created within the department the Board of Physical Therapy Practice, composed of seven members appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation by the Senate.

(2) Five board members shall be licensed physical therapists in good standing in this state who are residents of this state and who have been engaged in the practice of physical therapy for at least 4 years immediately prior to their appointment. One licensed physical therapist board member may be a full-time faculty member teaching in a physical therapy curriculum in an educational institution in this state. The two remaining members shall be residents of this state who have never been licensed health care practitioners.

(3) As the terms of the members expire, the Governor shall appoint successors for terms of 4 years, and such members shall serve until their successors are appointed.

(4) All provisions of chapter 456 relating to activities of the board shall apply.

486.025 Powers and duties of the Board of Physical Therapy Practice.--The board may administer oaths, summon witnesses, take testimony in all matters relating to its duties under this chapter, establish or modify minimum standards of practice, and adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement the provisions of this chapter. The board may also review the standing and reputability of any school or college offering courses in physical therapy and whether the courses of such school or college in physical therapy meet the standards established by the appropriate accrediting agency referred to in s. 486.031(3)(a). In determining the standing and reputability of any such school and whether the school and courses meet such standards, the board may investigate and make personal inspection of the same.