2014 Virginia Code
Title 54.1 - Professions and Occupations
§ 54.1-3482.1. Certain certification required

A. The Board shall promulgate regulations establishing criteria for certification of physical therapists to provide certain physical therapy services pursuant to subsection B of § 54.1-3482, without referral from a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, dental surgery, licensed nurse practitioner as authorized in his practice protocol, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician. The regulations shall include but not be limited to provisions for (i) the promotion of patient safety; (ii) an application process for certification to perform such procedures; (iii) minimum education, training, and experience requirements for certification to perform such procedures; and (iv) continuing education requirements relating to carrying out direct access duties under § 54.1-3482.

B. The minimum education, training, and experience requirements for certification shall include evidence that the applicant has successfully completed (i) a doctor of physical therapy program approved by the American Physical Therapy Association; (ii) a transitional program in physical therapy as recognized by the Board; or (iii) at least three years of active practice with evidence of continuing education relating to carrying out direct access duties under § 54.1-3482.

C. In promulgating minimum education, training, and experience criteria, the Board shall consult with an advisory committee comprised of three members selected by the Medical Society of Virginia and three members selected by the Virginia Physical Therapy Association. All members of the advisory committee shall be licensed by the Board of Physical Therapy or the Board of Medicine and shall engage in clinical practice. The committee shall have a duty to act collaboratively and in good faith to recommend the education, training, and experience necessary to promote patient safety. The advisory committee shall prepare a written report of its recommendations and shall submit this report to the Board of Physical Therapy and shall also submit its recommendations to the Board of Medicine for such comments as may be deemed appropriate, prior to the promulgation of draft regulations. The advisory committee may meet periodically to advise the Board on the regulation of such procedures.

D. In promulgating the regulations required by this section, the Board shall take due consideration of the education, training, and experience requirements adopted by the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Medical Association.

2007, cc. 9, 18.