DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS  
DIRECTOR’S OFFICE  
BOARD OF PHYSICAL THERAPY – GENERAL RULES  
(By authority conferred on the director of the department of licensing and regulatory  
affairs by sections 16141, 16145, 16148, 16174, 16201, 16204, 16205, 16206, 16215,  
16287 and 17823 of the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.16141, 333.16145,  
333.16148, 333.16174, 333.16201, 333.16204, 333.16205, 333.16206, 333.16215,  
333.16287, and 333.17823 and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 1991-9, 1996-2,  
2003-1 and 2011-4, MCL 338.3501, 445.2001, 445.2011, and 445.2030)  
R 338.7101 Rescinded.  
History: 1983 AACS; 1991 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2010 AACS.  
R 338.7102 Rescinded.  
History: 1983 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2010 AACS.  
R 338.7103 Rescinded.  
History: 1983 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2010 AACS.  
R 338.7104 Rescinded.  
History: 1983 AACS; 1991 AACS; 1998-2000 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2010 AACS.  
R 338.7105 Rescinded.  
History: 1983 AACS; 1991 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2010 AACS.  
R 338.7106 Rescinded.  
History: 1983 AACS; 1991 AACS.  
R 338.7107 Rescinded.  
History: 1983 AACS; 1991 AACS; 1995 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2010 AACS.  
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R 338.7107a Rescinded.  
History: 1995 AACS; 1998-2000 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2010 AACS.  
R 338.7107b Rescinded.  
History: 2009 AACS; 2010 AACS.  
R 338.7108 Rescinded.  
History: 1983 AACS; 1991 AACS; 2009 AACS.  
R 338.7109 Rescission.  
Rule 9. R 338.1131 to R 338.1151 of the Michigan Administrative Code, appearing  
on pages 2469 to 2472 of the 1979 Michigan Administrative Code, are rescinded.  
History: 1983 AACS.  
R 338.7110 Rescinded.  
History: 1991 AACS; 1995 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2010 AACS.  
R 338.7111 Rescinded.  
History: 2009 AACS; 2010 AACS.  
R 338.7112 Rescinded.  
History: 2009 AACS; 2010 AACS.  
R 338.7113 Rescinded.  
History: 2009 AACS; 2010 AACS.  
R 338.7114 Rescinded.  
History: 2009 AACS; 2010 AACS.  
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PART 1. DEFINITIONS  
R 338.7121 Definitions.  
Rule 21. As used in these rules:  
(a) “Board” means the Michigan board of physical therapy created under section  
17821 of the code, MCL 333.17821.  
(b) “Code” means the public health code, 1978 PA 368, MCL 333.1101 to 333.25211.  
(c) “Department” means the Michigan department of licensing and regulatory affairs.  
(d) “Patient or client of record” means a patient or client who is receiving physical  
therapy services from a licensed physical therapist or from a licensed physical therapist  
assistant under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist.  
History: 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
PART 2. GENERAL PROVISIONS  
R 338.7122 Prescription.  
Rule 22. (1) As used in these rules, a prescription is a written or electronic order for  
physical therapy. A prescription must include all of the following:  
(a) The name of the patient.  
(b) The patient's medical diagnosis.  
(c) The signature of either an individual who is licensed and authorized to prescribe  
physical therapy in Michigan or an individual who holds the equivalent license issued by  
another state, as provided in section 17820(1) of the code, MCL 333.17820.  
(d) The date that the prescription was written.  
(2) A prescription is valid for 90 days from the date that the prescription was written  
unless the termination date is otherwise stated by the authorized licensee on the  
prescription.  
History: 2010 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
R 338.7123 Rescinded.  
History: 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS.  
R 338.7124 Rescinded.  
History: 2010 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
R 338.7125 Rescinded.  
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History: 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS.  
R 338.7126 Training standards for identifying victims of human trafficking;  
requirements.  
Rule 26. (1) Pursuant to section 16148 of the code, MCL 333.16148, an individual  
seeking licensure or who is licensed shall complete training in identifying victims of  
human trafficking that meets all of the following standards:  
(a) Training content must cover all of the following:  
(i) Understanding the types and venues of human trafficking in the United States.  
(ii) Identifying victims of human trafficking in health care settings.  
(iii) Identifying the warning signs of human trafficking in health care settings for  
adults and minors.  
(iv) Resources for reporting the suspected victims of human trafficking.  
(b) Acceptable providers or methods of training include any of the following:  
(i) Training offered by a nationally recognized or state-recognized, health-related  
organization.  
(ii) Training offered by, or in conjunction with, a state or federal agency.  
(iii) Training obtained in an educational program that has been approved by the  
board for initial licensure, or by a college or university.  
(iv) Reading an article related to the identification of victims of human trafficking  
that meets the requirements of subdivision (a) of this subrule and is published in a peer  
review journal, health care journal, or professional or scientific journal.  
(c) Acceptable modalities of training include any of the following:  
(i) Teleconference or webinar.  
(ii) Online presentation.  
(iii) Live presentation.  
(iv) Printed or electronic media.  
(2) The department may select and audit a sample of individuals and request  
documentation of proof of completion of training. If audited by the department, an  
individual shall provide an acceptable proof of completion of training, including either of  
the following:  
(a) Proof of completion certificate issued by the training provider that includes the  
date, provider name, name of training, and individual’s name.  
(b) A self-certification statement by an individual. The certification statement shall  
include the individual’s name and either of the following:  
(i) For training completed pursuant to subrule (1)(b)(i) to (iii) of this rule, the date,  
training provider name, and name of training.  
(ii) For training completed pursuant to subrule (1)(b)(iv) of this rule, the title of  
article, author, publication name of peer review journal, health care journal, or  
professional or scientific journal, and date, volume, and issue of publication, as  
applicable.  
(3) Pursuant to section 16148 of the code, MCL 333.16148, the requirements specified  
in subrule (1) of this rule apply for license renewals beginning with the 2017 renewal  
cycle and for initial licenses issued beginning January 6, 2022.  
History: 2017 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
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PART 3. PHYSICAL THERAPISTS  
R 338.7131 Program accreditation standards; physical therapist; adoption of  
standards by reference.  
Rule 31. (1) The standards and evaluative criteria for accreditation of physical therapist  
educational programs set forth by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy  
Education (CAPTE) in the document entitled “PT Standards and Required Elements”  
effective January 1, 2016 are adopted by reference in these rules. Copies of the evaluative  
criteria are available, at no cost, from CAPTE, 1111 North Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA  
22314-1488, and on CAPTE’s website at http://www.capteonline.org. Copies of the  
evaluative criteria also are available for inspection and distribution, at cost, from the  
Board of Physical Therapy, Bureau of Professional Licensing, Department of Licensing  
and Regulatory Affairs, 611 West Ottawa, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909.  
(2) Any educational program for physical therapists that is accredited by CAPTE meets  
the qualifications for an approved physical therapist educational program.  
History: 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
R 338.7132 Licensure by examination; physical therapist; requirements.  
Rule 32. An applicant for a physical therapist license by examination shall submit the  
required fee and a completed application on a form provided by the department. In  
addition to meeting the requirements of the code and these rules, an applicant shall meet  
all of the following requirements:  
(a) Graduate from an accredited physical therapist educational program that meets the  
standards under R 338.7131.  
(b) Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for physical therapists  
required under R 338.7133(1).  
(c) Achieve a converted score of not less than 75 on the Michigan Physical Therapist  
Jurisprudence Exam required under R 338.7133(2).  
History: 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
R 338.7133 Examinations; physical therapist; adoption and approval.  
Rule 33. (1) The board approves and adopts the NPTE for physical therapists that was  
developed, administered, and scored by the Federation of State Boards of Physical  
Therapy (FSBPT). The board adopts the passing score recommended by FSBPT.  
(2) The board approves the Michigan Physical Therapist Jurisprudence Exam on laws  
and rules related to the practice of physical therapy in Michigan, which is administered  
by a third party approved by the department.  
History: 2010 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
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R 338.7134 Physical therapist examination; eligibility.  
Rule 34. (1) To be eligible for the NPTE for physical therapists, an applicant shall  
meet 1 of the following requirements:  
(a) Graduate from an accredited physical therapist educational program that meets the  
standards under R 338.7131.  
(b) Comply with the requirements under R 338.7135.  
(c) Verify that he or she is currently enrolled in the final semester, term, or quarter of  
an approved physical therapist educational program and is expected to graduate.  
(2) An applicant who fails to achieve passing scores on the examinations required under  
R 338.7133 may retake the Michigan Physical Therapist Jurisprudence Exam without  
limitation and the NPTE for physical therapists consistent with the FSBPT testing  
standards.  
History: 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
R 338.7135 Graduate of non-accredited postsecondary institution; physical  
therapist;  
examination; eligibility.  
Rule 35. To be eligible for the NPTE for physical therapists, an applicant who  
graduated from a non-accredited physical therapist educational program shall comply  
with both of the following requirements:  
(a) Verify that he or she has completed a physical therapist educational program that is  
substantially equivalent to a physical therapist program that is accredited by CAPTE, as  
provided under R 338.7131. Evidence of having completed a substantially equivalent  
physical therapist educational program must include an evaluation of the applicant's non-  
accredited education through an evaluation that uses the FSBPT Coursework Tool for  
Foreign Educated Physical Therapists.  
(b) Demonstrate a working knowledge of the English language. An applicant shall  
demonstrate a working knowledge of the English language by satisfying either of the  
following requirements:  
(i) Submitting proof that he or she has obtained a total score of not less than 89 on  
the test of English as a foreign language internet-based test (TOEFL-iBT) administered  
by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and obtained the following section scores:  
(A) Not less than 22 on the reading section.  
(B) Not less than 21 on the listening section.  
(C) Not less than 24 on the speaking section.  
(D) Not less than 22 on the writing section.  
(ii) Submitting proof that he or she graduated from a physical therapist educational  
program or physical therapist assistant educational program located in Australia, a  
province of Canada that is not Quebec, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or  
the United States.  
History: 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
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R 338.7136 Licensure by endorsement of physical therapist; requirements.  
Rule 36. (1) An applicant for a physical therapist license by endorsement shall submit  
the required fee and a completed application on a form provided by the department and  
satisfy the requirements of the code and this rule.  
(2) An applicant who was first licensed in another jurisdiction recognized by FSBPT  
and who engaged in the practice of physical therapy for 5 years or more immediately  
preceding the date of filing an application for a Michigan physical therapist license shall  
satisfy both of the following requirements:  
(a) Pass the Michigan Physical Therapist Jurisprudence Exam required under R  
338.7133(2).  
(b) Have passed the NPTE for physical therapists required under R 338.7133(1).  
(3) An applicant who was first licensed in another jurisdiction recognized by FSBPT  
and engaged in the practice of physical therapy for less than 5 years immediately  
preceding the date of filing an application for a Michigan physical therapist license shall  
satisfy all of the following requirements:  
(a) Have graduated from either a physical therapist educational program that meets the  
standards under R 338.7131 or from a physical therapist educational program determined  
to be substantially equivalent to an educational program by satisfying the verification  
process under R 338.7135(a).  
(b) Pass the Michigan Physical Therapist Jurisprudence Exam required under R  
338.7133(2).  
(c) Have passed the NPTE for physical therapists required under R 338.7133(1).  
(d) Demonstrate a working knowledge of the English language by satisfying the  
requirements under R 338.7135(b) if the applicant graduated from a nonaccredited  
physical therapist educational program.  
(4) An applicant's license must be verified, on a form provided by the department, by  
the licensing agency of any jurisdiction recognized by FSBPT in which the applicant  
holds a current license or registration or ever held a license or registration as a physical  
therapist. If applicable, verification must include the record of any disciplinary action  
taken or pending against the applicant.  
History: 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
R 338.7137 Requirements for relicensure; physical therapist.  
Rule 37. (1) An applicant whose license has lapsed for less than 3 years preceding the  
date of application for relicensure may be relicensed under section 16201(3) of the code,  
MCL 333.16201, if the applicant meets all of the following requirements:  
(a) Submits the required fee and a completed application on a form provided by the  
department.  
(b) Establishes that he or she is of good moral character as defined under section 1 of  
1974 PA 381, MCL 338.41.  
(c) Passes the Michigan Physical Therapist Jurisprudence Exam required under R  
338.7133(2).  
(d) Complies with either of the following:  
(i) Submits proof to the department of accumulating not less than 24 professional  
development requirement (PDR) credits consistent with R 338.7161 to R 338.7165  
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during the 2 years immediately preceding the date of the application for relicensure.  
However, if the PDR credits hours submitted with the application are deficient, the  
applicant shall have 2 years from the date of the application to complete the deficient  
credits.  
(ii) Establishes that he or she has been employed as a physical therapist in another  
jurisdiction recognized by FSBPT for a minimum of 500 hours during the 2-year period  
immediately preceding the date of application for relicensure.  
(2) An applicant whose license has lapsed for 3 years or more preceding the date of  
application for relicensure may be relicensed under section 16201(4) of the code, MCL  
333.16201 if the applicant meets all of the following requirements:  
(a) Submits the required fee and a completed application on a form provided by the  
department.  
(b) Establishes that he or she is of good moral character as defined under section 1 of  
1974 PA 381, MCL 338.41.  
(c) Submits fingerprints as set forth in section 16174(3) of the code, MCL 333.16174.  
(d) Passes the Michigan Physical Therapist Jurisprudence Exam required under R  
338.7133(2).  
(e) Complies with either of the following:  
(i) Establishes that he or she has been employed as a physical therapist in another  
jurisdiction recognized by FSBPT for a minimum of 500 hours during the 2-year period  
immediately preceding the date of application for relicensure.  
(ii) Passes the NPTE for physical therapists required under R 338.7133(1).  
(3) An applicant’s license or registration must be verified by the licensing agency of  
any jurisdiction recognized by FSBPT in which the applicant holds a current license or  
registration or ever held a license or registration as a physical therapist. If applicable,  
verification must include the record of any disciplinary action taken or pending against  
the applicant.  
History: 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
R 338.7138 Delegation of acts, tasks, or functions to a physical therapist assistant;  
supervision of physical therapist assistant; requirements.  
Rule 38. (1) A physical therapist who delegates the performance of selected acts, tasks,  
or functions to a physical therapist assistant as permitted under section 16215 of the code,  
MCL 333.16215, shall supervise the physical therapist assistant consistent with section  
16109(2) of the code, MCL 333.16109, and satisfy the requirements of this rule.  
(2) A physical therapist who delegates acts, tasks, or functions under this rule shall also  
comply with all of the following:  
(a) Ensure the qualifications of the physical therapist assistant under the physical  
therapist's supervision, including verification of the physical therapist assistant's training,  
education, and licensure.  
(b) Examine and evaluate the patient or client before delegating acts, tasks, or  
functions to be performed by a physical therapist assistant.  
(c) Provide predetermined procedures and protocols for acts, tasks, or functions that  
have been delegated.  
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(d) Maintain a record of the names of the physical therapist assistants to whom acts,  
tasks, or functions have been delegated.  
(e) Monitor a physical therapist assistant's practice and provision of assigned physical  
therapy acts, tasks, or functions.  
(f) Meet regularly and in person with the physical therapist assistant to whom acts,  
tasks, or functions have been delegated to evaluate the assistant's performance, review  
records, and educate the physical therapist assistant on the acts, tasks, or functions that  
have been delegated.  
(3) A physical therapist shall not supervise more than 4 physical therapist assistants at  
the same time.  
History: 2010 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
R 338.7139 Delegation of acts, tasks, or functions to a licensed or unlicensed  
individual; direct supervision of a licensed or unlicensed individual; requirements.  
Rule 39. (1) Pursuant to section 16215(6) of the code, MCL 333.16215, the  
requirements of this rule do not apply to a physical therapist who delegates to a physical  
therapist assistant if the physical therapist satisfies the requirements for delegation to a  
physical therapist assistant under R 338.7138.  
(2) Except as provided under subrule (1) of this rule, a physical therapist who delegates  
the performance of selected acts, tasks, or functions to a licensed or unlicensed individual  
under section 16215 of the code, MCL 333.16215, shall supervise the individual pursuant  
to section 16109(2) of the code, MCL 333.16109, in addition to providing direct  
supervision of the individual. As used in this rule, "direct supervision" means that the  
physical therapist is physically present and immediately available for direction and  
supervision when patients or clients are present at the time the act, task, or function is  
performed, and that the physical therapist has direct contact with the patient or client  
during each visit.  
(3) A physical therapist who delegates acts, tasks, or functions under subrule (2) of this  
rule shall also comply with all of the following:  
(a) Ensure the qualifications of the individual under the physical therapist's direct  
supervision, including verification of the individual's training and education.  
(b) Examine and evaluate the patient or client before delegating acts, tasks, or  
functions to be performed by the individual.  
(c) Directly supervise the individual to whom acts, tasks, or functions have been  
delegated.  
(d) Provide predetermined procedures and protocols for acts, tasks, or functions that  
have been delegated.  
(e) Maintain a record of the names of the individuals to whom acts, tasks, or functions  
have been delegated.  
(f) Monitor the individual's practice and provision of assigned acts, tasks, or functions.  
(g) Meet regularly and in person with the individual to whom acts, tasks, or functions  
have been delegated to evaluate the individual's performance, review records, and  
educate the individual on the acts, tasks, or functions that have been delegated.  
(4) A physical therapist shall not supervise more than 3 individuals under this rule at  
the same time.  
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(5) Under section 16171 of the code, MCL 333.16171, the requirements of subrule  
(3)(b) of this rule do not apply to a student enrolled in an accredited physical therapist or  
physical therapist assistant educational program approved by the board.  
History: 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
PART 4. PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANTS  
R 338.7141 Program accreditation standards; physical therapist assistant; adoption  
of standards by reference.  
Rule 41. (1) The standards and evaluative criteria for accreditation of physical therapist  
assistant educational programs set forth by CAPTE in the document entitled “PTA  
Standards and Required Elements” effective January 1, 2016 are adopted by reference in  
these rules. Copies of the evaluative criteria are available at no cost from CAPTE, 1111  
North Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314-1488 and on CAPTE’s website at  
http://www.capteonline.org. Copies of the evaluative criteria also are available for  
inspection and distribution at cost from the Board of Physical Therapy, Bureau of  
Professional Licensing, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, 611 West  
Ottawa, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909.  
(2) Any educational program for physical therapist assistants that is accredited by  
CAPTE meets the qualifications for an approved physical therapist assistant educational  
program.  
History: 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
R 338.7142 Licensure by examination; physical therapist assistant; requirements.  
Rule 42. (1) An applicant for a physical therapist assistant license by examination shall  
submit the required fee and a completed application on a form provided by the  
department. In addition to meeting the requirements of the code and these rules, an  
applicant shall meet all of the following requirements:  
(a) Graduate from an accredited physical therapist assistant educational program that  
meets the standards under R 338.7141.  
(b) Pass the NPTE for physical therapist assistants required under R 338.7145(1).  
(c) Achieve a converted score of not less than 75 on the Michigan Physical Therapist  
Assistant Jurisprudence Exam required under R 338.7145(2).  
(2) An applicant who graduated on or before January 1, 2008, from an accredited  
educational program that meets the standards under R 338.7141 is presumed to meet the  
requirements of this rule.  
History: 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
R 338.7143 Rescinded.  
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History: 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS.  
R 338.7144 Rescinded.  
History: 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS.  
R 338.7145 Examinations; physical therapist assistant; adoption and approval;  
passing score.  
Rule 45. (1) The board approves and adopts the NPTE for physical therapist assistants  
that was developed, administered, and scored by FSBPT. The board adopts the passing  
score recommended by FSBPT.  
(2) The board approves the Michigan Physical Therapist Assistant Jurisprudence Exam  
on laws and rules related to the practice of physical therapy in Michigan, which is  
administered by a third party approved by the department.  
History: 2010 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
R 338.7146 Physical therapist assistant examination; eligibility.  
Rule 46. (1) To be eligible for the NPTE for physical therapist assistants, an applicant  
shall meet 1 of the following requirements:  
(a) Graduate from an accredited physical therapist assistant educational program that  
meets the standards under R 338.7141.  
(b) Comply with the requirements under R 338.7147.  
(c) Verify that he or she is currently enrolled in the final semester, term, or quarter of  
an approved physical therapist assistant educational program and is expected to graduate.  
(2) An applicant who fails to achieve passing scores on the examinations required under  
R 338.7145(1) and (2) may retake the Michigan Physical Therapist Assistant  
Jurisprudence Exam without limitation and the NPTE for physical therapist assistants  
consistent with the FSBPT testing standards.  
History: 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
R 338.7147 Graduate of non-accredited postsecondary institution; physical  
therapist  
assistant; examination; eligibility.  
Rule 47. To ensure eligibility for examination, an applicant who graduated from a  
United States military or non-accredited physical therapist assistant educational program  
shall submit the required fee and a completed application on a form provided by the  
department. To be eligible for examination, an applicant shall comply with both of the  
following requirements:  
(a) Verify that he or she has completed a physical therapist or physical therapist  
assistant educational program that is substantially equivalent to a physical therapist  
assistant program that is accredited by CAPTE, as provided under R 338.7141. Evidence  
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of having completed a substantially equivalent physical therapist assistant educational  
program must include an evaluation of the applicant's non-accredited education through  
an evaluation that uses the FSBPT Coursework Tool for Foreign Educated Physical  
Therapist Assistants.  
(b) Demonstrate a working knowledge of the English language by satisfying the  
requirements under R 338.7135(b) if the applicant graduated from a nonaccredited  
physical therapist assistant educational program.  
History: 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
R 338.7148 Licensure by endorsement of physical therapist assistant; requirements.  
Rule 48. (1) An applicant for a physical therapist assistant license by endorsement shall  
submit the required fee and a completed application on a form provided by the  
department and satisfy the requirements of the code and this rule.  
(2) An applicant who was first licensed in another jurisdiction recognized by FSBPT  
and engaged in practice as a physical therapist assistant for 5 years or more immediately  
preceding the date of filing an application for a Michigan physical therapist assistant  
license shall satisfy both of the following requirements:  
(a) Pass the Michigan Physical Therapist Assistant Jurisprudence Exam required  
under R 338.7145(2).  
(b) Have passed the NPTE for physical therapist assistants required under R  
338.7145(1).  
(3) An applicant who was first licensed in another jurisdiction recognized by FSBPT  
and engaged in practice as a physical therapist assistant for less than 5 years immediately  
preceding the date of filing an application for a Michigan physical therapist assistant  
license shall satisfy the following requirements:  
(a) Have graduated from a physical therapist assistant educational program that meets  
the standards under R 338.7141 or graduate from a physical therapist or physical therapist  
assistant educational program determined to be substantially equivalent to such an  
educational program by satisfying the verification process under R 338.7147(a).  
(b) Pass the Michigan Physical Therapist Assistant Jurisprudence Exam required  
under R 338.7145(2).  
(c) Have passed the NPTE for physical therapist assistants required under R  
338.7145(1).  
(d) Demonstrate a working knowledge of the English language by satisfying the  
requirements under R 338.7135(b) if the applicant graduated from a nonaccredited  
physical therapist assistant educational program.  
(4) An applicant's license must be verified, on a form provided by the department, by  
the licensing agency of any jurisdiction recognized by FSBPT in which the applicant  
holds a current license or registration or ever held a license or registration as a physical  
therapist assistant. If applicable, verification must include the record of any disciplinary  
action taken or pending against the applicant.  
History: 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
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R 338.7149 Requirements for relicensure; physical therapist assistant.  
Rule 49. (1) An applicant whose license has lapsed for less than 3 years preceding the  
date of application for relicensure may be relicensed under section 16201(3) of the code,  
MCL 333.16201, if the applicant meets all of the following requirements:  
(a) Submits the required fee and a completed application on a form provided by the  
department.  
(b) Establishes that he or she is of good moral character as defined under section 1 of  
1974 PA 381, MCL 338.41.  
(c) Passes the Michigan Physical Therapist Assistant Jurisprudence Exam required  
under R 338.7145(2).  
(d) Complies with either of the following:  
(i) Submits proof to the department of accumulating not less than 24 PDR credits  
consistent with R 338.7161 to R 338.7165 during the 2 years immediately preceding the  
date of the application for relicensure. However, if the PDR credits submitted with the  
application are deficient, the applicant shall have 2 years from the date of the application  
to complete the deficient credits.  
(ii) Establishes that he or she has been employed as a physical therapist assistant in  
another jurisdiction recognized by FSBPT for a minimum of 500 hours during the 2-year  
period immediately preceding the date of application for relicensure.  
(2) An applicant whose license has lapsed for 3 years or more preceding the date of  
application for relicensure may be relicensed under section 16201(4) of the code, MCL  
333.16201, if the applicant meets all of the following requirements:  
(a) Submits the required fee and a completed application on a form provided by the  
department.  
(b) Establishes that he or she is of good moral character as defined under section 1 of  
1974 PA 381, MCL 338.41.  
(c) Submits fingerprints as set forth in section 16174(3) of the code, MCL 333.16174.  
(d) Passes the Michigan Physical Therapist Assistant Jurisprudence Exam required  
under R 338.7145(2).  
(e) Complies with either of the following:  
(i) Establishes that he or she has been employed as a physical therapist assistant in  
another jurisdiction recognized by FSBPT for a minimum of 500 hours during the 2-year  
period immediately preceding the date of application for relicensure.  
(ii) Passes the NPTE for physical therapist assistants required under R 338.7145(1).  
(3) An applicant’s license or registration must be verified by the licensing agency of  
any jurisdiction recognized by FSBPT in which the applicant holds a current license or  
registration or ever held a license or registration as a physical therapist assistant. If  
applicable, verification must include the record of any disciplinary action taken or  
pending against the applicant.  
History: 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
R 338.7150 Rescinded.  
History: 2010 AACS; 2015 AACS.  
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PART 5. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS  
R 338.7161 License renewals; requirements; applicability.  
Rule 61. (1) This part applies to applications for renewal of a physical therapist or  
physical therapist assistant license under sections 16201 and 17823 of the code, MCL  
333.16201 and 333.17823.  
(2) An applicant for license renewal who has been licensed for the 2-year period  
immediately preceding the expiration date of the license shall accumulate not less than 24  
PDR credits in activities approved by the board under these rules during the 2 years  
immediately preceding the expiration date of the license.  
(3) Submission of an application for renewal shall constitute the applicant’s  
certification of compliance with the requirements of this rule. A licensee shall retain  
documentation of meeting the requirements of this rule for 4 years from the date of  
applying for license renewal. Failure to comply with this rule is a violation of section  
16221(h) of the code, MCL 333.16221.  
(4) The requirements of this rule do not apply to a licensee during his or her initial  
licensure cycle.  
(5) The PDR requirements established in these rules meet the professional development  
requirements established under section 17823 of the code, MCL 333.17823.  
History: 2015 AACS; 2019 AACS.  
R 338.7163  
Acceptable professional development requirement activities;  
requirements; limitations.  
Rule 63. (1) The 24 PDR credits required under R 338.7161(2) for the renewal of a  
license shall meet the following requirements, as applicable:  
(a) No more than 12 PDR credits shall be earned for approved online continuing  
education programs or activities during one 24-hour period.  
(b) A licensee shall not earn PDR credit for a continuing education program or activity  
that is identical or substantially identical to a program or activity for which the licensee  
has already earned credit during that renewal period.  
(c) Pursuant to section 16204(2) of the code, MCL 333.16204, a licensee shall earn at  
least 1 PDR credit in the area of pain and symptom management by completing a  
continuing education program or activity. Credits in pain and symptom management may  
include, but are not limited to, courses in behavior management, psychology of pain,  
pharmacology, behavior modification, stress management, clinical applications, and drug  
interventions as they relate to the practice of physical therapy.  
(2) The board adopts by reference the procedures and criteria for recognizing  
accrediting organizations of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA),  
effective June 28, 2010, and the procedures and criteria for recognizing accrediting  
agencies of the United States Department of Education, effective July 1, 2010, as  
contained in The Secretary’s Recognition of Accrediting Agencies, 34 CFR 602.1 to 34  
CFR 602.50 (2018). Copies of the procedures and criteria of CHEA and the United States  
Department of Education are available for inspection and distribution at cost from the  
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Board of Physical Therapy, Bureau of Professional Licensing, Department of Licensing  
and Regulatory Affairs 611 West Ottawa, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909. CHEA’s  
procedures and criteria also may be obtained, from CHEA, One Dupont Circle NW, Suite  
510, Washington, DC 20036-1110 and at no cost from CHEA’s website at  
http://www.chea.org. The federal recognition criteria may be obtained at no cost from the  
United States Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education, 1990 K  
Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006 or from the department's website at www.ed.gov.  
(3) As used in this rule, “continuous instruction” means education or presentation time  
that does not include breakfast, lunch, or dinner periods, coffee breaks, or any other  
breaks in the activity or program.  
(4) Credit may be earned for any of the following activities:  
ACCEPTABLE PDR ACTIVITIES  
Activity  
Code  
1
Activity  
Number of PDR  
credits earned for activity  
The number of credits  
approved by the sponsor or  
the approving organization  
shall be granted.  
Completing an approved continuing education  
program or activity related to the practice of  
physical therapy or any non-clinical subject  
relevant to the practice of physical therapy. A  
continuing education program or activity is  
approved, regardless of the format in which it is When the sponsor or  
offered, if it is approved or offered for  
continuing education credit by any of the  
following:  
approving organization  
calculates credit at a rate of  
0.1 credit for every 50 to 60  
minutes of continuous  
instruction then 0.1 credit  
shall equal 1 PDR credit.  
• Another state board of physical therapy.  
• Another board or task force regulated  
under article 15 of the code, MCL  
333.16101 to 333.18838.  
A maximum of 20 PDR  
credits may be earned for  
this activity in each renewal  
period.  
• FSBPT.  
• The American Physical Therapy  
Association (APTA) or its components.  
APTA components include the  
Michigan Physical Therapy Association  
and other APTA Chapters, APTA  
Sections, and APTA Academies.  
• An accredited physical therapist  
educational program that meets the  
standards under R 338.7131.  
• An accredited physical therapist  
assistant educational program that meets  
the standards under R 338.7141.  
If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy of a  
letter or certificate of completion showing the  
licensee’s name, number of credits earned,  
sponsor name or the name of the organization  
that approved the program or activity for  
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continuing education credit, and the date or  
dates on which the program was held or activity  
completed.  
2
Passing a postgraduate academic course related Fifteen PDR credits shall be  
to the practice of physical therapy offered by  
either of the following:  
granted for each semester  
credit earned and 10 PDR  
credits shall be granted for  
each quarter or term credit  
earned.  
• An accredited physical therapist  
educational program that meets the  
standards under R 338.7131.  
• A nationally accredited university or  
college that meets the standards in  
subsection (2) of this rule.  
A maximum of 20 PDR  
credits may be earned for  
this activity in each renewal  
period.  
If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy of the  
transcript showing credit hours of the academic  
courses related to physical therapy.  
3
Reading an article related to the practice of  
physical therapy in a professional or scientific  
journal.  
One PDR credit shall be  
granted for each article.  
A maximum of 6 PDR  
This activity does not include articles that are  
credits may be earned for  
approved for PDR credit under activity code 1. this activity in each renewal  
period.  
To receive credit, a licensee shall successfully  
complete an evaluation that was provided with  
the article or the general response form  
provided by the department as an evaluative  
component for this activity.  
If audited, a licensee shall submit  
documentation from the professional or  
scientific journal or a copy of the completed  
general response form to verify that he or she  
completed an evaluation.  
4
Viewing or listening to media devoted to  
professional education related to the practice of shall be granted for every  
physical therapy, other than on-line programs, 30 minutes of continuous  
One-half of 1 PDR credit  
that was not approved or offered for continuing instruction  
education credit.  
A maximum of 6 PDR  
To receive credit, a licensee shall successfully  
complete an evaluation that was provided with  
the educational media or the general response  
form provided by the department as an  
credits may be earned for  
this activity in each renewal  
period.  
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evaluative component for this activity.  
If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy of the  
completed evaluation or completed general  
response form to verify that he or she  
completed an evaluation, and identify the title  
of the media, the name of the publisher of the  
media, the date the media was published or  
copyrighted, and the length of the media.  
Presenting a continuing education program  
related to the practice of physical therapy.  
5
Two PDR credits shall be  
granted for every 50  
minutes of continuous  
instruction. A presentation  
shall not be less than 50  
minutes in length.  
To receive credit, the presentation shall be  
approved or offered for continuing education  
credit by any of the following:  
• Another state board of physical therapy.  
• Another board or task force regulated  
under article 15 of the code, MCL  
333.16101 to 333.18838.  
A maximum of 12 PDR  
credits may be earned for  
this activity in each renewal  
period.  
• FSBPT.  
• APTA or its components. APTA  
components include the Michigan  
Physical Therapy Association and other  
APTA Chapters, APTA Sections and  
APTA Academies.  
• An accredited physical therapist  
educational program that meets the  
standards under R 338.7131.  
• An accredited physical therapist  
assistant educational program that meets  
the standards under R 338.7141.  
If audited, a licensee shall submit a letter from  
the program sponsor confirming the licensee as  
the presenter and the presentation date and  
time, or a copy of the presentation notice or  
advertisement showing the date of the  
presentation, the licensee’s name listed as a  
presenter, and the name of the organization that  
approved or offered the presentation for  
continuing education credit.  
6
Presenting a scientific exhibit or scientific  
paper accepted for presentation through a peer  
review process at a state, regional, national, or  
Two PDR credits shall be  
granted for every 50  
minutes of continuous  
international physical therapy conference, or its instruction.  
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components, or a related professional  
organization.  
A maximum of 12 PDR  
credits may be earned for  
If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy of the this activity in each renewal  
document presented with evidence of  
presentation or a letter from the program  
sponsor verifying the exhibit or paper was  
accepted for presentation through a peer review  
process and the date of the presentation.  
Writing an article related to the practice,  
education, or research of physical therapy that  
is published in any of the following:  
• The journal of a national physical  
therapy association or its components.  
• A peer-reviewed journal.  
period.  
7
Six PDR credits shall be  
granted for each article.  
A maximum of 12 PDR  
credits may be earned for  
this activity in each renewal  
period.  
• A health care journal.  
• A professional or scientific journal.  
If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy of the  
publication that identifies the licensee as the  
author of the article or a publication acceptance  
letter.  
8
Writing a chapter related to the practice,  
education, or research of physical therapy that  
is published in a book.  
Six PDR credits shall be  
granted for each chapter.  
A maximum of 12 PDR  
If audited, a licensee shall submit a copy of the credits may be earned for  
publication that identifies the licensee as the  
author of the chapter or a publication  
acceptance letter.  
this activity in each renewal  
period.  
9
Successfully completing 1 of the following:  
• An American Board of Physical  
Therapy Specialties (ABPTS)  
Twenty-three PDR credits  
shall be granted for each  
successful completion.  
certification examination.  
A maximum of 23 PDR  
credits may be earned for  
this activity in each renewal  
period.  
• An ABPTS recertification examination.  
• The APTA’s PTA Advanced  
Proficiency Pathways Program.  
If audited, a licensee shall submit proof of  
certification or recertification.  
10  
Participating as a student for a minimum of  
1,000 hours in any of the following:  
Twelve PDR credits shall  
be granted for 1,000 hours  
of participation.  
• A postgraduate clinical training program  
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related to the practice of physical  
therapy provided through or recognized A maximum of 12 PDR  
by an accredited physical therapist  
educational program that meets the  
standards under R 338.7131.  
credits may be earned for  
this activity in each renewal  
period.  
• A postgraduate clinical training program  
related to the practice of physical  
therapy provided through or recognized  
by an accredited physical therapist  
assistant educational program that meets  
the standards under R 338.7141.  
• A postgraduate clinical training program  
related to the practice of physical  
therapy offered through a health care  
organization accredited by an  
organization recognized by the Centers  
for Medicare and Medicaid Services.  
• A postgraduate clinical training program  
related to the practice of physical  
therapy that is accredited or credentialed  
by the APTA or an organization  
approved by the board.  
If audited, a licensee shall submit a letter from  
the program director verifying the number of  
hours the licensee participated in the clinical  
training program and that the program was  
provided, offered, or accredited by an  
educational program or organization that meets  
the requirements of this rule.  
11  
Participation in a health care organization  
One PDR credit shall be  
committee, physical therapy or physical therapy granted for every 50  
assistant educational program, or task force  
dealing with patient care related issues, which  
may include physical therapy education,  
research, or practice or quality of patient care  
and utilization review.  
minutes of participation.  
A maximum of 6 PDR  
credits may be earned for  
this activity in each renewal  
period.  
If audited, a licensee shall submit a letter from  
an appropriate official representing the  
committee, educational program, or task force  
verifying that the committee, educational  
program, or task force dealt with patient care  
related issues, which may include physical  
therapy education, research, or practice or  
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quality of patient care and utilization review.  
The letter must also include the dates and the  
amount of time the licensee participated on  
each date.  
12  
Serving as a guest instructor of students, staff,  
or other licensees at any of the following:  
• A clinical training program related to  
the practice of physical therapy  
Two PDR credits shall be  
granted for every 50  
minutes of continuous  
instruction.  
provided through or recognized by an  
accredited physical therapist educational  
program that meets the standards under  
R 338.7131.  
A maximum of 12 PDR  
credits may be earned for  
this activity in each renewal  
period.  
• A clinical training program related to  
the practice of physical therapy  
provided through or recognized by an  
accredited physical therapist assistant  
educational program that meets the  
standards under R 338.7141.  
• A clinical training program related to  
the practice of physical therapy offered  
through a health care organization  
accredited by an organization  
recognized by the Centers for Medicare  
and Medicaid Services.  
• A clinical training program related to  
the practice of physical therapy that is  
accredited or credentialed by APTA or  
an organization approved by the board.  
If audited, a licensee shall submit a letter from  
the program director verifying the licensee’s  
role, the number of instructional sessions on  
specific subjects provided by the licensee, and  
the length of the instructional sessions. Also,  
the letter shall verify that the clinical training  
program was provided, offered, or accredited  
by an educational program or organization that  
meets the requirements of this rule.  
13  
Serving as a clinical instructor or clinical  
supervisor for students completing an  
internship, residency, or fellowship program  
that is recognized or approved by any of the  
following:  
Three PDR credits shall be  
granted for 40 hours of  
clinical instruction or  
supervision.  
A maximum of 12 PDR  
• An accredited educational program for  
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