DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS

DIRECTOR’S OFFICE

PHYSICAL THERAPY – GENERAL RULES

Filed with the secretary of state on December 20, 2019

These rules take effect immediately upon filing with the secretary of state unless adopted

under section 33, 44, or 45a(6) of the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA

306, MCL 24.233, 24.244, or 24.245a. Rules adopted under these sections become

effective 7 days after filing with the secretary of state.

(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 338.7121, R 338.7122, R 338.7126, R 338.7131, R 338.7132, R 338.7133, R 338.7134,

R 338.7135, R 338.7136, R 338.7137, R 338.7138, R 338.7139, R 338.7141, R 338.7142,

R 338.7145, R 338.7146, R 338.7147, R 338.7148, R 338.7149, R 338.7161, and R

338.7163 of the Michigan Administrative Code are amended, and R 338.7124 is

rescinded, as follows:

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.

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.

September 13, 2019

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(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.

R 338.7124 Rescinded.

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.

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(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.

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.

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).

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.

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:

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(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.

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.

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).

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(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.

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

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.

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(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.

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.

(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.

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

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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.

(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.

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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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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

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.

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.

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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.

PART 5. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS

R 338.7161 License renewals; requirements; applicability.

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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.

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

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.

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(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

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

13

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.

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

14

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.

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

period.

15

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.

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:

 A postgraduate clinical training program

related to the practice of physical

Twelve PDR credits shall

be granted for 1,000 hours

of participation.

A maximum of 12 PDR

credits may be earned for

this activity in each renewal

period.

therapy provided through or recognized

by an accredited physical therapist

educational program that meets the

standards under R 338.7131.

 A postgraduate clinical training program

related to the practice of physical

16

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

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:

Two PDR credits shall be

granted for every 50

17

minutes of continuous

instruction.

 A clinical training program related to

the practice of physical therapy

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

credits may be earned for

this activity in each renewal

period.

 An accredited educational program for

physical therapists that meets the

standards under R 338.7131.

 An accredited educational program for

physical therapist assistants that meets

the standards under R 338.7141.

 APTA or an organization approved by

the board.

18

If audited, a licensee shall submit a letter from

the educational program or clinical agency

director verifying the licensee’s role, the

number of hours of instruction or supervision

provided by the licensee, and that the

internship, residency, or fellowship program is

recognized or approved by an educational

program or organization that meets the

requirements of this rule.

14

Identifying, researching, and addressing an

event or issue related to professional practice.

One PDR credit shall be

granted for each separate

event or issue.

If audited, a licensee shall submit a completed

experiential activity form provided by the

department for each issue or event.

A maximum of 6 PDR

credits may be earned for

this activity in each renewal

period.

15

Participating on an international, national,

regional, state, state component, or local task

Four PDR credits shall be

granted for participation on

force, committee, board, council, or association each task force, committee,

related to the field of physical therapy that is

considered acceptable by the board. A task

force, committee, board, council, or association

is considered acceptable if it enhances the

participant’s knowledge and understanding of

the field of physical therapy.

board, council, or

association.

A maximum of 12 PDR

credits may be earned for

this activity in each renewal

period.

If audited, a licensee shall submit

documentation verifying the licensee’s

participation in at least 50% of the regularly

scheduled meetings of the task force,

committee, board, council, or association.

16

Participating as a surveyor for an external

agency in a program involving the

One PDR credit shall be

granted for every 50

accreditation, certification, or inspection of an

educational program for physical therapists or

physical therapist assistants or a certification

process for a clinical agency.

minutes of participation.

A maximum of 12 PDR

credits may be earned for

this activity in each renewal

period.

If audited, a licensee shall submit a letter from

the accreditation, certification, or inspection

program verifying the licensee’s participation,

19

the location of the inspections, and the number

of hours the licensee spent participating as a

surveyor.

17

Performing volunteer work related to the field

One PDR credit shall be

of physical therapy without reimbursement in a granted for every 50

public or nonprofit entity.

minutes of volunteer work

performed.

If audited, a licensee shall submit a letter from

an official at the public or nonprofit entity

verifying the number of hours and the type of

volunteer work performed by the licensee.

A maximum of 6 PDR

credits may be earned for

this activity in each renewal

period.

18

Serving as a center or site coordinator of

clinical education at an agency that provides

clinical internships for students enrolled in

programs that are recognized or approved by

either of the following:

Two PDR credits shall be

granted per year of serving

as the coordinator.

A maximum of 4 PDR

credits may be earned for

this activity in each renewal

period.

 An accredited educational program for

physical therapists that meets the

standards under R 338.7131.

 An accredited educational program for

physical therapist assistants that meets

the standards under R 338.7141.

If audited, a licensee shall submit a letter from

the educational program or clinical agency

director verifying the licensee’s role and that

students were placed and participated in the

internship program during the time for which

the licensee is claiming PDR credit.

19

Completing a self-review tool that is developed Three PDR credits shall be

by FSBPT

granted for each

completion.

To receive credit, a licensee shall submit

documentation from FSBPT verifying

completion of the self-review tool.

A maximum of 3 PDR

credits may be earned for

this activity in each renewal

period.

(5) A request for a continuing education waiver pursuant to section 16205(1) of the

code, MCL 333.16205, must be received by the department before the expiration date of

the license.