The Most Common Threats to a Physical Therapy License

 Posted on September 06, 2024 in Chiropractor/ Physical Therapist License Defense

It takes a lot of work to earn a physical therapy license, but it also takes work to maintain it. Aside from meeting requirements like continuing education, physical therapists sometimes must defend their licenses from allegations of misconduct, billing errors, and other issues that can place their practice in jeopardy.

Professionals who fail to adequately fend off charges of wrongdoing can face disciplinary action from the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation’s (IDFPR) Physical Licensing and Disciplinary Board. Such actions may include license suspension or revocation.

This article will explore some of the most common reasons physical therapists receive disciplinary actions, as well as how to contact an Illinois physical therapy license defense attorney.

What Are Some Common Risks to a Physical Therapy License?

Physical therapists face risks to their license that can be administrative or related to patient interaction. For example:

• Improper monitoring of aides: Physical therapists are responsible for the conduct of their aides and assistants. Failure to properly monitor a Physical Therapy Aide can lead to a patient injury or an accusation of misconduct.
• Sexual abuse: Physical therapy often involves extensive physical touching of the patient. This sometimes results in allegations of sexual misconduct or abuse.
• Prescription violations: Physical therapists are limited in the medications they can prescribe. An accusation of prescribing medications outside the license can result in serious disciplinary action.
• Sister state complaints: Sometimes the IDFPR disciplines a professional because of a complaint in another state. For example, a physical therapist accused of sexual abuse in Wisconsin may also face disciplinary action in Illinois.
• Elder abuse: Physical therapy patients often include the elderly, who may suffer from a number of frailties. This can sometimes lead to accusations of elder abuse.
• Inaccurate record-keeping: A physical therapist has a responsibility to maintain proper documentation. Not doing so can result in an investigation and even allegations of fraud.
• Criminal convictions: One of the requirements for becoming a physical therapist in Illinois is being "of good moral character." A criminal conviction in any state can lead to the suspension or revocation of a physical therapy license.

How Can I Defend Against Threats to My Physical Therapy License?

There are two excellent ways to defend against threats to your physical therapy license. The first is to gather as much evidence as possible to prove the charges are false. It is important to always keep accurate and meticulous documentation, particularly of your interactions with patients.

The second way is to hire an attorney who has experience in defending professional licenses. These lawyers not only have a deep understanding of the disciplinary process but can also guide you in gathering the evidence you need.

Contact an Illinois Physical Therapy License Defense Attorney

At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc., we have over 16 years of experience defending professional licenses and excel at protecting physical therapy practices. Let us create a legal strategy that is tailored to your case and designed to achieve the best possible outcome. Schedule a free consultation with an Illinois physical therapy license defense lawyer by calling 630-310-1267 today.