Being unable to practice physical therapy with reasonable skill and safety to patients by reason of illness or use of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, chemicals, or any other type of material or as a result of any mental or physical condition.

• The State Surgeon General or the State Surgeon General’s designee that probable cause exists to believe that the licensee is unable to practice physical therapy due to the reasons stated in this paragraph, the department shall have the authority to compel a PT or PTA to submit to a mental or physical examination by a physician designated by the department. If the licensee refuses to comply with such order, the department’s order directing such examination may be enforced by filing a petition for enforcement in the circuit court where the licensee resides or serves as a PT or PTA. The licensee against whom the petition is filed shall not be named or identified by initials in any public court records or documents, and the proceedings shall be closed to the public. The department shall be entitled to the summary procedure.
• A PT or PTA whose license is suspended or revoked, at reasonable intervals, be given an opportunity to demonstrate that she or he can resume the competent practice of physical therapy with reasonable skill and safety to patients.
• Neither the record of proceeding nor the orders entered by the board in any proceeding under this subsection may be used against a PT or PTA in any other proceeding.

Having committed fraud in the practice of physical therapy or deceit in obtaining a license as a PT or as a PTA.

Being convicted or found guilty regardless of adjudication, of a crime in any jurisdiction which directly relates to the practice of physical therapy or to the ability to practice physical therapy. The entry of any plea of nolo contendere shall be considered a conviction.

Having treated or undertaken to treat human ailments by means other than by physical therapy.

Failing to maintain acceptable standards of physical therapy practice as set forth by the board in rules adopted.

Having a license revoked or suspended; having had other disciplinary action taken against her or him; or having had her or his application for a license refused, revoked, or suspended by the licensing authority of another state, territory, or country.

Violating a lawful order of the board or department previously entered in a disciplinary hearing.

Making or filing a report or record which the licensee knows to be false. Such reports or records shall include only those which are signed in the capacity of a PT.

Practicing or offering to practice beyond the scope permitted by law or accepting and performing professional responsibilities which the licensee knows or has reason to know that she or he is not competent to perform, including, but not limited to, specific spinal manipulation.

Violating any provision of this chapter or chapter 456, or any rules adopted pursuant thereto.

Reference

Fla. Stat. § 486.125