The Board proposes an amendment that updates and clarifies the rule language for continuing education.

 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Board of Physical Therapy Practice

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

64B17-9.001Continuing Education

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The Board proposes an amendment that updates and clarifies the rule language for continuing education.

SUMMARY: The proposed rule amendment clarifies the language for continuing education.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: During discussion of the economic impact of this rule at its Board meeting, the Board concluded that this rule change will not have any impact on licensees and their businesses or the businesses that employ them. The rule will not increase any fees, business costs, personnel costs, will not decrease profit opportunities, and will not require any specialized knowledge to comply. This change will not increase any direct or indirect regulatory costs. Hence, the Board determined that a Statement of Estimated Regulatory Costs (SERC) was not necessary and that the rule will not require ratification by the Legislature. No person or interested party submitted additional information regarding the economic impact at that time.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 456.013(6), 486.025, 486.109(5) FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 456.013(6), 486.109, 486.125(3) FS.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Allen Hall, Executive Director, Board of Physical Therapy Practice, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C05, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3252, or by email at [e-mail].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

64B17-9.001 Continuing Education.

(1) Every person licensed pursuant to Chapter 486, F.S., shall be required to complete twenty-four contact hours of continuing education courses approved by the Board in the twenty-four months preceding each biennial renewal period as established by the Department. With the exception of the required courses in the prevention of medical errors and HIV/AIDS, applicants who become licensed in the second half of the biennium are exempt from this continuing education requirement for their first renewal.

(a) Continuing Education for licensure renewal shall consist of a minimum of twelve (12) hours of formal live lecture format or via approved webinar. An approved webinar must be recognized pursuant to paragraphs 64B17-9.001(7)(b) and (c), F.A.C., and must meet the following conditions:

1. The webinar must contain specific relevant learning objectives,

2. The webinar must provide for an interactive format,

3. The webinar must provide for a post-course assessment; and,

4. The webinar provider must ensure attendance.

Web based, satellite transmitted, video or audio transmitted, or on-line instruction programs offered in real-time which allow participants to communicate with an instructor during the presentation of the program are considered live.

(b) The Board will accept a maximum of twelve (12) contact hours taken via self-paced format during each biennium. Self-paced format is independent study and requires a certificate of completion and an examination. These courses may include, but are not limited to, digital media courses, mail-order courses, courses with pre-recorded video instruction, pre-programmed computer sources, smart phone applications, home study, directed study and other self-education courses.

(2) through (3) No Change.

(4) The Board will accept up to twelve contact hours for home study during a biennium.

(5) through (6) renumbered (4) through (5) No Change.

(6)(7) The Board recognizes continuing education credit for the following:

(a) through (b) No Change.

(c) Courses sponsored or approved by the Florida Physical Therapy Association, so long as they meet the criteria set forth in paragraphs subsection 64B17-9.001(1)(a)-(b) (3), F.A.C., above.

(d) through (f) No Change.

(8) through (9) renumbered (7) through (8) No Change.

Rulemaking Authority 456.013(6), 456.013(9), 486.025, 486.109(5) FS. Law Implemented 456.013(6), 456.013(9), 486.109, 486.125(3) FS. History–New 4-6-92, Formerly 21MM-9.001, Amended 3-7-94, Formerly 61F11-9.001, Amended 12-5-95, Formerly 59Y-9.001, Amended 2-14-02, 4-21-02, 1-2-03, 6-28-04, 4-9-06, 5-28-06, 2-17-08, 5-21-09, 8-10-09, 6-30-10, 9-23-10, 12-24-13, 11-23-14, 9-20-15, 10-23-17, 2-24-21, 8-10-21, 4-10-23, 12-4-23,                         .

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Board of Physical Therapy Practice

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Board of Physical Therapy Practice

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: May 10, 2024

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: September 18, 2024