Indiana Administrative Code Title 842 - INDIANA BOARD OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
Indiana Administrative Code – Title 842
Indiana Board of Physical Therapy
Overview
Title 842 establishes the Indiana Board of Physical Therapy, which regulates the licensing, education, practice, and professional conduct of physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in Indiana.
Its purpose is to ensure that physical therapy services are provided by qualified, competent, and ethical practitioners to protect public health and safety.
Key Components of Title 842
1. Establishment of the Board
Creates the Indiana Board of Physical Therapy as the state authority.
The Board consists of members such as:
Licensed physical therapists,
Licensed physical therapist assistants,
Public representatives (to protect consumer interests).
The Board has power to:
Adopt rules,
Grant, renew, suspend, or revoke licenses,
Conduct disciplinary hearings,
Set standards for practice and education.
2. Licensing Requirements
To be licensed as a Physical Therapist (PT) or Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), applicants must:
Be of good moral character.
Graduate from a Board-approved PT/PTA program.
Pass a Board-approved national examination.
Submit an application and pay licensing fees.
3. Examinations
The Board establishes examination rules for PT and PTA candidates.
Applicants must demonstrate:
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and pathology.
Competence in therapeutic techniques, rehabilitation methods, and patient care.
Professional ethics and laws governing practice.
4. Scope of Practice
Title 842 defines what physical therapists and assistants can and cannot do.
PTs:
Examine, evaluate, and diagnose movement dysfunction.
Develop and implement treatment plans.
Use therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, electrotherapy, and other modalities.
Supervise PTAs.
PTAs:
Assist PTs in implementing treatment plans.
Cannot independently evaluate or alter treatment plans.
5. Standards of Professional Conduct
PTs and PTAs must follow ethical rules, including:
Acting in the patient’s best interest.
Maintaining confidentiality.
Avoiding fraud, misrepresentation, or conflicts of interest.
Practicing only within their competence.
No exploitation of patients for financial or personal gain.
6. License Renewal & Continuing Education
PT and PTA licenses are issued for a set term (often 2 years).
Renewal requires:
Payment of renewal fees.
Completion of continuing education (CE) hours in approved courses.
CE ensures practitioners remain up to date with new treatment methods, ethics, and safety standards.
7. Disciplinary Actions
The Board may take action against a PT or PTA for:
Fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a license.
Professional incompetence or negligence.
Substance abuse impairing ability to practice.
Violation of ethical or legal standards.
Disciplinary measures include:
Fines,
Probation,
License suspension,
License revocation.
8. Complaints, Hearings & Enforcement
Any member of the public may file a complaint against a PT or PTA.
The Board investigates, holds hearings, and determines penalties.
Practitioners have the right to defend themselves in hearings.
Purpose of Title 842
The main goals are:
Protect Indiana citizens by ensuring physical therapy is delivered safely and effectively.
License only qualified professionals who meet educational and examination standards.
Promote high ethical and professional standards.
Provide an enforcement system for misconduct or incompetence.
✅ In summary:
Indiana Administrative Code Title 842 – Indiana Board of Physical Therapy establishes the Board as Indiana’s authority over PT and PTA licensing and practice. It covers licensing, examinations, professional standards, continuing education, scope of practice, disciplinary rules, and consumer protections.
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