54.1-3474 - Unlawful to practice without license; continuing competency requirements.

§ 54.1-3474. Unlawful to practice without license; continuing competencyrequirements.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to practice physical therapy or as aphysical therapist assistant in the Commonwealth without a valid unrevokedlicense issued by the Board.

B. The Board shall promulgate regulations establishing requirements to ensurecontinuing competency of physical therapists and physical therapistassistants, which may include continuing education, testing, or such otherrequirements as the Board may determine to be necessary.

C. In promulgating continuing competency requirements, the Board shallconsider (i) the need to promote ethical practice, (ii) an appropriatestandard of care, (iii) patient safety, (iv) application of new medicaltechnology, (v) appropriate communication with patients, and (vi) knowledgeof the changing health care system.

D. The Board may approve persons who provide or accredit programs to ensurecontinuing competency.

(2000, c. 688; 2001, c. 858.)