Image by Omar Barcena
The Arizona Board of Physical Therapy (“Board”) administers all investigations and complaints regarding licensed physical therapists and certified physical therapist assistants in Arizona. The Board imposes disciplinary action if they determine that a violation has occurred. The Board has issued a list of Frequently Asked Questions that sheds some light on the complaint process. An investigation by the Board is initiated when; 1) a complaint is filed, 2) self-reporting, and 3) when an organization is required by law to report a possible violation to the Board. The Board’s Complaint Review Process can be broken down into:
1. Filing a Complaint
2. Investigation
3. Board Review
4. Disciplinary Action
This post will examine the third stage of the complaint process; Board Review. A general time-line for the board review stage is as follows:
1. The initial Board review is scheduled during a regular session public meeting.
2. The Board reviews the complaint, response and relevant medical records.
3. Both parties are notified and are given the opportunity to address the Board during the meeting.
4. The professional may be represented by legal counsel in front of the Board.
5. At the initial review the Board will make one of the following determinations:
- Dismiss the complaint due to lack of evidence/substance
- Continue further investigation
- Vote to move the matter to an informal or formal hearing
The final stage of the complaint process, Disciplinary Action, will be discussed in the next post.
If you have a question about an Arizona Board of Physical Therapy complaint contact Attorney Robert Chelle.
