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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 second stage of the complaint process; Investigation. A general time-line for the investigation stage is as follows:
1. The Board staff initiates an investigation into the allegations behind the complaint.
2. An investigation can include interviews, medical record review, and an inspection of the facility where the allegation occurred.
3. The Board staff prepares the file for presentation to the Board.
4. The file is first reviewed by the Board at a regular session public meeting.
5. A review of the complaint is scheduled for the next available Board meeting.
The third stage of the Arizona Board of Physical Therapy complaint process, Board Review, will be analyzed next.
If you have a question about an Arizona Board of Physical Therapy complaint contact Attorney Robert Chelle.
