PTBC Licensing Enforcement Terms and Definitions

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Citations & Disciplinary Actions

Disclaimer

The Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBC) provides information regarding administrative and disciplinary actions for immediate access and the convenience of interested persons.

Access the DCA License Search to verify if a licensed Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant has had any disciplinary action taken against his/her license or to verify the status of a license. The information is updated in real time and is available 24/7.

Most administrative and disciplinary actions are available in PDF format for downloading. To request copies of documents not available through DCA License Search, contact us.

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive monthly reports of all disciplinary actions taken by the Board.

Explanation of Administrative

Citation & Fine Language

A Citation and Fine is an enforcement method by which the Physical Therapy Board of California may address relatively minor violations of the practice act that would not necessarily warrant discipline in order to protect the public. Citation and fine Orders ARE NOT disciplinary actions but are matters of public record. Citations remain on a licensee's file for five years and are then purged. By law, payment of a fine is considered satisfactory resolution of all violations contained in the citation.

Citation Ordered —A means of addressing relatively minor violations. No monetary fine levied. Citation and Fine Ordered —A means of addressing relatively minor violations with a monetary fine levied. Citation Paid in Full —Fine levied paid in full, representing satisfactory resolution of the matter for purposes of public disclosure.

Explanation of

Disciplinary Language

Accusation —Charges filed against a licensee alleging violation(s) of the Physical Therapy Practice Act. Decision —The Order issued by the Board in a disciplinary action. Stipulated Decision —A Settlement agreed to by the parties in lieu of a formal hearing to resolve the accusation and impose discipline. Proposed Decision —A document which contains the determination of issues, findings of fact and proposed order of an administrative law judge after the conclusion of an administrative hearing. Default Decision —Licensee fails to respond to an Accusation by filing a Notice of Defense or fails to appear at administrative hearing. Initial Probationary License —The Board may in its sole discretion issue a probationary license to any applicant for licensure who is guilty of unprofessional conduct but who has met all other requirements for licensure. An IPL is not considered disciplinary action and is removed from the record upon completion of probation. The IPL is posted on the Board’s website only during the period of probation Interim Suspension Order —An order issued upon petition by the Board, suspending a licensee from all or a specified part of their practice of, or assisting in the provision of, physical therapy. Petition to Revoke Probation —Charges filed against a probationer seeking revocation of their physical therapy or physical therapy assistant license based upon violation(s) of probation Probation Term Completed —Licensee completed the probationary period successfully Probation Tolled —The licensee is not currently working as required in his/her probationary terms. The probationary period of time served does not begin until the probationer commences practice in California. Public Letter of Reprimand —In lieu of filing a formal accusation, the Board may, pursuant to B&P Code, section 2660.3, upon stipulation or agreement by the licensee, issue a public letter of reprimand. If the licensee does not agree to the issuance of the letter, the Board shall not issue the letter and may proceed to file a formal accusation. A public letter of reprimand is considered disciplinary action. Public Reproval —A formal public reproval, pursuant to B&P Code, section 495, may be issued for an act constituting grounds for suspension or revocation of a license. This requires filing of a formal accusation. A public reproval is considered disciplinary action Revoked —The license is revoked as a result of disciplinary action rendered by the Board, and the licensee is prohibited from engaging in the practice, or assisting in the provision, of physical therapy. Revoked, Stayed, Probation —"Stayed" means the revocation is postponed, put off. Professional practice may continue so long as the licensee complies with specific probationary terms and conditions. Violation of probation may result in the revocation that was postponed. Statement of Issues —Charges filed against an applicant to deny licensure due to alleged violation(s) of the Physical Therapy Practice Act. If found to be true, the charges may result in discipline. Surrender of License —The licensee surrenders their license to the Board, subject to acceptance of the surrendered license by the Board, and the licensee is prohibited from engaging in the practice of, or assisting in the provision, of physical therapy. Suspension —The licensee is prohibited from engaging in the practice, or engaging in the practice, or assisting in the provision, of physical therapy for a specific period of time.