Bill > HB3824

This bill updates Oregon's laws governing physical therapy practice, making several key changes to licensing, professional conduct, and regulatory oversight. The bill expands the Oregon Board of Physical Therapy's powers, including the ability to approve national examinations for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, require criminal background checks, and establish new reporting requirements. It introduces provisions for dry needling as a permissible technique for physical therapists, clarifies supervision standards, and adds more detailed definitions of professional terms like "competence" and "consultation". The bill also establishes new grounds for disciplinary action, including provisions related to examination integrity, sexual misconduct, and professional ethics. Additionally, the legislation updates requirements for license renewal, reinstatement, and creates new reporting obligations for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, such as promptly reporting changes in contact information. The changes are set to become operative on July 1, 2027, and aim to enhance public safety, professional standards, and regulatory oversight in the field of physical therapy.