KentuckyHB 482026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT relating to physical therapy.

Sponsored By: Amy Neighbors (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Boards And CommissionsHealth And Medical ServicesLicensingOccupations And ProfessionsState Agencies

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

13 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 8 mixed.

License path for foreign‑trained therapists

The Board licenses foreign‑educated PTs and PTAs who meet clear rules. You must show your education matches U.S. programs and your school is recognized. You must pass Board exams, pass an English test if needed, and complete 3 to 6 months of supervised practice or an approved alternative. You must be legally allowed to live and work in the U.S. and have been authorized to practice where you trained. The Board can approve screening and credential services, and can waive some steps for preapproved programs or endorsement under its rules.

Stricter rules and fines for unlicensed PT

It is illegal to practice or claim to practice physical therapy without a Kentucky license or compact privilege. You cannot use PT titles or bill for physical therapy unless a licensed PT provides or supervises the care. The law defines key terms so providers know what counts as physical therapy. The Board sets fine ranges by rule, and each day a violation continues is a separate offense. The Board can ask a local court to stop unlicensed practice.

Violators pay board's investigative and legal costs

If the Board finds you violated the law, it can fine you the amount of its investigative and legal costs. This is on top of any other fines or penalties. This can increase the total cost of a violation for individuals and clinics.

Stronger discipline and privacy in PT cases

The Board can refuse, suspend, revoke, limit, or place a license on probation, and issue reprimands or private admonishments after notice and hearing. Sexual contact with an active patient or that patient’s parent/guardian is discipline unless a consensual relationship existed before care; nonconsensual contact and sexual harassment are also discipline. The Board must set fair procedures for sexual‑misconduct cases to avoid revictimizing or harming those falsely accused. “Conviction” includes deferred outcomes and certain pleas when they affect safe practice. Some records may be expunged and private admonishments are not public records. The Board can order an immediate temporary suspension if there is reasonable cause of impairment or immediate danger.

Clear rules to get or regain PT license

The Board licenses you as a PT or PTA when you pass the Board-set exam and meet all qualifications. If your license lapsed three years or less, you can reinstate by paying the renewal fee and a Board-set reinstatement fee. If it lapsed more than three years, you must show you can practice competently, and the Board may require extra steps by regulation. If your license was suspended or revoked, the Board holds a hearing and can reinstate you if you prove competency and ethics. The Board may set reasonable limits on your practice as a condition of reinstatement.

Help for impaired PTs plus renewal fee

The Board creates a committee to find, treat, and help rehabilitate impaired PTs and PTAs. It may contract with nonprofits to run the program. Committee records and proceedings are confidential and not public, and participants and good‑faith informants have legal immunity. The committee may share information only for treatment, with written consent, or by court order. An assessment fee is added to every license renewal to fund this program; the Board sets the amount by rule.

New PT license steps and checks

To get a Kentucky PT or PTA license, you must finish an accredited program and pay a nonrefundable application fee. The Board holds the licensure exam in Kentucky at least once each year. All applicants must complete state and FBI fingerprint background checks. If you are admitted to the exam, you can get a provisional license until scores are posted. The Board can withdraw a provisional license if you fail the exam or made false statements. Licenses renew every two years by March 31 of odd-numbered years or they lapse.

License renewal, competency, and PTA rules

The Board can require continuing competency to renew a license and can set ethical and practice standards. It regulates PTAs, including licensure, supervision, and education, and PTA fees cannot be higher than PT fees. Licenses renew every two years by March 31 of odd‑numbered years or they lapse. The Board keeps an electronic record of licensees, and you must report any name, address, phone, or email change within 30 days.

Per diem pay for board members

Board members receive a per diem for approved days of work, set by the Board. The per diem cannot be more than $250 per day. Travel, lodging, and other necessary expenses are also paid.

Short-term and student practice exceptions

PT and PTA students may do clinical practice under a licensed PT as part of their program. Out‑of‑state PTs/PTAs can teach or do a supervised clinical residency in Kentucky for up to 90 days. Therapists who travel with out‑of‑state sports or entertainment groups may treat their members while in Kentucky. Federal and military therapists may practice within their federal duties without a Kentucky license, but need a Kentucky license for work outside that role.

Background check fees capped, records kept private

Fees for state or FBI criminal background checks are capped at the actual processing cost. The Board may charge you that actual-cost fee as part of your application. The Board cannot give your criminal history records to private companies or to other licensing boards.

Telehealth rules and consent for physical therapy

Telehealth in physical therapy means using interactive audio, video, or other electronic tools for diagnosis, care, data transfer, or training. Before telehealth care starts, your PT or PTA must get your informed consent. They must keep your medical information private using Board-designated methods that follow federal law. The Board writes rules to prevent abuse and fee-splitting and to support telehealth for treatment and continuing education.

New Physical Therapy Board and funding rules

The law creates a seven‑member Board of Physical Therapy appointed by the Governor with set terms and qualifications. The Board can hire an executive director and staff, set salaries, and use Attorney General hearing officers or hire its own; staff hired this way are exempt from KRS 18A. It must meet at least quarterly, keep minutes, and publish a current directory. The Board sets fees by rule but only up to what is needed to run the program, and all money goes to a revolving fund that does not lapse. Board members and staff may receive periodic training, and the Board may buy liability insurance.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Amy Neighbors
Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 133 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/25/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote • 2/9/2026