HB 716 - This act revises licensure procedures for physical therapists (PT) and physical therapist assistants (PTA). The act revises Sections 334.530 - 334.560, RSMo, for PTs and Sections 334.655 - 334.670, RSMo, for PTAs and contains identical revisions for both practices.

The Board of Registration for the Healing Arts may award license reciprocity if an applicant:

1) Is licensed and practicing for at least three years in another state, has passed an examination, and has not been disciplined; or 2) Has held a provisional license for three years without discipline.

If any other applicant fails the licensing examination more than three times and subsequently obtains a higher level of professional education, then the applicant may sit for the exam three additional times.

The Board may issue a provisional license to any applicant who:

1) Has failed a licensing examination three or more times; 2) Has achieved a passing score on an exam in another state; 3) Otherwise meets licensure requirements; and 4) Submits an application.

Direct supervision will be required along with the provisional license. Provisional licenses may be renewed annually.

The Board may also issue an initial temporary license to an applicant for up to six months. If an applicant fails the examination once, the Board may renew the temporary license for six additional months. An agreement-to-supervise form must be submitted. If the applicant fails the examination a second time, he or she is required to provide documentation of a completed remediation program before the applicant may sit for the exam a third time. If the applicant fails the examination a third time, re-examination will not be permitted and the Board may not issue a license.

This act is similar to SB 569 (2001).
ERIN MOTLEY