43-26.1-03. Powers of the board

43-26.1-03. Powers of the board

The board may:

1. Evaluate the qualifications of applicants for licensure.

2. Provide for the examination of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants

and adopt passing scores for the examinations.

3. Issue licenses to persons who meet the requirements of this chapter.

4. Regulate the practice of physical therapy by interpreting and enforcing this chapter.

5. Adopt and revise rules consistent with this chapter.

6. Meet at least annually and other times as deemed necessary. A majority of board

members constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

7. Establish mechanisms for assessing the continuing professional competence of

physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to engage in the practice of

physical therapy.

8. Establish and collect fees for sustaining the necessary operation and expenses of the

board.

9. Elect officers from its members necessary for the operations and obligations of the

board. Terms of office are one year.

10. Provide for the timely orientation and training of new professional and public

appointees to the board regarding board licensing and disciplinary procedures, this

chapter, and board rules, policies, and procedures.

11. Maintain a current list of all individuals regulated under this chapter. This contact

information includes the individual's name, current business address, business

telephone number, electronic mail address, and board license number.

12. Provide information to the public regarding the complaint process.

13. Employ necessary personnel to carry out the administrative work of the board.

14. Enter contracts for services necessary for enforcement of this chapter.

15. Report final disciplinary action taken against a licensee to a national disciplinary

database recognized by the board or as required by law.

16. Review and investigate all complaints the board receives against licensees concerning

violations of this chapter. The board shall keep all information relating to the receipt

and investigation of the complaint confidential until the information is disclosed in the

course of the investigation or any subsequent proceeding or until disclosure is required

by law. However, patient records, including clinical records, files, any report or oral

statement relating to diagnostic findings of a patient or treatment of a patient, any

information from which a patient or the patient's family might be identified, or

information received and records or reports kept by the board as a result of its

investigation, are confidential.