for Physical Therapy

Preface
The Model Practice Act for Physical Therapy: A Tool for
Public Protection and Legislative Change (MPA) is
the preeminent standard and most effective tool
available for revising and modernizing physical therapy
practice acts. The continuing movement to update physical
therapy practice acts helps ensure that they provide the legal
authority to fully protect the public while allowing for the
effective regulation of the profession.
This is the Fourth Edition of the Model Practice Act.
There are more changes in this Fourth Edition than in any
previous revision, although nearly all of the changes involve
board functions and regulatory authority and procedure.
Differences from the Third Edition can be compared in
Appendix A. Another change in this edition is the improved
readability. Previous commentary has been shortened and
revised to clarify the intent of each model statute section.
The structure of the Model Practice Act has remained
consistent and is a model worthy of use in all state practice
acts. The statute language has remained clear and understandable
throughout each edition and will continue to
influence greater uniformity in practice acts now and in the
future.
Delegate Assembly position DEL-02-07 encouraged each
jurisdiction to review, improve and strengthen practice acts
and to use the latest edition of the Model Practice Act as a
resource in that task. Even where sections of existing state
law may differ from the Model Practice Act, there is much
that can be learned from MPA model statute language and
the commentary that can be applied to many regulatory
situations or questions.
The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy
welcomes recommendations relative to any aspect of The
Model Practice Act for Physical Therapy: A Tool for Public
Protection and Legislative Change. Recommendations may
be sent to the Federation for consideration in later revisions
that will be initiated by the Ethics and Legislation
Committee. The committee remains a continuing resource
for any jurisdiction contemplating practice act changes.
The Federation invites your use of this Model Practice Act
for Physical Therapy and pledges its resources for your
ongoing support.
2006 Model Practice Act Introduction • i