AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 24 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE PHYSICAL THERAPY LICENSURE COMPACT.

This Act adopts the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (“Compact”). The Compact benefits the public by improving continuity of care, increasing license portability for military spouses, and increasing access to physical therapy providers. Under the Compact, physical therapists and physical therapist assistants licensed in a Compact member state may obtain an expedited license allowing licensees to practice in another Compact member state. In adopting the Compact, the state-based licensure system is preserved but communication between states is enhanced. The Compact will be administered by the Physical Therapy Compact Commission (“Commission”) which will process applications for Compact privilege. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants licensed by the Delaware Examining Board of Physical Therapists and Athletic Trainers (“Board”) may be granted "compact privilege," which will allow them to practice in another member state under the laws and regulations of the remote state. To exercise the compact privilege, a licensee must meet all of the following requirements: 1. Hold a license in the home state with no encumbrances. 2. Be eligible for a compact privilege in any member state. 3. Have no adverse actions within the previous 2 years regarding their license or any Compact privilege. 4. Notify the Commission that compact privilege is being sought in a member state. 5. Pay applicable fees. 6. Be aware of and comply with the laws and rules governing the practice of physical therapy in the remote state. 7. Report adverse action taken by any non-member state within 30 days. The Compact also authorizes the Board to do all of the following: 1. Appoint a qualified delegate to serve on the Commission. 2. Participate fully in the Commission's data system. 3. Notify the Commission about adverse action taken against licensees by the Board.