Posted on December 27, 2014 by Chapter Staff
Originally Published in HAPTA’s e-Newsletter, What’s HAPTAnin’ – December 2014

Ongoing growth is part of being a professional.  The body of knowledge we acquired to practice has changed from the time we started and will continue to do so.  Most of us maintain our edge: attending continuing education courses; reading journal articles; participating; in study groups and incorporate this newfound knowledge in our patient care.  We do this as a matter of conscientiousness, providing the best service we can offer.  It seems unfortunate that this seemingly inherent attitude has to be not only dictated but also regulated. When the Department of Consumer Affairs proposed this change to the laws governing the practice of Physical Therapy, HAPTA supported it.  The basis of this comes down to protecting the consumer.  Persons receiving Physical Therapy services should be assured the therapist delivering that care has maintained a certain level of proficiency.  Granted, this not a guarantee but is hopefully one of many safeguards.

Starting with the next relicensure period at the end of 2016, proof of continuing competence will be required.  Thirty (30) Continuing Competency Units (CCU’s) will be needed for relicensure.  These will need to be acquired over the course of two years starting January 1, 2015.  Of these 30 CCU’s, 4 will consist of life support for healthcare professionals (CPR) and 2 will be in jurisprudence.  These 2 units of jurisprudence will likely be earned by completing an exam (likely online) based on the Hawaii Physical Therapy Practice Act and Administrative Rules of the Board of Physical Therapy.  The exam is currently being developed and an announcement will be made when it is available.  Meanwhile, the Physical Therapy Practice Act may be accessed on the following link: http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/files/2013/08/hrs_461J.pdf

The Administrative Rules are being revised to reflect the 2013 changes to the Practice Act. There will be an announcement when they are approved. The proposed rules are available for viewing on the DCCA website, http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/files/2014/10/ProposedHAR_16-110-_physicaltherapy.pdf

The remaining 24 units may consist of continuing education courses, study groups, online programs, mentoring students and other activities to be approved by the Board.

Please continue following the updates on the DCCA website. We’ll try to keep you updated here as well.  Also, inform your colleagues of these changes and requirements.