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.
With the new requirements for CCU’s, two important questions arise:
1. Will HAPTA begin sponsoring/co-sponsoring courses for pediatric therapists as well?
2. Will there be courses available in ethics and professional responsibility in addition to the jurisprudence exam?
Thank you so much!
Hi Karen,
Thanks for your questions. In response to them
1. Any thoughts on wanted classes are great and HAPTA can provide courses based on member’s wants/needs, we’ll definitely discuss this at our next meeting with our continuing education committee.
2. While no rules re: CCU’s in ethics and professional responsibility are required, this is also another good topic for discussion for future courses that will come to Hawaii.
Jandra
This link leads to a 404 error page.
Meanwhile, the Physical Therapy Practice Act may be accessed on the following link: http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/files/2013/08/hrs_pvl_461j.pdf
Thank you Elizabeth for pointing out the link error. I have updated the link and tested it, it now works and will open up a new window with the practice act.
Jandra
Aloha,
Are the requirements for PTA’s the same as for PT’s in terms of CEU’s?
Mahalo,
Mike
Mike,
Currently there are no CCU requirements for PTA’s relicensure.
Will HI accept CE courses that have been approved by other state PT Boards or Associations? We are receiving inquiries. I do not see the formal application for course approval on the board website, but if you can send me a link to that i would appreciate it.
Shanna,
At the most recent DCCA Board meeting it was confirmed that courses accepted by other State Board will be accepted. Courses may be precertified for approval bay going to the FSBPT website and searching for ProCert. It was also agreed that HAPTA will be able to approve courses. Not sure if this means we can precertify a course. Certainly any we provide will be accepted.
I have only had my Hawaii license since April. Am I still required to do 30 hours? It seems very impossible in a short amount of time. California allows half ceus for new licensees. Would it be better to just reapply for the license next year?
Hi Michelle,
Great question! This question is actually answered in the Frequently Asked Questions document that you can find on the “Continuing Competency Information” page of our website. But here is the answer that is included in that document:
“Please note that for the first-time license renewals, if the initial license was issued less than twelve (12) months prior to the renewal date, no CCUs will be required for the first renewal period. If the initial license was issued more than twelve months prior to the renewal date, the licensee shall be required to obtain fifteen (15) units of approved CCUs for the first renewal period.”
So, it looks like since your license was obtained less than 12 months prior to the renewal date on December 31, 2016, you would NOT be required to submit any CCUs for this renewal.
Hope that helps! Please let us know if you have any further questions!
Thanks,
Nicole
Nicole Kinney
HAPTA Executive Director
nicole@hapta.org