What's happening
This bill allows only licensed physical therapists with a doctorate to use the title "Doctor of Physical Therapy" or "D.P.T."
Why it matters
Clarifies professional credentials. By restricting the use of "Doctor of Physical Therapy" and "D.P.T." to those with a doctorate and a physical therapy license, the bill helps ensure patients and the public are not misled about a practitioner's education and qualifications.
Protects consumers from misrepresentation. This change aims to prevent individuals without a doctorate or without proper licensure from appearing to have advanced training or authority, which could influence patient trust and medical decisions.
Elevates professional standards. The amendment underscores the importance of advanced education in physical therapy, potentially encouraging higher educational attainment within the profession and distinguishing doctorate-level practitioners from others.
Legal consequences for misuse. By making the use of these titles without the required credentials unlawful, the bill provides a clear legal basis for disciplinary action or prosecution if someone falsely claims the title, strengthening accountability in healthcare.
Albany, before your first meeting.
Every bill that moved yesterday, summarized in a sentence and ranked by impact. The Albany Scorecard follows on Sundays.
Free. Unsubscribe in one click. Want alerts on specific bills? Create an account.
Who cares
Headline styles
Limit D.P.T. Title Use
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
History
- Substituted by A7467
- Ordered to third reading cal.1945
- Committee discharged and committed to rules
- Referred to higher education
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Protect Physical Therapy Titles
Signed by Governor · Sponsor Aileen Gunther
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2553
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 13, 2017
Introduced by Sens. LAVALLE, ADDABBO, BRESLIN, DeFRANCISCO, GALLIVAN, LARKIN -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Higher Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to the practice of physical therapy
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 6732 of the education law, as added by chapter 618 of the laws of 1980, is amended to read as follows:
§ 6732. Practice of physical therapy and the use of title "physical therapist". Only a person licensed or otherwise authorized under this article shall practice physical therapy or use the title "physical therapist", "physiotherapist" or "mechanotherapist" or the abbreviation of "P.T." in connection with his or her name or with any trade name in the conduct of his profession. Only a person licensed or otherwise authorized under this article to practice physical therapy, and who has obtained a doctorate in physical therapy may use the title "doctor of physical therapy" or abbreviation "D.P.T." in connection with his or her name or with any trade name to indicate or imply that the person is licensed or otherwise authorized to practice physical therapy.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD08031-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to the practice of physical therapy
Purpose
To permit only a licensed physical therapist holding a doctor of physical therapy degree to use the abbreviation "D.P.T."
Summary of provisions
Section 1. Amends section 6732 of the education law to permit only a licensed physical therapist holding a doctorate of physical therapy degree to use the abbreviation "D.P.T." or title "doctor of physical therapy".
Section 2. Sets the effective date.
Justification
In 2011, the physical therapy practice act was amended to require applicants for physical therapy licensure to complete a master's degree or higher in physical therapy. Such standard reflects national accrediting standards, the fact that the practice of physical therapy has advanced significantly since the establishment of the bachelor's degree level and that all New York physical therapy educational programs are at the master's degree or doctorate level.
Legislative history
2015-16 S.4969B/A.6092B
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
Immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.