The Physical Therapy Compact: What You Need to Know

Allied News Blog

Michael O’Leary | February 01, 2018

If you are a physical therapist practicing in a state that has adopted the physical therapy compact, you will soon be able to be licensed in 15 other states. That’s a big deal if you live in states like Washington and Oregon, or in cities like Louisville or Nashville. However, if you live in Kansas City, Missouri, you won’t be able to practice across the river in Kansas without going through an additional licensing process. (published site)

What does it mean to physical therapists and physical therapy assistants who want to CONSIDER their career options with physical therapy jobs from Club Staffing? It means greater flexibility and ease of relocation and less paperwork for travel physical therapists.

WHAT IS IT, AND WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE PT COMPACT LICENSURE?

An interstate compact is a contract between two or more states creating an agreement on a particular issue or standard. In the case of the PT Compact, it is an agreement between states to honor the licensing standards of the other states participating in the compact. The stated purpose of physical therapy compact licensure is to increase consumer access to physical therapy services by reducing regulatory barriers to interstate mobility and cross-state practice. The physical therapy compact also seeks to increase mobility of eligible physical therapy providers by allowing them to work in multiple states.

Who Is Participating In The PT Compact?

As of April 5th, 2018, 15 states have enacted legislation adopting the Physical Therapy Compact, with one more awaiting the governor’s signature and another two states currently considering the PT compact, according to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

PT Compact- What Are The Benefits?

The PT Compact for physical therapists and physical therapy assistants offers a fast and effective way to practice in multiple states across the U.S. It provides three major benefits compared to obtaining single licenses in individual states, and these are:

• 1. It reduces paperwork
• 2. It reduces costs
• 3. It streamlines requirements and processes for physical therapists.

How Does A Physical Therapist Or PT Assistant Obtain Compact Privileges?

The PT Compact Commission is currently ironing out the process, systems, and rules needed to issue compact privileges. Consequently, you can’t apply for compact privileges yet, but the commission hopes to have the process up and running in the first half of 2018.

Which Physical Therapists And PT Assistants Are Eligible?

Physical therapists and PT assistants who wish to purchase a PT compact privilege must hold a current, valid PT or PTA license in their state of residence and their state must be a member of the PT Compact. You also must not have any active restrictions or disciplinary actions against your license for the past two years.

Who Should Consider Getting PT Compact Privileges?

Physical therapists who live in markets where the need for physical therapy services cross state lines can benefit. Travel physical therapists and travel PT assistants also should consider the advantages of obtaining PT compact privileges.

What Does The PT Compact Cost?

The fee for physical therapy compact licensure has not yet been established. It is expected that the fees will vary from state to state and will be established soon.

If you are interested in pursuing physical therapy compact licensure for travel physical therapy jobs, sign up for free Club Staffing job alerts or apply at ClubStaffing.com. We are monitoring the PT Compact Commission’s progress and will keep you informed as the status changes. As a company of AMN Healthcare, we can connect you with the largest network of healthcare employers throughout the United States.