How are Physical Therapists Licensed?
Each state in the US has a licensing body most commonly called the State Board of Physical Therapy. This is the body that develops and enforces the regulations that govern the profession. The State Board of Physical Therapy have jurisdiction only over Physical Therapists (i.e. those with a degree in physical therapy) but do not regulate the practices of non-physical therapists claiming to provide physical therapy. It is common practice for a physical therapist to provide his/her licensing number on invoices for services rendered. This is one way to ensure that physical therapy services are being provided by a licensed physical therapist. Caution must be exercised however, as some physical therapy facilities have been known to use the license number of a physical therapist who is not actually involved in the treatment of patients.
