327.040 Duties and powers of the board. (1) It shall be the duty of the State Board of Physical Therapy to receive applications from persons desiring to become physical therapists and to determine whether said applicants meet the qualifications and standards required by this chapter of all physical therapists. The board shall also be charged with enforcement of the provisions of this chapter. (2) The board is an agency of state government with the power to institute criminal proceedings in the name of the Commonwealth against violators of this chapter, and to institute civil proceedings to enjoin any violation of this chapter. The board shall investigate every alleged violation of this chapter coming to its notice and shall take action as it may deem appropriate. It shall be the duty of the Attorney General, the Commonwealth's attorneys, and the county attorneys to assist the board in prosecuting all violations of this chapter. (3) The board shall meet at least once each quarter at such place in this state as may be selected by the board. Four (4) members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. All meetings shall be held at the call of the chairman or at a call of a quorum of members upon not less than ten (10) days' written notice, unless notice shall be waived. The presence of any member at any meeting of the board shall constitute a waiver of notice thereof by the member. (4) The board may conduct investigations and schedule and conduct administrative hearings in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B, to enforce the provisions of this chapter or administrative regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter. The board shall have the authority to administer oaths, receive evidence, interview persons, issue subpoenas, and require the production of books, papers, documents, or other evidence. In case of disobedience to a subpoena, the board may invoke the aid of the Franklin Circuit Court. Any order or subpoena of the court requiring the attendance or testimony of witnesses or the production of documentary evidence may be enforced and shall be valid anywhere in the Commonwealth. (5) The board shall keep a minute book containing a record of all meetings of the board. (6) The board shall maintain a register of all persons licensed or certified under this chapter. This register shall show the name of every licensee or certificate holder in this state, his current business and residence address and telephone numbers, and the date and number of his license or certificate. A licensee or certificate holder shall notify the board of a change of name, address, or telephone number, within thirty (30) days of the change. (7) The board's records shall be updated annually. (8) The board shall publish annually and make available, a current directory of all licensed physical therapists and certified physical therapists' assistants. (9) The board shall adopt a seal which shall be affixed to every license and certificate granted by it. (10) The board may promulgate administrative regulations establishing a measure of continued competency as a condition of license renewal. (11) The board may promulgate and enforce reasonable administrative regulations for the effectuation of the purposes of this chapter pursuant to the provisions of KRS Chapter 13A. (12) The board shall promulgate by administrative regulation a code of ethical standards and standards of practice. (13) The board shall have the right to regulate physical therapists' assistants and may promulgate reasonable administrative regulations regarding certification, limitations of activities, supervision, and educational qualifications for physical therapists' assistants. The board may establish reasonable fees for the certification, renewal, and endorsement of physical therapists' assistants. The fees shall not exceed corresponding fees for physical therapists. (14) The board shall promulgate administrative regulations governing the physical and mental examination of physical therapists, physical therapists' assistants, or applicants, who may be impaired by reason of a mental, physical, or other condition that impedes their ability to practice competently. For purposes of enforcing this section, the board shall have the power to order an immediate temporary suspension in accordance with KRS 13B.125 if there is a reasonable cause to believe that a physical therapist, physical therapist's assistant, or applicant may be impaired by reason of a mental, physical, or other condition that impedes his or her ability to practice competently. Effective: July 13, 2004 History: Amended 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 126, sec. 15, effective July 13, 2004. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 313, sec. 4, effective July 14, 2000. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 318, sec. 299, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 377, sec. 3, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 53, sec. 4, effective July 15, 1980. -- Amended 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 4. -- Created 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 27, sec. 4, effective June 19, 1958.