448.57 Disciplinary proceedings and actions.

(1) Subject to the rules promulgated under s. 440.03 (1), the examining board may make investigations and conduct hearings to determine whether a violation of this subchapter or any rule promulgated under this subchapter has occurred.

(2) Subject to the rules promulgated under s. 440.03 (1), the examining board may reprimand a licensee or may deny, limit, suspend or revoke a license granted under this subchapter if it finds that the applicant or licensee has done any of the following:

(a) Made a material misstatement in an application for a license or for renewal of a license.

(am) Interfered with an investigation or disciplinary proceeding by using threats, harassment, or intentional misrepresentation of facts.

(b) Subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322, and 111.335, been convicted of an offense the circumstances of which substantially relate to the practice of physical therapy or assisting in the practice of physical therapy.

(bm) Been adjudicated mentally incompetent by a court.

(c) Advertised in a manner that is false, deceptive or misleading.

(d) Advertised, practiced or attempted to practice under another's name.

(e) Subject to ss. 111.321, 111.322, and 111.34, practiced or assisted in the practice of physical therapy while the applicant's or licensee's ability to practice or assist was impaired by alcohol or other drugs.

(f) Engaged in unprofessional or unethical conduct in violation of the code of ethics established in the rules promulgated under s. 448.527.

(fm) Engaged in sexual misconduct with a patient.

(g) Engaged in conduct while practicing or assisting in the practice of physical therapy which evidences a lack of knowledge or ability to apply professional principles or skills.

(h) Violated this subchapter or any rule promulgated under this subchapter.

(3)

(a) A licensee may voluntarily surrender his or her license to the examining board, which may refuse to accept the surrender if the examining board has received allegations of unprofessional conduct against the licensee. The examining board may negotiate stipulations in consideration for accepting the surrender of licenses.

(b) The examining board may restore a license that has been voluntarily surrendered under par. (a) on such terms and conditions as it considers appropriate.

(4) The examining board shall prepare and disseminate to the public an annual report that describes final disciplinary action taken against licensees during the preceding year.

(5) The examining board may report final disciplinary action taken against a licensee to any national database that includes information about disciplinary action taken against health care professionals.

History: 1993 a. 107; 2001 a. 70; 2009 a. 149.