N.J. Admin. Code § 13:39A-5.5

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 13:39A-5.5 - Licensure by reciprocity

(a) Upon receipt of a completed application, application fee, consent to a criminal history record background check, and requisite fee for such a check, the Board shall issue a license to any person who documents that he or she holds a valid, current corresponding license in good standing issued by another state, if:

1. The Board determines that the state that issued the license has or had at the time of issuance, education, training, and examination requirements for licensure substantially equivalent to the current Board standards;

2. The applicant has been practicing as a licensed physical therapist or licensed physical therapist assistant for a period of at least one year within the five years prior to the date of application; and

3. The requirements of (b) below are satisfied.

(b) Prior to the issuance of the license, the Board shall have received:

1. Documentation that the applicant's license in the other state is in good standing;

2. The results of a criminal history record background check of the files of the Criminal Justice Information Services Division in the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the State Bureau of Identification in the Division of State Police does not disclose a conviction for a disqualifying crime; and

3. Designation of an agent in New Jersey for service of process if the applicant is not a New Jersey resident and does not have an office in New Jersey.

(c) For purposes of this section, "good standing" means that:

1. No action has been taken against the applicant's license by any licensing board;

2. No action adversely affecting the applicant's privileges to practice physical therapy has been taken by any out-of-State institution, organization, or employer;

3. No disciplinary proceeding is pending that could affect the applicant's privileges to practice physical therapy; and

4. All fines levied by any out-of-State board have been paid .

(d) For purposes of this section, a "substantially equivalent" examination need not be identical to the current examination requirements of this State, but such examination shall be nationally recognized and of comparable scope and rigor.

(e) The Board, after the licensed physical therapist or licensed physical therapist assistant has been given notice and an opportunity to be heard, may revoke any license based on a license issued by another state obtained through fraud, deception, or misrepresentation.

(f) An applicant shall successfully complete the online jurisprudence assessment module.

(g) The Board may grant a license without examination to an applicant seeking reciprocity who holds a corresponding license from another state who does not meet the good standing requirement of (a) above due to a pending action by a licensing board, a pending action by an out-of-State institution, organization, or employer affecting the applicant's privileges to practice, a pending disciplinary proceeding, or a pending criminal charge or arrest for a crime, provided the alleged conduct of the applicant that is the subject of the action, proceeding, charge, or arrest does not demonstrate a serious inability to practice physical therapy, adversely affect the public health, safety, or welfare, or result in economic or physical harm to a person, or create a significant threat of such harm.

N.J. Admin. Code § 13:39A-5.5

Amended by 47 N.J.R. 3046(a), effective 12/7/2015

Adopted by 53 N.J.R. 1500(b), effective 9/7/2021