TITLE 22. EXAMINING BOARDS

PART 16. TEXAS BOARD OF PHYSICAL THERAPY EXAMINERS

CHAPTER 341. LICENSE RENEWAL

The Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (Board) proposes amending 22 TAC §341.2 relating to the components of the jurisprudence assessment module that must be completed as part of a licensee's total continuing competence requirement.

The following amendment is necessary to implement changes made by the American Physical Therapy Association's adoption of a new Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession that combines the Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist and the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant into one comprehensive document. The new Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession went into effect on January 1, 2026. The proposal utilizes generic language to describe professional physical therapy code of ethics and standards to avoid the need for additional amendments if documents are changed and renamed in the future.

Fiscal Note

Ralph A. Harper, Executive Director of the Executive Council of Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy Examiners, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect there would be no loss of revenue, and there would be no fiscal implication to units of local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.

Public Benefits and Costs

Mr. Harper has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment is in effect, the amendment will have no direct or indirect impact on the public.

Local Employment Economic Impact Statement

The amendment is not anticipated to impact a local economy, so a local employment economic impact statement is not required.

Small and Micro-Businesses and Rural Communities Impact

Mr. Harper has determined that there will be no costs or adverse economic effects to small or micro-businesses or rural communities as the result of the amendment; therefore, an economic impact statement or regulatory flexibility analysis is not required.

Government Growth Impact Statement

During the first five-year period the amendment is in effect, the impact on government growth is as follows:

(1) The proposed rule amendment will neither create nor eliminate a government program.

(2) The proposed rule amendment will neither create new employee positions nor eliminate existing employee positions.

(3) The proposed rule amendment will neither increase nor decrease future legislative appropriations to the agency.

(4) The proposed rule amendment will require neither an increase nor a decrease in fees paid to the agency.

(5) The proposed rule amendment does not create a new regulation.

(6) The proposed rule amendment will neither repeal nor limit an existing regulation.

(7) The proposed rule amendment will not increase individuals subject to the rule's applicability.

(8) The proposed rule amendment will neither positively nor adversely affect this state's economy.

Takings Impact Assessment

The proposed rule amendment will not impact private real property as defined by Tex. Gov't Code §2007.003, so a takings impact assessment under Tex. Gov't Code §2001.043 is not required.

Requirement for Rule Increasing Costs to Regulated Persons

Tex. Gov't Code §2001.0045, Requirement for Rule Increasing Costs to Regulated Persons, does not apply to this because the proposed rule amendment will not increase costs to regulated persons.

Public Comment

Comments on the proposed amendment may be submitted to Karen Gordon, PT Coordinator, Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, 1801 Congress Ave, Suite 10.900, Austin, Texas 78701; email: karen@ptot.texas.gov. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date this proposed amendment is published in the Texas Register.

Statutory Authority

The Board proposes the amendment to §341.2, pursuant to Texas Occupations Code §453.102, which authorizes the Board to adopt rules necessary to implement chapter 453, Occupations Code.

Cross-reference to Statute

The Board proposes the amendment to §341.2 under Texas Occupations Code §453.205, which authorizes the Board to require an applicant for a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant license to pass a jurisprudence examination.

§341.2. Continuing Competence Requirements.

(a) - (e) (No change.)

(f) All licensees must complete a board-approved jurisprudence assessment module as part of their total continuing competence requirement. The jurisprudence assessment module shall be assigned a CCU value and standard approval number by the board and shall include at a minimum the following components.

(1) The theoretical basis for ethical decision-making;

(2) Professional code of ethics and standards pertaining to the practice of physical therapy; [APTA's Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist and Guide for Professional Conduct, and the Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant and Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant;]

(3) Legal standards of behavior (including but not limited to the Act and Rules of the board); and

(4) Application of content to real and/or hypothetical situations.

(g) - (h) (No change.)

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 20, 2026.

TRD-202600812

Ralph Harper

Executive Director

Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 5, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 305-6900