(a) Generally. The board shall give an appropriate physical therapy examination and a jurisprudence examination to every applicant who complies with Section 34-24-211 and who pays the fee prescribed for the examination. Examinations shall be held within the state at least once each year, at such times and places as the board determines. A practical or demonstration examination may be required at the discretion of the board when an applicant is retaking a written examination after previously having failed such an examination. (b) Physical therapist. The physical therapy examination given applicants for licensure as a physical therapist shall be a written examination approved by the board to test the applicant’s knowledge of the basic and clinical sciences as they relate to the practice of physical therapy, physical therapy theory and procedures, and such other subjects as the board may deem useful to test the applicant’s fitness to practice physical therapy. The board shall also administer a jurisprudence examination to applicants for licensure as a physical therapist, which shall be a written examination approved by the board to test the applicant’s knowledge of the laws and rules of the State of Alabama as they relate to the practice of physical therapy and such other subjects as the board may deem useful to test the applicant’s knowledge of applicable law. A practical or demonstration examination may be required if so determined by the board. The board may waive the requirement for a jurisprudence examination. (c) Physical therapist assistant. The physical therapy examination given applicants for licensure as physical therapist assistant shall be a written examination approved by the board to test the applicant’s knowledge of the basic and clinical sciences as they relate to the practice of physical therapy, physical therapy theory and procedures, and such other subjects as the board may deem useful to test the applicant’s fitness to act as a physical therapist assistant. The board shall also administer a jurisprudence examination to applicants for licensure as a physical therapist assistant, which shall be a written examination approved by the board to test the applicant’s knowledge of the laws and rules of the State of Alabama as the laws and rules relate to the practice of physical therapy, and such other subjects as the board may deem useful to test the applicant’s knowledge of applicable law. A practical or demonstration examination may be required if so determined by the board. The board may waive the requirement for a jurisprudence examination. (d) Foreign educated physical therapist. Any foreign educated physical therapist who plans to practice in the state must have their educational credentials evaluated by a recognized educational evaluation agency and have that agency send their report directly to the board. The board shall determine the acceptability of equivalency in educational preparation. If the board determines the education to be acceptable , the routine application process shall be followed. (e) Compact privilege applicants. Individuals purchasing a compact privilege for the State of Alabama shall pass the jurisprudence examination required of licensed physical therapists or licensed physical therapist assistants before the privilege is issued by the commission. (f) By January 1, 2024, the board shall adopt rules to implement this chapter.
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