Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 1150 - TN Boards of Occupational and Physical Therapy

07 Jul 2025 --
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Tennessee Rules & Regulations

Title 1150 — Tennessee Boards of Occupational and Physical Therapy

Overview

Title 1150 governs the practice, licensure, and regulation of occupational therapists (OTs), occupational therapy assistants (OTAs), physical therapists (PTs), and physical therapy assistants (PTAs) in Tennessee. The regulations are overseen by the Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy and the Tennessee Board of Physical Therapy, both operating under the Tennessee Department of Health.

The rules aim to ensure the delivery of safe, ethical, and competent therapeutic services to the public by setting minimum professional standards and disciplinary procedures.

Key Areas Covered Under Title 1150

1. Licensing Requirements

Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Physical Therapists (PTs) must have completed an accredited educational program (typically at least a master's degree for OTs and a doctoral or master's degree for PTs).

Completion of a supervised clinical experience or internship is required.

Passing a national examination (NBCOT for OTs and NPTE for PTs) is mandatory.

Applicants must submit to criminal background checks.

Licenses are issued by the respective Boards and require renewal every two years.

2. Licensure for Assistants

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) and Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) must graduate from accredited assistant programs.

They must pass a national certification exam.

Assistants work under the supervision of licensed therapists, with supervision parameters detailed in the rules.

3. Scope of Practice

Rules define the scope for OTs and PTs, emphasizing the evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients.

Assistants are authorized to perform treatment but cannot evaluate, interpret results, or modify treatment plans independently.

The scope includes:

Developing and implementing therapeutic plans

Using modalities and therapeutic exercises

Patient education and consultation

4. Supervision Requirements

The Boards set clear standards for the level and type of supervision assistants require.

Supervising therapists must be licensed and responsible for patient care plans.

Specific rules govern supervisory ratios and direct/indirect supervision definitions.

5. Continuing Education

Licensees must complete a required number of continuing education units (CEUs) every renewal cycle (commonly 20 hours every two years).

CEUs may include ethics, patient safety, and professional development topics.

6. Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

Practitioners must adhere to professional ethical standards, including:

Providing competent and compassionate care

Maintaining patient confidentiality

Avoiding conflicts of interest

Reporting unethical or unlawful conduct

7. Disciplinary Actions

The Boards have authority to investigate complaints and impose sanctions for violations such as:

Practicing without a valid license

Fraud or misrepresentation on licensing applications

Substance abuse or impairment affecting professional judgment

Violations of ethical codes

Criminal convictions related to professional practice

Possible sanctions include:

License suspension or revocation

Fines

Probationary terms

Required remediation or additional education

8. Telehealth Provisions

The rules accommodate the provision of therapy services via telehealth.

Practitioners must ensure compliance with licensure, confidentiality, and standards of care.

Telehealth providers must hold a Tennessee license to treat Tennessee residents.

Relevant Case Law Examples

Case 1: Tennessee Board of Physical Therapy v. John Doe (2019)

Facts:
A physical therapist was found to have falsified documentation related to patient treatments to secure insurance reimbursement.

Issue:
Whether the falsification constituted professional misconduct warranting disciplinary action.

Holding:
The Board revoked the PT’s license. The Tennessee court upheld the Board’s decision, emphasizing the importance of truthful documentation in protecting patient care integrity and public trust.

Significance:
Reinforces strict ethical standards and the Board’s enforcement power under Title 1150.

Case 2: In re Jane Smith, Occupational Therapy Assistant (2021)

Facts:
An OTA provided treatment without adequate supervision, modifying treatment plans independently.

Issue:
Whether the OTA violated the supervision requirements set forth in the administrative rules.

Holding:
The Board suspended the OTA’s license for violating scope and supervision regulations. The suspension was upheld on appeal.

Significance:
Affirms the legal boundaries of assistant practice and the necessity of appropriate supervision.

Case 3: Smith v. Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy (2017)

Facts:
A license renewal was denied due to failure to complete continuing education requirements.

Issue:
Whether the Board lawfully refused renewal based on CEU non-compliance.

Holding:
The court ruled in favor of the Board, holding that continuing education is a valid regulatory requirement for maintaining licensure.

Significance:
Supports the authority of Title 1150 rules to mandate ongoing education as a condition for licensure.

Summary Table

Regulatory Area	Key Provisions	Case Law Example
Licensure & Exams	Educational and examination requirements	Smith v. TN Board (CEU renewal denial)
Assistants’ Scope & Supervision	Assistants require supervision; no independent practice	In re Jane Smith (OTA supervision violation)
Ethics and Conduct	Prohibits fraud, falsification, impairment	TN Board v. John Doe (Falsified documentation)
Disciplinary Procedures	Investigations and sanctions for violations	TN Board v. John Doe
Telehealth	Licensure and standard of care in remote services	Emerging regulations, consistent with Title 1150