The Complaint Process
The Oregon Board of Physical Therapy (OBPT) licenses physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs).
The Board investigates all complaints received about physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, or complaints about people claiming to be licensed PTs or PTAs who are providing physical therapy without a license. Complaints may be about inadequate or incompetent treatment, misconduct or any other violation of the laws and rules governing physical therapy in Oregon. The Board cannot investigate fee disputes, other than fraud or misrepresentation.
Board staff conduct a confidential investigation of complaints received. This investigation may include:
- a review of the physical therapy record or other patient medical records
- interviews with the complainant, the physical therapist and other witnesses
- a review of any other records or documents related to the complaint
An investigation may take several weeks to several months to complete, depending on the nature of the complaint. The investigator completes a report of the investigation, then the Board reviews the report to decide whether a violation of laws or rules has occurred.
If the Board determines that a violation has occurred, the Board may start a disciplinary proceeding. Discipline can include:
- Reprimand
- Probation
- Payment of a civil penalty
- License Restrictions
- License Suspension
- License Revocation
If a disciplinary proceeding is initiated, the licensee is entitled to a hearing to contest the decision. If the licensee requests a hearing, an Administrative Law Judge hears the testimony of the witnesses, considers the other evidence and prepares a proposed order for the Board's consideration. The hearing is closed to the public. The Board considers the proposed order, deliberates and issues a Final Order. The case may also be resolved without a hearing through an agreement between the Board and the PT or PTA resulting in a Stipulation and Final Order.
If the Board determines from the investigation that no violation has occurred the Board will close the case.
Once the case is resolved, the Board notifies the complainant of the outcome of the case.
Complaint and Investigation Confidentiality
The Board is prohibited by law from disclosing to the public whether it has received a complaint about a particular licensee. The Board is also prohibited from disclosing the name of the person filing a complaint and from disclosing any information developed in the course of an investigation.
If you want to make a complaint about a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, regarding treatment, misconduct, or any other violation of the laws and rules governing physical therapy practice, please
submit a complaint through our online portal.
The Investigator may need to obtain records from other healthcare providers as part of the investigation. In order to access these records, the patient will need to complete the Authorization to Disclose Form and submit it to OBPT. The form can be found below.
If you prefer to complete a form on paper, use the link below to download a paper copy of the form. You may mail, email, or fax it to the Board.