What must a physical therapist do if their license has lapsed?

When a physical therapist's license has lapsed, the appropriate action to take is to complete supervised practice under a permit. This requirement ensures that the therapist resumes practice in a manner that meets current standards and regulations, thereby protecting patient safety. The supervised practice is a way for the therapist to update their skills and remain informed about any changes in laws, practices, or techniques since their license lapsed.

Renewing the license without further requirements is not feasible because the lapsed status implies that the therapist's knowledge and skills may need to be refreshed, which is why supervised practice is mandated. Simply doing nothing is not a viable option since practicing without a valid license can lead to legal consequences and jeopardize patient care. Reapplying for original licensure might seem reasonable, but often, the process of reapplication is associated with more extensive requirements and may not be necessary if the therapist is only temporarily inactive.

Therefore, the requirement to complete supervised practice under a permit provides a necessary pathway for the therapist to update their competence while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards before fully resuming independent practice.