32 M.R.S. §18702: Purpose

(WHOLE SECTION TEXT EFFECTIVE 1/01/26)

The purpose of this compact is to facilitate interstate practice of physical therapy with the goal of improving public access to physical therapy services. The practice of physical therapy occurs in the state where the patient is located at the time of the physical therapy services. The compact preserves the regulatory authority of states to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensure.

This compact is designed to achieve the following objectives:

1. License recognition. Increase public access to physical therapy services by providing for the mutual recognition of other member state licenses;

2. State powers. Enhance the states' ability to protect the public's health and safety;

3. Multistate practice. Encourage the cooperation of member states in regulating multistate physical therapy practice;

4. Military spouses. Support spouses of relocating active duty military personnel;

5. Information exchange. Enhance the exchange of licensure, investigative and disciplinary information among member states; and

6. Compact privilege. Allow a remote state to hold a provider of services with a compact privilege in that state accountable to that state's practice standards.