For what reasons can the board impose fines up to $5,000?

The board can impose fines of up to $5,000 primarily for willful disregard for the law. This reflects a serious violation of legal or ethical standards in the practice of physical therapy. Willful disregard indicates a conscious decision to ignore legal obligations or regulations, which undermines the integrity of the profession and compromises patient care.

Such a penalty serves both as a deterrent to prevent future violations by the offending party and to maintain public trust in the regulatory system overseeing health professionals. It underscores the importance of adherence to laws that govern practice, ensuring that physical therapists operate within the established legal framework designed to protect patients and ensure safety.

Fines associated with clerical errors, minor documentation mistakes, or failure to complete paperwork on time generally do not rise to the level of willful disregard and would typically be addressed through less severe means, such as corrective actions or warnings, as these infractions do not reflect a deliberate intention to violate the law.