What is the penalty for incorrectly claiming board certification?

Claiming board certification when one is not actually certified is treated seriously within the California physical therapy practice framework. The penalty of a $10,000 fine per event underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of professional credentials in healthcare. Such a significant financial consequence serves as a deterrent against fraudulent claims and helps to protect the public by ensuring that only qualified individuals represent themselves as certified professionals. This promotes trust in the profession and ensures that patients receive care from practitioners who have legitimately obtained their credentials. The penalty emphasizes the legal obligations of physical therapists to accurately represent their qualifications and training to stakeholders, including patients, employers, and regulatory bodies.