Who cannot be a public member on the PTBC board?

In the context of the Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBC), the role of a public member is specifically designed to represent the interests of the general public rather than those of licensed professionals in the field. A public member should not hold a license as a physical therapist, as this would create a conflict of interest, undermining the independent perspective they are meant to provide. Therefore, licensed physical therapists are ineligible to be public members on the board.

Additionally, having a family member of any current board member serve as a public member could also present conflicts of interest, as it raises concerns over impartiality and the ability to act in the best interests of the public. The PTBC is structured to ensure that its decisions are balanced and not influenced by personal relationships, which could potentially bias the board's actions.

Consequently, both licensed physical therapists and family members of board members are excluded from serving as public members, making the correct answer encompass both these criteria. This approach safeguards the integrity of the board and its commitment to public welfare.