(a) A person commits a Class B misdemeanor if the person engages in an activity requiring a license issued according to this chapter and who fails to obtain the required license, who violates any other provision of this chapter or who uses any word, title, or representation implying that the person is licensed to engage in the practice of physical therapy. A person claims to be a physical therapist when using a title, letters or any description of services that incorporates one (1) or more of the terms, designations or abbreviations specifically restricted under §§ 63-13-103 and 63-13-310.

Attorney's Note

Under the Tennessee Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
ClassPrisonFine
class B misdemeanorup to 6 monthsup to $500
For details, see Tenn. Code § 40-35-111

Terms Used In Tennessee Code 63-13-315

  • Board: means :
    (A) As used in part 2 of this chapter, the board of occupational therapy. See Tennessee Code 63-13-103
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Person: includes a corporation, firm, company or association. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
  • Physical therapy: means the care and services provided by or under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist who is licensed pursuant to this chapter. See Tennessee Code 63-13-103
  • Practice of physical therapy: means , whether by in-person encounter or via telehealth, telemedicine, or provider-based telemedicine, as authorized by §. See Tennessee Code 63-13-103
  • Reporter: Makes a record of court proceedings and prepares a transcript, and also publishes the court's opinions or decisions (in the courts of appeals).
(b) The board may authorize an investigation of any person to the extent necessary to determine if the person is engaged in the unlawful practice of physical therapy.
(c) The board may, through the office of the attorney general and reporter, apply for injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin any person from committing an act in violation of this chapter. Injunctive proceedings are in addition to, and not in lieu of, all penalties and other remedies prescribed in this chapter.
(d) A person who aids or requires another person to directly or indirectly violate this chapter or rules, who permits the person’s license or a license issued by this board to be used by any person other than the licensee or who acts with the intent to violate or evade this chapter or rules is subject to a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each violation.
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