What's Being Discussed

Conference reports: Board members will share updates from two national physical therapy leadership events held earlier in 2026 in Virginia and South Carolina. These are informational updates only — no votes will be taken.
Ethics and jurisprudence course requirements: The Board will clarify what counts toward continuing education requirements for ethics, laws, and rules courses that licensed physical therapists must complete.
Continuing competence booklets: The Board will review and possibly approve plain-language guides summarizing license renewal and continuing education requirements for two upcoming two-year periods: 2025–2026 and 2027–2028.
Rules review group: The Board will consider forming a small working group to look at possible updates to Hawaii's administrative rules governing physical therapy practice.
Scope of practice question: The Board will address a question from a licensed physical therapist asking whether a PT volunteering as a high school coach may legally provide athletic taping to student athletes — and whether physical therapy or athletic training laws apply.
Executive officer's report: Staff will share results from the national physical therapy licensing exam, updates on a national disciplinary database, and the Board's 2027 meeting schedule.

Decisions Expected

Approval of meeting minutes from September 21, 2026
Possible clarification or new policy on ethics course requirements
Possible approval of continuing competence booklets
Possible vote to form a rules review working group
Ratification of new physical therapist and physical therapist assistant licenses

Who Should Pay Attention

Licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in Hawaii, especially those approaching license renewal
Physical therapists who volunteer as coaches or work with student athletes
Physical therapy students preparing to apply for licensure in Hawaii