(a) Any physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who violates any provision of these rules, or any provision of the Physical Therapy Practice Act shall be, at the discretion of the Board, subject to the following penalties.
- (1) The Board may impose suspension or revocation of a license, or other disciplinary action including probation, tutorial hours and additional education.
(2) The Board may assess fines, not to exceed $200 for each day of the offense, based on the following schedule:
- (A) first offense: $100-$1,000;
- (B) subsequent offense: $200-$5,000.
(b) Any facility providing physical therapy services in violation of the Texas Physical Therapy Practice Act, shall be, at the discretion of the Board, subject to the following penalties.
- (1) The Board may impose suspension or revocation of a facility registration, or other disciplinary action.
(2) The Board may assess fines, not to exceed $200 for each day of the offense, based on the following schedule:
- (A) first offense: $200-$3,600;
- (B) subsequent offense: $200-$10,000.
(c) Assessment of the penalties will follow procedures as established in §343.41 of this title (relating to Agreed Orders). The nature and amount of the penalty shall be based on:
- (1) the seriousness of the violation, including nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of any prohibited act, and hazard or potential hazard created to the health, safety, or economic welfare of the public;
- (2) the economic harm to property or the environment caused by the violation;
- (3) the history of previous violations;
- (4) the amount necessary to deter future violations;
- (5) efforts to correct the violation; and
- (6) any other matter that justice may require.
- (d) The provisions of subsections (a)-(c) of this section shall not be construed so as to prohibit other appropriate civil or criminal action and remedy and enforcement under other laws.
Source Note:The provisions of this §344.1 adopted to be effective October 6, 1998, 23 TexReg 9978.