What is the primary purpose of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT)?

The primary purpose of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) is to protect the public by ensuring that physical therapy practice is performed by qualified individuals. This mission is fundamental to maintaining the standards of professional practice in physical therapy and ensuring that practitioners meet specific qualifications and adhere to regulatory requirements.

The FSBPT achieves this by developing and administering the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE), which assesses the competency of candidates for licensure. By doing so, the FSBPT helps to ensure that only those who have met the necessary educational and training standards can practice physical therapy. This ultimately serves to safeguard the well-being of patients and the integrity of the profession.

In the context of the other options, while legal representation, educational programs, and advocacy are important aspects of supporting the profession, they are secondary to the core mission of public protection through licensure and regulation. The focus on ensuring qualified practitioners is what directly impacts patient safety and service quality in physical therapy.