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 provide service to its member boards in the regulation of physical therapy practice. This includes supporting member boards in their efforts to ensure that physical therapy professionals meet the necessary standards for education, competence, and ethical practice. FSBPT facilitates a cohesive regulatory environment among the various state boards, helping to maintain the integrity of the profession and protect the public by ensuring that licensed practitioners are qualified to provide safe and effective care.

The role of FSBPT is focused primarily on regulatory support, which involves developing policies, providing resources, and creating examinations that help standardize licensing requirements across states. This regulatory oversight is essential in maintaining the quality of physical therapy services and ensuring practitioners adhere to established standards of practice.

The other options, while related to various aspects of physical therapy, do not accurately reflect the core mission of FSBPT. FSBPT does not directly offer physical therapy services to the public, provide research funding, or establish performance benchmarks as its main function. Instead, its emphasis remains on supporting the member boards in regulating the practice of physical therapy.