Request the board of physical therapy approve the request to include additional organizations for continuing education.

Over eleven years ago, when the board approved Joint Commission as the accredition body, it was the only organization with statutory authority to accredit hospitals under CMS. But in 2008 (CMS) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved DNV to accredit hospital organizations. Since that time more hospitals have moved from JC accreditation to DNV  accreditation. However,  regulation 18 VAC 112-20-131 doesn't allow for that change. As result, organizations accredited by DNV can no longer provide type I continuing education for its employees. Further, this increases the cost to the organization due to it has to pay another organization to approve its continuing ed programs.

Amending this reg has no impact on quality care, nor does it cost the board any additional expense. However, failure to approve will the increase the expense of continuing education for all employees of organizations not accredited by JC.

Please approve. Thank-you

Winston Pearson