What Happens if a PT Is Accused of Practicing Beyond Scope?

 Posted on April 07, 2026 in Chiropractor/ Physical Therapist License Defense

If a physical therapist is accused of practicing beyond their scope, a complaint can trigger an investigation by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which has the power to suspend or revoke a PT license. A physical therapist may also face civil liability or even criminal exposure, depending on what the accusation involves.

Being accused does not mean you are guilty, and having the right defense attorney involved early can make a big difference in how your case turns out. If you are a physical therapist facing a scope of practice complaint in 2026, the Chicago, IL professional license defense lawyer at The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. can fight the allegations on your behalf.

What Is the Scope of Practice for a Physical Therapist in Illinois?

Scope of practice refers to the services a licensed professional is legally allowed to perform based on their education, training, and license. For physical therapists in Illinois, this is defined by the Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act, 225 ILCS 90, which spells out what a PT can and cannot do.

In general, a licensed PT in Illinois can evaluate and treat patients for conditions involving movement, function, and rehabilitation. They can build and carry out treatment plans, use certain therapeutic tools, and work with patients on strength, mobility, and pain.

What they cannot do includes diagnosing medical conditions, prescribing medication, performing surgery, or providing services that fall under a different license, such as occupational therapy, chiropractic care, or medicine.

What Are Common Scope of Practice Violations for Physical Therapists in Illinois?

Scope of practice complaints can come from many sources. Patients, employers, colleagues, and insurance companies can all file complaints with the licensing board.

Some of the most common situations that lead to these complaints include:

• Performing a medical diagnosis instead of referring the patient to a physician

• Using techniques or tools that are not recognized within the PT scope in Illinois

• Providing services that overlap with another licensed profession without the right credentials

• Supervising physical therapist assistants incorrectly or allowing unlicensed people to do things the law does not permit

• Stepping outside the boundaries of a physician's referral or prescription

• Billing for services that were not performed or that fall outside the patient's coverage

Each of these situations is handled differently depending on the facts, but all of them can lead to a formal investigation and put your license at risk.

What Happens After a Physical Therapist Complaint Is Filed in Illinois?

When a complaint is filed, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation opens an investigation. You will typically get written notice that a complaint has been received and that an inquiry is underway.

During the investigation, the IDFPR may ask for your patient records, treatment notes, billing records, and other related documents. They may also speak with you, the complainant, and any witnesses. Do not respond to any of these requests without first talking to an attorney. Anything you say or submit can be used against you later in the process.

The IDFPR can call for an informal meeting, file a formal complaint, seek a settlement, or send the matter to a formal hearing. How fast things move and where they go depends on the nature of the allegations and what the evidence shows.

What Are the Possible Outcomes of a PT License Investigation in Illinois?

The outcome can range from a full dismissal of the complaint to the permanent loss of your license. Between those two extremes, several other outcomes are possible:

• Dismissal if there is not enough evidence to support the allegation

• A letter of warning or reprimand placed on your licensing record

• Required continuing education or extra training on scope of practice

• Probationary status with conditions tied to your continued practice

• Suspension of your license for a set amount of time

• Permanent revocation of your physical therapy license

The specific outcome depends on factors like how serious the alleged violation was, whether a patient was harmed, your prior disciplinary history, and how well your case is presented.

What Should a Physical Therapist Do After Learning About a Scope of Practice Complaint in IL?

After learning about a scope of practice violation, contact a professional license defense attorney right away. Do not respond to the IDFPR on your own. Do not reach out to the person who filed the complaint. Do not discuss the case with colleagues or supervisors without legal guidance.

Your attorney will review the complaint, help you respond to document requests, gather supporting evidence, and represent you throughout the investigation and any hearings. Getting an attorney involved early gives you the best chance at a good outcome because it stops mistakes that are very hard to undo later.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Rockford, IL IDFPR Physical Therapy Defense Attorney

Attorney Joseph Bogdan brings a rare set of skills to every professional license case he handles. He is both a registered pharmacist and an attorney, and he serves as an expert witness in complex pharmaceutical and controlled substance cases. With over 20 years of experience, he knows how licensing boards work, how investigations unfold, and what it takes to build a defense that protects your license and your career.

Call The Law Offices of Joseph J. Bogdan, Inc. at 630-310-1267 today to speak with a Chicago, IL professional license defense lawyer who can help you protect your career.