Nebraska physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) have worked hard to earn their credentials, but it takes just one complaint to put everything at risk. A single documentation mistake, patient allegation, or internal report can launch a disciplinary investigation with career-ending consequences.
Most professionals don't even realize they're under scrutiny until investigators make contact. At that point, you could be facing:
- Immediate loss of income and steep financial penalties
- Practice restrictions that damage your reputation
- A suspended license that halts your career indefinitely
- Full license revocation that ends your ability to practice
At the Lento Law Firm, our Professional License Defense Team knows Nebraska's disciplinary process inside and out. When the board comes for your license, we're already prepared to respond. Call 888-535-3686 or reach out through our contact form. We know how to protect your license, your career, and your future.
Physical Therapy Licensure in Nebraska
In Nebraska, PTs and PTAs are regulated by the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS), specifically through its Licensure Unit under the Division of Public Health. The Board of Physical Therapy (“the Board”), which is part of DHHS, oversees all aspects of licensure. It issues and renews credentials, enforces regulations, and approves continuing education requirements.
- The DHHS Licensure Unit manages license applications, renewals, criminal background checks, and candidate exams.
- The Board of Physical Therapy sets practice standards, determines continuing competency requirements (20 hours for PTs, 10 hours for PTAs biennially), handles disciplinary cases, and adopts rules.
DHHS also maintains public records of disciplinary actions against licensed physical therapists and other professionals. Each month, the department publishes a report with recent sanctions, including name, license type, date, and reason for disciplinary measures. Anyone can therefore view current enforcement actions and see if a PT or PTA's license has been officially sanctioned.
Facing a disciplinary investigation can be an incredibly stressful experience. It can also have lasting effects on your career and your peace of mind. We understand how unsettling it is to learn that you're being investigated for unprofessional conduct or a possible violation. You've worked hard to build your career, and the uncertainty of what comes next can be overwhelming. That's why it's so important to reach out for support as soon as possible.
At the Lento Law Firm, our Professional License Defense Team is here to guide you through the process with care, clarity, and the guidance needed to protect your future. You don't have to face this alone.
Grounds for Discipline for PTs and PTAs in Nebraska
Nebraska law prohibits licensed physical therapists from engaging in unprofessional conduct. If you're found responsible for this kind of conduct, you could face disciplinary action and sanctions.
Examples of unprofessional conduct include:
- Performing procedures that depart from acceptable standards
- Failing to hold in confidence information obtained from a patient
- Failing to safeguard the welfare of patients
- Exploiting another person for your own advantage
- Performing physical therapy services that are known to be contraindicated
- Performing physical therapy services outside your scope of practice
- Verbally or physically abusing patients
- Falsification or unauthorized destruction of a patient's records
- Attempting to provide diagnostic or treatment information that is beyond your level of education or expertise
- Delegating patient-related services that require your clinical skills and expertise
- Encouraging the practice of physical therapy by untrained or unqualified persons
- Failing to protect patient dignity and right to privacy
- Failing to maintain adequate patient records
- Delegating to a PTA when the skills and expertise of a PT are required
- Sexually harassing patients
- Failing to supervise persons who are only authorized to practice with supervision
- Failing to obtain informed patient consent before treatment
- Failing to transfer the continuum of patient care when physical therapy services are no longer needed
- Breaking security measures on a physical therapy license exam
- Failing to complete continuing education requirements
- Promoting an unnecessary device or treatment resulting in your own or a third party's financial gain
In Nebraska, even the most well-intentioned PTs and PTAs can find themselves facing disciplinary action over honest mistakes. The rules may seem straightforward, but in practice, they can be much more complex. For example, when you're doing your best to help a patient and exploring new approaches, could that be seen as working beyond your scope? Or if you forget to document a patient's condition change and try to fix it later, could that be viewed as falsifying records?
It's easy to see how a small oversight or misunderstanding can quickly escalate into something much more serious. You may feel confident you've done nothing wrong, but the Board may interpret the situation differently. Without the right guidance, you could face serious consequences, even if you never meant to break any rules.
At the Lento Law Firm, our Professional License Defense Team understands the pressure you're under and how quickly things can spiral. We know how to navigate Nebraska's disciplinary system and how to build a strong, compassionate defense that tells your full story.
Possible Sanctions for PT License Violations
Licensed PTs and PTAs in Nebraska who have committed unprofessional conduct or other serious violations can face a variety of disciplinary actions from the Board.
- Reprimand or Censure: A formal public acknowledgment that behavior fell below professional standards
- Probation: Continued practice under specific conditions such as supervision, monitoring, or a required corrective plan
- License Suspension: Temporary removal of practice privileges, with a specified start and end date
- License Revocation: Permanent loss of license due to severe or repeated violations
- Fines: Monetary penalties assessed according to the Uniform Credentialing Act
You may also have the option of a voluntary surrender of your license to the Board. You can make an offer to the Board and propose any conditions that might entice the Board to accept. This option may be adequate for some situations, but not all. When you work with the Lento Law Firm, our attorneys can help you decide how to proceed.
We understand how overwhelming it can feel when your professional license is at risk. That's why our Professional License Defense attorneys take the time to listen, understand your unique situation, and carefully review every detail of your case. Once we've looked at everything together, we'll talk through your options. It could be negotiating a fair resolution or moving forward with a formal hearing. Every case is different. Our goal is to help you make the best decision for your future.
The Investigation and Disciplinary Process
If the Board receives a complaint about you, it will start the complaint intake process. Then, if the complaint has merit, it will investigate and potentially impose a sanction. The Board cannot hand you a serious penalty, such as license suspension or revocation, without first giving you the opportunity to have a hearing.
Complaints
Anyone can file a confidential complaint through DHHS if they believe a PT or PTA violated the law or professional standards. DHHS reviews it to see if it falls under its jurisdiction and whether to dismiss or investigate further. The department considers factors such as:
- Whether the complaint is within their authority
- Whether it seems to be made in good faith
- Whether too much time has passed
- Whether the person is willing to testify
- Whether there's enough information to believe a violation might have occurred
All complaints are also shared with the Attorney General's office, which decides if laws were broken and what legal steps to take.
Investigation
If the complaint is in the department's jurisdictio n and constitutes a potential violation, the DHHS can investigate. DHHS has the authority to:
- Investigate the records and operations of individuals or businesses if it believes it's necessary to enforce the law.
- Question people under oath during these investigations.
- Require people to appear and testify.
- Get a court-approved warrant to inspect a property if someone refuses entry, especially in controlled substance cases.
The identity of someone who files a complaint is kept confidential unless they give permission or the law requires disclosure. Investigation files, however, are generally considered public records.
Hearings
Disciplinary hearings against licensed professionals (like PTs or PTAs) can start in several ways:
- A license applicant or holder requests a hearing after being denied or refused renewal.
- The Attorney General files a petition for discipline.
- The Department sends notice of disciplinary action (e.g., suspension, revocation).
- Someone requests a hearing after receiving an administrative order or denial.
- The Department issues an Order to Show Cause to ask why action shouldn't be taken.
If the department plans to deny, suspend, or discipline a license, it sends you a written notice explaining the reasons and legal basis. You then have 30 days to request a hearing. After your request, it must be scheduled within 90 days, unless there's a valid reason for delay. If you don't request a hearing, the DHHS decision becomes final.
Appeals
If your license is denied, not renewed, suspended, limited, or revoked, you have the right to appeal. You must file your appeal in the district court of the county where the DHHS acted, within 30 days of being served the final decision. The department's decision stays in effect unless the agency or the court grants a stay (temporary pause).
The judge will review the case and can either affirm the decision, reverse it, modify it, or send it back for further proceedings.
The Lento Law Firm Can Help You Protect Your PT License
If you're a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in Nebraska, facing a complaint against your license can feel deeply unsettling, especially when you know the claims are unfair or untrue. Ignoring the complaint or hoping it will go away is not the answer, though. Unfortunately, even false allegations can lead to serious consequences if you don't take action quickly and wisely.
The Board and DHHS will not interpret silence as uncertainty; they may see it as guilt or a lack of cooperation. Every day that passes gives investigators more time to build a case, gather witness statements, and shape a narrative without your input.
At the Lento Law Firm, we understand what's at stake, and we act fast to protect your license and your future. Here's how we can help:
- We respond quickly to shift the direction of the investigation before it escalates.
- We tell your side of the story, backed by facts, context, and your professional record.
- We protect your reputation by handling all communication with the Board on your behalf.
- We support you fully, through negotiation or by preparing for a formal hearing.
Hiring an attorney isn't a sign of guilt; it's a sign of strength and professionalism. The Board expects you to take these matters seriously. Showing up with legal representation tells them you respect the process and yourself.
You don't have to go through this alone. Our Professional License Defense Team has supported healthcare professionals across Nebraska and the country. We know what works, how the Board thinks, and how to help you move forward. Let us help you protect everything you've worked so hard to build.
Contact the Lento Law Firm for PT License Defense
Most defense attorneys aren't familiar with the unique challenges that come with defending a professional license. When your career is on the line, you need someone who truly understands how licensing boards work. At the Lento Law Firm, we've helped many PTs and other professionals navigate these difficult situations with an effective strategy.
Whether you're practicing in Nebraska's major healthcare centers in Omaha and Lincoln, working in a rehab facility in Grand Island, or providing care in a private clinic in Kearney or Fremont, the Nebraska licensing board has the same authority to put your license at risk.
You've dedicated years to building your career in physical therapy. We're here to help you defend it. If you've received a complaint or are under investigation, don't wait. Reach out to the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential consultation form. We'll stand by your side and help you protect your future.
