What is the penalty for practicing physical therapy without a valid license in the District of Columbia?

Practicing physical therapy without a valid license in the District of Columbia is classified as a misdemeanor. This means that individuals engaging in unlicensed practice may be subject to legal consequences that include fines and/or potential imprisonment. The rationale behind this penalty is rooted in the need to ensure public safety and professional standards within healthcare. The law is designed to protect patients from unqualified practitioners who may lack the necessary education and training to provide safe and effective care.

The other options may involve various aspects of professional conduct or requirements after licensure but do not pertain to the direct legal ramifications associated with practicing without a license. For example, revocation of a professional degree typically occurs in cases of misconduct after a license has already been obtained, rather than for practicing without one. Similarly, probationary periods or mandatory continuing education courses relate to maintaining licensure rather than the initial act of unauthorized practice itself. Therefore, the classification of unlicensed practice as a misdemeanor with associated fines or imprisonment is the appropriate and specific legal consequence in this context.