Pre-Application Eligibility Determination
Background
In 2022, the Louisiana legislature amended its laws to provide for a pre-licensing application eligibility determination for those who have been previously convincted of a crime. Please reference Act 486 of the 2022 Regular Session. Under this law, applicants may request a determination from the Board as to whether their conviction disqualifies them from licensure.
Factors for consideration:
Louisiana Physical Therapy Board ("the Board") may use the criminal convictions of applicants as a basis for denial of an application for licensure. The Board is required to consider the following factors in deciding whether to grant a license to an applicant with one or more criminal convictions:
- the nature and seriousness of the offense(s);
- the nature of the specific duties and responsibilities for which the license is required;
- the amount of time that has passed since the conviction(s);
- facts relevant to the circumstances of the offense(s), including any aggravating or mitigating circumstances or social conditions surrounding the commission of the offence(s); and
- evidence of rehabilitation or treatment undertaken by the person since the conviction(s).
Please be aware:
- Pursuant to La. R.S. 37:33, you have the right to petition for a pre-application eligibility determination prior to meeting the general qualifications for a license.
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Submitting a request for pre-application eligibility determination does not eliminate the need to complete a formal application for licensure or reduce any of the steps required for formal licensure.
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You are not required to seek a pre-application eligibility determination before completing a formal application for licensure.
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When formally applying for licensure, all other licensing criteria required by Louisiana law and/or rule must still be met, regardless of a pre-application eligibility determination.
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The Louisiana Physical Therapy Board will only know, and take into account in its decision, information you provide regarding your convictions. The Board will not conduct an independent investigation regarding your criminal conviction for the pre-application eligibility determination of whether your criminal conviction disqualifies you from licensure.
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If you later apply for licensure by the Board, your pre-application eligibility determination records, including any decision, will be reviewed prior to a decision regarding licensure.
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If you are already licensed by the Board and you are seeking a pre-application eligibility determination with regard to a different license type issued by the Board, please know that any criminal conviction, previously unreported, may result in an investigation with regard to your current licensure.
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The pre-application eligibility determination is binding on the Board, and as such, prior to a final determination, the Board will give the convicted individual sixty additional (60) days to submit additional evidence relevant to each of the factors listed in R.S. 37:2950. Further, any notice of the final determination will indicate a right of appeal and the earliest date upon which a person may reapply.
How to request pre-application eligiblity determination:
- Complete the form and email to the Licensing Analyst, Danielle Linzer, with all supporting documentation: Danielle@laptboard.org
- Upon receipt, the Board will review the application. Board staff may contact you with further questions.
- A determination will be made within 45 days.
- You will receive a decision letter via email notifying you whether your criminal offenses disqualify you from licensure.