Physical Therapy Board outlines budget updates and staffing changes amid fiscal challenges

The Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBC) held a meeting on March 19, 2025, where key updates regarding budget, staffing, and support for wildfire victims were discussed. The meeting, led by a representative in the absence of manager Liz Constancio, highlighted the current economic state and its impact on the board's operations.

The board reported that travel and training expenses remain stable, focusing primarily on mandatory job-related training. The PTBC has authorized 29.1 positions, with recent appointments made to fill vacancies in the licensing and enforcement units. Currently, there is one additional vacancy that is close to being filled.

Financially, the PTBC has allocated $7.139 million for the fiscal year to cover personnel services, operating expenses, and equipment. However, the budget authority has seen a decrease of $378,000, primarily affecting personnel services. The board has spent approximately $3.9 million year-to-date, which is slightly above the typical halfway mark of 50% for budget expenditures.

The meeting also addressed the impact of an executive order that restricted purchases, leading to a delay in acquiring necessary equipment, such as laptops for new employees. The board clarified that while they faced budget cuts, they did not lose any position authority, allowing them to continue filling vacancies.

In a significant outreach effort, the board provided support to wildfire victims in Southern California by waiving renewal fees for affected licensees and offering to replace destroyed wall certificates at no cost. This initiative aimed to assist approximately 100 licensees impacted by the recent wildfires.

Overall, the meeting underscored the PTBC's commitment to maintaining operational efficiency while supporting its staff and the community during challenging times. The board will continue to monitor its budget and staffing needs as the fiscal year progresses.