Physical Therapy Board Hears Reinstatement Petition; Record Closed, Decision Deferred

The Physical Therapy Board of California held a formal reinstatement hearing on March 18, 2025, in Stockton to consider a petition by Michael Caine (petitioner) seeking reinstatement of his physical therapy license. An administrative law judge, the deputy attorney general and board members heard testimony, received documentary exhibits and then closed the record. The board moved to deliberate in closed session; the judge said a written decision will be mailed to the petitioner in roughly 30 days.

The hearing centered on whether Caine has shown sufficient rehabilitation since disciplinary proceedings that began in 2017. Deputy Attorney General Nina Benjamin summarized the allegation history on behalf of the state: an accusation filed Jan. 12, 2017, alleged five causes of discipline including knowingly creating false medical documents (forging patient signatures and submitting claims for services not performed), gross negligence, unprofessional conduct, fraudulent and dishonest conduct, and charging fees for services not provided. Benjamin said a stipulated settlement entered in late 2017 revoked Caine’s license with a five‑year stayed revocation and imposed probationary conditions, including notifying employees and patients of his probation status. A subsequent petition to remove the notification condition was denied in 2020, and Caine voluntarily surrendered his license in April 2021. The current petition for reinstatement was filed on Sept. 26, 2024.

Board members admitted a set of documentary exhibits into evidence during the hearing (Exhibits 1–15), including the original accusation, the stipulated settlement and order, prior decision and order to modify probation, investigative report, the reinstatement petition, proof of prior licensure, quarterly reports, continuing education documentation, and multiple letters of recommendation submitted by physicians and community members.

Caine offered sworn testimony describing personal and spiritual rehabilitation since 2017. He said he has worked outside the profession as a landscaper and CrossFit coach, led weekly small‑group meetings at his church for several years and received pastoral mentorship. Caine described financial hardship after his misconduct and voluntary surrender, and he read from or summarized letters of support from Pastor Chad Halliburton, Pastor Mark Franci, Stephanie Johnson and physicians who submitted recommendations. He said he has not practiced as a licensed physical therapist since 2017 and acknowledged difficulty finding work while under probationary terms.

Benjamin pressed Caine on factual matters in the investigative report and earlier filings, noting late submission of required quarterly reports in the past, the severity of the original misconduct, and outstanding concerns about trustworthiness and financial motivation underlying the violations. Board members asked about Caine’s recent continuing education (he had not completed recent PT continuing education), whether he had been given supervisory or fiscal responsibilities since surrender, and how he would handle triggers or financial pressure if returned to practice. Caine described plans to pursue mentorship and clinical refresh opportunities with local therapists and said he intended to seek hands‑on experience in outpatient or skilled nursing settings to refresh clinical skills.

Deputy Attorney General Benjamin concluded by arguing the petitioner had not met the required standard of clear and convincing evidence of rehabilitation: she cited the seriousness of the misconduct, the absence of recent practice since 2017, limited evidence of continuing education, and no demonstrable recent responsibility for clinical records or fiscal matters. The panel gave Caine an opportunity for closing remarks; he reiterated remorse, described support systems and asked the board for a chance to practice again.

The administrative law judge closed the hearing record and directed the board to deliberate in closed session. No formal vote or reinstatement decision was announced at the meeting; the judge stated a written decision will be prepared and mailed within approximately 30 days.

The hearing transcript and admitted exhibits will form the administrative record that the board uses to decide whether to reinstate the license and whether to impose any conditions if reinstatement is granted.

Details in this report are drawn from the hearing record and the documentary exhibits the board admitted into evidence at the March 18, 2025 hearing.