Where to find the California physical therapy board's license suspension list
The California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) maintains a public database called BreEZe where you can search for any licensed physical therapist in the state and see whether their license is active, suspended, revoked, or under investigation. This is the official record — the only place that matters when you need to know a therapist's actual license status.
You do not need to contact the board directly or wait for a response. The search takes seconds and shows you the current status when ready. The database is free and open to anyone.
Key Takeaways
- The BreEZe database at breeze.ca.gov is the official source for California physical therapist license status, including suspensions and revocations.
- You can search by the therapist's name or license number and see their status, any disciplinary actions, and the date those actions took effect.
- A suspended license means the therapist cannot legally practice physical therapy in California until the suspension is lifted.
- If you have already received treatment from a therapist with a suspended license, you may want to contact the Physical Therapy Board directly to report the violation.
How to search the BreEZe database
Go to breeze.ca.gov and select "License Lookup" from the homepage. Choose "Physical Therapist" from the profession dropdown. You can then search by the therapist's first and last name, or by their license number if you have it.
The results page will show the therapist's name, license number, the date their license was issued, and their current status. If the status shows "Suspended," the page will also display the date the suspension began and, in many cases, the reason for the suspension or a reference number for the disciplinary case.
If you cannot find the therapist in the database at all, that means they do not hold a current or recent California physical therapy license. They may be licensed in another state, or they may not be licensed anywhere.
What a suspended license actually means
A suspended license is a temporary revocation. The therapist cannot legally practice physical therapy in California while the suspension is in effect. They cannot treat patients, bill insurance, or operate a practice. The suspension remains until the board lifts it, which happens when the therapist meets the conditions set in the disciplinary order — usually completing additional training, paying fines, or serving a waiting period.
A suspended license is different from a revoked license, which is permanent. A revoked license means the therapist's right to practice has been terminated entirely and they must reapply from scratch if they ever want to practice again.
Why licenses get suspended
The Physical Therapy Board suspends licenses for violations of state law or the board's regulations. Common reasons include practicing without a current license, failing a continuing education requirement, substance abuse, criminal conviction, patient harm, sexual misconduct, or billing fraud. The board investigates complaints from patients, employers, or other healthcare providers.
When the board finds a violation, it issues a disciplinary order that explains what happened and what the therapist must do to have the license reinstated. You can usually find this order by searching the board's disciplinary case database, which is separate from BreEZe.
How to find details about a specific disciplinary case
If BreEZe shows a suspension but does not provide the full reason, you can search the Physical Therapy Board's disciplinary case database at ptb.ca.gov. Look for the "Enforcement" or "Disciplinary Actions" section. You can search by the therapist's name or license number to find the formal order.
The disciplinary order is a public document and will tell you exactly what violation occurred, when it was discovered, what the board decided, and what the therapist must do to get their license back. Some orders are posted as PDFs; others you may need to request directly from the board.
You can also call the Physical Therapy Board at their main office number (listed on ptb.ca.gov) and ask for the status of a specific license. They can tell you whether a suspension is still in effect and when it is expected to end.
What to do if you received treatment from a suspended therapist
If you discovered that your physical therapist's license was suspended during the time you were being treated, contact the Physical Therapy Board when ready. You can file a complaint through their website or by phone. Provide the therapist's name, license number, the dates you received treatment, and a description of what happened.
The board will investigate whether the therapist was practicing illegally. If they were, the board may take additional action against the therapist and may also help you understand your options for recourse. Keep copies of any bills, receipts, or medical records related to the treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a therapist practice while their license is under investigation?
Yes, unless the board has issued a specific order to stop. An investigation does not automatically suspend the license. However, if the board believes there is when ready danger to the public, they can issue an emergency suspension before the investigation is complete. You can check BreEZe to see whether a suspension has been issued.
How long does a suspension usually last?
Suspension length varies widely depending on the violation and the terms of the disciplinary order. Some suspensions last a few months; others last years. The disciplinary order will state the length or the conditions the therapist must meet to have it lifted. You can find this information in the formal order on the board's website.
What if the therapist's name is common and I get multiple results?
Look for the license number if you have it — that is the most reliable way to identify the correct person. You can also check the city or county where the therapist practices, which is usually listed in the search results. If you are still unsure, call the board and provide them with the therapist's full name and the clinic or address where they work.
Is the BreEZe database updated in real time?
BreEZe is updated regularly but not always when ready. There may be a delay of a few days between when the board issues a suspension and when it appears in the database. If you need to know the absolute current status, call the board directly rather than relying on the online search alone.
Can I see why a license was suspended without contacting the board?
Sometimes. BreEZe may show a brief reason or a case number. The Physical Therapy Board's website usually has a searchable disciplinary case database where you can find the full formal order. If the information is not online, you can request it from the board in writing or by phone, and they will provide it at no cost.