What reinstatement requires and who handles it
To reinstate a lapsed Delaware physical therapy license, you submit a reinstatement request to the Delaware Board of Physical Therapy Licensure, which is part of the Division of Professional Regulation under the Delaware Department of State. The board reviews your request, verifies your standing, and either grants reinstatement or requires you to meet additional conditions before your license becomes active again.
Reinstatement is not automatic. The board examines why your license lapsed, how long it has been inactive, and whether you meet current practice standards. A license that lapsed because you did not renew on time is handled differently from one that was suspended or revoked for disciplinary reasons.
The process typically takes four to eight weeks from the time the board receives a complete request, though this varies depending on the reason for lapse and the current volume of requests the board is processing.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Delaware Board of Physical Therapy Licensure directly to confirm your license status and learn what documents you must submit for reinstatement.
- A license that lapsed due to non-renewal usually requires a reinstatement fee, proof of current CPR certification, and completion of any continuing education hours you missed during the lapse period.
- If your license was suspended or revoked for disciplinary reasons, reinstatement may require additional steps such as remedial coursework, a hearing, or a written petition to the board.
- You cannot legally practice physical therapy in Delaware on a lapsed license, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request and are waiting for approval.
- Some practitioners choose to take the licensure exam again rather than pursue reinstatement, depending on how long the license has been inactive and what conditions the board imposes.
Reinstatement for a license that lapsed due to non-renewal
If your license expired because you did not submit a renewal process and fee by the important date, reinstatement is usually the most straightforward path. You will need to contact the Delaware Board of Physical Therapy Licensure and request a reinstatement process packet. The board's office is located in Wilmington, and you can reach them by phone or mail to request forms and confirm current fees.
The typical documents required include a completed reinstatement process form, proof of current CPR certification (usually American Heart Association or American Red Cross), and payment of the reinstatement fee. The fee amount varies and should be confirmed directly with the board. You will also need to document any continuing education hours you were required to complete during the years your license was inactive. Delaware requires physical therapists to complete a set number of continuing education credits per renewal cycle, and the board will verify that you have met or will meet this requirement before reinstatement is granted.
If the lapse has been relatively short — typically one to two renewal cycles — the board may reinstate your license once these materials are received and verified. If the lapse has been longer, the board may require additional documentation or may ask you to retake portions of the licensure exam to demonstrate current competency.
Reinstatement after suspension or disciplinary action
If your license was suspended or revoked due to a disciplinary complaint, violation of practice standards, or failure to meet board requirements, reinstatement follows a different and more involved process. The board will have issued a formal order explaining the reason for suspension or revocation and any conditions that must be met before reinstatement can be considered.
You must obtain a copy of the original disciplinary order from the board if you do not have one. This document outlines exactly what you must do to become may be able to access for reinstatement — for example, completing a specific remedial course, obtaining a letter from a supervising physical therapist confirming your competency, undergoing a professional evaluation, or attending a formal hearing before the board.
In many cases, you cannot petition for reinstatement until a minimum period has passed since the suspension or revocation took effect. You will need to submit evidence that you have completed all conditions specified in the order, and the board may require you to appear in person or submit additional documentation before making a reinstatement decision.
Continuing education and competency requirements
Delaware requires physical therapists to complete continuing education as a condition of licensure renewal. The number of hours required per renewal cycle and the types of courses that count toward this requirement are set by the board and may change. When you explore for reinstatement, you must show that you have completed the continuing education hours for each renewal period during which your license was inactive.
If you have not completed these hours, you have two options: complete them before submitting your reinstatement request, or submit a plan to the board showing when you will complete them. Some boards will grant conditional reinstatement while you finish the coursework, but this is not may provide. It is safer to complete all required hours before you submit your reinstatement process.
The board maintains a list of approved continuing education providers. Courses taken through providers not on this list may not count toward your requirement, so verify approval before enrolling. You will need to provide proof of completion — usually a certificate of attendance or a transcript from the course provider — with your reinstatement request.
CPR certification and other current credentials
Most states, including Delaware, require physical therapists to maintain current CPR certification as a condition of licensure. If your CPR certification has expired, you must renew it before the board will reinstate your license. CPR courses are widely available through hospitals, community colleges, the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, and private training providers. The course typically takes a few hours and costs between $50 and $150, depending on the provider and the level of certification required.
You will need to submit proof of current CPR certification — usually a card or certificate showing the expiration date — with your reinstatement process. If your CPR expires before the board processes your reinstatement request, you will need to renew it again. To avoid this, time your CPR renewal so that it does not expire during the reinstatement review period.
Check with the board about any other credentials or certifications that may be required. Some practitioners hold specialty certifications or state-specific endorsements that may also need to be current or renewed as part of the reinstatement process.
Submitting your reinstatement request to the board
Contact the Delaware Board of Physical Therapy Licensure to request a reinstatement process. You can reach the board through the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation website or by calling the office directly. Provide your full name, license number (if you have it), and the date your license lapsed. The board will send you an process packet with instructions specific to your situation.
Complete the process form carefully and include all required documents. Common mistakes include submitting incomplete CPR certificates, forgetting to include the reinstatement fee, or failing to provide proof of continuing education. Double-check the process against the board's checklist before you mail or submit it.
Submit your process by mail or through the board's online portal if one is available. Keep a copy of everything you submit and note the date you sent it. If you submit by mail, consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. The board will send you a confirmation once your process is received and will notify you of the status as it processes your request.
Timeline and what to expect while your request is being reviewed
After the board receives your complete reinstatement process, the review process typically takes four to eight weeks. During this time, the board verifies your continuing education credits, confirms your CPR certification, checks for any outstanding complaints or violations, and reviews your process for completeness.
You may receive a request for additional information if the board finds gaps in your process or needs clarification on any point. Respond to these requests promptly — delays in providing requested documents can extend the timeline significantly. If you do not respond within the timeframe the board specifies, your process may be denied and you will have to resubmit.
Once the board approves your reinstatement, you will receive written notification and your license will be restored to active status. You can then legally practice physical therapy in Delaware. The board will also update its public license directory to show your license as active. If your reinstatement is denied, the board will provide a written explanation of the reasons and information about your right to request a hearing or appeal.
Alternatives if reinstatement is not possible or practical
In some cases, reinstatement may not be the best option. If your license has been inactive for many years, the board may require you to retake the physical therapy licensure exam (the NPTE, or National Physical Therapy Examination) rather than straightforward reinstate. If you face significant barriers to meeting reinstatement conditions — for example, if you cannot locate proof of continuing education from years ago — you may find it faster to take the exam again.
Taking the exam again requires you to meet the current educational requirements for licensure in Delaware, which typically means holding a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited program. If you already hold this degree, you can register for the NPTE through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The exam costs several hundred dollars and requires study and preparation, but it may be quicker than pursuing reinstatement if the board is imposing strict conditions.
Discuss both options with the board before deciding. The board can tell you whether reinstatement or retesting is more practical given your specific circumstances and how long each path typically takes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice physical therapy while my reinstatement request is being reviewed?
No. You cannot legally practice physical therapy in Delaware on a lapsed license, even if you have submitted a reinstatement request and are waiting for approval. Practicing without an active license is a violation of state law and can result in additional disciplinary action. Wait until you receive written confirmation that your license has been reinstated before you see patients or provide physical therapy services.
What if I cannot find my continuing education certificates from years ago?
Contact the continuing education providers or the organizations that offered the courses and request copies of your completion certificates or transcripts. Many providers keep records for several years. If you cannot locate proof of specific courses, contact the board and explain the situation. Some boards will accept a written statement from you describing the courses you completed, though this is less ideal than official documentation. In some cases, the board may require you to complete additional continuing education hours to make up for what you cannot document.
How much does reinstatement cost?
The reinstatement fee varies and should be confirmed directly with the Delaware Board of Physical Therapy Licensure. In addition to the reinstatement fee, you may need to pay for CPR certification renewal, continuing education courses, and any exam or evaluation fees if the board requires them. Contact the board for a complete breakdown of costs before you begin the process.
What happens if my reinstatement request is denied?
The board will send you a written explanation of the reasons for denial and information about your right to request a hearing or appeal. You can typically request a formal hearing before the board to present your case and respond to any concerns. The board will provide instructions on how to request a hearing and what to expect during the process.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
For a straightforward reinstatement due to non-renewal, you typically do not need a lawyer. The process is administrative and the board provides forms and instructions. However, if your license was suspended or revoked for disciplinary reasons, or if your reinstatement request is denied, consulting with a lawyer who has experience with professional licensing matters in Delaware can be helpful. A lawyer can review the board's requirements, help you prepare documentation, and represent you at a hearing if needed.