Title 201 | Chapter 022 | Regulation 070REG
PROPOSED
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PREVIOUS VERSION
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BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Board of Physical Therapy
(Amendment)
201 KAR 22:070.Requirements for foreign-educated physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.
Section 1.
A foreign-educated physical therapist applicant shall be credentialed if the applicant:(1)
Complies with the requirements of KRS 327.060(1)(b);(2)
In accordance with KRS 327.060(1)(b), meets the following requirements:(a)
Furnishes the board a favorable educational credentials evaluation report from a credentialing agency that uses the appropriate edition of the "Coursework Tool" (CWT) copyrighted by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). An academic deficiency in general education coursework identified by the CWT shall be satisfied by the applicant through submission of evidence identifying one (1) of the following:1.
Completion of appropriate coursework at a regionally accredited academic institution;2.
Continuing education in a course approved by the board; or3.
Submission of a portfolio including a detailed resume and description of relevant work experience approved by the board;(b)
Shows proof of English Language Proficiency by:1.
A score of not less than fifty (50) on the Test of Spoken English (TSE);2.
Verification that the applicant has achieved the following minimum scores for each category of the Test of English as a Foreign Language, TOEFLE Internet-based test (TOEFL IBT):a.
Writing, four point three (4.3);b.
Speaking, four point three (4.3);c.
Listening, four point three (4.3);d.
Reading, four point three (4.3);e.
With an overall score of not less than four point three (4.3);3.
Verification that English is the native language of the country of origin; or4.
Other English proficiency exam approved by the Board.(c)
Submits a satisfactorily-completed application and appropriate fee as required by 201 KAR 22:020 and 201 KAR 22:135;(d)
Completes the Jurisprudence Exam;(e)
Obtains a passing score on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). The requirements of 201 KAR 22:020, Section 2(3) shall be applicable to examination candidates; and(f)
Has successfully completed a minimum of three (3) months and no more than six (6) months of practice under the on-site supervision of a physical therapist credentialed under KRS Chapter 327 at a Kentucky facility previously approved by the board that satisfies the following requirements:1.
The supervised practice shall be a minimum of 390 hours in a three (3) month period, in a facility that is serving as a clinical education site for students enrolled in a program in physical therapist education accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE);2.
The applicant shall furnish the board a favorable evaluation of on-site supervision performed by a clinical supervisor who utilizes the "Performance Evaluation Tool for Foreign Educated Therapists Completing a Supervised Clinical Practice in the United States" copyrighted by FSBPT. The clinical supervisor shall submit the evaluation to the board after three (3) months of practice, and if required, after the sixth (6th) month, when the required score denoting clinical competency shall have been reached;3.
The supervising physical therapist shall, within the three (3) years prior to serving as a supervisor, have previously acted as clinical supervisor for a physical therapist student as part of a CAPTE accredited program; and4.
The supervisor shall countersign all of the candidate's physical therapy records within fourteen (14) days; and(3)
Submits to the Board a completed nationwide criminal background check as required by KRS 327.310 with the background investigation completed no later than six (6) months prior to the date of the filing of the application.Section 2.
Temporary Permits for Foreign-educated Physical Therapist Applicants.(1)
An applicant who has not satisfactorily completed three (3) months of supervised practice as a physical therapist shall be issued a temporary permit to complete Section 1(2)(f) of this administrative regulation if the applicant has:(a)
Completed the requirements of Section 1(2)(a) through (e) of this administrative regulation; and(b)
Submitted an approved Supervisory Agreement for Physical Therapists Educated in a Foreign Country.(2)
The temporary permit shall be revoked if the applicant has not satisfactorily completed the supervised practice within a six (6) month period.Section 3.
(1)
A foreign-educated physical therapist assistant applicant shall be credentialed if the applicant has:(a)
Completed the application process;(b)
Provided written proof that the education institution in which the applicant received his or her education to be a physical therapist assistant is recognized by its own ministry of education;(c)
Provided proof of legal authorization to reside and seek employment in the United States or its territories;(d)
Provided proof of authorization to practice as a physical therapist assistant without limitations in the country where the professional education occurred;(e)
Furnished the board a favorable educational credentials evaluation report from a credentialing agency that uses the appropriate edition of the "Coursework Tool" (CWT) copyrighted by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). An academic deficiency in general education coursework identified by the CWT shall be satisfied by the applicant through submission of evidence identifying one (1) of the following:1.
Completion of appropriate coursework at a regionally accredited academic institution;2.
Continuing education in a course approved by the board; or3.
Submission of a portfolio including a detailed resume and description of relevant work experience approved by the board;(f)
Shows proof of English Language Proficiency by:1.
A score of not less than fifty (50) on the Test of Spoken English (TSE);2.
Verification that the applicant has achieved the following minimum scores for each category of the Test of English as a Foreign Language, TOEFLE Internet-based test (TOEFL IBT):a.
Writing, four point three (4.3);b.
Speaking, four point three (4.3);c.
Listening, four point three (4.3);d.
Reading, four point three (4.3);e.
With an overall score of not less than four point three (4.3);3.
Verification that English is the native language of the country of origin; or4.
Other English proficiency exam approved by the Board.(g)
Submits a satisfactorily-completed application and appropriate fee as required by 201 KAR 22:020 and 201 KAR 22:135;(h)
Completes the Jurisprudence Exam;(i)
Obtains a passing score on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE); and(j)
Completes the requirements of Section 1(3) of this administrative regulation.(2)
To be eligible for a temporary permit, a foreign-educated Physical Therapist Assistant applicant shall complete the requirements of 201 KAR 22:020, Sections 4 and 5.Section 4.
Incorporation by Reference.(1)
The "Supervisory Agreement for Physical Therapists Educated in a Foreign Country", August 2017, is incorporated by reference.(2)
This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Board of Physical Therapy, 312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 102, Louisville, Kentucky 40222, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.(3)
This material is also available on the board's Web site at pt.ky.gov/Forms/Pages/Foreign-Educated-Applicant-.aspx.STEPHEN CURLEY, Executive Director
APPROVED BY AGENCY: March 19. 2026
FILED WITH LRC: April 15, 2026 at 9:35 a.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on June 23, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. (ET) at 312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 102, Louisville, Kentucky 40222. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing five days prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing is received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. This hearing is open to the public. Any person who wishes to be heard will be given an opportunity to comment on the proposed administrative regulation. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted until June 30, 2026. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to the contact person.
CONTACT PERSON: Stephen Curley, Executive Director, Board of Physical Therapy, 312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 102, Louisville, Kentucky 40222, (502) 429-7140 and Fax (502) 429-7142, Stephen.Curley@ky.gov.
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Stephen Curley
Subject Headings:
Physical Therapy, Occupations and Professions, Boards and Commissions
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation outlines the requirements for licensure for foreign-educated physical therapists.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This administrative regulation was necessary to implement provisions of KRS Chapter 327.050, 327.060, 327.040(1), (11), (13) 327.060(3), 327.310.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
It provides the requirements for licensure for foreign-educated physical therapists.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
It provides the requirements for licensure for foreign-educated physical therapists.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
This amendment would update the scale for English proficiency to the new scale and allow FEPT to have more options in English proficiency tests.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
The necessity is to update the scale for English proficiency to the new scale which has been adopted by the federal government and testing agencies.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
The board is authorized to amend administrative regulations.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
amendment would update the scale for English proficiency to the new scale which allow the Board to continue licensing FEPT.
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
NO
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
Approximately 6500
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
None
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
There will be no additional cost.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
more access to English proficiency exam which will reduce costs to applicants.
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
No cost.
(b) On a continuing basis:
No cost.
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
Agency Revenue Fund, and costs will not change from current spending.
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
There will be no increase in fees or funding.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
None.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
Tiering was not used in this administrative regulation because the administrative regulation applies equally to all those individuals regulated by it.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
KRS 327.050, 327.060, 327.040(11), (13) 327.060(3), 327.310.
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
KRS 327.050, 327.060, 327.040(11), (13) 327.060(3), 327.310.
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
Kentucky Board of Physical Therapy
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
None
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistants
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
None
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
there are no fee changes or added costs.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
No
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
there is no fee changes or added costs.
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Board of Physical Therapy
(Amendment)
201 KAR 22:070.Requirements for foreign-educated physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.
Section 1.
A foreign-educated physical therapist applicant shall be credentialed if the applicant:(1)
Complies with the requirements of KRS 327.060(1)(b);(2)
In accordance with KRS 327.060(1)(b), meets the following requirements:(a)
Furnishes the board a favorable educational credentials evaluation report from a credentialing agency that uses the appropriate edition of the "Coursework Tool" (CWT) copyrighted by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). An academic deficiency in general education coursework identified by the CWT shall be satisfied by the applicant through submission of evidence identifying one (1) of the following:1.
Completion of appropriate coursework at a regionally accredited academic institution;2.
Continuing education in a course approved by the board; or3.
Submission of a portfolio including a detailed resume and description of relevant work experience approved by the board;(b)
Shows proof of English Language Proficiency by:1.
A score of not less than fifty (50) on the Test of Spoken English (TSE);2.
Verification that the applicant has achieved the following minimum scores for each category of the Test of English as a Foreign Language, TOEFLE Internet-based test (TOEFL IBT):a.
Writing, four point three (4.3);b.
Speaking, four point three (4.3);c.
Listening, four point three (4.3);d.
Reading, four point three (4.3); ande.
With an overall score of not less than four point three (4.3);3.
Verification that English is the native language of the country of origin; or4.
Other English proficiency exam approved by the Board.(c)
Submits a satisfactorily-completed application and appropriate fee as required by 201 KAR 22:020 and 201 KAR 22:135;(d)
Completes the Jurisprudence Exam;(e)
Obtains a passing score on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). The requirements of 201 KAR 22:020, Section 2(3) shall be applicable to examination candidates; and(f)
Has successfully completed a minimum of three (3) months and no more than six (6) months of practice under the on-site supervision of a physical therapist credentialed under KRS Chapter 327 at a Kentucky facility previously approved by the board that satisfies the following requirements:1.
The supervised practice shall be a minimum of 390 hours in a three (3) month period, in a facility that is serving as a clinical education site for students enrolled in a program in physical therapist education accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE);2.
The applicant shall furnish the board a favorable evaluation of on-site supervision performed by a clinical supervisor who utilizes the "Performance Evaluation Tool for Foreign Educated Therapists Completing a Supervised Clinical Practice in the United States" copyrighted by FSBPT. The clinical supervisor shall submit the evaluation to the board after three (3) months of practice, and if required, after the sixth (6th) month, when the required score denoting clinical competency shall have been reached;3.
The supervising physical therapist shall, within the three (3) years prior to serving as a supervisor, have previously acted as clinical supervisor for a physical therapist student as part of a CAPTE accredited program; and4.
The supervisor shall countersign all of the candidate's physical therapy records within fourteen (14) days; and(3)
Submits to the Board a completed nationwide criminal background check as required by KRS 327.310 with the background investigation completed no later than six (6) months prior to the date of the filing of the application.Section 2.
Temporary Permits for Foreign-educated Physical Therapist Applicants.(1)
An applicant who has not satisfactorily completed three (3) months of supervised practice as a physical therapist shall be issued a temporary permit to complete Section 1(2)(f) of this administrative regulation if the applicant has:(a)
Completed the requirements of Section 1(2)(a) through (e) of this administrative regulation; and(b)
Submitted an approved Supervisory Agreement for Physical Therapists Educated in a Foreign Country.(2)
The temporary permit shall be revoked if the applicant has not satisfactorily completed the supervised practice within a six (6) month period.Section 3.
(1)
A foreign-educated physical therapist assistant applicant shall be credentialed if the applicant has:(a)
Completed the application process;(b)
Provided written proof that the education institution in which the applicant received his or her education to be a physical therapist assistant is recognized by its own ministry of education;(c)
Provided proof of legal authorization to reside and seek employment in the United States or its territories;(d)
Provided proof of authorization to practice as a physical therapist assistant without limitations in the country where the professional education occurred;(e)
Furnished the board a favorable educational credentials evaluation report from a credentialing agency that uses the appropriate edition of the "Coursework Tool" (CWT) copyrighted by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). An academic deficiency in general education coursework identified by the CWT shall be satisfied by the applicant through submission of evidence identifying one (1) of the following:1.
Completion of appropriate coursework at a regionally accredited academic institution;2.
Continuing education in a course approved by the board; or3.
Submission of a portfolio including a detailed resume and description of relevant work experience approved by the board;(f)
Shows proof of English Language Proficiency by:1.
A score of not less than fifty (50) on the Test of Spoken English (TSE);2.
Verification that the applicant has achieved the following minimum scores for each category of the Test of English as a Foreign Language, TOEFLE Internet-based test (TOEFL IBT):a.
Writing, four point three (4.3);b.
Speaking, four point three (4.3);c.
Listening, four point three (4.3);d.
Reading, four point three (4.3); ande.
With an overall score of not less than four point three (4.3);3.
Verification that English is the native language of the country of origin; or4.
Other English proficiency exam approved by the Board.(g)
Submits a satisfactorily-completed application and appropriate fee as required by 201 KAR 22:020 and 201 KAR 22:135;(h)
Completes the Jurisprudence Exam;(i)
Obtains a passing score on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE); and(j)
Completes the requirements of Section 1(3) of this administrative regulation.(2)
To be eligible for a temporary permit, a foreign-educated Physical Therapist Assistant applicant shall complete the requirements of 201 KAR 22:020, Sections 4 and 5.Section 4.
Incorporation by Reference.(1)
The "Supervisory Agreement for Physical Therapists Educated in a Foreign Country", August 2017, is incorporated by reference.(2)
This material may be inspected, copied, or obtained, subject to applicable copyright law, at the Board of Physical Therapy, 312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 102, Louisville, Kentucky 40222, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.(3)
This material is also available on the board's Web site at pt.ky.gov/Forms/Pages/Foreign-Educated-Applicant-.aspx.STEPHEN CURLEY, Executive Director
APPROVED BY AGENCY: March 19. 2026
FILED WITH LRC: April 15, 2026 at 9:35 a.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on June 23, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. (ET) at 312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 102, Louisville, Kentucky 40222. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing five days prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing is received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. This hearing is open to the public. Any person who wishes to be heard will be given an opportunity to comment on the proposed administrative regulation. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted until June 30, 2026. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to the contact person.
CONTACT PERSON: Stephen Curley, Executive Director, Board of Physical Therapy, 312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 102, Louisville, Kentucky 40222, (502) 429-7140 and Fax (502) 429-7142, Stephen.Curley@ky.gov.
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Stephen Curley
Subject Headings:
Physical Therapy, Occupations and Professions, Boards and Commissions
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation outlines the requirements for licensure for foreign-educated physical therapists.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This administrative regulation was necessary to implement provisions of KRS Chapter 327.050, 327.060, 327.040(1), (11), (13) 327.060(3), 327.310.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
It provides the requirements for licensure for foreign-educated physical therapists.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
It provides the requirements for licensure for foreign-educated physical therapists.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
This amendment would update the scale for English proficiency to the new scale and allow FEPT to have more options in English proficiency tests.
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
The necessity is to update the scale for English proficiency to the new scale which has been adopted by the federal government and testing agencies.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
The board is authorized to amend administrative regulations.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
amendment would update the scale for English proficiency to the new scale which allow the Board to continue licensing FEPT.
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
NO
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
Approximately 6500
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
None
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
There will be no additional cost.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
more access to English proficiency exam which will reduce costs to applicants.
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
No cost.
(b) On a continuing basis:
No cost.
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
Agency Revenue Fund, and costs will not change from current spending.
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
There will be no increase in fees or funding.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
None.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
Tiering was not used in this administrative regulation because the administrative regulation applies equally to all those individuals regulated by it.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
KRS 327.050, 327.060, 327.040(11), (13) 327.060(3), 327.310.
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
KRS 327.050, 327.060, 327.040(11), (13) 327.060(3), 327.310.
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
Kentucky Board of Physical Therapy
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
None
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistants
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
None
For subsequent years:
None
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
None
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
there are no fee changes or added costs.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
No
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
there is no fee changes or added costs.