2019 -- H 5142

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LC000651

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

     Introduced By: Representatives Bennett, Edwards, McNamara, McEntee, and Jacquard

     Date Introduced: January 17, 2019

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 5-40-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-40 entitled "Physical

Therapists" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     5-40-1. Definitions.

     As used in this chapter:

     (1) "Board" means the board of physical therapy established by § 5-40-2.

     (2) "Department" means the department of health.

     (3) "Examination" means an examination approved by the department in consultation

with the board.

     (4) "License" means a license issued by the department to practice physical therapy.

     (5) "Physical therapist" means an individual who is licensed by the department to practice

physical therapy.

     (6) "Physical therapist assistant" means an individual who is licensed by the department

to assist in the practice of physical therapy under the supervision of a physical therapist.

     (7) "Physical therapy" means the care and services provided by or under the direction and

supervision of a physical therapist who is licensed pursuant to this chapter.

     (8) "Practice of physical therapy" means:

     (i)(A) Examination, evaluation, treatment, and instruction of patients/clients to detect,

assess, prevent, correct, alleviate, and limit physical disability, physical dysfunction, and pain

from injury, disease, and any other bodily conditions;

     (B) Administration, interpretation, and evaluation of tests and measurements of bodily

functions and structures;

     (C) The planning, administration, evaluation, and modification of treatment and

instruction, including the use of physical measures, activities, and devices, for preventive and

therapeutic purposes; and

     (D) The provision of consultative, educational, and other advisory services for the

purpose of reducing the incidence and severity of physical disability, physical dysfunction, and

pain; and

     (E) Ordering diagnostic imaging and studies that are performed and interpreted by other

licensed health care professionals.

     (ii) The practice of physical therapy does not include the practice of medicine as defined

in chapter 37 of this title.

     (9) "Supervision" means that a licensed physical therapist is at all times responsible for

supportive personnel and students.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

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     This act would include in the practice of physical therapy ordering diagnostic images and

studies provided they are performed and interpreted by other licensed health care professionals.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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