2021 -- H 5198

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

     Introduced By: Representative David A. Bennett

     Date Introduced: January 27, 2021

     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) "Diagnostic imaging" means techniques used to capture an image of a body part. For

purposes of this chapter, diagnostic imaging shall include basic radiological imaging, commonly

referred to as x-ray imaging but shall not include other methodologies such as computer topography

scan, ultrasound, bone scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography

scan.

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

with the board.

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

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

practice physical therapy.

     (6)(7) "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)(8) "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)(9) "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 pursuant to the provisions of § 5-40-23.

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

in chapter 37 of this title.

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

for supportive personnel and students.

     SECTION 2. Chapter 5-40 of the General Laws entitled "Physical Therapists" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following section:

     5-40-23. Ordering diagnostic imaging - Sunset.

     (a) Physical therapists licensed pursuant to § 5-40-7 may order diagnostic imaging as

defined in § 5-40-1 to be performed and interpreted by other licensed health care professionals.

     (b) All diagnostic imaging tests ordered by a physical therapist shall be reported by the

physical therapist to the patient's designated primary care physician of record within seven (7) days

following receipt of the results. This reporting shall not be required if the patient does not have a

primary care physician.

     (c) Unless extended by the general assembly, physical therapists shall not be authorized to

order diagnostic imaging as an authorized practice of physical therapy after December 31, 2023.

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     SECTION 3. 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

***

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

imaging (x-ray imaging) to be performed by other health care professionals. Test results must be

reported by physical therapists to the patient's physician within seven (7) days of receipt. Unless

extended by the general assembly, authorization for physical therapists to order diagnostic imaging

sunsets December 31, 2023.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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