Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.74.023(3) and 18.130.070.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: There is a potential for mental or physical harm to consumers of physical therapy services if a licensed physical therapist acts in an unprofessional manner as defined in RCW 18.130.180. It is in the interest of consumer protection to require all licensed physical therapists who have knowledge that a physical therapist has committed unprofessional conduct to request all health care institutions, physical therapy associations, health care service contractors, disability insurance carriers, professional liability carriers, courts and state and federal agencies to report findings of unprofessional conduct. Considerations to modify existing rules on this subject are intended to clarify portions that are unclear and to correct portions that make reporting mandatory by individuals or organizations the board is not authorized to regulate.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: The board and program will use collaborative rule making to involve all interested parties in the development of rules pertaining to physical therapy practice. The repeal and/or revision of existing rules, the development of future rules and the dissemination of drafts will be provided to all interested parties for further comment and discussion prior to consideration to adopt by the Board of Physical Therapy.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Carol Neva, Program Manager, Board of Physical Therapy, 1300 S.E. Quince Street, P.O. Box 47868, Olympia, WA 98504-7868, phone (360) 753-3132, FAX (360) 753-0657.

April 29, 1998

Carol Neva

Program Manager