Purpose: The proposed rule establishes minimum educational standards for physical therapist assistants. The proposed rule recognizes the standards of the American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA) Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) for the approval of physical therapy schools. Currently, physical therapist assistants are not regulated. The proposed rule is intended to ensure that physical therapist assistants working in Washington are appropriately educated and trained.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending [new section] WAC 246-915-105 Approved physical therapist assistant programs.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.74.023.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 04-20-070 on October 4, 2004.

     A final cost-benefit analysis is available by contacting Kris Waidely, P.O. Box 47868, Tumwater, WA 98501, phone (360) 236-4847, fax (360) 664-9077, e-mail kris.waidely@doh.wa.gov.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Date Adopted: November 16, 2004.

Sam Stockton, PT, Chair

Board of Physical Therapy

OTS-7068.2

NEW SECTION
WAC 246-915-105   Approved physical therapist assistant schools.   A board approved physical therapist assistant program shall mean a United States physical therapist assistant education program accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association's Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education or a United States military physical therapy technician program that is substantially equivalent to an accredited United States physical therapist assistant program.

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