HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1872

                      As Passed House:

                        March 9, 1995

Title:  An act relating to the authority of the board of physical therapy over supportive personnel.

Brief Description:  Modifying the authority of the board of physical therapy.

Sponsors:  Representatives Crouse, Dyer, Dellwo, Wolfe, Morris, Sherstad, Conway, Cody and Padden.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Health Care:  2/28/95 [DP].

  Floor Activity:

Passed House:  3/8/95, 97-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 13 members:  Representatives Dyer, Chairman; Backlund, Vice Chairman; Hymes, Vice Chairman; Dellwo, Ranking Minority Member; Cody, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Campbell; Casada; Conway; Crouse; Kessler; Morris; Sherstad and Skinner.

Staff:  John Welsh (786-7133).

Background:  The Board of Physical Therapy, under its general rulemaking authority, provides for the use of supportive personnel such as physical therapy assistants.

However, there is no specific authority for defining the education and training requirements nor disciplinary procedures for supportive personnel.

Summary of Bill:  The Board of Physical Therapy is expressly authorized to adopt rules specifying the education and training requirements for supportive personnel, including discipline.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Presently, the board has no authority to provide educational qualifications for physical therapy assistants, nor is there any provision for addressing unprofessional conduct.  The board should have the authority to regulate supportive personnel in these respects.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Becky Bogard, Washington State Physical Therapy Association (pro).