SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 1872

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

            Health & Long-Term Care, March 31, 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 & Long-Term Care:  3/30/95, 3/31/95 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

  Signed by Senators Quigley, Chair; Wojahn, Vice Chair; Deccio, Fairley, Franklin, Winsley and Wood.

Staff:  Rhoda Jones (786-7198)

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

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The original bill includes discipline as one of the areas for which the Physical Therapy Board would set rules.  The amended bill deletes discipline because physical therapy support personnel are not under the Uniform Disciplinary Act. 

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  This allows the Physical Therapy Board to direct the training and education of physical therapy assistants who play an increasing role in the delivery of physical therapy services.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Becky Bogard (pro).