S-4725.1  _______________________________________________

                         SENATE BILL 6762

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      54th Legislature     1996 Regular Session

By Senator Fairley

Read first time 02/02/96.  Referred to Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care.

Removing the prohibition of spinal manipulation by licensed physical therapists.

    AN ACT Relating to the prohibition of spinal manipulation by licensed physical therapists; amending RCW 18.74.010 and 18.74.035; and repealing RCW 18.74.085.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

    Sec. 1.  RCW 18.74.010 and 1991 c 12 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

    Unless the context otherwise requires, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

    (1) "Board" means the board of physical therapy created by RCW 18.74.020.

    (2) "Department" means the department of health.

    (3) "Physical therapy" means the treatment of any bodily or mental condition of any person by the use of the physical, chemical, and other properties of heat, cold, air, light, water, electricity, sound, massage, and therapeutic exercise, which includes posture and rehabilitation procedures; the performance of tests and measurements of neuromuscular function as an aid to the diagnosis or treatment of any human condition; performance of treatments on the basis of test findings after consultation with and periodic review by an authorized health care practitioner except as provided in RCW 18.74.012; supervision of selective forms of treatment by trained supportive personnel; and provision of consultative services for health, education, and community agencies.  The use of Roentgen rays and radium for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes((,)) and the use of electricity for surgical purposes, including cauterization, ((and the use of spinal manipulation or manipulative mobilization of the spine and its immediate articulations,)) are not included under the term "physical therapy" as used in this chapter.

    (4) "Physical therapist" means a person who practices physical therapy as defined in this chapter but does not include massage operators as defined in RCW 18.108.010.

    (5) "Secretary" means the secretary of health.

    (6) Words importing the masculine gender may be applied to females.

    (7) "Authorized health care practitioner" means and includes licensed physicians, osteopathic physicians, chiropractors, naturopaths, ((podiatrists)) podiatric physicians and surgeons, and dentists:  PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That nothing herein shall be construed as altering the scope of practice of such practitioners as defined in their respective licensure laws.

    Sec. 2.  RCW 18.74.035 and 1995 c 198 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:

    All qualified applicants for a license as a physical therapist shall be examined by the board at such time and place as the board may determine.  The board may approve an examination prepared or administered by a private testing agency or association of licensing authorities.  The examination shall embrace the following subjects:  The applied sciences of anatomy, neuroanatomy, kinesiology, physiology, pathology, psychology, physics; physical therapy, as defined in this chapter, applied to medicine, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery; medical ethics; technical procedures in the practice of physical therapy as defined in this chapter; and such other subjects as the board may deem useful to test the applicant's fitness to practice physical therapy((, but not including the adjustment or manipulation of the spine or use of a thrusting force as mobilization)).  Examinations shall be held within the state at least once a year, at such time and place as the board shall determine.  An applicant who fails an examination may apply for reexamination upon payment of a reexamination fee determined by the secretary.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  RCW 18.74.085 and 1988 c 185 s 4 are each repealed.

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