FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 2704

                         C 143 L 98

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Creating inactive license status for physical therapists.

Sponsors:  Representatives Skinner, Cody and Anderson.

House Committee on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Background:  Physical therapists are licensed by the Department of Health for practice and regulated by the Board of Physical Therapy.  Physical therapy, as defined by law, includes treatment of any bodily or mental condition by the use of the physical, chemical, and other properties of heat, cold, air, light, water, electricity, sound, massage, and therapeutic exercise.

There is no authority for the department to place a license in inactive status for physical therapists no longer practicing.

Summary:  A licensed physical therapist may place his or her license in inactive status in accordance with requirements prescribed by rule of the Board of Physical Therapy.  The Secretary of Health may establish fees for inactive licenses.

Votes on Final Passage:

House960

Senate470(Senate amended)

House960(House concurred)

Effective:June 11, 1998