S-3267.1 _______________________________________________
SENATE BILL 6111
_______________________________________________
State of Washington 55th Legislature 1997 Regular Session
By Senator Fairley
Read first time 04/26/97. Referred to Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care.
AN ACT Relating to the prohibition of engaging in the practice of chiropractic and spinal manipulation; 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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