SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5907

As of February 22, 2001

Title:  An act relating to physical therapist assistants.

Brief Description:  Regulating physical therapist assistants.

Sponsors:  Senators Rasmussen, Winsley, Franklin, Deccio and Regala.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long‑Term Care:  2/22/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG‑TERM CARE

Staff:  Joan K. Mell (786‑7447)

Background:  The Department of Health currently licenses physical therapists.  Physical therapists treat 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.

In practice, physical therapists work with assistants to provide their service.  The assistants are not licensed.  A sunrise review has been conducted by the Department of Health.

Summary of Bill:  Physical therapy assistants can obtain a license from the Department of Health if they meet certain requirements.  The license protects the title "physical therapist assistant" and any other words used to signify the person is a physical therapist assistant.

Physical therapist assistants are defined to be any person who meets the licensure requirements and who performs physical therapy procedures and related tasks selected and delegated by a supervising therapist.

The membership requirements of the physical therapist board  are changed to include within the five-member board, one physical therapy assistant.

The prerequisites to licensure are that the person be of good moral character; a graduate of an accredited physical therapist assistant education program and have passed the national examination approved by the board.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 22, 2001.

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