HB 1498-S.E - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/11/04)

Declares that the purpose of this act is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, and to provide for state administrative control, supervision, licensure, and regulation of the practice of physical therapy.

Declares an intent that only individuals who meet and maintain prescribed standards of competence and conduct be allowed to engage in the practice of physical therapy as defined and authorized by this act.

Declares it is unlawful for any person to practice or in any manner hold himself or herself out to practice physical therapy or designate himself or herself as a physical therapist, unless he or she is licensed in accordance with this act.

Provides that physical therapists are responsible for patient care given by assistive personnel under their direct supervision. A physical therapist may delegate to assistive personnel and supervise selected acts, tasks, or procedures that fall within the scope of physical therapy practice but do not exceed the education or training of the assistive personnel.

Declares that nothing in this act may be construed to prohibit other licensed health care providers from using the services of physical therapist assistants, physical therapist aides, or other assistive personnel as long as the licensed health care provider is responsible for the activities of such assistants, aides, and other personnel and provides appropriate supervision.