Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Health Care & Wellness Committee

HB 2160

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Allowing physical therapists to perform spinal manipulation.

Sponsors: Representatives Jinkins, Pollet, Appleton, S. Hunt, Buys, Haler, Warnick, Pettigrew, Manweller, Goodman, Clibborn, Santos, Harris and Kagi.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Allows physical therapists to perform spinal manipulation and manipulative mobilization of the spine and its immediate articulations.

Hearing Date: 1/30/14

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

Physical Therapists.

Licensed physical therapists may perform a variety of services, including:

To be licensed as a physical therapist, an applicant must:

A licensed physical therapist, may not use spinal manipulation or manipulative mobilization of the spine and its immediate articulations. A physical therapist may not advertise that he or she performs spinal manipulation or manipulative mobilization of the spine.

Chiropractors.

Chiropractic is a health care practice involving the diagnosis, analysis, care, and treatment of the vertebral subluxation complex and its effects, articular dysfunction, and musculoskeletal disorders, all for the restoration and maintenance of health and recognizing the recuperative powers of the body. To be licensed as a chiropractor, an applicant must:

Summary of Bill:

A physical therapist with at least one year of orthopedic practice experience may perform spinal manipulation and manipulative mobilization of the spine and its immediate articulations (spinal manipulation) if he or she:

A physical therapist must develop a treatment plan for each patient for whom he or she performs spinal manipulation. If the scope or duration of treatment exceeds what is articulated in the plan, the physical therapist must discontinue treatment and refer the patient to a licensed physician, osteopathic physician, or chiropractor.

A physical therapist authorized to perform spinal manipulation may not:

A physical therapist authorized to perform spinal manipulation must complete at least 10 hours of Board of Physical Therapy-approved continuing education directly related to spinal manipulation per reporting period directly related. At least five hours of the training must be related to procedural technique and application of spinal manipulation.

If a physical therapist is performing spinal manipulation on a patient the physical therapist knows is being treated by more than one provider, the physical therapist must make reasonable efforts to coordinate patient care with the other providers.

A physical therapist may not advertise that he or she performs chiropractic adjustment, spinal adjustment, maintenance or wellness manipulation, or chiropractic care of any kind.

By November 15, 2019, the Board of Physical Therapy must report to the Legislature any disciplinary actions taken against physical therapists whose performance of spinal manipulation resulted in physical harm to a patient. Prior to finalizing the report, the Board of Physical Therapy must consult with the Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 23, 2014.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.