SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6407

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.

As of January 30, 2020

Title: An act relating to spinal manipulation endorsement requirements for physical therapists.

Brief Description: Concerning spinal manipulation endorsement requirements for physical therapists.

Sponsors: Senators Van De Wege and Rivers.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 1/29/20.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Maintains the ability of individuals holding an equivalent endorsement to a spinal manipulation endorsement to act as a clinical supervisor for a physical therapist gaining supervised clinical practical experience.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE

Staff: Greg Attanasio (786-7410)

Background: Physical therapy services include:

To obtain a spinal manipulation endorsement, a physical therapist must have at least one year of full-time, orthopedic, postgraduate practice experience that consists of direct patient care averaging at least 36 hours a week. They must also demonstrate sufficient training hours in differential diagnosis, didactic and practical training related to the delivery of spinal manipulative procedures, and spinal diagnostic imaging. A physical therapist must complete at least 300 hours of supervised clinical experience in spinal manipulative procedures. The supervision may be provided by a clinical supervisor who:

Effective July 1, 2020, individuals who hold an endorsement or advanced certification with training requirements commensurate with the training requirements for a spinal manipulation endorsement, may no longer act as a clinical supervisor.

Summary of Bill: The provision set to take effect on July 1, 2020, removing individuals who hold an endorsement or advanced certification with training requirements commensurate with the training requirements for a spinal manipulation endorsement, from the list of those who can provide supervised clinical experience, is repealed.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Since the original bill was passed, Washington has entered into the interstate physical therapy licensure compact. This bill is meant to allow out-of-state physical therapists to count their supervised hours toward the endorsement.

CON: The current statute represents a negotiated agreement and the provision should be allowed to sunset as agreed. Out-of-state physical therapists can still practice in Washington except for performing spinal manipulations.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Kevin Van De Wege, Prime Sponsor; Melissa Johnson, Physical Therapy Association of Washington. CON: Lori Grassi, Washington State Chiropractic Association.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.