FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6218

                                  C 185 L 88

BYSenate Committee on Health Care & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators McCaslin, Bauer, Johnson, Conner and Benitz)

Revising certain provisions regulating the practice of physical therapy.

Senate Committee on Health Care & Corrections

House Committe on Health Care

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Physical therapists are required to consult with an authorized health care practitioner prior to providing treatment to a patient.  Physical therapists are licensed to provide treatment of any bodily or mental condition by the use of physical, chemical, and other properties of heat, cold, air, light, water, electricity, sound, massage and therapeutic exercise.  Health care practitioners authorized to serve as consultants include physicians and osteopaths, chiropractors, podiatrists and dentists.

In its 1985 review of the physical therapy practice act, the State Health Coordinating Council (SHCC) recommended the consultation requirement be eliminated.  The SHCC concluded there was no risk to public safety and the consultation requirement served only as a barrier to appropriate and timely care.

SUMMARY:

The requirement of consultation by an authorized health care practitioner is removed for the treatment of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions by physical therapists.  Certain orthoses treatment may be provided only after referral or consultation from an authorized health care practitioner.

Physical therapists must refer patients they have cause to believe have conditions beyond their scope and practice.  Failure to make appropriate referrals is a violation of the Uniform Disciplinary Act.

Physical therapists may not use or advertise the use of spinal manipulation or manipulative mobilization of the spine and its immediate articulations.  Violation of this provision is considered unprofessional conduct and violators are subject to discipline under the act.

Third party payers and state agencies are not restricted from limiting third party payment for physical therapy services.  Individual and group contracts shall not be required to or prohibited from providing benefits or coverage for physical therapists.  The term "gatekeeper" is defined in statute and refers to controlling insurance benefits to patients by establishing threshold requirements.

The act terminates on June 30, 1991, subject to reauthorization by the Legislature after a report by the Legislative Budget Committee by January 1, 1991.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    47     2

      House 92   5 (House amended)

      Senate    46     1 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:June 9, 1988