SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6218

BYSenators McCaslin, Bauer, Johnson, Conner and Benitz

Revising certain provisions regulating the practice of physical therapy.

Senate Committee on Health Care and Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 20, 1988; January 26, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6218 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Deccio, Chairman; Johnson, Vice Chairman; Kreidler, Niemi, Smith, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Scott Plack (786-7409)

                  January 26, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & CORRECTIONS, JANUARY 26, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Currently, physical therapists are required to consult with an authorized health care practitioner prior to providing treatment to a patient.  Physical therapists are licensed under Chapter 18.74 RCW 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 prior is removed for treatment of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions by physical therapists.

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 (Chapter 18.130 RCW).

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Physical therapists may provide certain orthoses treatment only after referral or consultation from an authorized health care practitioner.

Third party payers and state agencies are not restricted from limiting third party payment for physical therapy services.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Dottie Nelson, Washington State Physical Therapy Association; Mark Lane, Washington State Physical Therapy Association; Bruce Kahlmann, Washington Osteopathic Medical Association; Richard Hoffmeister, WSMA; Joan Gaumer, Blue Cross; Melanie Stewart Gerla, Washington Podiatric Medical Association; Jill Floberg