Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 1673
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: Concerning physical therapists.
Sponsors: Representatives Warnick, Dammeier, Santos, Hunt and Goodman.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/17/11
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
Licensed physical therapists may perform a variety of services, including:
examining, evaluating, and testing individuals with mechanical, physiological, and developmental impairments, functional limitations in movement, and disability or other health and movement-related conditions;
alleviating impairments and functional limitations in movement;
training for, and the evaluation of, the function of a patient wearing an orthosis or prosthesis;
performing wound care services;
reducing the risk of injury, impairment, functional limitation, and disability related to movement; and
engaging in administration, consultation, education, and research.
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.
Summary of Bill:
A licensed physical therapist may perform spinal manipulation (other than chiropractic adjustments of the spine) if he or she submits adequate evidence to the Board of Physical Therapy that he or she has adequate education and training. Adequate education and training in spinal manipulation means demonstrated competency in the following:
scanning/screening examination of the spine, including serious medical pathologies or differential diagnoses;
biomechanical examination of the spine;
awareness of contraindications;
clinical reasoning; and
safe application of spinal manipulative techniques.
The prohibition against a physical therapist advertising that he or she performs spinal manipulation or manipulative mobilization of the spine is repealed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 10, 2011.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.