Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 2439
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 persons satisfying physical therapy clinical education requirements to be exempt from licensure while under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist assistant.
Sponsors: Representatives Green, Warnick, Cody, Harris, Kelley, Clibborn, Jinkins, Roberts and Hurst.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/25/12
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
Physical therapy is based on movement science and includes a variety of functions and services such as:
examining, evaluating, and testing individuals with health and movement-related conditions to determine a diagnosis, prognosis, plan of therapeutic intervention, and to assess and document the ongoing effects of intervention;
alleviating impairments and functional limitations in movement;
training for, and the evaluation of, the function of a patient wearing an orthosis or prosthesis;
performing certain wound care services;
reducing the risk of injury, impairment, functional limitation, and disability related to movement; and
engaging in administration, consultation, education, and research.
Generally, people need to be licensed as a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant in order to practice physical therapy. However, a person does not need to be licensed as a physical therapist if he or she is pursuing a course of study leading to a degree as a physical therapist in an approved educational program and is satisfying supervised clinical education requirements related to his or her physical therapy education while under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
Summary of Bill:
A person does not need to be licensed as a physical therapist if he or she is pursuing a course of study leading to a degree as a physical therapist in an approved educational program and is satisfying supervised clinical education requirements related to his or her physical therapy education while under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist assistant.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 18, 2012.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.