Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.74.023 (3), (6) and (7).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: There is a potential for significant patient harm due to inadequate training, incompetence or negligence in the supervision of physical therapist assistants or physical therapy aides for which there is no licensure requirement; or for graduate physical therapists under an interim permit who have little or no professional experience. Consideration to modify rules on these subjects are intended to prevent incompetence, negligence or malpractice by identifying professional responsibilities and specifying supervision and training requirements for personnel under the supervision of the licensed physical therapist.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Process for Developing New Rule: The board and program will use collaborative rule making to involve all interested parties in the development of rules pertaining to physical therapy practice. The repeal and/or revision of existing rules, the development of future rules and the dissemination of drafts will be provided to all interested parties for further comment and discussion prior to consideration to adopt by the Board of Physical Therapy.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Carol Neva, Program Manager, Board of Physical Therapy, 1300 S.E. Quince Street, P.O. Box 47868, Olympia, WA 98504-7868, phone (360) 753-3132, FAX (360) 753-0657.

April 29, 1998

Carol Neva

Program Manager