Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.74.023(3), 18.74.025, 18.130.050(1) and 18.130.180(24).

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The potential for mental and/or physical abuse exists when a physical therapist engages in any act involving the abuse of a patient or when a physical therapist engages in sexual contact with a patient. Consideration to adopt rules on this subject are intended to define sexual contact and to provide specifications for maintaining appropriate boundaries in the course of providing physical therapy care.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

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