Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.74.023 (1), (2) and (3) and 18.74.035.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: A potential exists for negligence, incompetence and malpractice due to inadequately trained physical therapists. Consideration to modify existing rules is intended to develop a process for strengthening education requirements so that consumers may be assured of receiving only skilled, competent physical therapy care and for limiting the numbers of unsuccessful attempts to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination after candidates have completed remedial education and/or additional college level course work.

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