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A.  When used in this Chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the following meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1)  “Initial physical therapy evaluation” means the physical therapy assessment and resulting interpretation of a patient’s condition through use of patient history, signs, symptoms, objective tests, or measurements to determine neuromusculoskeletal and biomechanical dysfunctions to determine the need for physical therapy.  The conclusions of such initial physical therapy evaluation may be reported to the patient and may be used to establish treatment goals.  The results of an initial physical therapy evaluation or physical therapy consultation shall be reported to the referring or treating physician, dentist, chiropractor, or podiatrist.

(2)  “Physical therapist” includes equally physiotherapist, physical therapist, and P.T. and is a person who is a graduate of an accredited school of physical therapy, which school, at the time of graduation was approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education or the board and who practices physical therapy as defined in this Chapter.

(3)  “Physical therapist assistant” includes equally physical therapist assistant, physiotherapist assistant, and P.T.A., and is a person who is a graduate of an accredited school of physical therapist assisting, which school, at the time of graduation, was approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education or the board.  A physical therapist assistant assists in the practice of physical therapy in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, and works under the supervision of a physical therapist by performing such patient-related activities assigned by a physical therapist which are commensurate with the physical therapist assistant’s education, training, and experience.

(4)  “Physical therapy”, noun and adjective, means equally physiotherapy and physical therapy.

(5)  “Practice of physical therapy” is the health care profession practiced by a physical therapist licensed under this Chapter and means the holding out of one’s self to the public as a physical therapist and as being engaged in the business of, or the actual engagement in, the evaluation and treatment of any physical or medical condition to restore normal function of the neuromuscular and skeletal system, to relieve pain, or to prevent disability by use of physical or mechanical means, including therapeutic exercise, mobilization, passive manipulation, therapeutic modalities, and activities or devices for preventative, therapeutic, or medical purposes, and further shall include physical therapy evaluation, treatment planning, instruction, consultative services, and the supervision of physical therapy supportive personnel, including physical therapist assistants.

B.  As used in this Chapter, “physical therapy” does not include the use of roentgen rays and radium, isotopes, and ionizing radiation for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

C.  In seeking and receiving reimbursement for services, an initial physical therapy evaluation as defined in this Chapter shall be considered a physical therapy diagnosis and shall not constitute the practice of medicine.

D.  Words used in one gender apply also to the other, except as otherwise clearly indicated by the context.

Acts 1990, No. 708, §1; Acts 2009, No. 535, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.