2020 Colorado Revised Statutes
Title 12 - Professions And Occupations
Article 285. Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants
Section 12-285-104. Definitions.

As used in this article 285, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. "Accredited physical therapy program" means a program of instruction in physicaltherapy that is accredited as set forth in section 12-285-110 (1)(a)(I).

2. "Adverse action" means disciplinary action taken by the board based upon misconduct, unacceptable performance, or a combination of both, and includes any action taken pursuant to the following:

1. Section 12-285-122, except for any action taken pursuant to subsection (4) of thatsection;

2. Section 12-285-129;

3. Section 12-285-130;

4. Section 12-285-212, except for any action taken pursuant to subsection (4) of thatsection;

5. Section 12-285-218; and(f) Section 12-285-219.

3. "Board" means the physical therapy board created in section 12-285-105.

4. "Physical therapist" means a person who is licensed to practice physical therapy. Theterms "physiotherapist" and "physical therapy technician" are synonymous with the term "physical therapist".

5. "Physical therapist assistant" means a person who is required to be certified underpart 2 of this article 285 and who assists a physical therapist in selected components of physical therapy.

6. (a) (I) "Physical therapy" means the examination, physical therapy diagnosis, treatment, or instruction of patients and clients to detect, assess, prevent, correct, alleviate, or limit physical disability, movement dysfunction, bodily malfunction, or pain from injury, disease, and other bodily conditions.

(II) For purposes of this article 285, "physical therapy" includes:

1. The administration, evaluation, and interpretation of tests and measurements of bodily functions and structures;

2. The planning, administration, evaluation, and modification of treatment and instruction;

3. The use of physical agents, measures, activities, and devices for preventive and therapeutic purposes, subject to the requirements of section 12-285-116;

4. The administration of topical and aerosol medications consistent with the scope ofphysical therapy practice subject to the requirements of section 12-285-116;

5. The provision of consultative, educational, and other advisory services for the purpose of reducing the incidence and severity of physical disability, movement dysfunction, bodily malfunction, and pain; and

6. General wound care, including the assessment and management of skin lesions, surgical incisions, open wounds, and areas of potential skin breakdown in order to maintain or restore the integumentary system.

(b) For the purposes of subsection (6)(a)(II) of this section:

1. "Physical agents" includes, but is not limited to, heat, cold, water, air, sound, light,compression, electricity, and electromagnetic energy.

2. (A) "Physical measures, activities, and devices" includes resistive, active, and passive exercise, with or without devices; joint mobilization; mechanical stimulation; biofeedback; dry needling; postural drainage; traction; positioning; massage; splinting; training in locomotion; other functional activities, with or without assistive devices; and correction of posture, body mechanics, and gait.

(B) "Biofeedback", as used in this subsection (6)(b)(II), means the use of monitoring instruments by a physical therapist to detect and amplify internal physiological processes for the purpose of neuromuscular rehabilitation.

(III) "Tests and measurements" includes, but is not limited to, tests of muscle strength, force, endurance, and tone; reflexes and automatic reactions; movement skill and accuracy; joint motion, mobility, and stability; sensation and perception; peripheral nerve integrity; locomotor skill, stability, and endurance; activities of daily living; cardiac, pulmonary, and vascular functions; fit, function, and comfort of prosthetic, orthotic, and other assistive devices; posture and body mechanics; limb length, circumference, and volume; thoracic excursion and breathing patterns; vital signs; nature and locus of pain and conditions under which pain varies; photosensitivity; and physical home and work environments.

(7) "Physical therapy compact commission" means the national administrative body whose membership consists of all states that have enacted the "Interstate Physical Therapy Licensure Compact Act", and as enacted in this state in part 37 of article 60 of title 24.

Source: L. 2019: Entire title R&RE with relocations, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1504, § 1, effective October 1.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 12-41-103 as it existed prior to 2019.