2006 Kansas Code - 65-2901

      65-2901.   Definitions. As used in article 29 of chapter 65 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated and acts amendatory of the provisions thereof or supplemental thereto:

      (a)   "Physical therapy" means examining, evaluating and testing individuals with mechanical, anatomical, physiological and developmental impairments, functional limitations and disabilities or other health and movement-related conditions in order to determine a diagnosis solely for physical therapy, prognosis, plan of therapeutic intervention and to assess the ongoing effects of physical therapy intervention. Physical therapy also includes alleviating impairments, functional limitations and disabilities by designing, implementing and modifying therapeutic interventions that may include, but are not limited to, therapeutic exercise; functional training in community or work integration or reintegration; manual therapy; therapeutic massage; prescription, application and, as appropriate, fabrication of assistive, adaptive, orthotic, prosthetic, protective and supportive devices and equipment; airway clearance techniques; integumentary protection and repair techniques; debridement and wound care; physical agents or modalities; mechanical and electrotherapeutic modalities; patient-related instruction; reducing the risk of injury, impairments, functional limitations and disability, including the promotion and maintenance of fitness, health and quality of life in all age populations and engaging in administration, consultation, education and research. Physical therapy also includes the care and services provided by a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist that is licensed pursuant to this act. Physical therapy does not include the use of roentgen rays and radium for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, the use of electricity for surgical purposes, including cauterization, the practice of any branch of the healing arts and the making of a medical diagnosis.

      (b)   "Physical therapist" means a person who is licensed to practice physical therapy pursuant to this act. Any person who successfully meets the requirements of K.S.A. 65-2906 and amendments thereto shall be known and designated as a physical therapist and may designate or describe oneself as a physical therapist, physiotherapist, licensed physical therapist, P.T., Ph. T., M.P.T., D.P.T. or L.P.T. Physical therapists may evaluate patients without physician referral but may initiate treatment only after consultation with and approval by a physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery, a licensed podiatrist, a licensed physician assistant or an advanced registered nurse practitioner working pursuant to the order or direction of a person licensed to practice medicine and surgery, a licensed chiropractor or a licensed dentist in appropriately related cases or a therapeutic licensed optometrist pursuant to subsection (e) of K.S.A. 65-1501, and amendments thereto.

      (c)   "Physical therapist assistant" means a person who is certified pursuant to this act and who works under the direction of a physical therapist, and who assists the physical therapist in selected components of physical therapy intervention. Any person who successfully meets the requirements of K.S.A. 65-2906 and amendments thereto shall be known and designated as a physical therapist assistant, and may designate or describe oneself as a physical therapist assistant, certified physical therapist assistant, P.T.A., C.P.T.A. or P.T. Asst.

      (d)   "Board" means the state board of healing arts.

      (e)   "Council" means the physical therapy advisory council.

      History:   L. 1963, ch. 318, § 1; L. 1973, ch. 253, § 1; L. 1983, ch. 215, § 1; L. 1988, ch. 246, § 19; L. 2003, ch. 128, § 1; L. 2004, ch. 61, § 1; July 1.