2006 Louisiana Laws - RS 37:2401 — Definitions

CHAPTER 29.  PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

§2401.  Definitions

The following words and phrases, when used in this Chapter, shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this Section, unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

(1)(a)  "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 neuro-muscular and skeletal system, relieve pain, or 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)  The use of roentgen rays and radium and isotopes and ionizing radiation for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes are not authorized under the terms "physical therapy" as used in this Chapter, and a license issued pursuant to this Chapter does not authorize the diagnosis of disease or treatment without the prescription or referral of a person licensed in this state to practice medicine, surgery, chiropractic, dentistry, or podiatry.

(c)  "Physical therapy," noun and adjective, means equally physiotherapy and physical therapy.

(d)  "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, or podiatrist.

(2)  "Physical therapist" means equally physiotherapist and physical therapist, that 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 American Physical Therapy Association or the Louisiana Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, and who practices physical therapy as defined in this Chapter.

(3)  "Board" means the Louisiana State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.

(4)  Words importing the masculine gender may be applied to females.

(5)(a)  "Physical therapist assistant" means any person who is a graduate of an accredited school of physical therapist assisting, which school, at the time of graduation, was approved by the American Physical Therapy Association or the Louisiana State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, and assists in the practice of physical therapy in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, and who 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 and training.

(b)  "Physical therapist assistant" means equally physical therapy assistant, physiotherapist assistant, and physiotherapy assistant, P.T.A.

(c)  A physical therapist assistant's work shall not include the interpretation and implementation of referrals or prescriptions, the performance of evaluations, or the determination or major modification of treatment programs.

Acts 1966, No. 68, §1; Acts 1980, No. 398, §1. Acts 1983, No. 555, §1; Acts 1987, No. 208, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1988; Acts 1990, No. 708, §1; Acts 1992, No. 731, §1; Acts 1993, No. 580, §1; Acts 2003, No. 1269, §1, eff. July 8, 2003.

{{NOTE:   SEE ACTS 1987, NO. 208, §3.}}