2015 New Hampshire Revised Statutes
Title XXX - OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS
Chapter 328-A - PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE ACT
Section 328-A:2 - Definitions.

    328-A:2 Definitions. – In this chapter and RSA 328-F:
    I. "Board'' means the physical therapy governing board established in RSA 328-F.
    II. "Consultation by means of telecommunication'' means that a physical therapist renders professional or expert opinion or advice to another physical therapist or health care provider via telecommunications or computer technology from a distant location. It includes the transfer of data or exchange of educational or related information by means of audio, video, or data communications.
    III. "Direct personal supervision'' means that the physical therapist or the physical therapist assistant is physically present and immediately available to direct and supervise tasks that are related to patient/client management. The direction and supervision is continuous throughout the time these tasks are performed. Telecommunications does not meet the requirement of direct personal supervision.
    IV. "Direct supervision'' means that the physical therapist is physically present and immediately available for direction and supervision. The physical therapist will have direct contact with the patient/client during each visit that is defined as all encounters with a patient/client in a 24-hour period. Telecommunications does not meet the requirement of direct supervision.
    V. "General supervision'' means that the physical therapist is not required to be on-site for direction and supervision, but must be available at least by telecommunications.
    VI. "Jurisdiction of the United States'' means any state, territory or the District of Columbia that licenses physical therapists.
    VII. "Physical therapist'' or "physiotherapist'' means a person who is licensed pursuant to this chapter to practice physical therapy in this state.
    VIII. "Physical therapist assistant'' means a person who meets the requirements of this chapter for licensure and who assists the physical therapist in selected components of physical therapy intervention.
    IX. "Physical therapy'' or "physiotherapy'' means the care and services provided by or under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist who is licensed pursuant to this chapter.
    X. "Physical therapy aide'' means a support person trained under the direction of a physical therapist who performs designated and supervised routine tasks related to physical therapy.
    XI. "Practice of physical therapy'' or "practice of physiotherapy'' means:
       (a) Testing, examining and evaluating impairments, movement dysfunctions, and disabilities or other health and movement-related conditions in order to determine a diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of intervention, and to assess the outcomes of intervention.
       (b) Alleviating impairments, movement dysfunctions, and disabilities by designing and implementing, and modifying interventions that include, but are not limited to therapeutic exercise; training related to movement dysfunctions in self care and in home, community or work integration or reintegration; manual therapy including soft tissue and joint mobilization; therapeutic massage; assistive and adaptive orthotic, prosthetic, protective and supportive devices and equipment related to movement dysfunctions; airway clearance techniques; integumentary protection and repair techniques; debridement and wound care; physical agents or modalities; mechanical and electrotherapeutic modalities; and patient-related instruction.
       (c) Reducing the risk of injury, impairment, movement dysfunctions and disability, including the promotion and maintenance of health, wellness, and fitness in populations of all ages.
       (d) Engaging in administration, consultation, education and research.
    XII. "Restricted license'' means a license on which the board places restrictions or conditions, or both, as to scope of practice, place of practice, supervision of practice, duration of licensed status, or type or condition of patient or client to whom the licensee may provide services.
    XIII. "Testing'' means standardized methods and techniques used to gather data about the patient, including electrodiagnostic and electrophysiologic tests and measures.
    XIV. "Animal physical therapist'' means a person who is licensed to practice physical therapy in New Hampshire pursuant to this chapter and has obtained a certification to practice animal physical therapy.
    XV. "Animal physical therapy'' means the practice of physical therapy on animals.

Source. 2002, 237:1. 2003, 310:5. 2009, 311:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.