2013 Wyoming Statutes
TITLE 33 - PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
CHAPTER 25 - PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
33-25-102. Practice of physical therapy; license or certificate required; exceptions; false representations.

33-25-102. Practice of physical therapy; license or certificate required; exceptions; false representations.

(a) No individual shall engage in the practice of physical therapy services nor hold himself out as being able to practice physical therapy in the state of Wyoming unless he is licensed or certified in accordance with the provisions of this act and such license or certificate is in good standing and has not been suspended or revoked, except nothing in this act shall:

(i) Prohibit any individual licensed in Wyoming under any other act from engaging in the practice for which he is licensed;

(ii) Prohibit students who are enrolled in educational courses of physical therapy at schools recognized by the board from performing acts of physical therapy incidental to their respective courses of study while under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist who is in compliance with subsection (c) of this section;

(iii) Apply to any individual employed by an agency, bureau or division of the federal government while in the discharge of official duties;

(iv) Repealed By Laws 2009, Ch. 165, 2.

(b) No individual or business entity shall use in connection with his name or business, the words physical therapy, physical therapist, physiotherapy, physiotherapist, registered physical therapist, licensed physical therapist, doctor of physical therapy or the letters P.T., L.P.T., R.P.T., D.P.T., M.P.T., M.S.P.T. or any other words, letters, abbreviations or insignia indicating or implying directly or indirectly that physical therapy is provided or supplied in any manner unless the person is a physical therapist licensed to practice in accordance with this act. No individual or business entity shall use the title physical therapist assistant, the letters P.T.A. or any other words, abbreviations or insignia in connection with his name to indicate or imply that the person is a physical therapist assistant unless the person is certified as a physical therapist assistant in accordance with this act.

(c) Except as provided in this subsection, a physical therapist with a master's degree, or a bachelor's degree with five (5) years of clinical experience may initiate physical therapy treatment for a new or recurring injury with or without a prescription from a licensed physician including doctor of osteopathy, podiatrist, advanced practitioner of nursing, dentist, chiropractor or physician assistant. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to preclude a physical therapist from treating a chronic or recurring injury or condition without a prescription, provided that the patient or client was previously diagnosed and prescribed physical therapy treatment within the previous year by a health care provider identified in this subsection and the treatment is directly related to the original prescribed care. Except in an emergency, a physical therapist, without a prescription, is prohibited from initiating physical therapy treatment for children under the age of twelve (12) years, unless the child is to receive physical therapy treatment under an individualized education program or an individualized family services plan. A physical therapist shall refer the patient or client to a licensed physician including doctor of osteopathy, podiatrist, advanced practitioner of nursing, dentist, chiropractor or physician assistant, as appropriate, when:

(i) The physical therapist has reasonable cause to believe symptoms or conditions are present that require services beyond the scope of physical therapy practice;

(ii) Physical therapy is contraindicated; or

(iii) Except for patients or clients participating in general exercise or fitness programs or receiving physical therapy services under an individualized education program or an individualized family services plan, the patient or client has received physical therapy services without a prescription for twelve (12) visits or for a thirty (30) day period, whichever occurs earlier, and further services may be necessary.

(d) Physical therapy aides may perform patient care activities as defined by the board under the on-site supervision of a licensed physical therapist or a certified physical therapist assistant.

(e) Prior to any physical therapy service, the patient or client shall be directed to posted information and delivered a handout explaining:

(i) The education level and degrees held by the treating physical therapist;

(ii) That coverage may not be available through governmental or worker's compensation programs unless prescribed by a physician, physician's assistant, dentist, chiropractor, podiatrist or nurse practitioner; and

(iii) That the patient's or client's insurance may not cover the service.

(f) The following persons are exempt from the licensure and certification requirements of this act:

(i) A person in a professional education program approved by the board who is satisfying supervised clinical education requirements related to the person's physical therapist education while under on-site supervision of a licensed physical therapist;

(ii) A physical therapist who is practicing exclusively through the United States armed services, public health service or veterans administration;

(iii) A physical therapist licensed to practice physical therapy in another jurisdiction while teaching, demonstrating, providing physical therapy in connection with teaching or participating in an educational seminar in Wyoming. An exemption under this paragraph shall not exceed sixty (60) days cumulatively in a calendar year;

(iv) A physical therapist licensed in another jurisdiction who provides consultation using telecommunication;

(v) A physical therapist licensed in another jurisdiction or credentialed in another country who provides therapy to individuals affiliated with or employed by established athletic teams, athletic organizations or performing arts companies temporarily practicing, competing or performing in the state. An exemption under this paragraph shall not exceed sixty (60) days cumulatively in a calendar year;

(vi) A physical therapist licensed in another jurisdiction who enters this state to provide physical therapy during a public health emergency as declared by the governor pursuant to W.S. 35-4-115(a)(i). Any physical therapist practicing pursuant to this paragraph shall notify the board of the therapist's intent to practice and supply additional information as provided by rules of the board;

(vii) A physical therapist licensed in another jurisdiction who is forced to leave his residence or place of employment due to a declared local, state or national disaster or emergency and who seeks to practice physical therapy in Wyoming. An exemption under this paragraph shall be limited to sixty (60) days following the declaration of disaster or emergency. Any physical therapist practicing pursuant to this paragraph shall notify the board of the therapist's intent to practice and supply additional information as provided by rules of the board.