Section 333.17501 - Definitions; principles of construction(1) As used in this part: (a) "Electrodiagnostic studies" means the testing of neuromuscular functions utilizing nerve conduction tests and needle electromyography. It does not include the use of surface electromyography.(b) "Medical care services" means those services within the scope of practice of physicians who are licensed or authorized by the board, except those services that the board prohibits or otherwise restricts within a practice agreement or determines shall not be delegated by a physician without endangering the health and safety of patients as provided for in section 17548(1).(c) "Participating physician" means a physician, a physician designated by a group of physicians under section 17549 to represent that group, or a physician designated by a health facility or agency under section 20174 to represent that health facility or agency.(d) "Physician" means an individual who is licensed or authorized under this article to engage in the practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery.(e) "Practice agreement" means an agreement described in section 17547.(f) "Practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery" means a separate, complete, and independent school of medicine and surgery utilizing full methods of diagnosis and treatment in physical and mental health and disease, including the prescription and administration of drugs and biologicals, operative surgery, obstetrics, radiological and other electromagnetic emissions, and placing special emphasis on the interrelationship of the musculoskeletal system to other body systems.(g) "Practice as a physician's assistant" means the practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery with a participating physician under a practice agreement.(h) "Task force" means the joint task force created in section 17025.(2) In addition to the definitions in this part, article 1 contains general definitions and principles of construction applicable to all articles in the code and part 161 contains definitions applicable to this part.Amended by 2018, Act 524,s 5, eff. 3/28/2019.Amended by 2016, Act 379,s 15, eff. 3/22/2017.Amended by 2006, Act 161, s 8, eff. 11/26/2006.Amended by 2005, Act 264, s 3, eff. 3/30/2006.1978, Act 368, Eff. 9/30/1978 ;--Am. 1990, Act 247, Imd. Eff. 10/12/1990.