63 Pa. Stat. § 1302

Current through P.A. Acts 2023-32

Section 1302 - Definitions

The following definitions shall apply, when used in this act, unless otherwise expressed therein:

"Board" means the State Board of Physical Therapy.

"Certificate of authorization" means a certificate, approved by the board, to practice physical therapy without a referral under section 9(a) .

"Certified registered nurse practitioner" means an individual as defined in section 2 of the act of May 22, 1951 (P.L. 317, No. 69), known as "The Professional Nursing Law."

"Commissioner" shall mean the Commissioner of the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs.

"Consultation by means of telecommunications" means that a physical therapist renders a professional opinion or advice regarding the practice of physical therapy to another physical therapist or licensed health care provider via telecommunications or computer technology from a distant location, subject to section 4(b.3)(5) and consistent with applicable health information privacy laws. It includes the review or transfer of patient records or related information by means of audio, video or data communication.

"Dentist" means an individual as defined in 1 Pa.C.S. § 1991 (relating to definitions).

"Direct on-premises supervision" means the physical presence of a licensed physical therapist in the facility, including affiliated buildings in immediate proximity, who is immediately available to exercise supervision, direction and control.

"Healing arts" shall mean the science and skill of diagnosis and treatment in any manner whatsoever of disease or any ailment of the human body.

"Mobilization/manual therapy" shall mean a group of techniques comprising a continuum of skilled passive movements to the joints and/or related soft tissues throughout the normal physiological range of motion that are applied at varying speeds and amplitudes, without limitation.

"Physical therapist" shall mean a person who has met all the requirements of this act and is licensed to practice physical therapy in accordance with this act.

"Physical therapist assistant" shall mean an individual who has met all the requirements of this act and is certified as a physical therapist assistant in accordance with this act. Any person or individual who is registered and in good standing with the board shall be deemed certified until such time as the board promulgates regulations regarding certification.

"Physical therapy" means any of the following:

(1) The evaluation, examination and testing of individuals with mechanical, physiological and developmental impairments, functional limitations and disabilities, other health-related or movement-related conditions, performed to determine a diagnosis, prognosis and plan of treatment intervention within the scope of this act or to assess the ongoing effects of intervention.

(2) The performance of tests and measurements as an aid in diagnosis or evaluation of function and the treatment of the individual through the utilization of the effective properties of physical measures such as mechanical stimulation, heat, cold, light, air, water, electricity, sound, massage or mobilization-manual therapy.

(3) The use of therapeutic exercises and rehabilitative procedures, including training in functional activities, with or without the utilization of assistive devices, for the purpose of limiting or preventing disability and alleviating or correcting any physical or mental conditions.

(4) Reducing the risk of injury, impairment, functional limitation and disability, including the promotion and maintenance of fitness, health and wellness in populations of all ages as well as engaging in administration, consultation, education and research.

"Physical therapy independent private practice outpatient facility" means a practice owned and operated by a licensee under this act, or by a licensee under this act and a health care practitioner, licensed by this Commonwealth, as permitted by law. The term shall not include a practice owned or affiliated with a hospital or health care system.

"Physician" means a person as defined in 1 Pa.C.S. § 1991 (relating to definitions).

"Physician assistant" means an individual as defined in the act of October 5, 1978 (P.L. 1109, No. 261), known as the "Osteopathic Medical Practice Act," or theact of December 20, 1985 (P.L. 457, No. 112) , known as the "Medical Practice Act of 1985."

"Podiatrist" means an individual licensed under the act of March 2, 1956 (1955 P.L. 1206, No. 375), known as the "Podiatry Practice Act."

"Unrestricted license" means a license which is not restricted or limited by order of the board under its disciplinary power.

63 P.S. § 1302

1975, Oct. 10, P.L. 383, No. 110, §2. Amended 1984 , April 4, P.L. 196, No. 41, § 1, effective 7/4/1984; 1985 , Dec. 20, P.L.500, No. 117, § 1, effective 1/1/1986; 2002, April 2, P.L. 234, No. 27, §1, effective in 60 days; 2008, July 4, P.L. 293, No. 38, §1, effective in 90 days [ 10/2/2008].