How is physical therapy defined in Michigan?

"Practice of physical therapy" means the evaluation of, education of, consultation with, or treatment of an individual by the employment of effective properties of physical measures and the use of therapeutic exercises and rehabilitative procedures, with or without assistive devices, for the purpose of preventing, correcting, or alleviating a physical or mental disability. 

What is included in the practice of physical therapy?

Physical therapy includes treatment planning, performance of tests and measurements, interpretation of referrals, initiation of referrals, instruction, consultative services, and supervision of personnel. Physical measures include massage, mobilization, heat, cold, air, light, water, electricity, and sound.

What is specifically excluded from the practice?

Practice of physical therapy does not include the identification of underlying medical problems or etiologies, establishment of medical diagnoses, or the prescribing of treatment.

Are there any special trainings or requirements?

A PT who is licensed and certified by the American board of physical therapy specialties as an electrophysiologic clinical specialist may perform electrodiagnostic studies that are to be interpreted by a physician if he or she has been performing electrodiagnostic studies in Michigan on a consistent basis since before May 1, 2001.

A PT who is licensed but is not certified by the American board of physical therapy specialties as an electrophysiologic clinical specialist and who has been performing electrodiagnostic studies in this state on a consistent basis since before May 1, 2001 may continue to perform electrodiagnostic studies that are to be interpreted by a physician as long as he or she becomes certified by the American board of physical therapy specialties as an electrophysiologic clinical specialist by December 31, 2007.

"Consistent basis" means at a minimum an annual average of 10 electrodiagnostic studies each month.

Reference

Mich. Comp. Laws § 333.17801

Mich. Comp. Laws § 333.17018