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Rhode Island Physical Therapy Definitions

Act - R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 5-40, entitled, "Physical Therapists."

APTA - The American Physical Therapy Association.

Board - The Rhode Island Board of Physical Therapy.

CAPTE - The Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education.

Department - The Rhode Island Department of Health.

Diagnostic Imaging - Techniques used to capture an image of a body part. For purposes of this chapter, diagnostic imaging shall include basic radiological imaging, commonly referred to as x-ray imaging, but shall not include other methodologies such as computer topography scan, ultrasound, bone scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography scan.

Director - The Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health.

Examination - An examination approved by the Department, in consultation with the Board.

FSBPT - The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

License - A license issued by the department to practice physical therapy.

On-site Supervision - The immediate and physical presence of patient, person being supervised, and supervisor.

Physical Therapist - An individual who is licensed in Rhode Island to practice physical therapy.

Physical Therapist Assistant - An individual who is licensed in Rhode Island to assist in the practice of physical therapy under the supervision of a PT.

Physical Therapy - The care and services provided by or under the direction and supervision of a PT who is licensed in Rhode Island.

Practice of Physical Therapy - Includes:

    • Examination, evaluation, treatment, and instruction of patients/clients to detect, assess, prevent, correct, alleviate, and limit physical disability, physical dysfunction, and pain from injury, disease, and any other bodily conditions;
    • Administration, interpretation, and evaluation of tests and measurements of bodily functions and structures;
    • The planning, administration, evaluation, and modification of treatment and instruction, including the use of physical measures, activities, and devices, for preventive and therapeutic purposes; and
    • The provision of consultative, educational, and other advisory services for the purpose of reducing the incidence and severity of physical disability, physical dysfunction, and pain; and
    • Ordering diagnostic imaging and studies that are performed and interpreted by other licensed healthcare professionals.

Supervision - A licensed PT is at all times responsible for supportive personnel and students.

Supportive Personnel - An individual, other than a PTA, who does not act independently and works under the direction and supervision of a PT or PTA as directed by a PT who is licensed in Rhode Island.

Reference

R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-40-1

216-RICR-40-05-13.3

About Us

Zachary Edgar JD, LLM is the managing partner for Therapy Comply.  Zachary is a healthcare attorney that specializes in federal and state healthcare regulatory issues particularly for physical, occupational, and speech therapy practices.  

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