“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.

“Department”- The Rhode Island Department of Health.

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

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

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

“Onsite 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 physical therapist.

“Physical Therapy” - The care and services provided by or under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist 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;

“Supervision” - A licensed physical therapist is at all times responsible for supportive personnel and students.

“Supportive Personnel”- An individual, other than a physical therapist assistant, who does not act independently and works under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant as directed by a physical therapist who is licensed under R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 5-40.

Reference

R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-40-1

216-RICR-40-05-13.3