Washington · statute · Wash. Rev. Code ch. 18.74 · 39 active provisions
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, and to provide for state administrative control, supervision, licensure, and regulation of the practice of physical therapy. It is the intent of the legislature that only individuals who meet and maintain prescribed standards of competenc…
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.(1) "Authorized health care practitioner" means and includes licensed physicians, osteopathic physicians, chiropractors, naturopaths, podiatric physicians and surgeons, dentists, and *advanced registered nurse pr…
A consultation and periodic review by an authorized health care practitioner is not required for treatment of neuromuscular or musculoskeletal conditions.
(1) Physical therapists shall refer persons under their care to authorized health care practitioners if they have reasonable cause to believe symptoms or conditions are present which require services beyond the scope of their practice or for which physical therapy is contraindicated.(2) A violation of this section is u…
The state board of physical therapy is hereby created. The board shall consist of seven members who shall be appointed by the governor. Five members of the board shall be physical therapists licensed under this chapter and residing in this state, shall have not less than five years' experience in the practice of physic…
The board has the following powers and duties:(1) To develop and administer, or approve, or both, examinations to applicants for a license under this chapter.(2) To pass upon the qualifications of applicants for a license and to certify to the secretary duly qualified applicants.(3) To make such rules not inconsistent…
Pursuant to the board's power in RCW 18.74.023(3), the board is directed to adopt rules relating to standards for appropriateness of physical therapy care. Violation of the standards adopted by rule under this section is unprofessional conduct under this chapter and chapter 18.130 RCW.
The board shall elect from its members a chairperson and vice chairperson-secretary, who shall serve for one year and until their successors are elected. The board shall meet at least once a year and upon the call of the chairperson at such times and places as the chairperson designates. A majority of the board members…
The Uniform Disciplinary Act, chapter 18.130 RCW, governs unlicensed practice, the issuance and denial of licenses and interim permits, and the discipline of licensees and holders of interim permits under this chapter.
(1) An applicant for a license as a physical therapist shall have the following minimum qualifications:(a) Be of good moral character; and(b) Have obtained either (i) a baccalaureate degree in physical therapy from an institution of higher learning approved by the board or (ii) a baccalaureate degree from an institutio…
An applicant with military training or experience satisfies the training and experience requirements of this chapter unless the board determines that the military training or experience is not substantially equivalent to the standards of this state.
(1) All qualified applicants for a license as a physical therapist shall be examined by the board at such time and place as the board may determine. The board may approve an examination prepared or administered by a private testing agency or association of licensing authorities. The examination shall embrace the follow…
The board shall waive the examination and grant a license to a person who meets the commonly accepted standards for practicing as a physical therapist assistant, as adopted by rule. Persons eligible for licensure as a physical therapist assistant under this section must apply for a license within one year of July 1, 20…
(1) The secretary shall license as a physical therapist, and shall furnish a license to, each applicant who successfully passes the examination for licensure as a physical therapist.(2) The secretary shall license as a physical therapist assistant, and shall furnish a license to, each applicant who successfully passes…
(1) The secretary shall furnish a license upon the authority of the board to any person who applies and who has qualified under the provisions of this chapter. At the time of applying, the applicant shall comply with administrative procedures, administrative requirements, and fees established pursuant to RCW 43.70.250…
Upon the recommendation of the board, the secretary shall license as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant and shall furnish a license to any person who is a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant registered, certified, or licensed under the laws of another state or territory, or the District…
Any person holding a valid license or certificate of registration to practice physical therapy issued by authority of this state prior to July 24, 1983, shall be issued a license under this chapter.
Every licensed physical therapist and physical therapist assistant shall apply to the secretary for a renewal of the license and pay to the state treasurer a fee determined by the secretary as provided in RCW 43.70.250 and 43.70.280.
Any physical therapist or physical therapist assistant licensed under this chapter not practicing physical therapy or providing services may place his or her license in an inactive status. The board shall prescribe requirements for maintaining an inactive status and converting from an inactive or active status. The sec…
(1) The department, upon approval by the board, shall issue an interim permit authorizing an applicant for licensure who meets the minimum qualifications stated in RCW 18.74.030 to practice physical therapy under graduate supervision pending notification of the results of the first licensure examination for which the a…
(1) Physical therapists shall not advertise that they perform spinal manipulation, manipulative mobilization of the spine, chiropractic adjustment, spinal adjustment, maintenance or wellness manipulation, or chiropractic care of any kind.(2) A violation of this section is unprofessional conduct under this chapter and c…
(1) A person who is not licensed with the secretary of health as a physical therapist under the requirements of this chapter shall not represent him or herself as being so licensed and shall not use in connection with his or her name the words or letters "P.T.", "R.P.T.", "L.P.T.", "physical therapy", "physiotherapy",…
If any person violates the provisions of this chapter, the attorney general, prosecuting attorney, the secretary, the board, or any citizen of the same county, may maintain an action in the name of the state to enjoin such person from practicing or holding himself or herself out as practicing physical therapy. The inju…
The secretary of health shall keep a record of proceedings under this chapter and a register of all persons licensed under it. The register shall show the name of every living licensed physical therapist and physical therapist assistant, his or her last known place of residence, and the date and number of his or her li…
Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit any person licensed in this state under any other act from engaging in the practice for which he or she is licensed. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit any person who, at any time prior to January 1, 1961, was practicing any healing or manipulative art in the state of Washingt…