334.500. Definitions.

MISSOURI STATUTES AND CODES

Definitions.

334.500. As used in sections 334.500 to 334.685, the following termsmean:

(1) "Board", the state board of registration for the healing arts inthe state of Missouri;

(2) "Physical therapist", a person who is licensed to practicephysical therapy;

(3) "Physical therapist assistant", a person who is licensed as aphysical therapist assistant by the board or a person who was activelyengaged in practice as a physical therapist assistant on August 28, 1993;

(4) "Practice of physical therapy", the examination, treatment andinstruction of human beings to assess, prevent, correct, alleviate andlimit physical disability, movement dysfunction, bodily malfunction andpain from injury, disease and any other bodily condition, such termincludes, but is not limited to, the administration, interpretation andevaluation of physical therapy tests and measurements of bodily functionsand structures; the planning, administration, evaluation and modificationof treatment and instruction, including the use of physical measures,activities and devices, for preventive and therapeutic purposes; and theprovision of consultative, educational, research and other advisoryservices for the purpose of reducing the incidence and severity of physicaldisability, movement dysfunction, bodily malfunction and pain does notinclude the use of surgery or obstetrics or the administration ofx-radiation, radioactive substance, diagnostic x-ray, diagnostic laboratoryelectrocautery, electrosurgery or invasive tests or the prescribing of anydrug or medicine or the administration or dispensing of any drug ormedicine other than a topical agent administered or dispensed upon thedirection of a physician. Physical therapists may perform electromyographyand nerve conduction tests but may not interpret the results of theelectromyography or nerve conduction test. Physical therapists shallpractice physical therapy within the scope of their education and trainingas provided in sections 334.500 to 334.620.