§ 5-40-1 - Definitions. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 5-40-1

   § 5-40-1  Definitions. – As used in this chapter:

   (1) "Board" means the board of physical therapy establishedby § 5-40-2.

   (2) "Department" means the department of health.

   (3) "Examination" means an examination approved by thedepartment in consultation with the board.

   (4) "License" means a license issued by the department topractice physical therapy.

   (5) "Physical therapist" means an individual who is licensedby the department to practice physical therapy.

   (6) "Physical therapist assistant" means an individual who islicensed by the department to assist in the practice of physical therapy underthe supervision of a physical therapist.

   (7) "Practice physical therapy" means the examination,treatment, and instruction of human beings to detect, assess, prevent, correct,alleviate and limit physical disability, physical dysfunction, and pain frominjury, disease and any other bodily conditions, and includes theadministration, interpretation, and evaluation of tests and measurements ofbodily functions and structures; the planning, administration, evaluation, andmodification of treatment and instruction, including the use of physicalmeasures, activities, and devices, for preventive and therapeutic purposes; andthe provision of consultative, educational, and other advisory services for thepurpose of reducing the incidence and severity of physical disability, physicaldysfunction and pain.

   (ii) The practice of physical therapy does not include thepractice of medicine as defined in chapter 37 of this title.

   (8) "Supervision" means that a licensed physical therapist isat all times responsible for supportive personnel and students.