(1) A physical therapist licensed under this chapter is fully authorized to practice physical therapy as defined in this chapter.

Terms Used In Washington Code 18.74.160

  • Authorized health care practitioner: means and includes licensed physicians, osteopathic physicians, chiropractors, naturopaths, podiatric physicians and surgeons, dentists, and advanced registered nurse practitioners: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That nothing herein shall be construed as altering the scope of practice of such practitioners as defined in their respective licensure laws. See Washington Code 18.74.010
  • Physical therapist: means a person who meets all the requirements of this chapter and is licensed in this state to practice physical therapy. See Washington Code 18.74.010
  • Physical therapy: means the care and services provided by or under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist licensed by the state. See Washington Code 18.74.010
  • Secretary: means the secretary of health. See Washington Code 18.74.010
(2) A physical therapist shall refer persons under his or her care to appropriate health care practitioners if the physical therapist has reasonable cause to believe symptoms or conditions are present that require services beyond the scope of practice under this chapter or when physical therapy is contraindicated.
(3) Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants shall adhere to the recognized standards of ethics of the physical therapy profession and as further established by rule.
(4) A physical therapist may perform electroneuromyographic examinations for the purpose of testing neuromuscular function only by referral from an authorized health care practitioner identified in *RCW 18.74.010(7) and only upon demonstration of further education and training in electroneuromyographic examinations as established by rule. Within two years after July 1, 2005, the secretary shall waive the requirement for further education and training for those physical therapists licensed under this chapter who perform electroneuromyographic examinations.
(5) A physical therapist licensed under this chapter may purchase, store, and administer medications such as hydrocortisone, fluocinonide, topical anesthetics, silver sulfadiazine, lidocaine, magnesium sulfate, zinc oxide, and other similar medications, and may administer such other drugs or medications as prescribed by an authorized health care practitioner for the practice of physical therapy. A pharmacist who dispenses such drugs to a licensed physical therapist is not liable for any adverse reactions caused by any method of use by the physical therapist.

NOTES:

*Reviser’s note: RCW 18.74.010 was alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k), changing subsection (7) to subsection (1), effective July 1, 2015.