(1) Physical therapists are responsible for patient care given by assistive personnel under their supervision. A physical therapist may delegate to assistive personnel and supervise selected acts, tasks, or procedures that fall within the scope of physical therapy practice but do not exceed the education or training of the assistive personnel.

Terms Used In Washington Code 18.74.170

  • Other assistive personnel: means other trained or educated health care personnel, not defined in (a) or (b) of this subsection, who perform specific designated tasks that are related to physical therapy and within their license, scope of practice, or formal education, under the supervision of a physical therapist, including but not limited to licensed massage therapists, athletic trainers, and exercise physiologists. 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
(2) Nothing in this chapter may be construed to prohibit other licensed health care providers from using the services of physical therapist assistants, as long as the title “physical therapist assistant” is not used in violation of RCW 18.74.090, physical therapist aides, or other assistive personnel as long as the licensed health care provider is responsible for the activities of such assistants, aides, and other personnel and provides appropriate supervision.
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