Georgia HB 150: Professions and businesses; definition of physical therapy to include ordering diagnostic imaging and using ultrasound; revise

Bill Text

23 LC 33 9202
H. B. 150
- 1 -
House Bill 150
By: Representatives Mainor of the 56
th, Thomas of the 65
th, Lim of the 98
th, and Sampson of
the 153
rd
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Chapter 33 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to1
physical therapists, so as to revise the definition of "physical therapy" to include ordering2
diagnostic imaging and using ultrasound; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting3
laws; and for other purposes.4
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:5
SECTION 1.6
Chapter 33 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to physical7
therapists, is amended by revising Code Section 43-33-3, relating to definitions regarding8
physical therapists, as follows:9
"43-33-3.10
As used in this article, the term:11
(1) 'Board' means the State Board of Physical Therapy.12
(2) 'Diagnostic imaging' means magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography13
(CT) scanning, positron emission tomography (PET) scanning, positron emission14
tomography/computed tomography, and other advanced imaging services as defined by15

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the board by rule, but such term shall not include X-rays, fluoroscopy, or ultrasound16
services.17
(2)(3) 'License' means a valid and current certificate of registration issued by the board18
which shall give the person to whom it is issued authority to engage in the practice19
prescribed thereon.20
(3)(4) 'Licensee' means any person holding a license under this article or holding a valid21
Physical Therapy Licensure Compact privilege pursuant to Article 2 of this chapter.22
(4)(5) 'Person' means a human being only, not a legal entity.23
(5)(6) 'Physical therapist' means a person licensed to practice physical therapy as defined24
in this article and whose license is in good standing.25
(6)(7) 'Physical therapist assistant' or 'physical therapy assistant' means a person who is26
licensed by the board to assist a physical therapist, whose activities are supervised and27
directed by a physical therapist, and whose license is in good standing.28
(7)(8) 'Physical therapy' means the care and services provided by or under the direction29
and supervision of a physical therapist who is licensed pursuant to this article. The term30
'physiotherapist' shall be synonymous with 'physical therapy' pursuant to this article. The31
practice of physical therapy means:32
(A) Examining, evaluating, and testing patients and clients with mechanical,33
physiological, and developmental impairments, activity limitations, participation34
restrictions, and disabilities or other movement related conditions, to include ordering35
diagnostic imaging and using ultrasound, in order to determine a physical therapy36
diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of intervention and to assess the ongoing effects of37
intervention;38
(B) Alleviating impairments of body structure or function by designing, implementing,39
and modifying interventions to improve activity limitations or participation restrictions40
for the purpose of preventing or reducing the incidence and severity of physical41
disability, bodily malfunction, and pain;42

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(C) Reducing the risk of injury, impairment, activity limitations, participation43
restrictions, and disability, including the promotion and maintenance of health, fitness,44
and wellness in populations of all ages;45
(D) Planning, administering, evaluating, and modifying intervention and instruction,46
including the use of physical measures, activities, and devices, including but not limited47
to dry needling for preventative and therapeutic purposes; and48
(E) Engaging in administration, consultation, education, teaching, research, telehealth,49
and the provision of instructional, consultative, educational, and other advisory50
services.51
(8)(9) 'Physical therapy aide' means a person who only performs designated and52
supervised physical therapy tasks. The physical therapy aide must receive direct53
supervision and must be directed on the premises at all times by a licensee. Physical54
therapy aides are not licensed under this article.55
(9)(10) 'Trainee' means an individual who is approved for a traineeship.56
(10)(11) 'Traineeship' means a period of activity during which a trainee works under the57
direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist who has practiced for not less than one58
year prior to assuming the supervisory role.59
(11)(12) 'Training permit' means a valid and current certificate of registration issued by60
the board which gives the person to whom it is issued authority to engage in practice61
through a traineeship prescribed thereon."62
SECTION 2.63
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.64