KRS 327.010: Definitions for chapter.

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) "Active patient" means a person who is or has been under a physical therapy plan of

care unless care is transferred or terminated in writing;

(2) "Board" means the Board of Physical Therapy established in KRS 327.030;

(3) "Physical therapist" means a professional person who has met the educational

requirements of this chapter and is licensed to practice physical therapy pursuant to

this chapter;

(4) "Physical therapist assistant" means a pe rson who is licensed pursuant to this

chapter and provides physical therapy services under the direction and supervision

of a licensed physical therapist;

(5) (a) "Physical therapy" means the use of selected knowledge and skills in

planning, organizing, and directing programs for the care of individuals whose

ability to function is impaired or threatened by disease or injury, which

encompasses preventive measures, screening, tests in aid of diagnosis and

evaluation, and invasive or noninvasive procedures wi th emphasis on the

skeletal system, integumentary system, and neuromuscular and

cardiopulmonary function, as it relates to physical therapy.

(b) "Physical therapy" also includes:

1. Screening or evaluations performed to determine the degree of

impairment o f relevant aspects such as but not limited to nerve and

muscle function, including subcutaneous bioelectrical potentials, motor

development, functional capacity, and respiratory or circulatory

efficiency; and

2. Physical therapy treatment, which includes but is not limited to:

a. Physical therapy treatment performed upon referral by a licensed

doctor of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, chiropractic, or podiatry;

b. Exercises for increasing or restoring strength, e ndurance,

coordination, and range of motion;

c. Stimuli to facilitate motor activity and learning;

d. Instruction in activities of daily living; and

e. The use of assistive devices and the application of physical agents

to relieve pain or alter physiological status.

(c) "Physical therapy" does not include the use of:

1. Roentgen rays and radium for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes; or

2. Electricity for surgical purposes, including cauterization and colonic

irrigations;

which are not authorized as physical therapy in this chapter;

(6) "Provisional license" means a license granted by the board to an applicant who has

not yet successfully completed the board-approved examination; and

(7) "Refer" or "referral" means the procedure by which a licensed health c are provider

designates the initiation of physical therapy treatment by a licensed physical

therapist.