327.010 Definitions

327.010 Definitions.

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

(1) "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, encompassing preventive

measures, screening, tests in aid of diagnosis by a licensed doctor of medicine,

osteopathy, dentistry, chiropractic, or podiatry and evaluation and invasive or

noninvasive procedures with emphasis on the skeletal system, neuromuscular and

cardiopulmonary function, as it relates to physical therapy. Physical therapy

includes screening or evaluations performed to determine the degree of impairment

of 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. Physical therapy also includes physical therapy

treatment performed upon referral by a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy,

dentistry, chiropractic, or podiatry, including but not limited to exercises for

increasing or restoring strength, endurance, coordination and range of motion,

stimuli to facilitate motor activity and learning, instruction in activities of daily

living, and the use of assistive devices and the application of physical agents to

relieve pain or alter physiological status. The use of roentgen rays and radium for

diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, the use of electricity for surgical purposes,

including cauterization and colonic irrigations are not authorized under the term

"physical therapy" as used in this chapter;

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

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

pursuant to this chapter;

(3) "Board" means the Board of Physical Therapy established by KRS 327.030;

(4) "Referral" means the procedure by which a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy,

dentistry, chiropractic, or podiatry designates the initiation of physical therapy

treatment by a licensed physical therapist; and

(5) "Temporary permit" means a permit granted to an individual who has met all

requirements in Kentucky for license application by examination and has made

application for examination but who has not yet successfully completed the board

approved examination in this or another state.