# N.M. Stat. § 61-12D-3: Definitions

> New Mexico · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NM_C61_A12D_S61-12D-3

## Section

- **Citation:** N.M. Stat. § 61-12D-3
- **Heading:** Definitions
- **Jurisdiction:** New Mexico
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** NM Code / Chapter 61 / Article 12D / Section 61-12D-3

## Text

As used in the Physical Therapy Act:

A. “assistive personnel” means physical therapist assistants, physical therapy aides and other assistive personnel;

B. “board” means the physical therapy board;

C. “other assistive personnel” means trained or educated personnel other than physical therapist assistants or physical therapy aides who perform specific designated tasks related to physical therapy under the supervision of a physical therapist. At the discretion of the supervising physical therapist and if not prohibited by any other law, it may be appropriate for other assistive personnel to be identified by the title specific to their training or education;

D. “person” means an individual or other legal entity, excluding a governmental entity;

E. “physical therapist” means a person who is licensed in this state to practice physical therapy;

F. “physical therapist assistant” means a person who performs physical therapy procedures and related tasks pursuant to a plan of care written by the supervising physical therapist;

G. “physical therapy” means the care and services provided by or under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist;

H. “physical therapy aide” means a person trained under the direction of a physical therapist who performs designated and supervised routine physical therapy tasks;

I. “practice of physical therapy” means:

(1) examining and evaluating patients with mechanical, physiological and developmental impairments, functional limitations and disabilities or other health-related conditions in order to determine a physical therapy diagnosis, prognosis and planned therapeutic intervention;

(2) alleviating impairments and functional limitations by designing, implementing and modifying therapeutic interventions that include therapeutic exercise; functional training in self-care and community or work reintegration; manual therapy techniques, including soft tissue and joint mobilization and manipulation; therapeutic massage; assistive and adaptive devices and equipment; bronchopulmonary hygiene; debridement and wound care; physical agents; mechanical and electrotherapeutic modalities; and patient-related instruction;

(3) preventing injury, impairments, functional limitations and disability, including the promotion and maintenance of fitness, health and quality of life in all age populations; and

(4) engaging in consultation, testing, education and research; and

J. “restricted license” means a license to which restrictions or conditions as to scope of practice, place of practice, supervision of practice, duration of licensed status or type or condition of patient or client served are imposed by the board.

## Nearby sections

- [N.M. Stat. § 61-12D-1 § 61-12D-1. Short title](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NM_C61_A12D_S61-12D-1.md)
- [N.M. Stat. § 61-12D-2 § 61-12D-2. Legislative purpose](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NM_C61_A12D_S61-12D-2.md)
- [N.M. Stat. § 61-12D-3 § 61-12D-3. Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NM_C61_A12D_S61-12D-3.md)
- [N.M. Stat. § 61-12D-4 § 61-12D-4. Board created](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NM_C61_A12D_S61-12D-4.md)
- [N.M. Stat. § 61-12D-5 § 61-12D-5. Powers and duties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NM_C61_A12D_S61-12D-5.md)
- [N.M. Stat. § 61-12D-6 § 61-12D-6. Board fund; created](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NM_C61_A12D_S61-12D-6.md)
- [N.M. Stat. § 61-12D-7 § 61-12D-7. Fees](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NM_C61_A12D_S61-12D-7.md)
- [N.M. Stat. § 61-12D-8 § 61-12D-8. Practice of physical therapy; license required](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NM_C61_A12D_S61-12D-8.md)
- [N.M. Stat. § 61-12D-9 § 61-12D-9. Use of titles; restrictions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NM_C61_A12D_S61-12D-9.md)
- [N.M. Stat. § 61-12D-10 § 61-12D-10. Licensure; qualifications; licensure from foreign schools; temporary licenses; reinstatement](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NM_C61_A12D_S61-12D-10.md)
- [N.M. Stat. § 61-12D-10.1 § 61-12D-10.1. Expedited physical therapist and physical therapist assistant licensure](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NM_C61_A12D_S61-12D-10.1.md)
- [N.M. Stat. § 61-12D-11 § 61-12D-11. Exemptions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NM_C61_A12D_S61-12D-11.md)
- [N.M. Stat. § 61-12D-12 § 61-12D-12. New Mexico Statutes Chapter 61. Professional and Occupational Licenses § 61-12D-12 Supervision](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NM_C61_A12D_S61-12D-12.md)
- [N.M. Stat. § 61-12D-13 § 61-12D-13. Grounds for disciplinary action](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NM_C61_A12D_S61-12D-13.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_NM_C61_A12D_S61-12D-3. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.