§ 5-40-1. Definitions.

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RI Code › Title 5 › Chapter 5-40 › Section 5-40-1

This text was captured on Aug 14, 2026. It is a snapshot, not a live feed, so check the official code before relying on it.

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As used in this chapter:

(1) €œBoard€ means the board of physical therapy established by § 5-40-2.

(2) €œDepartment€ means the department of health.

(3) €œDiagnostic imaging€ means techniques used to capture an image of a body part. For purposes of this chapter, diagnostic imaging shall include basic radiological imaging, commonly referred to as x-ray imaging, but shall not include other methodologies such as computer topography scan, ultrasound, bone scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography scan.

(4) €œExamination€ means an examination approved by the department in consultation with the board.

(5) €œLicense€ means a license issued by the department to practice physical therapy.

(6) €œPhysical therapist€ means an individual who is licensed by the department to practice physical therapy.

(7) €œPhysical therapist assistant€ means an individual who is licensed by the department to assist in the practice of physical therapy under the supervision of a physical therapist.

(8) €œPhysical therapy€ means the care and services provided by or under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist who is licensed pursuant to this chapter.

(9) €œPractice of physical therapy€ means:

(i)(A) Examination, evaluation, treatment, and instruction of patients/clients to detect, assess, prevent, correct, alleviate, and limit physical disability, physical dysfunction, and pain from injury, disease, and any other bodily conditions;

(B) Administration, interpretation, and evaluation of tests and measurements of bodily functions and structures;

(C) The planning, administration, evaluation, and modification of treatment and instruction, including the use of physical measures, activities, and devices, for preventive and therapeutic purposes;

(D) The provision of consultative, educational, and other advisory services for the purpose of reducing the incidence and severity of physical disability, physical dysfunction, and pain; and

(E) Ordering diagnostic imaging and studies that are performed and interpreted by other licensed healthcare professionals pursuant to the provisions of § 5-40-23.

(ii) The practice of physical therapy does not include the practice of medicine as defined in chapter 37 of this title.

(10) €œSupervision€ means that a licensed physical therapist is at all times responsible for supportive personnel and students.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.

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