# R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-40-1: Definitions

> Rhode Island · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T5_C5-40_S5-40-1

## Section

- **Citation:** R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-40-1
- **Heading:** Definitions
- **Jurisdiction:** Rhode Island
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** RI Code / Title 5 / Chapter 5-40 / Section 5-40-1

## Text

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.

## Nearby sections

- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-40-1 § 5-40-1. Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T5_C5-40_S5-40-1.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-40-2 § 5-40-2. Board of physical therapy €” Creation €” Composition.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T5_C5-40_S5-40-2.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-40-3 § 5-40-3. Board of physical therapy €” Composition €” Appointment, terms, oath, and removal of members.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T5_C5-40_S5-40-3.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-40-4 § 5-40-4. Board of physical therapy €” Organization and meetings.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T5_C5-40_S5-40-4.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-40-5 § 5-40-5. Board of physical therapy €” General powers.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T5_C5-40_S5-40-5.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-40-6 § 5-40-6. Qualification of physical therapists.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T5_C5-40_S5-40-6.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-40-6.1 § 5-40-6.1. Qualifications of physical therapist assistants.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T5_C5-40_S5-40-6.1.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-40-7 § 5-40-7. Licensing of physical therapists.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T5_C5-40_S5-40-7.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-40-7.1 § 5-40-7.1. Licensing of physical therapist assistants.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T5_C5-40_S5-40-7.1.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-40-8 § 5-40-8. Application fee for physical therapists.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T5_C5-40_S5-40-8.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-40-8.1 § 5-40-8.1. Application fee for physical therapist assistants.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T5_C5-40_S5-40-8.1.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-40-9 § 5-40-9. Right of use of the title of physical therapist.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T5_C5-40_S5-40-9.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-40-10 § 5-40-10. Continuing education requirements and expiration and renewal of licenses.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T5_C5-40_S5-40-10.md)
- [R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-40-11 § 5-40-11. Register of physical therapists €” Records €” Issuance of licenses.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T5_C5-40_S5-40-11.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_RI_T5_C5-40_S5-40-1. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.