*The 2002 Florida Statutes Title
XXXII
REGULATION OF
PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS Chapter 486
PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE
486.021
Definitions.--In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires,
the term:
(1) "Board" means
the Board of Physical Therapy Practice.
(2) "Department"
means the Department of Health.
(3) "License"
means the document of authorization granted by the board and issued by
the department for a person to engage in the practice of physical
therapy.
(5) "Physical therapist" means a person who
is licensed and who practices physical therapy in accordance with the
provisions of this chapter.
(8) "Physical
therapy" or "physiotherapy," each of which terms is deemed identical
and interchangeable with each other, means a health care profession.
(11)
"Practice of physical therapy" means the performance of
physical therapy assessments and the treatment of any
disability, injury, disease, or other health condition of human beings,
or the prevention of such disability, injury, disease, or other
condition of health, and rehabilitation as related thereto by
the use of the physical, chemical, and other properties of air;
electricity; exercise; massage; the performance of acupuncture only upon
compliance with the criteria set forth by the Board of Medicine, when no
penetration of the skin occurs; the use of radiant energy, including
ultraviolet, visible, and infrared rays; ultrasound; water; the use of
apparatus and equipment in the application of the foregoing or related
thereto; the performance of tests of neuromuscular functions as an aid
to the diagnosis or treatment of any human condition; or the performance
of electromyography as an aid to the diagnosis of any human condition
only upon compliance with the criteria set forth by the Board of
Medicine. A physical therapist may implement a plan of treatment for
a patient. The physical therapist shall refer the patient to or
consult with a health care practitioner licensed under chapter 458,
chapter 459, chapter 460, chapter 461, or chapter 466, if the patient's
condition is found to be outside the scope of physical therapy. *If
physical therapy treatment for a patient is required beyond 21 days for
a condition not previously assessed by a practitioner of record,
the physical therapist shall obtain a practitioner of record who will
review and sign the plan. A health care practitioner licensed under
chapter 458**, chapter 459, chapter 460, chapter 461, or chapter 466 and
engaged in active practice is eligible to serve as a practitioner of
record...
**Doctors
of: 458=medical; 459=osteopathic, 460=chiropractic, 461=podiatric,
466=dentistry
Ginger Fitness & Rehabilitation, Inc. 813-631-7790
www.GingerFitnessRehab.com
