§ 25-27-1-1 — Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter:
(1) "Physical therapy" means the care and services provided by or
under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist that
includes any of the following:
(A) Examining, evaluating, and conduct testing (as defined in
subdivision (16)) on patients with mechanical, physiological, or
developmental impairments, functional limitations, and
disabilities or other health and movement related conditions in
order to determine a physical therapy diagnosis.
(B) Alleviating impairments, functional limitations, and
disabilities by designing, implementing, and modifying
treatment interventions that may include therapeutic exercise,
functional training in home, community, or work integration or
reintegration that is related to physical movement and mobility,
manual therapy, including soft tissue and joint mobilization or
manipulation, therapeutic massage, prescription, application,
and fabrication of assistive, adaptive, orthotic, protective, and
supportive devices and equipment, including prescription and
application of prosthetic devices and equipment, airway
clearance techniques, integumentary protection and repair
techniques, debridement and wound care, physical agents or
modalities, mechanical and electrotherapeutic modalities, and
patient related instruction.
(C) Using solid filiform needles to treat neuromusculoskeletal
pain and dysfunction (dry needling), after completing board
approved continuing education and complying with applicable
board rules. However, a physical therapist may not engage in
the practice of acupuncture (as defined in IC 25-2.5-1-5) unless
the physical therapist is licensed under IC 25-2.5.
(D) Reducing the risk of injury, impairment, functional
limitation, and disability, including the promotion and
maintenance of fitness, health, and wellness in populations of
all ages.
(E) Engaging in administration, consultation, education, and
research.
(2) "Physical therapist" means a person who is licensed under this
chapter to practice physical therapy.
(3) "Physical therapist assistant" means a person who:
(A) is certified under this chapter; and
(B) assists a physical therapist in selected components of
physical therapy treatment interventions.
(4) "Board" refers to the Indiana board of physical therapy.
(5) "Physical therapy aide" means support personnel who perform
designated tasks related to the operation of physical therapy
services.
(6) "Person" means an individual.
(7) "Sharp debridement" means the removal of foreign material or
dead tissue from or around a wound, without anesthesia and with
generally no bleeding, through the use of:
(A) a sterile scalpel;
(B) scissors;
(C) forceps;
(D) tweezers; or
(E) other sharp medical instruments;
in order to expose healthy tissue, prevent infection, and promote
healing.
(8) "Spinal manipulation" means a method of skillful and
beneficial treatment by which a physical therapist uses direct
thrust to move a joint of the patient's spine beyond its normal
range of motion, but without exceeding the limits of anatomical
integrity.
(9) "Tasks" means activities that do not require the clinical
decision making of a physical therapist or the clinical problem
solving of a physical therapist assistant.
(10) "Competence" is the application of knowledge, skills, and
behaviors required to function effectively, safely, ethically, and
legally within the context of the patient's role and environment.
(11) "Continuing competence" is the process of maintaining and
documenting competence through ongoing self-assessment,
development, and implementation of a personal learning plan and
subsequent reassessment.
(12) "State" means a state, territory, or possession of the United
States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico.
(13) "Direct supervision" means that a physical therapist or
physical therapist assistant is physically present and immediately
available to direct and supervise tasks that are related to patient
management.
(14) "General supervision" means supervision provided by a
physical therapist who is available by telecommunication.
(15) "Onsite supervision" means supervision provided by a
physical therapist who is continuously onsite and present in the
department or facility where services are provided. The
supervising therapist must be immediately available to the person
being supervised and maintain continued involvement in the
necessary aspects of patient care.
(16) "Conduct testing" means standard methods and techniques
used to gather data about a patient, including, subject to section
2.5(c) of this chapter, electrodiagnostic and electrophysiologic
tests and measures. The term does not include x-rays.
(17) "Physical therapy diagnosis" means a systematic
examination, evaluation, and testing process that culminates in
identifying the dysfunction toward which physical therapy
treatment will be directed. The term does not include a medical
diagnosis.
Formerly: Acts 1957, c.198, s.1; Acts 1971, P.L.379, SEC.1. As
amended by P.L.150-1986, SEC.4; P.L.259-1987, SEC.1;
P.L.240-1989, SEC.1; P.L.98-2013, SEC.1; P.L.160-2019, SEC.9;
P.L.156-2020, SEC.107.