§ 32 §3111 — Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms shall have the following meanings.
1.
Board.
"Board" means the Board of Examiners in Physical Therapy as created in section 3112.
2.
Direction.
"Direction" means continuing verbal and written contact by a physical therapist with a physical therapist assistant including periodic on-site supervision adequate to ensure the safety and welfare of the patient.
3.
Physical therapist.
"Physical therapist" means a person who is licensed pursuant to this chapter to practice physical therapy.
4.
Physical therapist assistant.
"Physical therapist assistant" means a person who is licensed pursuant to this chapter and who assists a physical therapist in specific components of treatment, prevention and educational interventions within the practice of physical therapy.
5.
Physical therapy or physiotherapy.
"Physical therapy" or "physiotherapy" means the provision of services in the scope of practice that is set forth in section 3111‑A.
6.
Practice of physical therapy.
"Practice of physical therapy" means the rendering of or offering to render any service involving physical therapy to detect, assess, prevent, correct, alleviate or limit physical disability, bodily malfunction and pain from injury, disease or any other bodily condition.
7.
Referral.
"Referral" means the request of an advanced practice registered nurse, certified nurse midwife, physician associate, naturopathic doctor or doctor of medicine, surgery, osteopathy, podiatry or dentistry or any other health care provider acting within the scope of that health care provider's license to a physical therapist to accept one of that health care provider's patients for treatment.

Legislative History

PL 1979, c. 555, §2 (NEW). PL 1983, c. 468, §9 (AMD). PL 2007, c. 402, Pt. N, §1 (AMD). PL 2023, c. 317, §§1-5 (AMD). PL 2025, c. 316, §3 (REV).