***** 333.17801.amended THIS AMENDED SECTION IS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 22, 2028 *****

333.17801.amended Definitions; principles of construction.

Sec. 17801.

    (1) As used in this part:

    (a) "Physical therapist" means an individual who is licensed under this article or authorized under section 17820a to engage in the practice of physical therapy.

    (b) "Physical therapist assistant" means an individual with a health profession subfield license under this part, or who is authorized under section 17820b to engage in practice as a physical therapist assistant, who assists a physical therapist in physical therapy intervention.

    (c) "Physical therapy licensure compact" means the physical therapy licensure compact enacted in section 16187a.

    (d) "Practice as physical therapist assistant" means the practice of physical therapy performed under the supervision of a physical therapist licensed under this part.

    (e) "Practice of physical therapy" means the evaluation of, education of, consultation with, or treatment of an individual by the employment of effective properties of physical measures and the use of therapeutic exercises and rehabilitative procedures, with or without assistive devices, for the purpose of preventing, correcting, or alleviating a physical or mental disability. Physical therapy includes treatment planning, performance of tests and measurements, interpretation of referrals, initiation of referrals, instruction, consultative services, and supervision of personnel. Physical measures include massage, mobilization, heat, cold, air, light, water, electricity, and sound. Practice of physical therapy does not include the identification of underlying medical problems or etiologies, establishment of medical diagnoses, or the prescribing of treatment.

    (2) In addition to the definitions in this part, article 1 contains general definitions and principles of construction applicable to all articles in this code and part 161 contains definitions applicable to this part.