Washington State Practice Act

Washington state must truly have an arcane practice act. APTA has posted a press release regarding the recent signing of a modernized practice act. It is couched as a "victory", saying that the updated definition of physical therapy "reflects the actual treatment techniques practiced by physical therapists on a daily basis". Perhaps there are some small victories here, but on the issue of thrust manipulation, the practice act still reads as follows:

"'Physical Therapy' means the care and services provided by or under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist licensed by the state. The use of...spinal manipulation, or manipulative mobilization of the spine and its immediate articulations, are not included under the term 'physical therapy' as used in this chapter." The marked up copy is attached.

In my opinion, victory will await us until patients in the state of Washington (and other states with restrictive practice acts) have access to the full complement of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions performed by physical therapists in the overwhelming majority of other states.

John

Download wa_practice_act.pdf

Comments

[Julie]

I agree with your comments 100%, John. It is indeed a travesty that PTs have published numerous studies providing support for the use of manipulation to the spine for patients with not only spinal disorders, but also for extremity disorders such as knee OA and shoulder impingement. I find it hard to believe that the legislators in Washington State are withholding what can now be considered "standard of care" therapies for patients in their state. Equally as sad is that the consumers in Washington State (the patients) are allowing this to happen as they are being deprived of appropriate medical care. Changing this state's practice act needs to be a priority for our association.

One thing that I do want to remind folks from Washington State about, though, is that it appears that extremity joint manipulation is not prohibited. Hopefully you all in Washington will continue to use this tool in the extremities!

Julie