To amend section 4755.40 of the Revised Code to modify the scope of practice of a physical therapist.

Section 1. That section 4755.40 of the Revised Code be amended to read as follows:

Sec. 4755.40.  As used in sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 and 4755.99 of the Revised Code:

(A)(1) "Physical therapy" means the all of the following, for the purpose of preventing, correcting, or alleviating physical impairments, functional limitations, or any disability:

(a) The evaluation and of a person to determine a diagnosis of physical impairment, functional limitations, or disability, to determine a prognosis, and to determine a plan of therapeutic intervention;

(b) The treatment of a person by physical measures and the, which include massage, heat, cold, air, light, water, electricity, sound, manual therapy techniques, and the performance of tests of neuromuscular function as an aid to such treatment;

(c) The use of therapeutic exercises and rehabilitative procedures, with or without assistive devices, for the purpose of preventing, correcting, or alleviating any disability. If

(2) If performed by a person who is adequately trained, physical therapy includes all of the following:

(1)(a) The design, fabrication, revision, education, and instruction in the use of various assistive devices including braces, splints, ambulatory or locomotion devices, wheelchairs, prosthetics, and orthotics;

(2)(b) The administration of topical drugs that have been prescribed by a licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code;

(3)(c) The establishment and modification of physical therapy programs, treatment planning, patient education and instruction, and consultative services;

(4)(d) Physiotherapy;

(e) Ordering appropriate tests, including diagnostic imaging and studies, that are performed and interpreted by other licensed health care professionals.

Physical measures include massage, heat, cold, air, light, water, electricity, sound, and the performance of tests of neuromuscular function as an aid to such treatment.

(3) Physical therapy does not include the medical diagnosis of a patient's disability, the use of Roentgen rays or radium for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, or the use of electricity for cauterization or other surgical purposes.

(B) "Physical therapist" means a person who practices or provides patient education and instruction in physical therapy and includes a physiotherapist.

(C) "Physical therapist assistant" means a person who assists in the provision of physical therapy treatments, including the provision of patient education and instruction, under the supervision of a physical therapist.

(D) "Supervision" means the availability and responsibility of the supervisor for direction of the actions of the person supervised.

Section 2. That existing section 4755.40 of the Revised Code is hereby repealed.