Effective 28 Aug 2008

334.500. Definitions. — As used in sections 334.500 to 334.685, the following terms mean:

(1) "Board", the state board of registration for the healing arts in the state of Missouri;

(2) "Physical therapist", a person who is licensed to practice physical therapy;

(3) "Physical therapist assistant", a person who is licensed as a physical therapist assistant by the board or a person who was actively engaged in practice as a physical therapist assistant on August 28, 1993;

(4) "Practice of physical therapy", the examination, treatment and instruction of human beings to assess, prevent, correct, alleviate and limit physical disability, movement dysfunction, bodily malfunction and pain from injury, disease and any other bodily condition, such term includes, but is not limited to, the administration, interpretation and evaluation of physical therapy tests and measurements of bodily functions and structures; the planning, administration, evaluation and modification of treatment and instruction, including the use of physical measures, activities and devices, for preventive and therapeutic purposes; and the provision of consultative, educational, research and other advisory services for the purpose of reducing the incidence and severity of physical disability, movement dysfunction, bodily malfunction and pain does not include the use of surgery or obstetrics or the administration of x-radiation, radioactive substance, diagnostic x-ray, diagnostic laboratory electrocautery, electrosurgery or invasive tests or the prescribing of any drug or medicine or the administration or dispensing of any drug or medicine other than a topical agent administered or dispensed upon the direction of a physician. Physical therapists may perform electromyography and nerve conduction tests but may not interpret the results of the electromyography or nerve conduction test. Physical therapists shall practice physical therapy within the scope of their education and training as provided in sections 334.500 to 334.620.

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(L. 1969 H.B. 39 § 1, A.L. 1993 H.B. 564, A.L. 1995 S.B. 452, A.L. 1996 H.B. 999, A.L. 2008 S.B. 788)