As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. (1)
2. (2)
3. (3)
4. (4)

5. (5) "Active patient" means a person who is or has been under a physical therapy plan of care unless care is transferred or terminated in writing; "Board" means the Board of Physical Therapy established in KRS 327.030; "Physical therapist" means a professional person who has met the educational requirements of this chapter and is licensed to practice physical therapy pursuant to this chapter; "Physical therapist assistant" means a person who is licensed pursuant to this chapter and provides physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist;

   1. (a) system, system, "Physical therapy" means the use of selected knowledge and skills in planning, organizing, and directing programs for the care of individuals whose ability to function is impaired or threatened by disease or injury, which encompasses preventive measures, screening, tests in aid of diagnosis and evaluation, and invasive or noninvasive procedures with emphasis on the skeletal and integumentary cardiopulmonary function, as it relates to physical therapy. "Physical therapy" also includes: 1. Screening or evaluations performed to determine the degree of impairment of relevant aspects such as but not limited to nerve and muscle function, including subcutaneous bioelectrical potentials, motor development, functional capacity, and respiratory or circulatory efficiency; and Physical therapy treatment, which includes but is not limited to: a. neuromuscular and 2.
   2. (b) for increasing or Physical therapy treatment performed upon referral by a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, chiropractic, or podiatry; Exercises restoring strength, endurance, coordination, and range of motion; Stimuli to facilitate motor activity and learning; Instruction in activities of daily living; and The use of assistive devices and the application of physical agents to relieve pain or alter physiological status. b. c. d. e.
   3. (c) "Physical therapy" does not include the use of: 1. Roentgen rays and radium for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes; or 2. Electricity for surgical purposes, including cauterization and colonic irrigations; which are not authorized as physical therapy in this chapter;
6. (6)
7. (7) "Provisional license" means a license granted by the board to an applicant who has not yet successfully completed the board-approved examination; and "Refer" or "referral" means the procedure by which a licensed health care provider designates the initiation of physical therapy treatment by a licensed physical therapist.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Repealed and reenacted 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 36, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2026. - - Amended 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 54, sec. 1, effective July 15, 2008. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 377, sec. 1, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 53, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1980. -- Amended 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 1. -- Created 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 27, sec. 1, effective June 19, 1958.