N.D. Cent. Code § 43-26.1-01 Definitions
43-26.1-01. Definitions
In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. "Board" means the North Dakota board of physical therapy.
2. "Competence" is the application of knowledge, skills, and behaviors required to
function effectively, safely, ethically, and legally within the context of the patient's or
client's environment.
3. "Continuing competence" is the lifelong process of maintaining and documenting
competence through ongoing self-assessment, development, and implementation of a
personal learning plan along with subsequent reassessment.
4. "Direct supervision" means the supervising physical therapist is physically present on
the premises and immediately available for direction and supervision, has direct
contact with the patient during each visit, and completes all components of care
requiring skilled therapy services. Telehealth does not meet the requirement for direct
supervision.
5. "Electronic communications" means the science and technology of communication
over a distance by electronic transmission of impulses, including activities involving or
using electronic communications to store, organize, send, retrieve, and convey
information.
6. "Examination" means a national examination approved by the board for the licensure
of a physical therapist or the licensure of a physical therapist assistant.
7. "General supervision" means the supervising physical therapist is onsite and present
where services are provided or is immediately available to the physical therapist
assistant being supervised by means of electronic communications, maintains
continual involvement in the appropriate aspects of patient care, and has primary
responsibility for all patient care services rendered by a physical therapist assistant.
8. "Manual therapy" means the use of techniques such as mobilization or manipulation,
manual lymphatic drainage, and manual traction on one or more regions of the body.
9. "Onsite supervision" means the supervising physical therapist is onsite and present in
the department or facility where services are provided, is immediately available to the
individual being supervised, and maintains continued involvement in appropriate
aspects of each treatment session in which a student physical therapist or a student
physical therapist assistant is involved in components of care.
10. "Physical therapist" means an individual licensed under this chapter to practice
physical therapy. The term "physiotherapist" is synonymous with "physical therapist"
under this chapter.
11. "Physical therapist assistant" means an individual licensed under this chapter and who
assists the physical therapist in selected components of physical therapy intervention.
12. "Physical therapy" means the care and services provided by or under the direction and
supervision of a physical therapist licensed under this chapter.
13. "Physical therapy aide" means an individual trained under the direction of a physical
therapist who performs designated and supervised routine tasks related to physical
therapy.
14. "Practice of physical therapy" means:
a. Examining, evaluating, and testing individuals with mechanical, physiological, and
developmental impairments, functional limitations in movement and mobility, and
disabilities or other health and movement-related conditions to determine a
diagnosis for physical therapy, prognosis, and plan of therapeutic intervention,
and to assess the ongoing effects of intervention. The term includes ordering
diagnostic imaging performed by a professional authorized by chapter 43-62 and
interpreted by a licensed physician trained in radiology interpretation, and using
these results to determine if a referral to another health care provider is
necessary or indicates the necessary treatment is within the physical therapist's
scope of practice.
b. Alleviating impairments, functional limitations in movement and mobility, and
disabilities by designing, implementing and modifying therapeutic interventions
that may include therapeutic exercise; neuromuscular education; functional
training related to positioning, movement, and mobility in self-care and in-home,
community, or work integration or reintegration; manual therapy; therapeutic
massage; prescription, application and, as appropriate, fabrication of assistive,
adaptive, orthotic, prosthetic, protective, and supportive devices and equipment
related to positioning, movement, and mobility; airway clearance techniques;
integumentary protection and repair techniques; debridement and wound care;
physiotherapy; physical agents or modalities; mechanical and electrotherapeutic
modalities; and patient-related instruction.
c. Engaging as a physical therapist in reducing the risk of injury, impairment,
functional limitation and disability, including the promotion and maintenance of
fitness, health, and wellness in populations of all ages.
d. Engaging as a physical therapist in administration, consultation, education, and
research.
15. "Restricted license" for a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant means a
license on which the board places restrictions or conditions, or both, as to scope of
practice, place of practice, supervision of practice, duration of licensed status, or type
or condition of patient or client to whom the licensee may provide services.
16. "Telehealth" is the use of electronic communications to provide and deliver
health-related information and health care services, including physical therapy related
information and services, over any distance. Telehealth encompasses health care and
health promotion activities, including education, advice, reminders, interventions, and
the monitoring of interventions.
17. "Testing" means standard methods and techniques used to gather data about the
patient.