C.R.S. Section 12-285-104
Definitions

As used in this article 285, unless the context otherwise requires:

(1)

“Accredited physical therapy program” means a program of instruction in physical therapy that is accredited as set forth in section 12-285-110 (1)(a)(I).

(2)

“Adverse action” means disciplinary action taken by the board based upon misconduct, unacceptable performance, or a combination of both, and includes any action taken pursuant to the following:

(a)

Section 12-285-122, except for any action taken pursuant to subsection (4) of that section;

(b)

Section 12-285-129;

(c)

Section 12-285-130;

(d)

Section 12-285-212, except for any action taken pursuant to subsection (4) of that section;

(e)

Section 12-285-218; and

(f)

Section 12-285-219.

(3)

“Board” means the state physical therapy board created in section 12-285-105.

(4)

“Physical therapist” means a person who is licensed to practice physical therapy. The terms “physiotherapist” and “physical therapy technician” are synonymous with the term “physical therapist”.

(5)

“Physical therapist assistant” means a person who is required to be certified under part 2 of this article 285 and who assists a physical therapist in selected components of physical therapy.
(6)(a)(I) “Physical therapy” means the examination, physical therapy diagnosis, treatment, or instruction of patients and clients to detect, assess, prevent, correct, alleviate, or limit physical disability, movement dysfunction, bodily malfunction, or pain from injury, disease, and other bodily conditions.

(II)

For purposes of this article 285, “physical therapy” includes:

(A)

The administration, evaluation, and interpretation of tests and measurements of bodily functions and structures;

(B)

The planning, administration, evaluation, and modification of treatment and instruction;

(C)

The use of physical agents, measures, activities, and devices for preventive and therapeutic purposes, subject to the requirements of section 12-285-116;

(D)

The administration of topical and aerosol medications consistent with the scope of physical therapy practice subject to the requirements of section 12-285-116;

(E)

The provision of consultative, educational, and other advisory services for the purpose of reducing the incidence and severity of physical disability, movement dysfunction, bodily malfunction, and pain; and

(F)

General wound care, including the assessment and management of skin lesions, surgical incisions, open wounds, and areas of potential skin breakdown in order to maintain or restore the integumentary system.

(b)

For the purposes of subsection (6)(a)(II) of this section:

(I)

“Physical agents” includes, but is not limited to, heat, cold, water, air, sound, light, compression, electricity, and electromagnetic energy.

(II)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(A)

“Physical measures, activities, and devices” includes resistive, active, and passive exercise, with or without devices; joint mobilization; mechanical stimulation; biofeedback; dry needling; postural drainage; traction; positioning; massage; splinting; training in locomotion; other functional activities, with or without assistive devices; and correction of posture, body mechanics, and gait.

(B)

“Biofeedback”, as used in this subsection (6)(b)(II), means the use of monitoring instruments by a physical therapist to detect and amplify internal physiological processes for the purpose of neuromuscular rehabilitation.

(III)

“Tests and measurements” includes, but is not limited to, tests of muscle strength, force, endurance, and tone; reflexes and automatic reactions; movement skill and accuracy; joint motion, mobility, and stability; sensation and perception; peripheral nerve integrity; locomotor skill, stability, and endurance; activities of daily living; cardiac, pulmonary, and vascular functions; fit, function, and comfort of prosthetic, orthotic, and other assistive devices; posture and body mechanics; limb length, circumference, and volume; thoracic excursion and breathing patterns; vital signs; nature and locus of pain and conditions under which pain varies; photosensitivity; and physical home and work environments.

(7)

“Physical therapy compact commission” means the national administrative body whose membership consists of all states that have enacted the “Interstate Physical Therapy Licensure Compact Act”, and as enacted in this state in part 37 of article 60 of title 24.

Source: Section 12-285-104 — Definitions, https://leg.­colorado.­gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2023-title-12.­pdf (accessed Oct. 20, 2023).

12‑285‑101
Short title 12‑285‑102
Legislative declaration 12‑285‑103
Applicability of common provisions 12‑285‑104
Definitions 12‑285‑105
State physical therapy board - created 12‑285‑106
Powers and duties of board - reports - publications - rules - interstate compact - limitation on authority 12‑285‑107
Use of titles restricted 12‑285‑108
Limitations on authority 12‑285‑109
License required 12‑285‑110
Licensure by examination 12‑285‑111
Provisional license - fee 12‑285‑112
Licensure by endorsement 12‑285‑113
Licensing of foreign-trained applicants 12‑285‑114
Expiration and renewal of licenses 12‑285‑115
Inactive license - rules 12‑285‑116
Special practice authorities and requirements - definition - rules 12‑285‑117
Scope of article - exclusions 12‑285‑118
Professional liability insurance required - rules 12‑285‑119
Continuing professional competency - definition - rules 12‑285‑120
Grounds for disciplinary action - definitions 12‑285‑121
Protection of medical records - licensee’s obligations - verification of compliance - rules 12‑285‑122
Disciplinary actions 12‑285‑123
Disciplinary proceedings - investigations - judicial review 12‑285‑124
Mental and physical examination of licensees 12‑285‑125
Confidential agreements 12‑285‑126
Professional review committees - immunity 12‑285‑127
Reports by insurance companies 12‑285‑128
Unauthorized practice - penalties 12‑285‑129
Violation - fines 12‑285‑130
Injunctive proceedings 12‑285‑131
Professional service corporations, limited liability companies, and registered limited liability partnerships for the practice of physical therapy - definitions 12‑285‑132
Repeal of part - review of functions 12‑285‑201
Additional board authority - rules 12‑285‑202
Use of titles restricted 12‑285‑203
Limitations on authority 12‑285‑204
Certification required 12‑285‑205
Certification by examination 12‑285‑206
Certification by endorsement 12‑285‑207
Certification of foreign-trained applicants 12‑285‑208
Expiration and renewal of certification 12‑285‑209
Continuing professional competency - rules - definition 12‑285‑210
Scope of part 2 - exclusions 12‑285‑211
Grounds for disciplinary action 12‑285‑212
Disciplinary actions 12‑285‑213
Disciplinary proceedings - investigations - judicial review 12‑285‑214
Mental and physical examination of certified physical therapist assistants 12‑285‑215
Confidential agreements 12‑285‑216
Reports by insurance companies 12‑285‑217
Unauthorized practice - penalties 12‑285‑218
Violation - fines 12‑285‑219
Injunctive proceedings 12‑285‑220
Repeal of part - review of functions
Green check means up to date. Up to date

Current through Fall 2024

§ 12-285-104’s source at colorado​.gov