C.R.S. Section 12-285-116
Special practice authorities and requirements

  • definition
  • rules

(1)

Supervising persons not licensed as a physical therapist.
A physical therapist may supervise up to four individuals at one time who are not physical therapists, including certified nurse aides, to assist in the therapist’s clinical practice; except that this limit does not include student physical therapists and student physical therapist assistants supervised by a physical therapist for educational purposes. The board shall promulgate rules governing the required supervision. This subsection (1) does not affect or limit the independent practice or judgment of other professions regulated under this title 12. For purposes of this subsection (1), a “physical therapist assistant” means a person certified under part 2 of this article 285.

(2)

Administration of medications.
Physical therapists or physical therapist assistants under the direct supervision of a physical therapist may administer topical and aerosol medications when they are consistent with the scope of physical therapy practice and when any such medication is prescribed by a licensed health-care practitioner who is authorized to prescribe that medication. A prescription or order shall be required for each such administration.

(3)

Wound debridement.
A physical therapist is authorized to perform wound debridement under a physician’s order or the order of a physician assistant authorized under section 12-240-107 (6) when debridement is consistent with the scope of physical therapy practice. The performance of wound debridement does not violate the prohibition against performing surgery pursuant to section 12-285-108 (1)(a).

(4)

Physical therapy of animals.

(a)

A physical therapist is authorized to perform physical therapy of animals when the physical therapy of animals is consistent with the scope of physical therapy practice. In recognition of the special authority granted by this subsection (4), the performance of physical therapy of animals in accordance with this subsection (4) shall not constitute the practice of veterinary medicine, as defined in section 12-315-104 (14), nor shall it be deemed a violation of section 12-315-105.

(b)

In recognition of the emerging field of physical therapy of animals, before commencing physical therapy of an animal, a physical therapist shall obtain veterinary medical clearance of the animal by a veterinarian licensed under article 315 of this title 12.

(5)

Dry needling.

(a)

A physical therapist is authorized to perform dry needling if the physical therapist:

(I)

Has the knowledge, skill, ability, and documented competency to perform the act;

(II)

Has successfully completed a dry needling course of study that meets the supervision, educational, and clinical prerequisites; and

(III)

Obtains one written informed consent from each patient for dry needling, including information concerning potential benefits and risks of dry needling.

(b)

The board shall promulgate rules to update the requirements for a physical therapist to perform dry needling in order to ensure adequate protection of the public. Prior to promulgating the initial update of the rules, the board shall seek input from the Colorado medical board created in section 12-240-105 (1) and from the director.

(c)

The performance of dry needling in accordance with this section is not the practice of acupuncture as defined in section 12-200-103 and is not a violation of section 12-200-108.

Source: Section 12-285-116 — Special practice authorities and requirements - definition - rules, 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

§ 12-285-116’s source at colorado​.gov