201 KAR 22:010. Objectives of physical therapy

      Section 1. Goals of the patient-physical therapy unit include, but are not limited to, maintaining health, preserving functional capacity, and in the presence of impairment, developing or reestablishing function through carefully planned, and implemented programs. In order to reach these objectives, the physical therapist provides consultation, evaluates patients, identifies problems, plans programs, and provides direct treatment.

 

      Section 2. Patient Management. Adequate, effective, and efficient patient care is the ultimate goal of physical therapy. The physical therapist evaluates each patient, and determines those ways in which he can contribute to total health management. He then plans and implements a treatment program, reevaluating and making modifications as necessary. A physical therapist shall refer to a licensed physician or dentist any patient whose medical condition should, at the time of evaluation or treatment, be determined to be beyond the scope of practice of the physical therapist. When basis for treatment is referral, the physical therapist may confer with the referring physician, podiatrist, dentist, or chiropractor. (2 Ky.R. 76; eff. 9-10-75; Am. 7 Ky.R. 310; 442; eff. 11-6-80; 11 Ky.R. 734; eff. 12-11-84; 13 Ky.R. 901; eff. 12-2-86.)

Notation

      RELATES TO: KRS 327.010

      STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 327.040

      NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: The practice of physical therapy is rapidly evolving and changing in purpose and scope. The purpose of this administrative regulation is to define clearly the desired goals of physical therapy and the permissible means of achieving these goals. In this manner, standards of physical therapy practice are clearly established and may be used to evaluate particular treatments which have been used or which may later evolve.