58-24b-102. Definitions.

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A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

Effective 5/6/2026

As used in this chapter:

(1)"Board" means the Physical Therapies Licensing Board, created in Section 58-24b-201 .

(2)"Consultation by telecommunication" means a health care provider, as that term is defined in Section 58-1-501.8 , receiving professional advice through electronic communication from a physical therapist who is licensed outside of the state.

(3)"Dry needling" means a skilled intervention using a filiform needle to penetrate the skin and underlying tissue for the evaluation, management, or prevention of a disability, a movement impairment, a neuromusculoskeletal condition, or pain.

(4)"General supervision" means supervision and oversight of an individual by a licensed physical therapist when the licensed physical therapist is immediately available in person, by telephone, or by electronic communication to assist the individual.

(5)"Licensed physical therapist" means an individual licensed under this chapter to engage in the practice of physical therapy.

(6)"Licensed physical therapist assistant" means an individual licensed under this chapter to engage in the practice of physical therapy, subject to the provisions of Subsection 58-24b-401(2)(a) .

(7)"Licensing examination" means a nationally recognized physical therapy examination that the division approves by rule the division makes in consultation with the board and with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.

(8)"On-site supervision" means supervision and oversight of an individual by a licensed physical therapist or a licensed physical therapist assistant when the licensed physical therapist or licensed physical therapist assistant is:

(a)continuously present at the facility where the individual is providing services;

(b)immediately available to assist the individual; and

(c)regularly involved in the services being provided by the individual.

(9)"Physical impairment" means:

(a)a bodily malfunction;

(b)a developmental impairment;

(c)a disability;

(d)a functional limitation;

(e)a mechanical impairment;

(f)a mobility impairment; or

(g)a physiological impairment.

(a)"Physical therapy" means examining, evaluating, and testing an individual who has a physical impairment or injury.

(b)"Physical therapy" includes:

(i)ordering imaging in accordance with Section 58-54-303 ;

(ii)identifying or labeling a physical impairment or injury;

(iii)formulating a therapeutic intervention plan for the treatment of a physical impairment, injury, or pain;

(iv)assessing the ongoing effects of therapeutic intervention for the treatment of a physical impairment or injury;

(v)treating or alleviating a physical impairment by designing, modifying, or implementing a therapeutic intervention;

(vi)reducing the risk of an injury or physical impairment;

(vii)providing instruction on the use of physical measures, activities, or devices for preventative and therapeutic purposes;

(viii)promoting and maintaining health and fitness;

(ix)administering a prescription drug in accordance with Section 58-24b-403 ;

(x)applying dry needling to enhance a client's physical performance if the physical therapy practitioner has the necessary training the division requires by rule the division makes in consultation with the board and in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act;

(xi)subject to Subsection 58-28-307(12)(b) , engaging in the functions described in Subsections (10)(b)(i) through

(ix)in relation to an animal, in accordance with the requirements of Section 58-24b-405 ; or

(xii)administering, consulting, educating, and researching the practices described in Subsection

(10).

(c)"Physical therapy" does not include:

(i)diagnosing a disease;

(ii)dispensing or prescribing a drug as defined in Section 58-37-101 ;

(iii)performing acupuncture;

(iv)performing surgery; or

(v)taking x-rays.

(11)"Physical therapy aide" means an individual who:

(a)receives on-the-job training from a licensed physical therapist; and

(b)provides routine assistance to a licensed physical therapist or licensed physical therapist assistant, while the licensed physical therapist or licensed physical therapist assistant practices physical therapy.

(12)"Recognized accreditation agency" means an accreditation agency that the division approves in consultation with the board.

(a)"Testing" means a standard method or technique used to gather data regarding a patient that is generally and nationally accepted by physical therapists for the practice of physical therapy.

(b)"Testing" includes measurement or evaluation of:

(i)muscle strength, force, endurance, or tone;

(ii)cardiovascular fitness;

(iii)physical work capacity;

(iv)joint motion, mobility, or stability;

(v)reflexes or autonomic reactions;

(vi)movement skill or accuracy;

(vii)sensation;

(viii)perception;

(ix)peripheral nerve integrity;

(x)locomotor skills, stability, and endurance;

(xi)the fit, function, and comfort of prosthetic, orthotic, or other assistive devices;

(xii)posture;

(xiii)body mechanics;

(xiv)limb length, circumference, and volume;

(xv)thoracic excursion and breathing patterns;

(xvi)activities of daily living related to physical movement and mobility;

(xvii)physical movement and mobility functions in the physical environment at home or work; and

(xviii) neural muscular responses.

(14)"Therapeutic intervention" includes:

(a)therapeutic exercise, with or without the use of a device;

(b)physical movement and mobility training for functional self-care;

(c)physical movement and mobility for community or work integration;

(d)manual therapy, including:

(i)soft tissue mobilization;

(ii)therapeutic massage; or

(iii)joint mobilization, as the division defines by rule the division makes in consultation with the board and in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act;

(e)prescription, application, fabrication, or training for an assistive technology, an adaptive device, an orthotic device, or a prosthetic device;

(f)prescription of durable medical equipment to a patient with or without requesting a prescription from a licensed physician;

(g)airway clearance techniques, including postural drainage;

(h)integumentary protection and repair techniques;

(i)wound debridement, cleansing, and dressing;

(j)the application of a physical agent, including:

(i)light;

(ii)heat;

(iii)cold;

(iv)water;

(v)air;

(vi)sound;

(vii)compression;

(viii)electricity; and

(ix)electromagnetic radiation;

(k)mechanical or electrotherapeutic modalities;

(l)positioning;

(m)instructing or training a patient in locomotion or other functional activities, with or without an assistive device;

(n)manual or mechanical traction;

(o)correction of posture, body mechanics, or gait; and

(p)trigger point dry needling, under the conditions described in Section 58-24b-505 .

Amended by Chapter 362 , 2026 General Session