Plain English Breakdown
The official text states the bill defines various terms but does not provide the full definitions within this excerpt; meanings were inferred from context descriptions in the summary.
Rules for Physical Therapists Treating Animals
This law allows licensed physical therapists in California who meet specific training requirements to treat animals under the supervision of or with a referral from a veterinarian.
What This Bill Does
- Allows licensed physical therapists who finish required education, training, and experience to provide animal physical therapy.
- Requires the therapist to notify the Physical Therapy Board that they are treating animals.
- Mandates treatment happens either under direct supervision of a vet at a registered location or with a written referral from a vet.
- If using a referral, requires an active practice agreement between the therapist and veterinarian and written notice to the animal owner.
- Allows physical therapy aides to help therapists but makes the therapist solely responsible for tasks done by aides.
- States that veterinarians who refer animals are not liable if something goes wrong during the therapy session.
Who It Names or Affects
- Licensed physical therapists in California
- Veterinarians and veterinary clinics
- Physical therapy aides working with animals
- The Physical Therapy Board of California and the Veterinary Medical Board
Terms To Know
- Direct supervision
- A veterinarian must be present at a location registered with the state while the physical therapist treats the animal.
- Referral
- An order from a veterinarian allowing treatment without the vet being there, which requires an active practice agreement and notice to the owner.
- Active practice agreement
- A formal arrangement between a physical therapist and a veterinarian required when treating animals under a referral.
Limits and Unknowns
- Physical therapists cannot perform acts considered veterinary medicine, such as diagnosing diseases.
- Therapists with suspended or revoked licenses are banned from providing animal physical therapy.
- The bill does not specify an effective date in the provided text.