Physical therapists in North Dakota celebrated a victory this week as a new practice act was signed into law by Governor John Hoeven. The passed legislation, which ensures that physical therapists in the state of North Dakota are practicing under the most up-to-date and highest standards, will be come effective August 1, 2005.
The updated definition of physical therapy reflects the actual treatment techniques practiced by physical therapists on a day-to-day basis, including manual therapy, orthotics and prosthetics, debridement, and wound care. The new act also contains a definition of manual therapy that includes mobilization and manipulation, and protects the terms“physical therapy” and “physiotherapy.”
“The passage of the legislation was necessary for the physical therapists and residents of North Dakota. It truly reflects the treatments that physical therapists can provide for their patients, and we’re very excited that the legislators recognized our ability to perform these services,” said Mary Jo Wagar, PT, OCS, president of the North Dakota Physical Therapy Association (NDPTA).
The mission of NDPTA is to represent and promote the profession of physical therapy in its endeavors to meet the physical therapy needs of society; to develop and improve the art and science of physical therapy, including practice, education and research; to meet the needs and interests of its members; and to assist the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to further its objectives. |
