The bill would move Georgia more into alignment with the national model practice act. The programs at all five of Georgia's Physical Therapy schools are Masters level programs. HB 96 provides for patient choice, for cost effective health care, for fairness to patients and physical therapists. Physical Therapy is a medical profession that requires unique training and qualifications in order to provide it. It is more than the provision of physical agents and modalities and the term 'physical therapy' has sometimes been inappropriately used when physical agents, such as heat and cold, have been used.
Physical therapy is much more than the application of a heat or cold treatment.
Use of the term physiotherapy has caused considerable confusion for consumers. Physiotherapy is a term used in other countries, such as Canada and Britain, to mean Physical Therapy. By adding this term to the definition of physical therapy, it will clear up confusion any Georgia consumers might have. The above definition is essentially the same as the current law except for the addition of 'Practice' and 'intervention' in line 1 and rehabilitate in line 2. Addition of the term 'Practice' provides clarity to what the scope of physical therapy practice is.