2015 WISCONSIN ACT
375
An Act
to renumber and amend
448.50 (4) (b);
to amend
462.04; and
to create
448.56 (7) of the statutes;
relating to:
the authority of physical therapists to order X-rays and granting rule-making authority.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:
Section
1
.
448.50 (4) (b) of the statutes is renumbered 448.50 (4) (b) (intro.) and amended to read:
448.50
(4)
(b) (intro.) "Physical therapy" does not include
using
any of the following:
1. Using
roentgen rays or radium for any purpose,
using
except that "physical therapy" includes ordering X-rays to be performed by qualified persons, subject to s. 448.56 (7) (a), and using X-ray results to determine a course of care or to determine whether a referral to another health care provider is necessary.
2. Using
electricity for surgical purposes, including cauterization
, or prescribing
.
3. Prescribing
drugs or devices.
Section
2
.
448.56 (7) of the statutes is created to read:
448.56
(7)
Ordering X-rays.
(a) A physical therapist may order X-rays to be performed by qualified persons only if the physical therapist satisfies one of the following qualifications, as further specified by the examining board by rule:
1. The physical therapist holds a clinical doctorate degree in physical therapy.
2. The physical therapist has completed a nationally recognized specialty certification program.
3. The physical therapist has completed a nationally recognized residency or fellowship certified by an organization recognized by the examining board.
4. The physical therapist has completed a formal X-ray ordering training program with demonstrated physician involvement.
(b) When a physical therapist orders an X-ray, the physical therapist shall communicate with the patient's primary care physician or an appropriate health care practitioner to ensure coordination of care, unless all of the following apply:
1. A radiologist has read the X-ray and not identified a significant finding.
2. The patient does not have a primary care physician.
3. The patient was not referred to the physical therapist by another health care practitioner to receive care from the physical therapist.
Section
3
.
462.04 of the statutes is amended to read:
462.04
Prescription or order required.
A person who holds a license or limited X-ray machine operator permit under this chapter may not use diagnostic X-ray equipment on humans for diagnostic purposes unless authorized to do so by prescription or order of a physician licensed under s. 448.04 (1) (a), a dentist licensed under s. 447.04 (1), a podiatrist licensed under s. 448.63, a chiropractor licensed under s. 446.02, an advanced practice nurse certified under s. 441.16 (2),
or
a physician assistant licensed under s. 448.04 (1) (f)
, or, subject to s. 448.56 (7) (a), a physical therapist licensed under s. 448.53
.
