Wisconsin Code § 448.50

Definitions
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In this subchapter:
(1m) “Business entity” has the meaning given in s. 452.01
(3j).
(1n) “Compact” means the physical therapy licensure compact under s. 448.985.
(1o) “Compact privilege” means a compact privilege, as defined in s. 448.985 (2) (d), that is granted under the compact to an
individual to practice in this state.
(1r) “Diagnosis” means a judgment that is made after examining the neuromusculoskeletal system or evaluating or studying
its symptoms and that utilizes the techniques and science of physical therapy for the purpose of establishing a plan of therapeutic
intervention, but does not include a chiropractic or medical
diagnosis.
(1v) “Examining board” means the physical therapy examining board.
(2) “Licensee” means a person who is licensed under this
subchapter.
(3) “Physical therapist” means an individual who has been
graduated from a school of physical therapy and holds a license to
practice physical therapy granted by the examining board or who
holds a physical therapist compact privilege.
(3m) “Physical therapist assistant” means an individual who
holds a license as a physical therapist assistant granted by the examining board or who holds a physical therapist assistant compact privilege.
(4) (a) “Physical therapy” means, except as provided in par.
(b), any of the following:
1. Examining, evaluating, or testing individuals with mechanical, physiological, or developmental impairments, functional limitations related to physical movement and mobility, disabilities, or other movement-related health conditions, in order to
determine a diagnosis, prognosis, or plan of therapeutic intervention or to assess the ongoing effects of intervention. In this subdivision, “testing” means using standardized methods or techniques for gathering data about a patient.
2. Alleviating impairments or functional limitations by instructing patients or designing, implementing, or modifying therapeutic interventions.
3. Reducing the risk of injury, impairment, functional limitation, or disability, including by promoting or maintaining fitness,
health, or quality of life in all age populations.
4. Engaging in administration, consultation, or research that
is related to any activity specified in subds. 1. to 3.
(b) “Physical therapy” does not include any of the following:
1. Using roentgen rays or radium for any purpose, 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.
3. Prescribing drugs or devices.
(5) “Sexual misconduct with a patient” means any of the
following:
(a) Engaging in or soliciting a consensual or nonconsensual
sexual relationship with a patient.
(b) Making sexual advances toward, requesting sexual favors
from, or engaging in other verbal conduct or physical contact of a
sexual nature with a patient.
(c) Intentionally viewing a completely or partially disrobed
patient during the course of treatment if the viewing is not related
to diagnosis or treatment.
(6) “Therapeutic intervention” means the purposeful and
skilled interaction between a physical therapist, patient, and, if
appropriate, individuals involved in the patient’s care, using physical therapy procedures or techniques that are intended to produce
changes in the patient’s condition and that are consistent with diagnosis and prognosis.

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