Fairley: We need physical therapist assistants who ‘know what they’re doing’

OLYMPIA – Physical therapy can play a critical part in a victim’s recovery following an accident or injury. However, people undergoing physical therapy procedures can be easily injured by someone who is untrained. Washington is one of the few states that doesn’t currently require licensure of physical therapy assistants and has become a haven for those who have lost their licenses in other states.

The Senate today approved Senate Bill 5292, sponsored by Sen. Darlene Fairley, D-Lake Forest Park, which requires the licensure of physical therapist assistants.

“Physical therapy works; it is the reason I’m walking,” Fairley said. “We need people who know what they’re doing.”

SB 5292 defines a physical therapy assistant as one who performs physical therapy procedures and tasks delegated by a supervising physical therapist. A physical therapy assistant must have successfully completed a board-approved program and pass a board-approved examination to be licensed.

SB 5292 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration. The legislative session is scheduled to conclude April 22.

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