HOUSE BILL 07-1126
      
      
      BY REPRESENTATIVE(S) McGihon, Green, Kefalas, and Todd;
      also SENATOR(S) Johnson, Taylor, and Tochtrop.
      
      
      Concerning the authority of physical therapists to perform
           physical therapy on animals.
       
      
      Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
      
           SECTION 1.  12-41-103 (6) (a) (I), Colorado Revised Statutes, is
      amended to read:
      
           12-41-103.  Definitions.  As used in this article, unless the context
      otherwise requires:
      
           (6) (a) (I)  "Physical therapy" means the examination, treatment, or
      instruction of human beings patients and clients to detect, assess,
      prevent, correct, alleviate, or limit physical disability, movement
      dysfunction, bodily malfunction, or pain from injury, disease, and other
      bodily conditions.
      
           SECTION 2.  12-41-113, Colorado Revised Statutes, is amended
      BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SUBSECTION to read:
      
           12-41-113.  Special practice authorities and requirements. 
      (4)  Physical therapy of animals.  (a) A physical therapist is
      authorized to perform physical therapy of animals when such
      physical therapy of animals is consistent with the scope of
      physical therapy practice.  In recognition of the special authority
      granted by this subsection (4), the performance of physical
      therapy of animals in accordance with this subsection (4) shall
      not constitute the practice of veterinary medicine, as defined in
      section 12-64-103, nor shall it be deemed a violation of section
      12-64-104.
      
           (b)  In recognition of the emerging field of physical therapy
      of animals, before commencing physical therapy of an animal, a
      physical therapist shall obtain veterinary medical clearance of
      the animal by a veterinarian licensed under article 64 of this title.
      
           SECTION 3.  12-41-125 (2) (b), Colorado Revised Statutes, is
      amended to read:
      
           12-41-125.  Powers and duties of director - reports - publications. 
      (2)  In addition to any other powers and duties given the director by this
      article, the director shall have the following powers and duties:
      
           (b)  To adopt all reasonable and necessary rules and regulations for
      the administration and enforcement of this article, including, but not limited
      to, rules regarding:
      
           (I)  The supervision of unlicensed persons by physical therapists
      taking into account the education and training of such unlicensed
      individuals; and
      
           (II)  Physical therapy of animals, including, without
      limitation, educational and clinical requirements for the
      performance of physical therapy of animals and the procedure for
      handling complaints to the department of regulatory agencies
      regarding physical therapy of animals.  In adopting such rules, the
      director shall consult with the physical therapy advisory
      committee established pursuant to section 12-41-126 and with the
      state board of veterinary medicine established pursuant to
      section 12-64-105.
      
           SECTION 4.  Effective date.  This act shall take effect July 1,
      2007.
      
           SECTION 5.  Safety clause.  The general assembly hereby finds,
      determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate
      preservation of the public peace, health, and safety.
      
      
      
      
      ________________________________________________________
      Andrew Romanoff                      Joan Fitz-Gerald
      SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE                     PRESIDENT OF
      OF REPRESENTATIVES                         THE SENATE
      
      
      
      
      
      
      ____________________________  ____________________________
      Marilyn Eddins                          Karen Goldman
      CHIEF CLERK OF THE HOUSE                 SECRETARY OF
      OF REPRESENTATIVES                         THE SENATE
      
      
      
      
                  APPROVED________________________________________
      
      
      
      
      
                                    _________________________________________
                                    Bill Ritter, Jr.
                                    GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF COLORADO