EMG AND MUSCULOSKELETAL ULTRASOUND LAWS BY STATE

Each state physical therapy licensing board have different requirements for physical therapists to perform Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Study (EMG/NCS) Evaluations. In many cases, a state board of physical therapy and/or the Physical Therapy Practice Act may explicitly specify that Physical Therapists may or may not be able to perform EMG/NCS Testing and in many other cases the Practice Act is “silent”.

With “silent” is meant that while the Practice Act may not name EMG as one of the procedures that a PT can practice, the Practice Act may indicate that a PT may use electricity and the performance and interpretation of tests and measurements in the evaluation of the neuro-musculoskeletal system.

At the same time, most PT Practice Acts indicate that a PT may use sound and the performance and interpretation of tests and measurements in the evaluation of the neuro-musculoskeletal system.

There is widespread misinformation on this subject in the internet and sometimes from professional organizations. In this guide we are providing you with the exact language from the State Board or State Legislature of each state and with a link where you can find the information and read it for yourself.

This information was last updated in September 2016.