EMG AND MSKUS LAWS FOR IDAHO

ID

The Physical Therapy Practice Act of the State of Idaho defines Physical Therapy as:

The “practice of physical therapy” means the exercise of the profession of physical therapy by a person who engages in the following health care activities:

(a) Examining, evaluating and testing individuals with mechanical, physiological and developmental impairments, functional limitations, and disability or other health and movement related conditions in order to determine a diagnosis for physical therapy and prognosis for physical therapy, plan of therapeutic intervention, and to assess the ongoing effects of intervention.

(c) Engaging in administration, consultation, testing, education and research as related to paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection.

See Idaho Administrative Code 24.13.01, Section 08:

Testing. (3-19-07)

  • Standard methods and techniques used in the practice of physical therapy to gather data about individuals including: (3-19-07)
    • Electrodiagnostic and electrophysiological measurements; (3-19-07)
    • Assessment or evaluation of muscle strength, force, endurance and tone; (3-19-07)
    • Peripheral nerve function integrity; (3-19-07)
  • Specifically excluded are the ordering of electromyographic study, electrocardiography, thermography, invasive vascular study, selective injection tests, or complex cardiac or respiratory function studies without consultation and direction of a physician.

From the above statute it is evident that while a Physical Therapist can perform an Electrodiagnostic study, the Physical Therapist cannot “order” an Electromyography study “without consultation and direction of a physician”.

EMG/NCS Testing uses electricity and Musculoskeletal Ultrasound uses sound waves for the evaluation (testing and measurement) of the neuro-musculoskeletal system.

APTA fully supports PTs practicing EMG/NCS Testing as it is within the scope of Physical Therapy Practice. The Orthopedic Section of the APTA in a white paper not only advocates the use of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging within the scope of practice for Physical Therapy but also endorses its application both for diagnostic as well as procedural purposes to aid neuromuscular re-education, dry needling, and electroneuromyography.

Find here information about Direct Access to Physical Therapy in your state.