Oregon Revised Statutes
As used in ORS 688.010 to 688.201, unless the context requires otherwise: “Physical therapist” means a person who is licensed pursuant to ORS 688.010 to 688.201 to practice physical therapy. “Physical therapist aide” means a person who is trained by a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to perform designated and supervised routine tasks rela…
The Legislative Assembly finds and declares that providing for state administrative control, supervision, licensure and regulation of the practice of physical therapy in this state serves the purpose of protecting the public health, safety and welfare. It is the intent of the Legislative Assembly that only individuals who meet and maintain prescribed standa…
Unless a person is a licensed physical therapist or holds a permit issued under ORS 688.110, a person shall not: Practice physical therapy; or Use in connection with the name of the person the words or letters, “P.T.,” “R.P.T.,” “L.P.T.,” “physical therapist,” “physiotherapist” or any other letters, words, abbreviations or insignia indicating that the pers…
ORS 688.010 to 688.201 do not apply to: A person engaging in the domestic application of any activity included in the definition of the practice of physical therapy, if the person does not represent to anyone receiving services or to the public that the person is a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant. A person using any procedure included …
ORS 688.010 to 688.201 may be cited as the Oregon Physical Therapy Practice Act. Note: See second note under 688.015. (Licensing)
Any person desiring to be a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall apply in writing to the Oregon Board of Physical Therapy in the form and manner provided by the board by rule. Each application shall include or be accompanied by evidence, satisfactory to the board, that the applicant possesses the qualifications prescribed by ORS…
Each applicant for a license as a physical therapist shall: Be at least 18 years of age. Be of good moral character as determined by the Oregon Board of Physical Therapy. Be a graduate of an accredited professional physical therapy education program approved by the board; or Have military experience or training that the board determines is substantially …
Each applicant for a license as a physical therapist assistant shall: Be at least 18 years of age. Be of good moral character as determined by the Oregon Board of Physical Therapy. Be a graduate of an accredited physical therapist assistant education program approved by the board. Pass to the satisfaction of the board an examination approved by the board…
The Oregon Board of Physical Therapy may approve by rule a national examination to determine the fitness of a person to practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. The physical therapist examination must test entry-level competence related to physical therapy theory, patient examination and evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment in…
For the purpose of requesting a state or nationwide criminal records check under ORS 181A.195, the Oregon Board of Physical Therapy may require the fingerprints of a person who is: Applying for a license or permit, or renewal of a license or permit, issued under ORS 688.010 to 688.201; Employed or applying for employment by the board in a position in which…
The Oregon Board of Physical Therapy may license as a physical therapist or license as a physical therapist assistant, without examination, any person who: Applies for a license as provided in ORS 688.040; Is of good moral character as determined by the board; and On the date of making application, is a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant w…
The Oregon Board of Physical Therapy shall license as a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant each applicant who proves to the satisfaction of the board fitness for such license as provided in ORS 688.010 to 688.201. The board shall issue a certificate to each person licensed. The certificate shall be prima facie evidence of the right of the p…
A person who is licensed as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall renew the person’s license pursuant to the rules of the Oregon Board of Physical Therapy. A person who fails to renew the license on or before the expiration date specified by board rule may not practice as a physical therapist or work as a physical therapist assistant in …
The Oregon Board of Physical Therapy, in its discretion, may issue without examination a temporary permit to a person to practice as a physical therapist or to work as a physical therapist assistant in this state if the person files an application for license as provided in ORS 688.040 or 688.080, and pays to the board at the time of filing the application t…
A person may not obtain or attempt to obtain a license as a physical therapist or as a physical therapist assistant or a temporary permit under ORS 688.110 by any fraudulent representation. (Miscellaneous)
In order to ensure that physical therapy treatment of a patient is based solely on the needs of a patient, any health care practitioner licensed by a health professional regulatory board as defined in ORS 676.160 who owns, in part or in whole, a physical therapy practice, or who employs a physical therapist, shall communicate the facts of that ownership or e…
A physical therapist may perform dry needling, as defined by the Oregon Board of Physical Therapy by rule. The board shall adopt rules to carry out this section, including rules to establish training requirements that a physical therapist must meet in order to perform dry needling. Note: 688.129 becomes operative July 1, 2027. See section 24, chapter 627, …
As used in this section, “provider of care” means a physician, chiropractic physician, podiatric physician and surgeon, naturopathic physician, dentist, physician associate or nurse practitioner. A licensed physical therapist shall immediately refer a person being treated by the licensed physical therapist to a provider of care if the person exhibits sympto…
A physical therapist licensed under ORS 688.010 to 688.201 shall: Be responsible for managing all aspects of the physical therapy care of each patient. Ensure the qualifications of all physical therapist assistants and physical therapist aides working under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist. Provide for each patient the therapeutic i…
A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall report to the Oregon Board of Physical Therapy a change to the physical therapist’s or physical therapist assistant’s name, business or residential address, contact email address or contact telephone number within 30 days after the date of the change. Note: 688.138 becomes operative July 1, 2027. Se…
The Oregon Board of Physical Therapy, after notice and hearing as provided in ORS 688.145, may impose any or all of the following sanctions or take any of the following actions upon any of the grounds specified in subsection (2) of this section: Refuse to license any applicant. Refuse to renew the license of any physical therapist or physical therapist ass…
When the Oregon Board of Physical Therapy proposes to impose any of the sanctions authorized in ORS 688.140, opportunity for hearing shall be accorded as provided in ORS chapter 183. Judicial review of orders under subsection (1) of this section shall be as provided in ORS chapter 183. Information that the board obtains as part of an investigation into lic…
The Oregon Board of Physical Therapy may reinstate a revoked or suspended physical therapist license or physical therapist assistant license if the person whose license was revoked or suspended: Meets the requirements for initial licensure; and Satisfactorily completes any requirements or meets any conditions for reinstatement of the license stipulated in …
(State Board)
The Oregon Board of Physical Therapy operates as a semi-independent state agency subject to ORS 182.456 to 182.472, for purposes of carrying out the provisions of ORS 688.010 to 688.201 and 688.990. The board consists of eight members appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation by the Senate in the manner provided in ORS 171.562 and 171.565. All me…
All moneys received under ORS 688.010 to 688.201 shall be paid into an account established by the Oregon Board of Physical Therapy under ORS 182.470. The board may establish an additional account under ORS 182.470 for the purpose of meeting financial obligations imposed on the State of Oregon as a result of this state’s participation in the Physical Therapy …
(Enforcement)
Any licensed health facility, licensed physical therapist, licensed physical therapist assistant, the Oregon Physical Therapy Association, physician licensed under ORS chapter 677 or dentist shall, and any other person may, report suspected violations of ORS 688.010 to 688.201 to the Oregon Board of Physical Therapy. The reports are confidential as provided …
(Physical Therapy Licensure Compact)
The provisions of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact are as follows: ______________________________________________________________________________ PHYSICAL THERAPY LICENSURE COMPACT SECTION 1. PURPOSE The purpose of this Compact is to facilitate interstate practice of physical therapy with the goal of improving public access to physical therapy ser…
As used in ORS 688.405 to 688.605: “Actively engaged” means: Practicing medical imaging; Supervising or providing administrative services for medical imaging licensees, or students or trainees learning a medical imaging modality, at an institution that provides medical imaging services; Teaching, providing instruction for or administrating a medical imag…
A person may not: Practice a medical imaging modality or purport to be a medical imaging licensee unless the person is licensed in accordance with the provisions of ORS 688.405 to 688.605; Operate an X-ray machine as described in ORS 688.515 (1) and (2) or purport to be a limited X-ray machine operator unless the person holds a valid limited X-ray machine …
A person licensed in one of the medical imaging modalities in accordance with the provisions of ORS 688.405 to 688.605 may use the identifying titles and initials of the person’s credentialing organization. A person who holds a permit as a limited X-ray machine operator issued under ORS 688.515 may use the title of “Limited X-ray Machine Operator” or the le…
The provisions of ORS 688.405 to 688.605 do not apply to the following persons: Persons who operate dental X-ray equipment for the sole purpose of oral radiography. Students in approved schools, while practicing one of the medical imaging modalities or subspecialties under the supervision of the school’s assigned clinical instructor. Specific licensed hea…
The Board of Medical Imaging shall issue: A license to practice a specified medical imaging modality in the State of Oregon to each person who meets the qualifications for a license as provided in ORS 688.455. The license shall identify the modality or subspecialty for which the qualifications have been met. A permit to practice as a limited X-ray machine …
The Board of Medical Imaging shall issue a license to a person to practice a medical imaging modality if the person makes an application in writing and pays a fee in an amount established by the board and if the person, at the time of application: Is at least 18 years of age; Satisfies one of the following requirements: Holds a credential issued by a cred…
The Board of Medical Imaging may waive the requirements listed in ORS 688.455 (1)(b) for an individual who: Has substantial experience, as determined by the board, practicing the medical imaging modality for which the waiver is sought; and Performs that medical imaging modality as an employee of, or under a contract with, a rural hospital, as defined in OR…
Persons who operate hybrid imaging or radiation therapy equipment incorporating more than one medical imaging modality shall: Hold a primary credential in at least one of the modalities in use. Be a medical imaging licensee in at least one of the modalities in use and have a restricted license in all other modalities incorporated into the hybrid imaging or…
The Board of Medical Imaging shall oversee examinations given each year for a limited X-ray machine operator permit. A limited X-ray machine operator permit applicant who fails to pass an examination may take additional examinations as required by the board by rule. The board shall charge a fee for oversight of limited X-ray machine operator permit examina…
The Board of Medical Imaging may license as a radiographer, without examination, any person who: Applies for a license as provided in ORS 688.455; and On the date of making application is a radiographer under the laws of any other state, territory of the United States or nation, if the requirements for licensure in that state, territory or nation are not l…
At the time a biennial renewal fee is submitted, the Board of Medical Imaging shall require each licensee and permittee to submit evidence of continuing education pertinent to the license or permit. A holder of a limited X-ray machine operator permit shall submit evidence of satisfying the number of hours of continuing education as established by the board …
As used in this section: “Fluoroscopy” means a technique for generating X-ray images and for presenting the X-ray images simultaneously and continuously as a visible image. “Physician associate” means a physician associate licensed under ORS 677.505 to 677.525. “To practice fluoroscopy” means to initiate the generation of X-rays and to acquire visible ima…
The Board of Medical Imaging shall issue a limited X-ray machine operator permit to an applicant to practice under the supervision of a licensed physician, a licensed nurse practitioner or a licensed physician associate if the applicant meets the requirements as provided in this section. A limited X-ray machine operator permit shall state the category or cat…
The Board of Medical Imaging may issue a limited permit in bone densitometry to an individual who is certified in bone densitometry by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry, its successor agency or another agency approved by the board, and who meets the requirements established by the board by rule. The board may issue a temporary permit in bo…
The Board of Medical Imaging may grant inactive status to a person who holds a license or a limited X-ray machine operator permit who notifies the board of the person’s: Intent not to practice a medical imaging modality or subspecialty or as a limited X-ray machine operator; and Desire to retain the right to reinstate the license or permit subject to board…
The Board of Medical Imaging, after notice of and hearing as required under the contested case procedures of ORS chapter 183, may take any of the following actions against a person described in subsection (2) of this section: Refuse to issue a license or permit to any applicant; Refuse to renew the license of any medical imaging licensee or the permit of a…
There is created the Board of Medical Imaging. The board consists of 12 members appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation by the Senate in the manner provided in ORS 171.562 and 171.565. Each member of the board must be a resident of this state. Of the members of the board: One must be a licensed physician who is in good standing and who is a ra…
The Board of Medical Imaging shall adopt rules that are necessary to carry out the provisions of ORS 688.405 to 688.605 and 688.915. In adopting rules, the board shall act with benefit of the advice of the Attorney General of the State of Oregon. The board may appoint and fix the compensation of an executive director subject to ORS 240.245 and include reim…
For the purpose of requesting a state or nationwide criminal records check under ORS 181A.195, the Board of Medical Imaging may require the fingerprints of a person who: Is applying for a license, or renewal of a license, under ORS 688.445 and 688.455; Is employed or applying for employment by the board or provides services or seeks to provide services to …
The Board of Medical Imaging by rule shall establish and collect reasonable fees for: Oversight of limited X-ray machine operator permit examinations. Special interpretation of examination results. Duplication of permits, licenses and wall certificates. Reproduction of records. Application processing, licensing and permitting. Inspections of limited X-…
The Board of Medical Imaging shall approve programs of continuing education in medical imaging modalities and for limited X-ray machine operators to meet the requirements of ORS 688.505. The board may seek volunteers from the various medical imaging modalities to review and assist in the approval of continuing education credits for their respective medical …
The Board of Medical Imaging Account is established in the State Treasury, separate and distinct from the General Fund. Except for moneys otherwise designated by statute, all fees, contributions and other moneys received by the Board of Medical Imaging must be paid into the State Treasury and credited to the account. All moneys in the account are continuousl…
The section manager of the Radiation Protection Services Section of the Oregon Health Authority shall enforce the provisions of ORS 688.405 to 688.605. The section manager, or a designee of the Board of Medical Imaging, shall conduct, under the direction of the board, inspections in furtherance of the purposes of ORS 688.405 to 688.605.
Upon receipt of a complaint, or upon its own motion, the Board of Medical Imaging may investigate any alleged violation of ORS 688.405 to 688.605. In the conduct of investigations, the board may: Take evidence; Take the depositions of witnesses, including the person charged, in the manner provided by law in civil cases; Compel the appearance of witnesses…
Subject to the provisions of ORS chapter 183 and subsection (2) of this section, the Board of Medical Imaging may impose a fine on an individual licensed or holding a permit under ORS 688.405 to 688.605 for an administrative or clerical violation of ORS 688.405 to 688.605 or a rule adopted pursuant to ORS 688.405 to 688.605 if the violation does not create a…
Unless state or federal laws relating to confidentiality or the protection of health information prohibit disclosure, any person issued a license or permit by the Board of Medical Imaging or any employer of a licensee or permittee shall report to the board any suspected violation of ORS 688.405 to 688.605 or any rule adopted by the board. Unless state or fe…
As used in this section: “Advanced practice registered nurse” means a person who meets the requirements of ORS 678.025. “Fluoroscopy” has the meaning given that term in ORS 688.510. “Medical imaging licensee” has the meaning given that term in ORS 688.405. “Radiography” has the meaning given that term in ORS 688.405. “Supervise fluoroscopy” means to pro…
As used in ORS 688.625 to 688.665: “Hemodialysis technician” means a person who provides hemodialysis services as that term is defined by the Oregon Health Authority by rule. “Hemodialysis technician” does not include a licensed health care provider if the provision of hemodialysis services falls within the licensed health care provider’s scope of practice…
It is unlawful for any person to act as a hemodialysis technician without being certified by the Oregon Health Authority. It is unlawful for any outpatient renal dialysis facility to authorize a person to act for it as a hemodialysis technician without being certified by the authority.
A person certified as a hemodialysis technician may, under the direct supervision of a physician licensed under ORS chapter 677 or a registered nurse licensed under ORS 678.010 to 678.415, perform functions as determined by rules adopted by the Oregon Health Authority, in consultation with the Oregon Medical Board and the Oregon State Board of Nursing. A he…
For any person to be certified as a hemodialysis technician, an application for certification shall be made to the Oregon Health Authority. The application shall be upon forms prescribed by the authority and shall contain: The name and address of the applicant. The name and location of the training course successfully completed by the applicant and the dat…
For the purpose of requesting a state or nationwide criminal records check under ORS 181A.195, the Oregon Health Authority may require the fingerprints of a person who is: Applying for a certificate, or a renewal of a certificate, under ORS 688.640 or 688.650; or Under investigation by the authority under ORS 688.655.
An initial application fee shall be submitted with the application for hemodialysis technician certification. If the applicant is taking an examination administered by the Oregon Health Authority, an additional fee shall be charged for the examination. The authority may charge a fee for late renewal of a certificate and for issuance of any duplicate certifi…
When application has been made as required under ORS 688.640, the Oregon Health Authority shall certify an applicant as a hemodialysis technician if the authority finds that the applicant: Has successfully completed the training requirement adopted by the authority. Has paid a fee to the authority pursuant to ORS 688.645. Has successfully completed an exa…
The certification of a hemodialysis technician may be denied, suspended or revoked in accordance with the provisions of ORS chapter 183 for any of the following: Failure to complete continuing education requirements. The use of fraud or deception in receiving a certificate. Habitual or excessive use of intoxicants or drugs. The presence of a mental disor…
The Oregon Health Authority may discipline a person certified as a hemodialysis technician who has: Admitted the facts of a complaint alleging the person is guilty of violation of one or more of the grounds for suspension or revocation of a certificate as set forth in ORS 688.655. Been found guilty in accordance with ORS chapter 183 of violation of one or …
The Oregon Health Authority shall adopt rules that the authority considers necessary and proper to enforce ORS 688.625 to 688.665.
ATHLETIC TRAINERS
As used in ORS 688.701 to 688.734: “Athlete” means any individual participating in fitness training and conditioning, sports or other competitions, practices or activities requiring physical strength, agility, flexibility, range of motion, speed or stamina. “Athletic injury” means an injury or condition as it relates to participating as an athlete. “Licen…
There is established within the Health Licensing Office the Board of Athletic Trainers, consisting of five members appointed by the Governor. In making appointments to the board, the Governor shall take into consideration nominations received from professional organizations of athletic trainers that are based in Oregon. Of the membership of the Board of Ath…
The Board of Athletic Trainers shall elect one of its members as chairperson and another as vice chairperson, for such terms and with duties and powers necessary for the performance of the functions of those offices as the board determines. A majority of the members of the board constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. The Board of Athletic Tr…
The Board of Athletic Trainers shall: Advise the Health Licensing Office about the adoption of rules necessary for the administration of ORS 688.701 to 688.734. Determine training and education requirements for licensure under ORS 688.720. Determine qualifications and documentation required for licenses, permits, temporary licenses and waivers. Determine…
The Health Licensing Office may: Adopt rules necessary to conduct business, carry out duties and administer the provisions of ORS 688.701 to 688.734. Issue licenses, including temporary licenses, permits, waivers and other authorizations to engage in the practice of athletic training as determined by the Board of Athletic Trainers. Authorize all necessary…
A person may not engage in the practice of athletic training or claim to be a licensed athletic trainer unless the person is licensed under ORS 688.720. Nothing in ORS 688.701 to 688.734 is intended to: Limit, preclude or otherwise interfere with the practices of health care providers or other persons licensed or registered in this state under any other st…
The Health Licensing Office may issue a license to engage in the practice of athletic training to an applicant who submits to the office: Sufficient proof that the applicant: Has passed a nationally accredited examination that is approved by the Board of Athletic Trainers; Is at least 18 years of age; and Has met other requirements for licensure establis…
A person who is a licensed athletic trainer under ORS 688.701 to 688.734 may use the title “Athletic Trainer, Licensed” and the abbreviation “LAT.” A person who is a licensed athletic trainer under ORS 688.701 to 688.734 and who is certified as an athletic trainer by, and in good standing with, the national Board of Certification may use the title “Athletic…
In the manner prescribed in ORS chapter 183 for contested cases and in consultation with the Board of Athletic Trainers, the Health Licensing Office may impose a form of discipline listed in ORS 676.612 against any person engaged in the practice of athletic training for any of the grounds listed in ORS 676.612 and for any violation of the provisions of ORS 6…
As used in ORS 688.800 to 688.840: “Polysomnographic technologist” means a person licensed under ORS 688.819. “Polysomnography” means the treatment, management, diagnostic testing, education and care of patients with disorders related to sleep. “Polysomnography” includes, but is not limited to: The use of the following during treatment, management, diagno…
A person may not practice respiratory care or claim to be a respiratory care practitioner unless the person is licensed under ORS 688.815.
A person may not practice polysomnography or claim to be a polysomnographic technologist unless the person is licensed under ORS 688.819.
Nothing in ORS 688.800 to 688.840 is intended to limit, preclude or otherwise interfere with the practices of other persons and health providers licensed by appropriate agencies of this state. Nothing in ORS 688.800 to 688.840 prohibits: The practice of respiratory care by a student enrolled in a respiratory care education program approved by the American …
Notwithstanding ORS 688.805: ORS 688.800 to 688.840 do not prohibit a respiratory care practitioner from practicing polysomnography in accordance with the prescription or verbal order of a physician or naturopathic physician and under the direction of a qualified medical director for respiratory care or for polysomnography. A polysomnographic technologist …
A respiratory care practitioner may use the title “Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner” and the abbreviation “LRCP.” A polysomnographic technologist may use the title “Licensed Polysomnographic Technologist” and the abbreviation “LPSGT.”
The Health Licensing Office may issue a license to practice respiratory care to an applicant who: Submits to the office written evidence that the applicant: Is at least 18 years of age; Has completed an approved four-year high school course of study or the equivalent as determined by the appropriate educational agency; and As approved by the office by ru…
An applicant for a polysomnographic technologist license shall: Submit to the Health Licensing Office written evidence that the applicant: Is at least 18 years of age; Has completed an approved four-year high school course of study or the equivalent as determined by the appropriate educational agency; and Has completed a polysomnography program that is a…
There is established within the Health Licensing Office the Respiratory Therapist and Polysomnographic Technologist Licensing Board. The board consists of seven members appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation by the Senate in the manner provided in ORS 171.562 and 171.565. All members of the board must be residents of this state. Of the member…
The Respiratory Therapist and Polysomnographic Technologist Licensing Board shall select one of its members as chairperson and another as vice chairperson, for those terms and with duties and powers necessary for the performance of the functions of those offices as the board determines. A majority of the members of the board constitutes a quorum for the tra…
The Health Licensing Office shall: Determine the qualifications and fitness of applicants for licensure, renewal of license and reciprocal licenses under ORS 688.800 to 688.840. Adopt rules that are necessary to conduct its business related to, carry out its duties under and administer ORS 688.800 to 688.840. Examine, approve, issue, deny, revoke, suspend…
In the manner prescribed in ORS chapter 183 for contested cases, the Health Licensing Office may impose a form of discipline specified in ORS 676.612 against any person practicing respiratory care or polysomnography for any of the grounds listed in ORS 676.612 and for any violation of the provisions of ORS 688.800 to 688.840, or the rules adopted thereunder.
Unless state or federal laws relating to confidentiality or the protection of health information prohibit disclosure, a respiratory care practitioner or polysomnographic technologist who has reasonable cause to believe that a licensee of another board has engaged in prohibited conduct as defined in ORS 676.150 shall report the prohibited conduct in the manne…
The Respiratory Therapist and Polysomnographic Technologist Licensing Board and its members and the Health Licensing Office and its employees and contractors are immune from any civil liability arising from good faith actions taken pursuant to ORS 688.800 to 688.840. PENALTIES
In addition to any other sanction authorized by law, the Board of Medical Imaging may impose a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 per occurrence for any violation of ORS 688.405 to 688.605, or of any rules adopted under those provisions. The penalty may be imposed whether or not the person incurring the penalty has been licensed or been issued a permit or ce…
Violation of any provision of ORS 688.020, 688.120, 688.415 or 688.425 is a Class A misdemeanor.
Violation of any provision of ORS 688.800 to 688.840, or of any rule adopted thereunder, is a Class B misdemeanor.
Violation of ORS 688.718 (1) is a Class B misdemeanor. _______________