Legislative Intent - Ensure that every physical therapy practitioner practicing in this state meets minimum requirements for safe practice. It is the legislative intent that physical therapy practitioners who fall below minimum competency or who otherwise present a danger to the public be prohibited from practicing in this state. License - The document of authorization granted by the board and issued by the department for a person to engage in the practice of physical therapy. physical therapist - A person who is licensed and who practices physical therapy in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Physical therapist assistant - A person who is licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter to perform patient-related activities, including the use of physical agents, whose license is in good standing, and whose activities are performed under the direction of a physical therapist as set forth in rules adopted pursuant to this chapter. Physical therapy practitioner - A PT or a PTA who is licensed and who practices physical therapy in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Physical therapy or Physiotherapy - Each of which terms is deemed identical and interchangeable with each other, means a health care profession. Direct supervision - Requires the physical presence of the licensed PT for consultation and direction of the actions of a PT or PTA who is practicing under a temporary permit and who is a candidate for licensure by examination.