Effective July 1, 2024
Part 3103 Chapter 3: Practice
Rule 3.1 Referrals.
1. A physical therapist licensed under this chapter or privileged to practice may perform physical therapy services without a prescription or referral under the following circumstances:
a. To children with a diagnosed developmental disability pursuant to the patient’s plan of care.
b. As part of a home health care agency pursuant to the patient’s plan of care.
c. To a patient in a nursing home pursuant to the patient’s plan of care.
d. Related to conditioning or to providing education or activities in a wellness setting for the purpose of injury prevention, reduction of stress or promotion of fitness.
e. To an individual for a previously diagnosed condition or conditions for which physical therapy services are appropriate after informing the health care provider rendering the diagnosis. The diagnosis must have been made within the previous one hundred eighty (180) days. The physical therapist shall provide the health care provider who rendered the diagnosis with a plan of care for physical therapy services within the first fifteen (15) days of physical therapy intervention.
2. A physical therapist without a prescription or referral may perform an initial evaluation or consultation of a screening nature to determine the need for physical therapy.
3. For the treatment of a condition within the scope of physical therapy, a physical therapist licensed or privileged to practice under this chapter may implement physical therapy treatment with or without a prescription or referral from a person licensed as a physician, dentist, osteopath, podiatrist, chiropractor, physician assistant or nurse practitioner if the physical therapist meets one (1) of the following criteria:
a. the physical therapist has a doctorate degree in physical therapy from an accredited institution; or
b. the physical therapist has five (5) years of licensed clinical practice experience.
4. If the patient has not made measurable or functional improvement after thirty (30) calendar days of implementing physical therapy treatment under the authority of this subsection, the physical therapist shall refer the patient to an appropriate health care provider. The board shall take appropriate disciplinary action against any physical therapist who fails to refer a patient as required by this provision.
5. No physical therapist shall render a medical diagnosis of a disease.
Position Statement: PT/PTA Ratio
Current Regulations Governing Licensure for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants
Declaratory Statement - PTA Supervision
Board Opinion on Impairment Ratings
Board Statement on OASIS Medical Drug Regiment Reconciliation