Physical Therapy
Practice Guidelines
Law, rules and regulations, not Guidelines, specify the requirements for practice and violating them constitutes professional misconduct. Not adhering to this Guideline may be interpreted as professional misconduct only if the conduct also violates pertinent law, rules and regulations, some citations of which are listed at the end of this Guideline.
Referral for Physical Therapy Services
- Treat a patient only after receiving a referral from an
authorized health care provider (physician, nurse practitioner,
podiatrist, or dentist) licensed and currently registered to
practice in New York State. The referral must be within the level
of competency and definition of practice for the referring
provider.
- There is no statutory time limit beyond which a referral is
not valid. The physical therapist should determine whether the
treatment continues to be appropriate, based on the referral, or
should be reviewed by the referring provider.
- A referral is not required for a physical therapist to
evaluate or prevent disability, injury, disease or other
condition of health. The physical therapist providing preventive
care must maintain a record of activities undertaken with each
client and these may not be billed as physical therapy
treatment.
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Citations of Pertinent Law, Rules or Regulations:
Citations of Pertinent Law, Rules or Regulations:
Education Law, section 6509(2) - "practicing beyond the scope"
Education Law, section 6731 - "definition of physical therapy"
Regents Rules, part 29.1(b)(9) - "practicing or offering to practice beyond the authorized scope"
Regents Rules, part 29.2(a)(3) - "record of treatment and evaluation"
Regents Rules, part 29.1(b)(9) - "practicing beyond competency"
