There is nothing in the PT Act or Rules that prohibits a PT from providing services in a patient’s home. However, there are considerations that a PT should take into account before deciding to do so. In addition to maintaining compliance with the PT rules and regulations, the PT will be responsible for keeping patient records for an appropriate period of time and for following patient privacy laws as established under HIPAA. Since the Board does not address these issues in rule, the PT is responsible for doing the appropriate research and making professional decisions independently.
Additionally, there may be other regulations adopted by state and federal agencies the PT should consider when developing his plans. For example, Medicare and Medicaid have specific rules for home health services, and §142.002 and §142.003 of the Texas Health And Safety Code, administered by the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), addresses who may “engage in the business of providing home health, hospice, or personal assistance services” without a home and community support services agency license from DADS. A PT considering providing home health services as a “sole provider” is advised to make sure that he is in compliance with all applicable laws before providing services in a patient’s home.