1. Is it within the scope of PT practice to promote, provide or sell over-the-counter (OTC) vitamins or supplements to patients?

The sale, promotion or distribution of over-the-counter vitamins or supplements is not within the legal scope of the practice of physical therapy (see §453.005 of the PT Practice Act). The Board discourages licensees from promoting or selling such products to their physical therapy patients, as patients may be unduly influenced by the patient/PT relationship into buying and consuming the products. Also, non-prescription products may interact with prescription drugs the patient might be taking without the PT’s knowledge for non-physical therapy-related conditions. Interactions between the prescription and OTC supplements or vitamins could have adverse effects on the patient’s health. 0509