5. Can a PT accept a referral from a physician outside the US?
Yes. The Board amended §321.1, Provision of Services, several years ago to allow a PT to accept a referral from a “qualified healthcare practitioner licensed by the appropriate licensing board.” The PT accepting the referral is responsible for ensuring that the practitioner is legally able to practice in that country, and legally authorized to write […]
4. Can I treat based on a verbal order?
Yes, if you do so according to the requirements for recording, signing, and content as set forth in §322.1(a)(3), Methods of Referral. An order may be recorded by a PT, PTA, or any authorized person (such as another professional, an aide, or a secretary) as long as the required information is present. This protects the […]
3. Is there a limit on how long a referral is valid?
There is NO specific length of time a referral is valid or good; the Board leaves it to the professional judgment of the PT to determine whether the referral is valid. If you have doubts, you should contact the referral source, as the Board has no rules addressing this question.
2. When does a referral expire?
The Board does not set a time limit on referrals for initial treatment. If you are concerned for any reason about how long it has been since the referral was made, you should consult with the referring practitioner before beginning treatment.
1. Who can write an order for treatment?
You may accept an order from any practitioner authorized by law to prescribe treatment. This includes PAs and Advanced Practice Nurses of all types (midwives, clinical specialists, FNPs, for example.) The referring practitioner must be licensed or authorized to practice, but not necessarily by a Texas Board. See the Board rules, §322.1(a)
4. How long must I keep medical records?
The Physical Therapy Practice Act does not give the Board specific authority to address record retention. The Board recommends that a PT either consult with an attorney for professional legal advice, or use the Medical Board’s record retention rules as guidelines. Those rules are found in Rule 165.1(b), and can be accessed at www.tmb.state.tx.us.
3. Can the Board help me with rules set by reimbursing agencies, such as CMS/Medicare?
The Board regulates the actual practice of physical therapy. Reimbursing entities may establish requirements for payment – as CMS does for Medicare patients, for example. Staff cannot interpret those rules, nor does the Board intervene if other entities are more restrictive than the Board. Before you call us about a new “rule”, doublecheck whose rule […]
2. If a PT provides services “incident to” for a physician, does that mean the Board’s rules do not apply?
No. Medicare’s “incident to” rules do not change the way PTs must perform and document their services. Medicare will reimburse the physician for the provision of services by non-licensed personnel under the “incident to” rule. It means that the physician is totally responsible for the services provided by those individuals. However, a licensed professional, in […]
1. What can I charge for medical records?
The PT Board has no rules regarding medical records, including what PTs may or may not charge for them. If you have questions concerning your legal rights and responsibilities regarding medical records, you are advised to consult with an attorney. If you are looking for an example of what other professionals charge for medical records, […]
3. Can a PT provide services in a patient’s home if he doesn’t work for a Home Health Agency?
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 […]