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 […]
2. What is within the scope of practice of a PT or PTA in a home health setting?
The Board does not differentiate between types of settings, as far as the scope of practice is concerned. The scope of practice as defined in Section 453.005 of the Practice Act is not all inclusive. While the Board will define those activities which may be physical therapy, it leaves those activities which are not defined […]
1. Can a PT supervise home health aides?
The Physical Therapy Board’s rules only specifically address supervision of physical therapy aides. There is nothing in the rules which addresses the ability or authority of a PT to supervise any other personnel. Therefore, as long as the home health aide is not providing any service considered or represented to be physical therapy, the supervision […]
5. Am I able to provide personal training using my physical therapy credentials?
Your license as a physical therapist does not authorize you to be a personal trainer. If you are not a certified personal trainer and would be using your knowledge and skills obtained through your education and experience as a physical therapist, you are bound by the provisions in the PT Practice Act/Rules. If you are […]