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)