Q: A local physical therapist is refusing to accept referrals from nurse practitioners. Is there any documentation that proves PTs may accept referrals from nurse practitioners?
A: Yes, you many refer the physical therapist to the Executive Council of Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist Examiners' website Q& A for physical therapists.
In 1997, the Physical Therapy Practice Act was amended to allow physical therapists to accept referrals from "any qualified, licensed health care professional that within the scope of the professional's licensure is authorized to refer for health care services." If a physical therapist questions his or her authorization to accept referrals from an advanced practice nurse, the most definitive answer can be found through the Internet at the link above. This site contains "frequently asked questions" relating to the laws and regulations that govern physical therapy practice in Texas. One of the questions, "Who can write an order for treatment?" clearly states that advanced practice nurses may order physical therapy treatment and cites Board rules, §343.3, as a reference.
In addition to physical therapy referrals, APNs may also refer patients for occupational therapy treatment. SB 556 amended the Occupational Therapy Act in 1999, authorizing occupational therapists to accept referrals and orders for treatment from qualified health care providers using identical language as in the Physical Therapy Practice Act. Occupational therapists may confirm this information by reading the "frequently asked questions" for OTs entitled, “Can I accept a referral from a nurse practitioner? CLICK HERE, and scroll down to Referrals. It states, “occupational therapists can take referrals from anyone who in their practice act may write scripts. That includes but is not limited to physicians, chiropractors, dentists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, and podiatrists.”
However, with that being said, the physical therapist’s refusal to accept your referral may have to do with a reimbursement issue. HHSC rules still require a physician’s order for these services. Therefore, if you patient’s health care is being reimbursed by Medicaid or related state programs, the PT is correct to require a physician’s order. |
