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The analysis of any legal or medical billing is dependent on numerous specific facts — including the factual situations present related to the patients, the practice, the professionals and the medical services and advice. Additionally, laws and regulations and insurance and payer policies are subject to change. The information that has been accurate previously can be particularly dependent on changes in time or circumstances. The information contained in this web site is intended as general information only. It is not intended to serve as medical, health, legal or financial advice or as a substitute for professional advice of a medical coding professional, healthcare consultant, physician or medical professional, legal counsel, accountant or financial advisor. If you have a question about a specific matter, you should contact a professional advisor directly. CPT copyright American Medical Association. All rights reserved. CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.

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Tennessee Physical Therapy

Welcome to our Tennessee Physical Therapy FAQs.  We've combined the state laws, board rules, and position statements to create a clear guide on the rules that must be followed by PTs and PTAs.  Members have full access to the material and can also email us regarding any billing or compliance issue, please consider joining today if you need assistance.  Learn more about how we provide comprehensive support for our members.  

Definitions 

Scope of Practice

    • How is physical therapy defined in Tennessee?
    • What is included in the practice of physical therapy?
    • What is specifically excluded from the practice?
    • Are there any services with special requirements?

Dry Needling

    • Mandatory Training
    • Newly-Licensed Therapists
    • Board Approval
    • Standard of Practice
    • Students

Electromyography

    • Referral Requirement
    • Education Requirements
    • Supervision

Direct Access and Referrals

    • Is a referral required to provide PT services?
    • What are the exceptions to the referral requirement?
    • Injury or condition that was subject to a prior referral
    • Conditions to treat a patient without a referral
    • What are the education and experience requirements?
    • When does a PT have to refer a patient to a physician?

Supervision and Delegation

    • What are the different levels of supervision?
    • Which services can only be performed by a licensed physical therapist?
    • What are the responsibilities of the PT when delegating?
    • What is the ratio between supervising the PT and assistive personnel?

Assistants

    • Which services are PTAs allowed to practice?
    • Are there specific services that PTAs are prohibited from practicing?
    • What kind of supervision is required?
    • When do the PT need to reassess the patient?
    • Does the supervising physical therapist need to co-sign documentation created by the PTA?
    • Required designation for assistants

Assistive Personnel 

    • What tasks can an aide perform?
    • What is an aide expressly prohibited from doing?
    • What are the responsibilities of the PT when delegating to an aide?
    • What type of supervision is required?
    • Other assistive personnel
    • Volunteers


Continuing Education

    • How many continuing education hours are required during a reporting period?
    • Can CE credits be carried over into the next reporting period?
    • Are there any specific courses that must be taken?
    • What types of activities can be used for the continuing education requirements?
    • What type of approval is needed for the courses?
    • What are the reporting requirements?
    • Waivers and audits 

Documentation

    • What must be included in the patient record?
    • When is a reevaluation/reassessment required?
    • Release of patient records

Identification and Notifications

    • Are there any specific requirements for posting notifications or licenses?
    • When does a PT have to notify the board of any information changes?

Students

    • Can students practice in a clinical setting?
    • What kind of supervision is required for student PTs and PTAs?
    • How must students identify themselves?

Provisional License

    • Who qualifies for a provisional license?
    • Duration of a provisional license
    • Supervision requirements

Out-of-State Practitioners 

    • Can I practice in state if I am licensed in another state?
    • What is the process for getting reciprocity in Tennessee?

Advertising

    • Definitions
    • Advertising Fees and Services
    • Unethical Advertising
    • Advertising Records and Responsibility

Unprofessional Conduct 

Fee Splitting 

About Us

Therapy Comply is a healthcare compliance firm that seeks to bring high quality web-based compliance guidance and one-on-one consulting services to small and medium size physical, occupational, and speech therapy practices.

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