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Virginia Physical Therapy Referrals
A referral is required to treat a patient with physical therapy.
Exceptions
A physical therapist who has completed a doctor of physical therapy program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education or who has obtained a certificate of authorization pursuant to § 54.1-3482.1 may evaluate and treat a patient for no more than thirty (30) consecutive days after an initial evaluation without a referral under the following conditions:
Treatment for more than thirty (30) consecutive days after evaluation of such patient shall only be upon the referral and direction of a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed nurse practitioner practicing in accordance with his practice agreement, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician. A physical therapist may contact the practitioner identified by the patient at the end of the thirty (30) day period to determine if the practitioner will authorize additional physical therapy services until such time as the patient can be seen by the practitioner.
A physical therapist shall not perform an initial evaluation of a patient if the physical therapist has performed an initial evaluation of the patient for the same condition within the immediately preceding sixty (60) days.
One-time Evaluation
A physical therapist who has not completed a doctor of physical therapy program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education or who has not obtained a certificate of authorization pursuant to § 54.1-3482.1 may conduct a one-time evaluation that does not include treatment of a patient without the referral and direction of a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed nurse practitioner practicing in accordance with his practice agreement, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician; if appropriate, the physical therapist shall immediately refer such patient to the appropriate practitioner.
Exception for Students and Public Welfare
A licensed physical therapist may provide, without referral or supervision, physical therapy services to:
Invasive Procedures
Invasive procedures within the scope of practice of physical therapy shall at all times be performed only under the referral and direction of a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed nurse practitioner practicing in accordance with his practice agreement, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician.
Certification for Direct Access
An applicant for certification to provide services to patients without a referral shall hold an active, unrestricted license as a physical therapist in Virginia and shall submit evidence satisfactory to the board that he has one of the following qualifications:
In addition to the evidence of qualification for certification an applicant seeking direct access certification shall submit to the board:
Documentation Requirements
A physical therapist providing services with a direct access certification shall utilize the Direct Access Patient Attestation and Medical Release Form prescribed by the board or otherwise include in the patient record the information, attestation and written consent.
Reference
Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3482
Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-3482.1
18 VAC 112-20-81
18 VAC 112-20-90
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