Chapter 4755-29 Prescriptions; Referrals; Orders

4755-29-01 Referrals.

(A) Pursuant to division (G) of section 4755.48 of the Revised Code, physical therapists may provide services to a patient upon a referral from a person who is licensed or registered in this state or any other state to practice medicine and surgery, chiropractic, dentistry, osteopathic medicine and surgery, podiatric medicine and surgery, or to practice nursing as a certified registered nurse anesthetist, a clinical nurse specialist, a certified nurse-midwife, or a certified nurse practitioner within the scope of such practices, and whose license is in good standing.

(B) Physical therapists may directly receive such referrals, by telephone fax, e-mail, or other electronic means. Physical therapists may accept faxed, referrals as an original. The therapist may at anytime require an original written referral from the referring practitioner with a signature for inclusion in the patient's official record.

(C) Physical therapist assistants may also directly receive referrals by telephone, fax, e-mail or other electronic means; however, in accordance with rule rules 4755-27-02 and 4755-27-03 of the Administrative Code, only the physical therapist shall interpret and perform initial patient evaluations, initial and ongoing treatment plans, periodic re-evaluation of the patient, and adjustment of the treatment plan.

(D) A physical therapist meeting the requirements established in sections 4755.48 and 4755.481 of the Revised Code may evaluate and treat without the prescription of, or the referral of a patient by a person who is licensed in this or another state to practice medicine and surgery, chiropractic, dentistry, osteopathic medicine and surgery, podiatric medicine and surgery, or to practice nursing as a certified nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse-midwife, or certified nurse practitioner.

(E) Two years of practical experience, as specified in division (G)(2) of section 4755.48 of the Revised Code, means both of the following:

(1) The individual was registered or licensed to practice as a physical therapist under the laws of another state or U.S. territory during the two years of practical experience; and

(2) The individual was actively engaged in the practice of physical therapy, as defined in section 4755.40 of the Revised Code, for at least two years on or before December 31, 2004.