Chapter 4755:2-2 | Physical Therapists Conduct

Rule 4755:2-2-01 | Code of ethical conduct for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

• Effective: October 17, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

A person licensed by the physical therapy section has a responsibility to report any organization or entity that provides or holds itself out to deliver physical therapy services that places the license holder in a position of compromise with this code of ethical conduct.

(A) For the purposes of this rule, the patient-therapist relationship may extend beyond the established plan of care.

(B) Ethical integrity.

License holders shall use the provisions contained in paragraphs (B)(1) to (B)(11) of this rule as guidelines for promoting ethical integrity and professionalism. Failure to comply with paragraphs (B)(1) to (B)(11) of this rule may be grounds for disciplinary action pursuant to section 4755.47 of the Revised Code and in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(1) A license holder shall respect the rights and dignity of all patients and provide compassionate care as described in paragraphs (B)(1)(a) and (B)(1)(b) of this rule.

(a) A license holder shall recognize individual differences with patients and shall respect and be responsive to those differences.

(b) A license holder shall be guided by concern for the physical, psychosocial, and socioeconomic welfare of patients.

(2) A license holder shall exercise sound judgment, place the best interests of the patient over the interests of the license holder, and act in a trustworthy manner in all aspects of physical therapy practice. Regardless of practice setting, the license holder shall maintain the ability to make independent judgments. A license holder shall strive to effect changes that benefit the patient.

(3) A license holder shall only seek compensation that is reasonable for the physical therapy services delivered. A license holder shall never place the license holder's own financial interests above the welfare of the license holder's patients. A license holder, regardless of the practice setting, shall safeguard the public from unethical and unlawful business practices.

(4) A license holder shall not intentionally or knowingly offer to pay or agree to accept any compensation, directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, to or from any person or entity for receiving or soliciting patients or patronage, regardless of the source of the compensation.

(5) A license holder shall not influence a patient or the patient's family to utilize, purchase, or rent any equipment based on the direct or indirect financial interests of the license holder. Recommendations of equipment shall be based solely on the therapeutic value of that equipment to the patient. A license holder who owns or has a direct financial interest in an equipment or supply company shall disclose the financial interest to the patient if the license holder sells or rents, or intends to sell or rent, to the patient.

(6) A license holder shall ensure the patient's rights to participate fully in their care, including the patient's right to select the physical therapy provider, regardless of the practice setting.

(7) A license holder shall respect the rights, knowledge, and skills of colleagues and other health care professionals.

(8) A license holder shall safeguard the public from underutilization or overutilization of physical therapy services.

(9) A license holder shall provide accurate and relevant information to patients about the patients' care and to the public about physical therapy services.

(10) A license holder shall report to the physical therapy section any unprofessional, incompetent, or illegal behavior of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant of which the license holder has knowledge.

(11) Where the alleged violation involves impairment issues and no other provisions of Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code or rules adopted under it, the reporting license holder may make a referral to the safe haven program in lieu of making report to the physical therapy section.

(C) Ethical conduct.

Ethical conduct includes conforming to the minimal standards of acceptable and prevailing physical therapy practice based on current available evidence. Conduct may be considered unethical regardless of whether or not actual injury to a patient occurred. Failure to comply with paragraphs (C)(1) to (C)(16) of this rule may be grounds for disciplinary action pursuant to section 4755.47 of the Revised Code and in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(1) A license holder shall adhere to the standards of ethical practice by practicing in a manner that is moral and honorable. A license holder may be disciplined for violating any provision contained in division (A) of section 4755.47 of the Revised Code.

(2) A license holder shall not cheat or assist others in conspiring to cheat on the national physical therapy examination, the state jurisprudence examination, or the renewal jurisprudence module.

(3) A person shall not practice physical therapy without a valid license, or without holding student status, including:

(a) Practicing physical therapy while a person's license is suspended or revoked.

(b) Practicing physical therapy with an expired license or when no longer enrolled as a student in an accredited entry level physical therapy educational program.

(4) A license holder shall obtain informed consent from the patient or legal guardian.

(a) A license holder, unless otherwise allowed by law, shall not provide patient care without disclosing to the patient or the patient's representative, the benefits, substantial risks, if any, or alternatives to the recommended examination or intervention.

(b) Information relating to the therapist-patient relationship is confidential and may not be communicated to a third party not involved in that patient's care without the prior written consent of the patient or the patient's representative, or unless otherwise allowed by law. Information shall be disclosed when required by law for the protection of the patient or the public.

(5) A license holder shall adhere to the minimal standards of acceptable prevailing practice. Failure to adhere to minimal standards of practice, whether or not actual injury to a patient occurred, includes, but is not limited to:

(a) Failing to assess and evaluate a patient's status;

(b) Performing or attempting to perform techniques, procedures, or both in which the license holder is untrained by education or experience;

(c) Delegating physical therapy functions or responsibilities to a person lacking the ability or knowledge to perform the function or responsibility in question;

(d) Causing, or permitting another person to cause, physical or emotional injury to the patient, or depriving the patient of the individual's dignity;

(e) Providing treatment interventions that are not warranted by the patient's condition or continuing treatment beyond the point of reasonable benefit to the patient;

(f) Practicing in a pattern of negligent conduct, which means a continued course of negligent conduct or of negligent conduct in performing the duties of the profession;

(g) Providing substandard care as a physical therapist assistant by exceeding the authority to perform components of physical therapy interventions selected by the supervising physical therapist or through a deliberate or negligent act or failure to act, whether or not actual injury to any person occurred;

(h) Abandoning the patient by inappropriately terminating the patient-practitioner relationship; or

(i) Documenting or billing for services not actually provided.

(6) A license holder shall not engage in conduct that constitutes harassment or verbal or physical abuse of, or unlawful discrimination against, patients, students and/or colleagues.

(7) A license holder shall not engage in any sexual relationship or conduct, including dating, with any patient, or engage in any conduct that may reasonably be interpreted by the patient to be sexual, whether consensual or nonconsensual, while a therapist-patient relationship exists.

(a) A license holder shall not intentionally expose or view a completely or partially disrobed patient in the course of treatment if the exposure or viewing is not related to the patient diagnosis or treatment under current practice standards.

(b) A license holder shall not engage in a conversation with a patient that is sexual in nature and unrelated to the physical therapy plan of care.

(8) A license holder shall not engage in sexual harassment of patients, students, and/or colleagues. Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, making unwelcome sexual advances, requesting sexual favors, and engaging in other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that results in:

(a) Withholding physical therapy services to a patient;

(b) Creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment; or

(c) Interfering with the patient's ability to recover.

(9) A license holder shall not falsify, alter, or destroy patient/client records, medical records, or billing records without authorization. The license holder shall maintain accurate patient and/or billing records.

(10) A license holder shall not practice physical therapy while the ability to practice is impaired by alcohol, controlled substances, narcotic drugs, physical disability, mental disability, or emotional disability. If a license holder's or applicant's ability to practice is in question, and the license holder or applicant is not a participant in the board's safe haven program, the license holder shall submit to a physical or mental examination or drug/alcohol screens as requested by the physical therapy section to determine the applicant's or license holder's qualifications to practice physical therapy.

(11) A license holder shall not obtain, attempt to obtain, or deliver medications through means of misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, and/or subterfuge.

(12) A license holder shall transfer the continuum of care of the patient, as appropriate, to another health care provider in the event of elective termination of physical therapy services by the license holder.

(13) A license holder shall not aid, abet, authorize, condone, or allow the practice of physical therapy by any person not legally authorized to provide services.

(14) A license holder shall not permit another person to use a person's wall certificate, license number, or national provider identifier, as defined in section 4755.56 of the Revised Code, for any illegal purpose.

(15) A license holder shall not misrepresent the credential, title, and/or specialty certifications held by the license holder.

(16) A license holder providing pro bono service shall provide care according to the minimal standards of acceptable prevailing practice, including documentation, as outlined in paragraph (C)(5) of this rule.

(17) A license holder shall not use technology, social media, or other electronic communications to host, post, or distribute improper or inappropriate material that could reasonably be accessed by the patient community (includes, but is not limited to, pornography, obscene material, promotion of drug use or underage consumption of alcohol, promotion of violence, disparagement of patients, and disparagement based on age, gender, gender identity, race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, military status, or religion.)

(D) Cooperation.

In accordance with division (A)(24) of section 4755.47 of the Revised Code, license holders shall cooperate with an investigation by the physical therapy section. Failure to cooperate is conduct detrimental to the best interest of the public and grounds for disciplinary action. Cooperation includes responding fully and promptly to any questions raised by the physical therapy section and providing copies of the medical records and other documents requested by the physical therapy section. Failure to comply with paragraphs (D)(1) to (D)(7) of this rule may be grounds for disciplinary action pursuant to section 4755.47 of the Revised Code and in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(1) A license holder shall respond fully and truthfully to a request for information from the physical therapy section.

(2) A license holder shall comply with a subpoena issued by the physical therapy section.

(3) A license holder shall provide information or document within the time frame specified by the physical therapy section.

(4) A license holder shall appear and provide information at an interview requested by the physical therapy section.

(5) A license holder shall not deceive, or attempt to deceive, the physical therapy section regarding any matter, including by altering or destroying any record or document.

(6) A license holder shall not interfere with an investigation or disciplinary proceeding by willful misrepresentation of facts before the agency or the physical therapy section, or by use of threats or harassment against any patient or witness to prevent the patient or witness from providing evidence in a disciplinary proceeding or any other legal action.

(7) A license holder shall not refuse to provide testimony in an administrative hearing.

(E) Reporting requirements.

A license holder shall self report to the physical therapy section, within thirty days, any of the items outlined in paragraphs (A) to (G) of this rule. Failure to comply with this rule may be grounds for disciplinary action pursuant to section 4755.47 of the Revised Code and in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(1) Impairment due to abuse of or dependency on alcohol, drugs, or other physical or mental illness that affects the applicant's or license holder's ability to practice with reasonable skill and safety. This reporting rquirement shall not be applicable where the applicant or license holder is a participant in the board's safe haven program and complies with the same.

(2) Conviction of a felony or intervention in lieu of a felony.

(3) Conviction of a misdemeanor when the act that constituted the misdemeanor occurred during the practice of physical therapy.

(4) The termination, revocation, or suspension of membership by a state or national physical therapy professional association.

(5) The termination, revocation, suspension, or sanctioning of a credential issued by a state or national professional credentialing organization.

(6) The termination, revocation, suspension, or sanctioning of a credential for any state license issued by a state or national physical therapy credentialing organization, including the PT compact.

(7) A positive drug and/or alcohol screening.

(8) A finding of malpractice by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Last updated October 17, 2024 at 8:31 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.411
Amplifies: 4755.47
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2029
Prior Effective Dates: 7/24/2020

Rule 4755:2-2-02 | Physical therapy practice defined.

• Effective: October 11, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) In accordance with section 4755.48 of the Revised Code, only persons licensed by the physical therapy section of the board may imply or claim to be able to practice physical therapy or provide physical therapy services.

(1) Only persons licensed by the physical therapy section may use the words physical therapist, physical therapy, physical therapy services, physiotherapist, physiotherapy, physiotherapy services, physical therapy assistant, physical therapist assistant, physical therapy technician, or other words or insignia indicating or implying that the person is a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.

(2) Only persons licensed by the physical therapy section may use the letters PT, PhT, PTT, RPT, LPT, MPT, DPT, MSPT, CPT, cPT, PTA, or any other letters or insignia to indicate or imply that the person is licensed to practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.

(B) The practice of physical therapy, as used in Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code, means engaging in physical therapy, as defined in division (A) of section 4755.40 of the Revised Code, including providing consultative services.

(C) For the purpose of division 4755:2 of the Administrative Code, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) "Physical therapist" means a person holding a valid license under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 who performs the initial examination unless that physical therapist has transferred the responsibility for the management of the patient's care to another physical therapist and that physical therapist agrees to the transfer.

(2) "Physical therapist assistant" means a person holding a valid license under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 to assist in the provision of physical therapy treatments, including the provision of patient education and instruction under the supervision of a physical therapist.

(3) "Other licensed personnel" means any person holding an Ohio license to practice as a health care practitioner in a profession other than physical therapy, and not holding a valid license under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code, who is working under the direct supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, as delegated by the physical therapist, and is performing tasks and duties related to the delivery of physical therapy.

(4) "Unlicensed personnel" means any person who is on the job trained and supports the delivery of physical therapy services by personally assisting the physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, student physical therapist and/or student physical therapist assistant while the physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, student physical therapist, and/or student physical therapist assistant is concurrently providing services to the same patient.

(5) "Student physical therapist" means a student enrolled in an accredited or candidacy status entry level physical therapist education program who is completing a required clinical education course. A student physical therapist shall be at least eighteen years old.

(6) "Student physical therapist assistant" means a student enrolled in an accredited or candidacy status entry level physical therapist assistant education program who is completing a required clinical education course. A student physical therapist assistant shall be at least eighteen years old.

(7) "Supervising physical therapist" means the physical therapist who is available to supervise the physical therapist assistant, the student physical therapist or student physical therapist assistant, other licensed personnel, or unlicensed personnel. The supervising physical therapist may be the physical therapist who performed the initial examination or another physical therapist with whom that physical therapist has a formal or informal agreement.

(8) "Supervising physical therapist assistant" means the physical therapist assistant who is appropriately available to supervise the student physical therapist assistant, other licensed personnel, or unlicensed personnel.

(9) "Direct supervision" means the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant is in the same building and available to immediately respond to the needs of the patient. The physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall have direct contact with the patient during each visit.

(10) "Telehealth" means the use of electronic communications to provide and deliver a host of health-related information and healthcare services, including, but not limited to physical therapy related information and services, over large and small distances.

(a) Telehealth encompasses a variety of healthcare and health promotion activities, including, but not limited to, education, advice, reminders, interventions, and monitoring of interventions.

(b) If a physical therapy patient is located in Ohio, the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant providing physical therapy services via telehealth shall hold a valid license under sections 4755.40 to 4755.56 of the Revised Code.

Last updated October 11, 2024 at 9:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.411
Amplifies: 4755.40, 4755.48
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2029
Prior Effective Dates: 5/26/1978

Rule 4755:2-2-03 | Physical therapist assistant.

• Effective: October 11, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) The physical therapist assistant, defined in section 4755.40 of the Revised Code, is a skilled, technical person who assists in physical therapy treatment and related duties as assigned by the physical therapist. These duties are carried out under the supervision of the physical therapist, as defined in section 4755.40 of the Revised Code and rule 4755:2-2-05 of the Administrative Code. The duties assigned may vary in accordance with the setting and organizational structure of the service, the scope, size, and volume of the services, and the needs of the patients to be served. The physical therapist assistant may carry out patient related duties, as well as responsibilities appropriate to the established physical therapy services.

(B) Physical therapist assistants are not qualified to:

(1) Interpret physician referrals;

(2) Conduct initial patient evaluations;

(3) Write initial or ongoing patient plans of care;

(4) Conduct re-evaluations of the patient or make changes to the patient plan of care; or

(5) Perform the discharge evaluation and complete the final discharge summary.

(C) The physical therapist assistant may review medical information and/or review the patient's medical history and past functional ability through verbal contact with medical persons, family or the patient. This information may then be used by the physical therapist to determine the need for a patient evaluation.

(D) The physical therapist assistant may progress a patient treatment program within the parameters of the plan of care as established by the supervising physical therapist.

(E) The physical therapist may assign treatment procedures beyond the scope of entry level physical therapist assistant practice in accordance with the physical therapist assistant's ability, provided that both the supervising physical therapist and the physical therapist assistant have documented training and demonstrated competency in the procedure.

Last updated October 11, 2024 at 9:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.411
Amplifies: 4755.40
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2029
Prior Effective Dates: 2/1/1992, 5/1/2005

Rule 4755:2-2-04 | Delegation.

• Effective: October 11, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Delegation in physical therapy is the sole responsibility of the physical therapist.

(B) The responsibility for physical therapy care rendered by the physical therapist assistant and other licensed personnel rests with the supervising physical therapist.

(C) The physical therapist performs the following, none of which may be delegated:

(1) Interpreting available information concerning the referral;

(2) Providing the initial evaluation;

(3) Developing the plan of care, including the physical therapy goals;

(4) Identifying and documenting precautions, special problems, contraindications, anticipated progress, and plans for reevaluation;

(5) Selecting and delegating only appropriate tasks in the plan of care;

(6) Designating or establishing channels of written and oral communication;

(7) Assessing the competence of the physical therapist assistant, other licensed personnel, and unlicensed personnel to perform assigned tasks;

(8) Directing and supervising the physical therapist assistant, other licensed personnel, and unlicensed personnel in delegated tasks; and

(9) Reevaluating and adjusting the plan of care, when necessary, and performing the final evaluation, determining discharge, and establishing the follow-up plan.

(D) The physical therapist may refer patients to another discipline, which is not considered delegation. A referral to another discipline, including a physician, shall be documented in the medical record.

(E) Delegation of duties or tasks to the physical therapist assistant shall be done in accordance with the scope of practice of the physical therapist assistant.

(1) A physical therapist assistant may not initiate or alter the plan of care without prior evaluation by and approval of the supervising physical therapist.

(2) A physical therapist assistant may adjust a treatment procedure in accordance with a change in patient status within the established plan of care.

(3) A physical therapist assistant may respond to inquiries regarding patient status to appropriate parties within the healthcare system and within the protocol established by the supervising physical therapist.

(4) The physical therapist assistant shall refer inquiries regarding a patient's prognosis to the supervising physical therapist. The physical therapist assistant may reinforce the physical therapist's position regarding the patient's prognosis.

(5) The physical therapist assistant may gather historical information about a patient to perform a screening that may determine the need for physical therapy intervention. This type of screening does not include physical contact with the patient.

(6) The physical therapist assistant shall document in the medical record according to the established protocols. All documentation shall be co-signed by the supervising physical therapist.

(F) Delegation of tasks related to the operation and delivery of physical therapy to other licensed personnel shall be done in accordance with the scope of practice of the other licensed personnel's professional license, education and training, the level of competence as determined by the supervising physical therapist, and in consideration of the patient's overall needs and medical status.

(1) The physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall demonstrate involvement, in accordance with paragraph (F) of rule 4755-27-04 of the Administrative Code, in each treatment session in which a component of care is delegated.

(2) Documentation by the other licensed personnel is restricted to an accounting of the activities provided, which includes the patient's response to intervention. The remainder of the documentation is the responsibility of the supervising physical therapist or supervising physical therapist assistant.

(G) The unlicensed personnel may be assigned routine duties that assist in the delivery of physical therapy care and operations, such as:

(1) Maintenance and care of equipment and supplies;

(2) Preparation, maintenance, and cleaning of treatment areas;

(3) Transportation of patients;

(4) Office and clerical functions;

(5) Assisting patients preparing for, during, and at the conclusion of treatment (such as changing clothes, assisting during transfer, and altering position during treatment);

(6) Personally assisting the physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, student physical therapist, and/or student physical therapist assistant while the physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, student physical therapist, and/or student physical therapist assistant is concurrently providing services to the same patient.

Last updated October 11, 2024 at 9:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.411
Amplifies: 4755.411
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2029
Prior Effective Dates: 5/1/2004, 5/1/2006, 1/1/2008, 5/1/2008, 5/1/2009

Rule 4755:2-2-05 | Supervision.

• Effective: October 11, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) The supervising physical therapist is accountable and responsible at all times for the direction of the actions of the persons supervised, including the:

(1) Physical therapist assistant;

(2) Student physical therapist;

(3) Student physical therapist assistant;

(4) Other licensed personnel; and

(5) Unlicensed personnel.

(B) The supervising physical therapist assistant is accountable and responsible at all times for the direction of the actions of the persons supervised, including the:

(1) Student physical therapist assistant;

(2) Other licensed personnel; and

(3) Unlicensed personnel.

(C) Supervision of the physical therapist assistant.

(1) In accordance with section 4755.40 of the Revised Code, a physical therapist assistant may only be supervised by a physical therapist and may not be supervised by any other person, including those persons licensed to practice in any other profession.

(2) Supervision for a physical therapist assistant does not require the supervising physical therapist to be on-site or on location. The supervising physical therapist shall be available by telecommunication at all times and able to respond appropriately to the needs of the patient.

(D) Supervision of the student physical therapist.

(1) A student physical therapist may only be supervised by a physical therapist licensed pursuant to Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code.

(2) A student physical therapist shall be at least eighteen years old to be supervised by a physical therapist licensed pursuant to Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code.

(3) The supervising physical therapist is required to be on-site and available to immediately respond to the needs of the patient whenever the student physical therapist is performing patient examinations, evaluations, and interventions.

(E) Supervision of the student physical therapist assistant.

(1) A student physical therapist assistant may only be supervised by a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant licensed pursuant to Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code.

(2) A student physical therapist assistant shall be at least eighteen years old to be supervised by a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant licensed pursuant to Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code.

(3) The supervising physical therapist or supervising physical therapist assistant is required to be on-site and available to immediately respond to the needs of the patient whenever the student physical therapist assistant is performing patient interventions.

(F) Supervision of other licensed personnel.

Direct supervision from the supervising physical therapist or supervising physical therapist assistant is required whenever the other licensed personnel is performing patient interventions.

(G) Supervision of unlicensed personnel.

Unlicensed personnel may be supervised by the student physical therapist or student physical therapist assistant who are being supervised in accordance with the laws and rules governing the practice of physical therapy.

Last updated October 11, 2024 at 9:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.411
Amplifies: 4755.40, 4755.411
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2029
Prior Effective Dates: 7/15/1995, 5/15/2019

Rule 4755:2-2-06 | Documentation.

• Effective: October 11, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) All physical therapists shall use the credential "PT" following their signature to indicate licensure as a physical therapist.

(B) All physical therapist assistants shall use the credential "PTA" following their signature to indicate licensure as a physical therapist assistant.

(C) All student physical therapists shall use one of the following to indicate student status:

(1) Student physical therapist;

(2) Student PT; or

(3) SPT.

(D) All student physical therapist assistants shall use one of the following to indicate student status:

(1) Student physical therapist assistant;

(2) Student PTA; or

(3) SPTA.

(E) All documentation by student physical therapists and student physical therapist assistants shall be cosigned by the supervising physical therapist.

(F) Appropriate documentation is integral to all facets of physical therapy care. Reports written by the physical therapist assistant for inclusion in the patient's record shall be cosigned by the supervising physical therapist. The cosignature shall indicate that the supervising physical therapist reviewed the written note and agrees with the patient information in the written note. A handwritten signature or electronic signature is acceptable whenever a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant signs his or her name.

(1) Electronic signature means any of the following attached to or associated with an electronic record by an person to authenticate the record:

(a) A code consisting of a combination of letters, numbers, characters, or symbols that is adapted or executed by an person as that person's electronic signature.

(b) A computer generated signature code created for an person.

(c) An electronic image of an person's handwritten signature created by using a digital writing apparatus.

(2) If an electronic documentation system is not capable of dual signatures, a physical therapist may enter a separate note within the same documentation system. This note shall:

(a) Reference the date(s) of the note(s) being reviewed with documentation referencing the review; and

(b) Document agreement with the notes entered by the physical therapist assistant and/or changes needed in the treatment plan.

(3) The physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall assure that the electronic signature can be tracked to a unique log in code used only by that person.

Last updated October 11, 2024 at 9:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.411
Amplifies: 4755.411
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2029

Rule 4755:2-2-07 | Telehealth.

• Effective: October 11, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) "Telehealth" means health care services provided through the use of information and communication technology by a health care professional, within the professional's scope of practice, who is located at a site other than the site where either of the following is located:

(1) The patient receiving the services;

(2) Another health care professional with whom the provider of the services is consulting regarding the patient.

(B) A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant may provide telehealth services in accordance with section 4743.09 of the Revised Code.

(C) The standard of care for a patient treated through telehealth is equal to the standard of care for in-person services.

(D) The license holder shall verify the identity and physical location of the patient or client at the beginning of each telehealth visit.

(E) With respect to the provision of telehealth services, all of the following apply:

(1) A license holder may use synchronous or asynchronous technology to provide telehealth services to a patient during an initial visit if the appropriate standard of care for an initial visit is satisfied.

(2) A license holder may deny a patient telehealth services and, instead, require the patient to undergo an in-person visit.

(3) When providing telehealth services in accordance with this rule, a license holder shall comply with all requirements under state and federal law regarding the protection of patient information. A license holder shall ensure that any username or password information and any electronic communications between the professional and a patient are securely transmitted and stored.

(4) A license holder may use synchronous or asynchronous technology to provide telehealth services to a patient during an annual visit if the appropriate standard of care for an annual visit is satisfied.

(F) In order to treat a patient or client located in Ohio, a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall have either an Ohio license or a privilege to practice in Ohio via the physical therapy compact.

Last updated October 11, 2024 at 9:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4743.09 4755.90
Amplifies: 4743.09, 4755.47
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2029

Rule 4755:2-2-08 | Referrals.

• Effective: October 11, 2024
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Pursuant to division (H) 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 in this state or any other state to practice medicine and surgery, chiropractic, dentistry, osteopathic medicine and surgery, podiatric medicine and surgery, to practice as a physician assistant, or to practice nursing as an advanced practice registered nurse.

(1) The person making the referral shall be licensed in good standing with the relevant licensing board; and

(2) The person making the referral shall act only within the individual's scope of practice.

(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 physical 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 rules 4755:2-2-03 and 4755:2-2-04 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, to practice as a physician assistant, or to practice nursing as an advanced practice registered nurse.

(E) A physical therapist is not required to notify the patient's other healthcare practitioner in accordance with division (A)(2) of section 4755.481 of the Revised Code if either of the following apply:

(1) The physical therapist is seeing the patient for fitness, wellness, or prevention purposes; or

(2) The patient previously was diagnosed with chronic, neuromuscular, or developmental conditions and the physical therapist is seeing the patient for problems or symptoms associated with one or more of those previously diagnosed conditions.

Last updated October 11, 2024 at 9:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4755.411
Amplifies: 4755.48, 4755.481
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2029
Prior Effective Dates: 2/1/1992, 3/20/1999, 3/20/2008, 5/1/2013