Can a physical therapist make recommendations for treatment?
Yes. A physical therapist can make recommendations for treatment. Pursuant to the Physical Therapy Practice Act, more particularly LSA R.S. 37:2410A, an initial evaluation or consultation of a screening nature to determine the need for physical therapy may be performed by a physical therapist, without a referral or prescription, but implementation of physical therapy treatment to individuals for their specific condition shall be based upon the prescription or referral of a person licensed to practice medicine, surgery, dentistry or podiatry. The Board is of the opinion that the proposed role as set forth in the inquiry is not a violation of the Physical Therapy Practice Act or the Board’s Rules. Therefore, you may provide education regarding lymphedema prevention. However, please be advised that you cannot implement physical therapy treatment without the proper referral or prescription. • Lymphedema Prevention Education – A social worker with a Cancer Center asked a therapist to provid
