Scope Of Regulation And Exemptions - Physical Therapy - Business & Professions - CA

Section § 2620

This law explains what physical therapy is in the context of California's regulations. It covers physical rehabilitation methods using elements like heat, water, and exercise for treating bodily or mental conditions, as well as promoting fitness and wellness. However, it clearly states that physical therapists are not allowed to use certain medical techniques such as x-rays, radioactive materials, or surgical electricity. Additionally, this section clarifies that it doesn't limit the practice of other licensed health professionals.

(a) Physical therapy means the art and science of physical or corrective rehabilitation or of physical or corrective treatment of any bodily or mental condition of any person by the use of the physical, chemical, and other properties of heat, light, water, electricity, sound, massage, and active, passive, and resistive exercise, and shall include physical therapy evaluation, treatment planning, instruction and consultative services. The practice of physical therapy includes the promotion and maintenance of physical fitness to enhance the bodily movement related health and wellness of individuals through the use of physical therapy interventions. The use of roentgen rays and radioactive materials, for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, and the use of electricity for surgical purposes, including cauterization, are not authorized under the term “physical therapy” as used in this chapter, and a license issued pursuant to this chapter does not authorize the diagnosis of disease.

(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict or prohibit other healing arts practitioners licensed or registered under this division from practice within the scope of their license or registration.

physical therapy rehabilitation treatment planning

Section § 2620.1

In California, if you need physical therapy, you can start treatment directly with a licensed physical therapist without seeing a doctor first, as long as it's within what physical therapists are allowed to do. If your issue seems more serious, or you're not improving, the therapist must refer you to a doctor, dentist, podiatrist, or chiropractor. Therapists also need to disclose any financial interests and may need to notify your doctor if you have one. You can only continue therapy for up to 45 days or 12 visits without a doctor's approval. This limit doesn't apply to wellness therapy or certain educational services. There's no requirement for insurance to cover direct access like this. Before treatment, the therapist must explain your rights in writing and get your signature.

(a) In addition to receiving those services authorized by Section 2620, a person may initiate physical therapy treatment directly from a licensed physical therapist if the treatment is within the scope of practice of physical therapists, as defined in Section 2620, and all of the following conditions are met:

(1) If, at any time, the physical therapist has reason to believe that the patient has signs or symptoms of a condition that requires treatment beyond the scope of practice of a physical therapist or the patient is not progressing toward documented treatment goals as demonstrated by objective, measurable, or functional improvement, the physical therapist shall refer the patient to a person holding a physician and surgeon’s certificate issued by the Medical Board of California or by the Osteopathic Medical Board of California or to a person licensed to practice dentistry, podiatric medicine, or chiropractic.

(2) The physical therapist shall comply with Section 2633, and shall disclose to the patient any financial interest they have in treating the patient and, if working in a physical therapy corporation, shall comply with Article 6 (commencing with Section 650) of Chapter 1.

(3) With the patient’s written authorization, the physical therapist shall notify the patient’s physician and surgeon, if any, that the physical therapist is treating the patient.

(4) The physical therapist shall not continue treating the patient beyond 45 calendar days or 12 visits, whichever occurs first, without receiving, from a person holding a physician and surgeon’s certificate from the Medical Board of California or the Osteopathic Medical Board of California or from a person holding a certificate to practice podiatric medicine from the Podiatric Medical Board of California and acting within their scope of practice, a dated signature on the physical therapist’s plan of care indicating approval of the physical therapist’s plan of care. Approval of the physical therapist’s plan of care shall include an in-person or telehealth patient examination and evaluation of the patient’s condition, as determined by the physician and surgeon or podiatrist, and, if indicated, testing by the physician and surgeon or podiatrist.

(b) The conditions in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) do not apply to a physical therapist under either of the following circumstances:

(1) When the physical therapist is only providing wellness physical therapy services to a patient as described in subdivision (a) of Section 2620.

(2) Pursuant to Section 56363 of the Education Code or Section 7572 of the Government Code, when the physical therapist is providing physical therapy services as part of an individualized family service plan or an individualized education plan pursuant to the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq.) and the individual receiving those services does not have a medical diagnosis.

(c)

(1) This section does not expand or modify the scope of practice for physical therapists set forth in Section 2620, including the prohibition on a physical therapist diagnosing a disease.

(2) This section does not restrict or alter the scope of practice of any other health care professional.

(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a health care service plan, insurer, workers’ compensation insurance plan, employer, or state program to provide coverage for direct access to treatment by a physical therapist.

(e) When a person initiates physical therapy treatment services directly, pursuant to this section, the physical therapist shall not perform physical therapy treatment services without first providing the following notice to the patient, orally and in writing, in at least 14-point type and signed by the patient:

“Direct Physical Therapy Treatment Services

You are receiving direct physical therapy treatment services from an individual who is a physical therapist licensed by the Physical Therapy Board of California.

Under California law, you may continue to receive direct physical therapy treatment services for a period of up to 45 calendar days or 12 visits, whichever occurs first, after which time a physical therapist may continue providing you with physical therapy treatment services only after receiving, from a person holding a physician and surgeon’s certificate issued by the Medical Board of California or by the Osteopathic Medical Board of California, or from a person holding a certificate to practice podiatric medicine from the Podiatric Medical Board of California and acting within their scope of practice, a dated signature on the physical therapist’s plan of care indicating approval of the physical therapist’s plan of care and that an in-person or telehealth patient examination and evaluation was conducted by the physician and surgeon or podiatrist.

Patient’s Signature/Date”

direct access physical therapy licensed physical therapist scope of practice

Section § 2620.3

This law allows licensed physical therapists to use certain topical medications in their practice, but only if they follow specific rules set by the board, which will be developed with input from the Medical Board of California and the California State Board of Pharmacy. However, this law does not give physical therapists the right to prescribe medications.

A physical therapist licensed pursuant to this chapter may apply topical medications as part of the practice of physical therapy as defined in Section 2620 if he or she complies with regulations duly adopted by the board pursuant to this section and the Administrative Procedure Act. The board shall adopt regulations implementing this section after meeting and conferring with the Medical Board of California and the California State Board of Pharmacy specifying those topical medications applicable to the practice of physical therapy and protocols for their use. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a physical therapist to prescribe medications.

physical therapists topical medications physical therapy practice

Section § 2620.5

This law states that certified physical therapists in California can perform certain procedures, like tissue penetration, to evaluate muscles and nerves, but only if they get permission from a doctor. However, they are not allowed to diagnose or predict medical conditions based on this data; doing so would break the rules and could lead to penalties. The governing board is responsible for setting the standards and procedures for these activities and certifying physical therapists who meet these criteria.

A physical therapist may, upon specified authorization of a physician and surgeon, perform tissue penetration for the purpose of evaluating neuromuscular performance as a part of the practice of physical therapy, as defined in Section 2620, provided the physical therapist is certified by the board to perform the tissue penetration and evaluation and provided the physical therapist does not develop or make diagnostic or prognostic interpretations of the data obtained. Any physical therapist who develops or makes a diagnostic or prognostic interpretation of this data is in violation of the Medical Practice Act (Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000) of Division 2), and may be subject to all of the sanctions and penalties set forth in that act.

The board, after meeting and conferring with the Division of Licensing of the Medical Board of California, shall do all of the following:

(a) Adopt standards and procedures for tissue penetration for the purpose of evaluating neuromuscular performance by certified physical therapists.

(b) Establish standards for physical therapists to perform tissue penetration for the purpose of evaluating neuromuscular performance.

physical therapist certification tissue penetration neuromuscular performance evaluation

Section § 2620.7

This law specifies that healthcare providers must keep patient records for at least seven years after a patient is discharged. For patients who are underage and not legally independent when they receive care, their records should be kept for at least one year after they turn 18, but never less than seven years in total.

(a) Patient records shall be documented as required in regulations promulgated by the board.

(b) Patient records shall be maintained for a period of no less than seven years following the discharge of the patient, except that the records of unemancipated minors shall be maintained at least one year after the minor has reached 18 years of age, and not in any case less than seven years.

patient records documentation record maintenance seven years

Section § 2621

This section clarifies that physical therapists aren't allowed to perform medicine, surgery, or any healing methods that aren't specifically permitted under a different law called Section 2620.

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as authorizing a physical therapist to practice medicine, surgery, or any other form of healing except as authorized by Section 2620.

physical therapist limitations practice medicine restriction surgery prohibition

Section § 2622

A physical therapist in California is in charge of all parts of a patient's care, as defined by board regulations. They can supervise up to two physical therapist assistants at a time and can also have one aide to help with tasks related to patient care.

(a) A physical therapist shall be responsible for managing all aspects of the care of each patient as set forth in regulations promulgated by the board.

(b) A physical therapist shall not supervise more than two physical therapist assistants at one time to assist the physical therapist in his or her practice of physical therapy.

(c) A physical therapist may utilize the services of one aide engaged in patient-related tasks to aid the physical therapist in his or her practice of physical therapy.

physical therapist responsibilities physical therapist assistant patient care management

Section § 2623

This section allows the board overseeing physical therapists to create, change, or remove rules about professional conduct to ensure the field's integrity and dignity. All licensed physical therapists must follow these rules and standards.

The board may, by regulation, prescribe, amend, or repeal any rules contained within a code of professional conduct appropriate to the establishment and maintenance of integrity and dignity in the profession of physical therapy. Every licensee of the board shall be governed and controlled by the rules and standards adopted by the board.

physical therapy professional conduct code of conduct

Section § 2630

If you want to work as a physical therapist in this state and get paid for it, you must have a current and valid license. You also can't call yourself a physical therapist without this license, unless there are exceptions mentioned in another part of the law.

It is unlawful for any person or persons to practice, or offer to practice, physical therapy in this state for compensation received or expected, or to hold himself or herself out as a physical therapist, unless at the time of so doing the person holds a valid, unexpired, and unrevoked physical therapist license issued under this chapter, except as authorized by subdivisions (c), (d), (e), and (g) of Section 2630.5.

physical therapy license unlawful practice offer to practice

Section § 2630.3

This law says that physical therapist assistants (PTAs) in California must be licensed and work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The physical therapist is responsible for the work done by the assistant, including how it's documented. PTAs cannot call themselves physical therapist assistants unless they are licensed, and they cannot be supervised by someone who is just an applicant or a student trying to become a physical therapist. Also, PTAs are not allowed to evaluate patients or write discharge summaries. The supervising therapist will decide what tasks can be given to the assistant based on their skills and abilities.

(a) A licensed physical therapist assistant holding a valid, unexpired, and unrevoked physical therapist assistant license may assist in the provision of physical therapy services only under the supervision of a physical therapist licensed by the board. A licensed physical therapist shall at all times be responsible for the extent, kind, quality, and documentation of all physical therapy services provided by the physical therapist assistant.

(b) It is unlawful for any person or persons to hold himself or herself out as a physical therapist assistant, unless at the time of so doing the person holds a valid, unexpired, and unrevoked physical therapist assistant license issued under this chapter, except as authorized in subdivisions (f) and (g) of Section 2630.5.

(c) Physical therapist assistants shall not be independently supervised by a physical therapist license applicant, as defined in Section 2639, or a physical therapist student, as defined in Section 2633.7.

(d) A physical therapist assistant shall not perform any evaluation of a patient or prepare a discharge summary. The supervising physical therapist shall determine which elements of the treatment plan, if any, shall be assigned to the physical therapist assistant. Assignment of patient care shall be commensurate with the competence of the physical therapist assistant.

physical therapist assistant supervision license requirements

Section § 2630.4

This law states that a physical therapy aide is an unlicensed individual who's at least 18 years old and assists a licensed physical therapist. The aide must always work under the physical therapist's supervision and cannot do physical therapy on their own. The board will set rules about how the supervision should work. Aides cannot be supervised by physical therapy license applicants or students. However, aides can give massages, external baths, or guide normal exercises that aren't part of professional physical therapy treatment.

(a) A “physical therapy aide” is an unlicensed person, at least 18 years of age, who aids a licensed physical therapist consistent with subdivision (b).

(b) The aide shall at all times be under the supervision of the physical therapist. An aide shall not independently perform physical therapy or any physical therapy procedure. The board shall adopt regulations that set forth the standards and requirements for the supervision of an aide by a physical therapist.

(c) Physical therapy aides shall not be independently supervised by a physical therapist license applicant, as defined in Section 2639, or a physical therapist student, as defined in Section 2633.7.

(d) This section does not prohibit the administration by a physical therapy aide of massage, external baths, or normal exercise not a part of a physical therapy treatment.

physical therapy aide unlicensed person supervision

Section § 2630.5

This law outlines several scenarios where individuals are exempt from needing a physical therapy license in California. Students enrolled in approved physical therapy programs can practice as part of their education. Physical therapists licensed in other places can practice temporarily if they're teaching, consulting, or working with visitors, provided they don't exceed 60 days a year in the state. Therapists who are displaced due to emergencies can also practice here temporarily for up to 60 days, but they must inform the board and provide contact information.

The following persons are exempt from the licensure requirements of this chapter when engaged in the following activities:

(a) A regularly matriculated physical therapist student undertaking a course of professional instruction in an approved entry-level physical therapy education program or enrolled in a program of supervised clinical education under the direction of an approved physical therapy education program as described in Section 2651. These physical therapist students may perform physical therapy as a part of their course of study.

(b) A regularly matriculated physical therapist assistant student undertaking a course of instruction in an approved physical therapy education program or enrolled in a program of supervised clinical education under the direction of an approved physical therapy education program as described in Section 2651. These physical therapist assistant students may perform physical therapy techniques as a part of their course of study.

(c) A physical therapist who holds a valid and unrestricted license in another jurisdiction of the United States or who is credentialed to practice physical therapy in another country if that person is researching, demonstrating, or providing physical therapy in connection with teaching or participating in an educational seminar of no more than 60 days in a calendar year.

(d) A physical therapist located outside this state, when in actual consultation, whether within this state or across state lines, with a licensed physical therapist of this state, or when he or she is an invited guest of the American Physical Therapy Association or one of its components, or an invited guest of an approved physical therapy school or college for the sole purpose of engaging in professional education through lectures, clinics, or demonstrations, if, at the time of the consultation, lecture, or demonstration, he or she holds a valid and unrestricted physical therapist license in the state or country in which he or she resides. The physical therapist shall not open an office, appoint a place to meet patients, receive calls from patients within the limits of this state, give orders, or have ultimate authority over the care of a physical therapy patient who is located within this state.

(e) A physical therapist who holds a valid and unrestricted license in another jurisdiction of the United States or credentialed to practice physical therapy in another country if that person, by contract or employment, is providing physical therapy to individuals affiliated with or employed by established athletic teams, athletic organizations, or performing arts companies temporarily practicing, competing, or performing in the state for no more than 60 days in a calendar year.

(f) A physical therapist assistant who holds a valid and unrestricted license in another jurisdiction of the United States and is assisting a physical therapist engaged in activities described in subdivision (c), (d), or (e).

(g) A physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who has a valid and unrestricted license in a jurisdiction of the United States who is forced to leave his or her residence in a state other than California due to a governmentally declared emergency. This exemption applies for no more than 60 days following the declaration of the emergency. In order to be eligible for this exemption, the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall notify the board of his or her intent to practice in this state and provide a valid mailing address, telephone number, and email address.

physical therapy students clinical education temporary licensure

Section § 2633

If you have a physical therapy license in California, you can call yourself a "physical therapist" or use the initials "P.T." No one else can use these titles. If you have a doctorate in physical therapy or a related health field, you can use the title "Doctor" or "Dr." before your name in writings, provided you specify your degree, or say "doctor" when speaking about physical therapy if you clarify you're a physical therapist. Your doctorate must come from an accredited institution. California's board will set rules about which related health science doctorates qualify.

(a) A person holding a license as a physical therapist issued by the board may use the title “physical therapist” or the letters “P.T.” or any other words, letters, or figures that indicate that the person using same is a licensed physical therapist. No other person shall be so designated or shall use the term licensed or registered physical therapist, licensed or registered physiotherapist, licensed or registered physical therapy technician, or the letters “L.P.T.,” “R.P.T.,” or “P.T.”.

(b) A licensed physical therapist who has received a doctoral degree in physical therapy (DPT) or, after adoption of the regulations described in subdivision (d), a doctoral degree in a related health science may do the following:

(1) In a written communication, use the initials DPT, PhD, or EdD, as applicable, following the licensee’s name.

(2) In a written communication, use the title “Doctor” or the abbreviation “Dr.” preceding the licensee’s name, if the licensee’s name is immediately followed by an unabbreviated specification of the applicable doctoral degree held by the licensee.

(3) In a spoken communication while engaged in the practice of physical therapy, use the title “doctor” preceding the person’s name, if the speaker specifies that he or she is a physical therapist.

(c) A doctoral degree described in subdivision (b) shall be granted by an institution accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or by an accrediting agency recognized by the National Commission on Accrediting or the United States Department of Education that the board determines is equivalent to the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

(d) The board shall define, by regulation, the doctoral degrees that are in a related health science for purposes of subdivision (b).

physical therapist P.T. licensed

Section § 2633.5

This law says that only those licensed as physical therapist assistants in California can use titles or initials like "physical therapist assistant" or "PTA." They can't use titles or initials like "PT," "Dr.," or "therapist" that might imply they are physical therapists or doctors.

(a) Only a person licensed as a physical therapist assistant by the board may use the title “physical therapist assistant” or “physical therapy assistant” or the letters “PTA” or any other words, letters, or figures that indicate that the person is a physical therapist assistant licensed pursuant to this chapter.

(b) The license of a physical therapist assistant shall not authorize the use of the prefix “LPT,” “RPT,” “PT,” or “Dr.,” or the title “physical therapist,” “therapist,” “doctor,” or any affix indicating or implying that the physical therapist assistant is a physical therapist or doctor.

physical therapist assistant PTA license requirements

Section § 2633.7

When someone is participating in hands-on clinical practice or observation as part of their physical therapy education, they must be called either a “physical therapist student” or a “physical therapist assistant student.” This naming is controlled by special rules set by the governing board.

During a period of clinical practice described in Section 2650 or in any similar period of observation of related educational experience involving recipients of physical therapy, a person so engaged shall be identified only as a “physical therapist student” or a “physical therapist assistant student,” as authorized by the board in its regulations.

clinical practice physical therapy student assistant student

Section § 2634

The board has the authority to check if a person applying for a license actually meets the necessary qualifications before they grant the license.

The board may investigate each and every applicant for a license, before a license is issued, in order to determine whether or not the applicant has in fact the qualifications required by this chapter.

applicant investigation license qualifications board authority

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Physical TherapyScope of Regulation and Exemptions