SECTION 435:20-5-10. Referrals

(a)   A licensed physical therapist who has received a referral from a person licensed as an allopathic physician, osteopathic physician, physician assistant, dentist, chiropractor or podiatrist may extend or reinstitute physical therapy for the patient named on the referral for a time period not to exceed ninety (90) days after the origination of the referral, unless a longer duration of physical therapy services is requested by the referring health care professional, provided that:

(1)   the diagnosis or symptom listed on the referral is the same as the reason for the extension or reinstitution of the physical therapy treatment;

(2)   the referring health care professional is notified of the extension or reinstitution of the treatment within five (5) business days of the date of the extension or reinstitution of the physical therapy treatment; and

(3)   the patient involved has made or is making sufficient improvement in symptoms or function to warrant the extension or reinstitution of the physical therapy treatment without first being seen or re-evaluated by the by the referring health care professional.

(b)   The physical therapist may not make a medical diagnosis or diagnosis of disease.

(c)   If the physical therapist determines, based on the physical therapy screening and evaluation, that the patient's condition is outside the scope of the physical therapy practice, the physical therapist may not initiate, extend, or reinstitute treatment and must immediately refer the patient to a licensed health care professional.

(d)   If the physical therapist determines, based on reasonable evidence that appropriate improvement in symptoms or function has not been made within 60 days of the date on the referral, the physical therapist shall consult with or refer the patient back to the health care professional who originated the referral.

(e)   The provisions of paragraphs (a) - (d) of this section do not apply if the patient is receiving physical therapy services pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, as may be amended, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, as may be amended.

[Source: Added at 29 Ok Reg 1612, eff 7-12-12]