Existing law, the Physical Therapy Practice Act, establishes the Physical Therapy Board of California to license and regulate physical therapists and the practice of physical therapy. Existing law defines the terms “physical therapist,” “physical therapist assistant,” and “physical therapy” and sets forth the scope of practice of a physical therapist. Existing law authorizes a licensed physical therapist to use the initials “DPT” only if certain requirements are satisfied. Existing law establishes conditions for the initiation of services by a physical therapist directly, including providing a specified notice, orally and in writing, to a patient that is signed by the patient. Existing law prohibits a physical therapist from prescribing medications.

This bill, among other changes to the act, would redefine “physical therapy,” “physical therapist,” and “physical therapist assistant” for purposes of the act, as specified. The bill would authorize any person holding a license as a physical therapist to use the title “doctor of physical therapy” or the letters “D.P.T.” The bill would revise the scope of practice of a physical therapist to include the authority to prescribe nonopioid analgesic and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and would require the board to adopt regulations implementing that provision after meeting and conferring with the Medical Board of California and the California State Board of Pharmacy to specify those medications. The bill would delete existing requirements for the performance of tissue penetration by a physical therapist and instead would include within the practice of physical therapy the performance of tissue penetration for the purpose of evaluating, interpreting, and treating the neuromuscular system. The bill would authorize a physical therapist to perform and interpret musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging and refer a patient for imaging studies. The bill would increase the number of physical therapist assistants a physical therapist is authorized to supervise from 2 to 3. The bill would repeal the notice and other requirements for the provision of direct physical therapy treatment services.