Can PTAs in Ohio provide services to patients without a referral from a physician?

In Ohio, Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) can provide services to patients without a physician referral, provided they are working under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. This practice allows PTAs to participate in the treatment process while adhering to a collaborative care model. The licensed physical therapist is responsible for establishing the plan of care, and the PTA implements it, ensuring that patient safety and professional standards are maintained.

The allowance of PTAs to treat patients without a direct referral streamlines access to physical therapy services, thereby improving patient care and outcomes. This approach is particularly beneficial in settings where patients may need immediate therapeutic intervention, as it increases the availability of care.

While some options suggest that referrals are either always required or only permissible for minor injuries, these do not reflect the current regulations in Ohio regarding the role of PTAs in the healthcare team. Furthermore, the notion that services can only be provided for a limited time without a referral does not align with the expanded scope of practice that PTAs enjoy in conjunction with their supervising therapists.