Re: Scope of Practice - Mdmssmile

[Guest guest]

> What !? Is that true everywhere? I have been to many PTs through

the years I know that they are always very very careful in what they

say and write. I figured it was to keep on the doctor's good side

and to keep the referrals coming to put it bluntly. A necessary

reality as bad as it may be.

>

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Well, since the " standard of care " and " scope of practice " laws are

an offshoot of Federal law that has been adopted by the various

states, I would have to say that it is a true statement everywhere.

The " scope of practice " for a PT is obviously far broader than

my " scope of practice " as a Massage Therapist. However, the scope

of practice for a PT is nowhere near as broad as that of a doctor.

By law, only licensed medical doctors are allowed to " diagnose "

or " prescribe. " I can legally use language like " it sounds like "

or " this might be " or " one possible cause is. " I cannot, however,

legally " diagnose " anything. In fact, it is a clear violation of law

for me to even use the word when working with somebody. It is also a

clear violation of both the law and my scope of practice

to " prescribe " something. I can " suggest " or " recommend " that

someone do certain exercises, or stretches, or take hot whirlpool

baths. But it is against the law for me to use the word " prescribe. "

PT's fall under the same laws, it is just that they have a broader

range of things that it is legal for them to do or say compared to

me. But in answer to your question, yes, if they said or did

something contrary to what the primary care provider (ie doctor) was

saying, they could be in a great big world of hurt.

I figure if I time things right, I can stretch my retirement funds

out to the point where I run out of money at the same time that the

doctors finally get fed up with me telling the truth about them and

they get my license jerked and my fanny thrown in jail.