{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/54.1-3482.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/54.1-3482.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/54.1-3482.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/54.1-3482.html"}],"law_id":67450,"edition_id":1,"section_id":67450,"structure_id":13029,"section_number":"54.1-3482","catch_line":"Practice of physical therapy; certain experience and referrals required; physical therapist assistants","history":"2000, c. 688; 2001, c. 858; 2002, cc. 434, 471; 2003, c. 496; 2005, c. 928; 2007, cc. 9, 18; 2015, cc. 724, 746; 2018, c. 776; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 481; 2023, cc. 136, 137, 183.","full_text":"A\n\nIt shall be unlawful for a person to engage in the practice of physical therapy except as a licensed physical therapist, upon the referral and direction of a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2957, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician, except as provided in this section.B\n\nA physical therapist who has completed a doctor of physical therapy program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education or who has obtained a certificate of authorization pursuant to § 54.1-3482.1 may evaluate and treat a patient without a referral under the following conditions: (i) the patient is not receiving care from any licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2957, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician for the symptoms giving rise to the presentation at the time of the presentation to the physical therapist for physical therapy services or (ii) the patient is receiving care from a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2957, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician at the time of his presentation to the physical therapist for the symptoms giving rise to the presentation for physical therapy services and (a) the patient identifies a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2957, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician from whom he is currently receiving care; (b) the patient gives written consent for the physical therapist to release all personal health information and treatment records to the identified practitioner; and (c) the physical therapist notifies the practitioner identified by the patient no later than 14 days after treatment commences and provides the practitioner with a copy of the initial evaluation along with a copy of the patient history obtained by the physical therapist.C\n\nA physical therapist who has not completed a doctor of physical therapy program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education or who has not obtained a certificate of authorization pursuant to § 54.1-3482.1 may conduct a one-time evaluation that does not include treatment of a patient without the referral and direction of a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2957, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician; if appropriate, the physical therapist shall immediately refer such patient to the appropriate practitioner.D\n\nInvasive procedures within the scope of practice of physical therapy, except for the practice of dry needling, shall at all times be performed only under the referral and direction of a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2957, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a physical therapist in the practice of dry needling to fail to comply with the provisions of § 54.1-2956.9.E\n\nIt shall be unlawful for any licensed physical therapist to fail to immediately refer any patient to a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, or a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2957 when such patient’s medical condition is determined, at the time of evaluation or treatment, to be beyond the physical therapist’s scope of practice. Upon determining that the patient’s medical condition is beyond the scope of practice of a physical therapist, a physical therapist shall immediately refer such patient to an appropriate practitioner.F\n\nAny person licensed as a physical therapist assistant shall perform his duties only under the direction and control of a licensed physical therapist.G\n\nHowever, a licensed physical therapist may provide, without referral or supervision, physical therapy services to (i) a student athlete participating in a school-sponsored athletic activity while such student is at such activity in a public, private, or religious elementary, middle or high school, or public or private institution of higher education when such services are rendered by a licensed physical therapist who is certified as an athletic trainer by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification or as a sports certified specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties; (ii) employees solely for the purpose of evaluation and consultation related to workplace ergonomics; (iii) infants and toddlers, from birth to age three, who require physical therapy services to fulfill the provisions of their individualized services plan under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1431 et seq.) and students with disabilities who require physical therapy services to fulfill the provisions of their individualized education plan or physical therapy services provided under § 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794 et seq.); (iv) the public for the purpose of wellness, fitness, and health screenings; (v) the public for the purpose of health promotion and education; and (vi) the public for the purpose of prevention of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":244400,"text":"It shall be unlawful for a person to engage in the practice of physical therapy except as a licensed physical therapist, upon the referral and direction of a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2957, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician, except as provided in this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":244401,"text":"A physical therapist who has completed a doctor of physical therapy program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education or who has obtained a certificate of authorization pursuant to § 54.1-3482.1 may evaluate and treat a patient without a referral under the following conditions: (i) the patient is not receiving care from any licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2957, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician for the symptoms giving rise to the presentation at the time of the presentation to the physical therapist for physical therapy services or (ii) the patient is receiving care from a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2957, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician at the time of his presentation to the physical therapist for the symptoms giving rise to the presentation for physical therapy services and (a) the patient identifies a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2957, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician from whom he is currently receiving care; (b) the patient gives written consent for the physical therapist to release all personal health information and treatment records to the identified practitioner; and (c) the physical therapist notifies the practitioner identified by the patient no later than 14 days after treatment commences and provides the practitioner with a copy of the initial evaluation along with a copy of the patient history obtained by the physical therapist.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":244402,"text":"A physical therapist who has not completed a doctor of physical therapy program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education or who has not obtained a certificate of authorization pursuant to § 54.1-3482.1 may conduct a one-time evaluation that does not include treatment of a patient without the referral and direction of a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2957, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician; if appropriate, the physical therapist shall immediately refer such patient to the appropriate practitioner.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":244403,"text":"Invasive procedures within the scope of practice of physical therapy, except for the practice of dry needling, shall at all times be performed only under the referral and direction of a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2957, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a physical therapist in the practice of dry needling to fail to comply with the provisions of § 54.1-2956.9.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":244404,"text":"It shall be unlawful for any licensed physical therapist to fail to immediately refer any patient to a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, or a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2957 when such patient’s medical condition is determined, at the time of evaluation or treatment, to be beyond the physical therapist’s scope of practice. Upon determining that the patient’s medical condition is beyond the scope of practice of a physical therapist, a physical therapist shall immediately refer such patient to an appropriate practitioner.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"5":{"id":244405,"text":"Any person licensed as a physical therapist assistant shall perform his duties only under the direction and control of a licensed physical therapist.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"6":{"id":244406,"text":"However, a licensed physical therapist may provide, without referral or supervision, physical therapy services to (i) a student athlete participating in a school-sponsored athletic activity while such student is at such activity in a public, private, or religious elementary, middle or high school, or public or private institution of higher education when such services are rendered by a licensed physical therapist who is certified as an athletic trainer by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification or as a sports certified specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties; (ii) employees solely for the purpose of evaluation and consultation related to workplace ergonomics; (iii) infants and toddlers, from birth to age three, who require physical therapy services to fulfill the provisions of their individualized services plan under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1431 et seq.) and students with disabilities who require physical therapy services to fulfill the provisions of their individualized education plan or physical therapy services provided under § 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794 et seq.); (iv) the public for the purpose of wellness, fitness, and health screenings; (v) the public for the purpose of health promotion and education; and (vi) the public for the purpose of prevention of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13029,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13028,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:09","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:09","permalink":{"id":243755,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13029,"identifier":"1","token":"54.1\/III\/34.1\/1","url":"\/54.1\/III\/34.1\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13028,"edition_id":1,"name":"Physical Therapy","identifier":"34.1","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12758,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:09","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:09","permalink":{"id":243753,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13028,"identifier":"34.1","token":"54.1\/III\/34.1","url":"\/54.1\/III\/34.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12758,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations Regulated by Boards Within the Department of Health Professions","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12754,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":241105,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12758,"identifier":"III","token":"54.1\/III","url":"\/54.1\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12754,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239313,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12754,"identifier":"54.1","token":"54.1","url":"\/54.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":74858,"structure_id":13029,"section_number":"54.1-3473","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/54.1-3473\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34.1\/1\/54.1-3473","metadata":false},{"id":63892,"structure_id":13029,"section_number":"54.1-3474","catch_line":"Unlawful to practice without license; continuing competency requirements","url":"\/54.1-3474\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34.1\/1\/54.1-3474","metadata":false},{"id":66177,"structure_id":13029,"section_number":"54.1-3475","catch_line":"Board of Physical Therapy; appointment; qualifications; officers; nominations","url":"\/54.1-3475\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34.1\/1\/54.1-3475","metadata":false},{"id":74588,"structure_id":13029,"section_number":"54.1-3476","catch_line":"Exemptions","url":"\/54.1-3476\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34.1\/1\/54.1-3476","metadata":false},{"id":64809,"structure_id":13029,"section_number":"54.1-3477","catch_line":"Requirements for licensure as a physical therapist","url":"\/54.1-3477\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34.1\/1\/54.1-3477","metadata":false},{"id":58638,"structure_id":13029,"section_number":"54.1-3478","catch_line":"Requirements for licensure as a physical therapist assistant","url":"\/54.1-3478\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34.1\/1\/54.1-3478","metadata":false},{"id":54167,"structure_id":13029,"section_number":"54.1-3479","catch_line":"Licensure by examination or endorsement; traineeships","url":"\/54.1-3479\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34.1\/1\/54.1-3479","metadata":false},{"id":83068,"structure_id":13029,"section_number":"54.1-3480","catch_line":"Refusal, revocation or suspension","url":"\/54.1-3480\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34.1\/1\/54.1-3480","metadata":false},{"id":71679,"structure_id":13029,"section_number":"54.1-3480.1","catch_line":"Continuing education","url":"\/54.1-3480.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34.1\/1\/54.1-3480.1","metadata":false},{"id":81083,"structure_id":13029,"section_number":"54.1-3481","catch_line":"Unlawful designation as physical therapist or physical therapist assistant; penalty","url":"\/54.1-3481\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34.1\/1\/54.1-3481","metadata":false},{"id":67450,"structure_id":13029,"section_number":"54.1-3482","catch_line":"Practice of physical therapy; certain experience and referrals required; physical therapist assistants","url":"\/54.1-3482\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34.1\/1\/54.1-3482","metadata":false},{"id":82294,"structure_id":13029,"section_number":"54.1-3482.1","catch_line":"Certain certification required","url":"\/54.1-3482.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34.1\/1\/54.1-3482.1","metadata":false},{"id":85169,"structure_id":13029,"section_number":"54.1-3483","catch_line":"Unprofessional conduct","url":"\/54.1-3483\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34.1\/1\/54.1-3483","metadata":false},{"id":54094,"structure_id":13029,"section_number":"54.1-3484","catch_line":"Criminal history background checks","url":"\/54.1-3484\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34.1\/1\/54.1-3484","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":81083,"structure_id":13029,"section_number":"54.1-3481","catch_line":"Unlawful designation as physical therapist or physical therapist assistant; penalty","url":"\/54.1-3481\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34.1\/1\/54.1-3481","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":82294,"structure_id":13029,"section_number":"54.1-3482.1","catch_line":"Certain certification required","url":"\/54.1-3482.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34.1\/1\/54.1-3482.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-3482\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2000. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 688<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 8 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2001, chapter 858<\/a>; in 2002, chapters 434<\/a> and 471<\/a>; in 2003, chapter 496<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 928<\/a>; in 2007, chapters 9<\/a> and 18<\/a>; in 2015, chapters 724<\/a> and 746<\/a>; in 2018, chapter 776<\/a>; in 2023, chapters 136<\/a>, 137<\/a>, and 183<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":82294,"section_number":"54.1-3482.1","catch_line":"Certain certification required","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3482.1\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":64164,"section_number":"54.1-2957","catch_line":"Licensure and practice of advanced practice registered nurses; certified nurse midwives; independent practice of certified nurse midwives","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2957\/"},{"id":82294,"section_number":"54.1-3482.1","catch_line":"Certain certification required","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3482.1\/"}],"permalink":{"id":243797,"object_type":"law","relational_id":67450,"identifier":"54.1-3482","token":"54.1\/III\/34.1\/1\/54.1-3482","url":"\/54.1-3482\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-3482\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34.1\/1\/54.1-3482","dublin_core":{"Title":"Practice of physical therapy; certain experience and referrals required; physical therapist assistants","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-3482","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> It shall be unlawful for a person to engage in the practice of physical therapy<\/span> except as a licensed physical therapist<\/span>, upon the referral and direction of a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2957<\/a>, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician, except as provided in this section. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> A physical therapist<\/span> who has completed a doctor of physical therapy program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education or who has obtained a certificate of authorization pursuant to § 54.1-3482.1<\/a> may evaluate and treat a patient without a referral under the following conditions: (i) the patient is not receiving care from any licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2957<\/a>, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician for the symptoms giving rise to the presentation at the time of the presentation to the physical therapist<\/span> for physical therapy services or (ii) the patient is receiving care from a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2957<\/a>, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician at the time of his presentation to the physical therapist<\/span> for the symptoms giving rise to the presentation for physical therapy services and (a) the patient identifies a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2957<\/a>, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician from whom he is currently receiving care; (b) the patient gives written consent for the physical therapist<\/span> to release all personal health information and treatment records to the identified practitioner; and (c) the physical therapist<\/span> notifies the practitioner identified by the patient no later than 14 days after treatment commences and provides the practitioner with a copy of the initial evaluation along with a copy of the patient history obtained by the physical therapist<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> A physical therapist<\/span> who has not completed a doctor of physical therapy program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education or who has not obtained a certificate of authorization pursuant to § 54.1-3482.1<\/a> may conduct a one-time evaluation that does not include treatment of a patient without the referral and direction of a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2957<\/a>, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician; if appropriate, the physical therapist<\/span> shall immediately refer such patient to the appropriate practitioner. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Invasive procedures within the scope of practice of physical therapy<\/span>, except for the practice of dry needling, shall at all times be performed only under the referral and direction of a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2957<\/a>, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a licensed physician. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a physical therapist<\/span> in the practice of dry needling to fail to comply with the provisions of § 54.1-2956.9<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> It shall be unlawful for any licensed physical therapist<\/span> to fail to immediately refer any patient to a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, or a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2957<\/a> when such patient’s medical condition is determined, at the time of evaluation or treatment, to be beyond the physical therapist<\/span>’s scope of practice. Upon determining that the patient’s medical condition is beyond the scope of practice of a physical therapist<\/span>, a physical therapist<\/span> shall immediately refer such patient to an appropriate practitioner. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> Any person licensed as a physical therapist assistant<\/span> shall perform his duties only under the direction and control of a licensed physical therapist. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> However, a licensed physical therapist may provide, without referral or supervision, physical therapy services to (i) a student athlete participating in a school-sponsored athletic activity while such student is at such activity in a public, private, or religious elementary, middle or high school, or public or private institution of higher education when such services are rendered by a licensed physical therapist who is certified as an athletic trainer by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board<\/span> of Certification or as a sports certified specialist by the American Board<\/span> of Physical Therapy Specialties; (ii) employees solely for the purpose of evaluation and consultation related to workplace ergonomics; (iii) infants and toddlers, from birth to age three, who require physical therapy services to fulfill the provisions of their individualized services plan under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1431 et seq.) and students with disabilities who require physical therapy services to fulfill the provisions of their individualized education plan or physical therapy services provided under § 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794 et seq.); (iv) the public for the purpose of wellness, fitness, and health screenings; (v) the public for the purpose of health promotion and education; and (vi) the public for the purpose of prevention of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPRACTICE OF PHYSICAL THERAPY; CERTAIN EXPERIENCE AND REFERRALS REQUIRED;\nPHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANTS (\u00a7 54.1-3482)\n\nA. It shall be unlawful for a person to engage in the practice of physical\ntherapy except as a licensed physical therapist, upon the referral and direction\nof a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental\nsurgery, a licensed advanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance\nwith the provisions of § 54.1-2957, or a licensed physician assistant\nacting under the supervision of a licensed physician, except as provided in this\nsection.\n\nB. A physical therapist who has completed a doctor of physical therapy program\napproved by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education or who\nhas obtained a certificate of authorization pursuant to § 54.1-3482.1 may\nevaluate and treat a patient without a referral under the following conditions:\n(i) the patient is not receiving care from any licensed doctor of medicine,\nosteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced\npractice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of §\n54.1-2957, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a\nlicensed physician for the symptoms giving rise to the presentation at the time\nof the presentation to the physical therapist for physical therapy services or\n(ii) the patient is receiving care from a licensed doctor of medicine,\nosteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced\npractice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of §\n54.1-2957, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a\nlicensed physician at the time of his presentation to the physical therapist for\nthe symptoms giving rise to the presentation for physical therapy services and\n(a) the patient identifies a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy,\nchiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced practice\nregistered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of §\n54.1-2957, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a\nlicensed physician from whom he is currently receiving care; (b) the patient\ngives written consent for the physical therapist to release all personal health\ninformation and treatment records to the identified practitioner; and (c) the\nphysical therapist notifies the practitioner identified by the patient no later\nthan 14 days after treatment commences and provides the practitioner with a copy\nof the initial evaluation along with a copy of the patient history obtained by\nthe physical therapist.\n\nC. A physical therapist who has not completed a doctor of physical therapy\nprogram approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy\nEducation or who has not obtained a certificate of authorization pursuant to\n§ 54.1-3482.1 may conduct a one-time evaluation that does not include\ntreatment of a patient without the referral and direction of a licensed doctor\nof medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed\nadvanced practice registered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions\nof § 54.1-2957, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the\nsupervision of a licensed physician; if appropriate, the physical therapist\nshall immediately refer such patient to the appropriate practitioner.\n\nD. Invasive procedures within the scope of practice of physical therapy, except\nfor the practice of dry needling, shall at all times be performed only under the\nreferral and direction of a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy,\nchiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, a licensed advanced practice\nregistered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of §\n54.1-2957, or a licensed physician assistant acting under the supervision of a\nlicensed physician. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a\nphysical therapist in the practice of dry needling to fail to comply with the\nprovisions of § 54.1-2956.9.\n\nE. It shall be unlawful for any licensed physical therapist to fail to\nimmediately refer any patient to a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy,\nchiropractic, podiatry, or dental surgery, or a licensed advanced practice\nregistered nurse practicing in accordance with the provisions of §\n54.1-2957 when such patient’s medical condition is determined, at the time\nof evaluation or treatment, to be beyond the physical therapist’s scope of\npractice. Upon determining that the patient’s medical condition is beyond\nthe scope of practice of a physical therapist, a physical therapist shall\nimmediately refer such patient to an appropriate practitioner.\n\nF. Any person licensed as a physical therapist assistant shall perform his\nduties only under the direction and control of a licensed physical therapist.\n\nG. However, a licensed physical therapist may provide, without referral or\nsupervision, physical therapy services to (i) a student athlete participating in\na school-sponsored athletic activity while such student is at such activity in a\npublic, private, or religious elementary, middle or high school, or public or\nprivate institution of higher education when such services are rendered by a\nlicensed physical therapist who is certified as an athletic trainer by the\nNational Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification or as a\nsports certified specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy\nSpecialties; (ii) employees solely for the purpose of evaluation and\nconsultation related to workplace ergonomics; (iii) infants and toddlers, from\nbirth to age three, who require physical therapy services to fulfill the\nprovisions of their individualized services plan under Part C of the Individuals\nwith Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1431 et seq.) and students\nwith disabilities who require physical therapy services to fulfill the\nprovisions of their individualized education plan or physical therapy services\nprovided under § 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.\n§ 794 et seq.); (iv) the public for the purpose of wellness, fitness, and\nhealth screenings; (v) the public for the purpose of health promotion and\neducation; and (vi) the public for the purpose of prevention of impairments,\nfunctional limitations, and disabilities.\n\nHISTORY: 2000, c. 688; 2001, c. 858; 2002, cc. 434, 471; 2003, c. 496; 2005, c.\n928; 2007, cc. 9, 18; 2015, cc. 724, 746; 2018, c. 776; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c.\n481; 2023, cc. 136, 137, 183.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}