Physical Therapy

General Counsel FAQs

May a licensed physical therapist perform dry needling?

Yes, so long as the physical therapist is competent by education and training as required under K.A.R. 100-29-18. Dry needling is defined under K.S.A. 65-2901(f) as “a skilled intervention using a thin filiform needle to penetrate into or through the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points or muscular or connective tissues for the management of neuromuscular pain or movement impairments.” Physical therapists should be familiar with the requirements of K.A.R. 100-29-18 through 100-29-21 prior to engaging in dry needling.

May a physical therapist assistant (PTA) initiate treatment of a patient?

Pursuant to K.S.A. 65-2914, a PTA shall not treat ailments or other health conditions of human beings except under the direction of a Kansas licensed physical therapist. The statute further explains that a physical therapist (PT) shall see all patients initially and evaluate them periodically. The statute does provide exceptions. It allows a PTA to initiate patient care after telephone contact with the PT for documented instruction in those cases that are in a hospital setting when the physical therapist is not immediately available. If such a situation arises, the statute specifies that a PT must evaluate the patient and establish a plan of treatment as soon as possible, but no later than 7 days after the PTA initiates treatment. See also K.A.R. 100-29-16(d).

Do PTs need an order to evaluate a patient and initiate treatment? How often does Kansas law require a PT to obtain a new prescription or order from the referring physician?

K.S.A. 65-2921 authorizes a PT to evaluate and initiate physical therapy treatment without referral from a licensed health care practitioner. However, if after 10 patient visits or in a period of 15 business days from the initial treatment visit, the patient is not progressing toward documented treatment goals as demonstrated by objective, measurable or functional improvement, or any combination thereof, the PT must obtain a referral from an appropriate licensed health care practitioner prior to continuing treatment.

From what types of licensed health care practitioners may a physical therapist accept orders?

For purposes of ordering PT services, K.S.A. 65-2921(g), states that a licensed health care practitioner means “a person licensed to practice medicine and surgery, a licensed podiatrist, a licensed physician assistant or a licensed advanced practice registered nurse working pursuant to the order or direction of a person licensed to practice medicine and surgery, a licensed chiropractor, a licensed dentist or licensed optometrist in appropriately related cases.”

Under what circumstances are PTs permitted to perform wound debridement services?

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