(a) All physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who practice physical therapy in the Virgin Islands are required to have a license in compliance with the terms of this subchapter.
(b) A physical therapist licensed under this subchapter may perform physical therapy services without a prescription or physician referral under the following conditions:
(1) The physical therapist shall refer a client to appropriate health care practitioners if the physical therapist has reasonable cause to believe symptoms or conditions are present that require services beyond the scope of practice, or if the patient is not progressing toward documented treatment goals as demonstrated by objective, measurable, or functional improvement.
(2) The physical therapist may not continue treating the patient beyond 45 calendar days or 12 visits, whichever occurs first, without receiving, a dated signature on the physical therapist’s plan of care from the patient’s physician, surgeon, or podiatrist indicating approval of the physical therapist’s plan of care. Approval of the physical therapist’s plan of care must include an in-person patient examination and evaluation of the patient’s condition and, if indicated, testing by the physician, podiatrist, chiropractor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant and dentists.
(3) The physical therapist shall provide notice to the patient, orally and in writing, in at least 14-point type and signed by the patient indicating they are receiving direct physical therapy treatment services and may continue to receive direct physical therapy treatment services for a period of up to 45 calendar days or 12 visits, whichever occurs first, after which time a physical therapist may continue providing the patient with physical therapy treatment services only after receiving, a date signature on the physical therapist’s plan of care indicating approval of the physical therapist’s plan of care and that an in-person patient examination and evaluation was conducted by the physician and surgeon or podiatrist.
(c) A physical therapist’s failure to refer, as required by subsection (b) paragraph (1)(A), a patient to another qualified professional when the patient’s condition is beyond the physical therapist’s training subjects the physical therapist to disciplinary action under section 165k.