What must physical therapists ensure when treating a patient with a referral?

When treating a patient with a referral, physical therapists have the ability to treat outside the parameters of that referral if they obtain the patient's informed consent. This reflects the principle of patient autonomy, which emphasizes that patients have the right to make informed decisions about their own care. If a therapist believes that additional treatments may benefit the patient, they are encouraged to discuss these options with the patient, ensuring they understand the potential risks and benefits, and secure consent for any treatment outside the initial referral.

In contrast to this, strictly adhering to the referral without deviations can limit the scope of necessary treatment and does not account for the dynamic nature of patient care. Consulting a supervisor before proceeding with treatment may be good practice in certain circumstances, but it is not universally required; rather, it depends on the policies of the individual practice. While informing patients of alternative treatments is important, it is not the primary obligation when operating under a referral, especially if the therapist believes additional interventions are warranted. Thus, the correct understanding centers around obtaining informed consent from the patient for any treatment modifications beyond the referral parameters.