Florida Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

Which statement is required for a lawful payment arrangement between a physician and physical therapist for patient referrals?

1. The referral must involve cash incentives

2. Disclosure of the relationship must be made to the patients

3. Payment for referrals must not exceed $5,000

4. The therapy must be within the scope of direct access

The correct answer is: The therapy must be within the scope of direct access

The correct response emphasizes that the therapy must be within the scope of direct access, which is critical for establishing a lawful payment arrangement between a physician and a physical therapist. Direct access allows patients to receive physical therapy services without the need for a referral from a physician under specific conditions outlined by state laws. This means that if the therapy services offered by the physical therapist fall within the authorized activities of direct access, then the payment arrangement aligns with legal and ethical standards. When a physical therapist operates within the scope of direct access, it safeguards against potential violations of laws such as anti-kickback statutes or self-referral prohibitions. By adhering to these regulations, the arrangement can be justified as being clinically based rather than financially motivated, thus ensuring both patient safety and compliance with legal requirements. The focus on direct access demonstrates the importance of ensuring that patients are receiving appropriate care without unnecessary barriers while maintaining the integrity of professional relationships between referring physicians and physical therapists.