If a person is not a physical therapist but can use a modality under their own license, are they restricted from using PT-related physical agents?

The correct answer is that a person is not restricted from using PT-related physical agents if they can use a modality under their own license. In Arizona, various healthcare professionals with specific licenses may be authorized to employ certain physical therapy modalities as part of their respective practices, as long as the use is within the scope of their license.

For instance, licensed healthcare providers such as physicians, chiropractors, or occupational therapists may utilize physical agents and modalities associated with physical therapy to treat patients. This approach recognizes the diverse training and qualifications that different licensed healthcare professionals possess, allowing them to integrate various treatment modalities appropriately in their practice. Thus, the law does not impose restrictions simply based on the absence of a physical therapist license, provided the individual is acting within the boundaries of their own licensure.

This understanding clarifies that individuals who hold other relevant healthcare licenses do have the flexibility to use PT-related physical agents without facing restrictions directly tied to the absence of a physical therapy license, as long as it's aligned with their authorized scope of practice.