Are physical therapists in California legally allowed to prescribe medications?

In California, physical therapists are not authorized to prescribe medications in the same way that physicians do. Their practice is focused on evaluating and treating physical impairments and functional limitations primarily through movement and therapeutic interventions rather than through pharmacological methods. While physical therapists can provide guidance and recommendations regarding over-the-counter products, they cannot prescribe prescription medications.

This limitation is grounded in the scope of practice defined by the California Physical Therapy Practice Act, which emphasizes the importance of physical therapy as a non-invasive treatment modality. Physical therapists must work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive comprehensive care, which may include medication management when necessary, but this is outside the physical therapist's legal scope.

Understanding this distinction helps clarify the role of physical therapists in the healthcare system, illustrating their focus on rehabilitative care rather than pharmacological treatment.