The role of Army physical therapists as nonphysician health care providers who prescribe certain medications: observations and experiences

Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96859-5000, USA.

For two decades, Army physical therapists have been granted limited privileges to prescribe certain medications when serving as nonphysician health care providers for the primary evaluation and treatment of patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunctions. A brief summary of the events that led to this physician-extender role is presented. This article describes the Army regulations, credentialing process, and expanded clinical privileges developed to prepare and support physical therapists working as primary neuromusculoskeletal screeners who are credentialed to order certain pharmacologic medications. A historical synopsis of Army physical therapists ordering pharmacologic medications. A historical synopsis of Army physical therapists ordering pharmacologic medications in their expanded role as nonphysician health care providers is also presented. Results of a 1994 Army-wide survey of physical therapy clinics are provided in terms of medications prescribed and observations by those involved. The educational opportunities designed to ensure safe and appropriate uses of these privileges are described.