Scope of practice

Physical therapy scope of practice is dynamic, evolving with changes in the evidence base, policy and needs of service users. WCPT's description of physical therapy sets out the internationally agreed scope of practice. Each member organisation will interpret and further develop the scope within the context of the regulatory environment and evidence base for practice in their country. This further development may include policy and a programme for the recognition of specialist physical therapists.

• Advanced scope of practice and direct access in physical therapy policy summit

• Self-referral/direct access
  

• WCPT subgroups

Advanced scope of practice and direct access in physical therapy policy summit 2009

WCPT, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) held an international policy summit on Advanced Scope of Practice and Direct Access in Physical Therapy in Washington DC, USA in October 2009.

The objective of the summit was to share international experiences in developing and implementing policy in these areas. A combination of high profile presenters, posters and discussion sessions were used to address key questions.

Leaders from 18 countries attended the policy summit and endorsed the results of research that clearly demonstrates that patient self-referral to physical therapy is best for all health systems, whether public or private.

Press release issued during the summit

Press release issued post-summit

Presentations made at the summit are provided for background information

WCPT subgroups

WCPT subgroups have a specific area of interest and are important international physical therapy organisations in their own right. They promote the advancement of physical therapy and the exchange of scientific knowledge in their field.