Can PTs Order Lab Tests and Prescribe Medications? Exploring the Future of Prescriptive Authority

In the fifth episode of Did You Know?, part of the APTA Orthopedics Podcasts, hosts Jill Thein-Nissenbaum and Lori Thein Brody chat with Dan Mills about prescriptive authority in physical therapy—what it means, why it matters, and how it could reshape the profession.From the origins of the APTA task force to international perspectives, military examples, and state-level challenges, this episode explores how prescriptive authority could expand access, improve efficiency, and strengthen PT practice.Target Audience:physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, PT students, academic faculty, PT leaders, APTA members, healthcare policy advocates, rehab professionals