---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 C.F.R. § 409.17"
title: "42"
number: "409.17"
heading: "Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/42/409.17"
---

# §409.17. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services.

- (a) **General rules.**
  - (1) Except as specified in this section, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech-language pathology services must be furnished by qualified physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, or speech-language pathologists who meet the requirements specified in [part 484](/cfr/42/part484.md) of this chapter.
  - (2) Physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech-language pathology services must be furnished under a plan that meets the requirements of [paragraphs (b) through (d)](#b..d) of this section, or plan requirements specific to the payment policy under which the services are rendered, if applicable.
- (b) **Establishment of the plan.** The plan must be established before treatment begins by one of the following:
  - (1) **A physician.**
  - (2) **A nurse practitioner, a clinical nurse specialist or a physician assistant.**
  - (3) **The physical therapist furnishing the physical therapy services.**
  - (4) **A speech-language pathologist furnishing the speech-language pathology services.**
  - (5) **An occupational therapist furnishing the occupational therapy services.**
- (c) **Content of the plan.** The plan:
  - (1) Prescribes the type, amount, frequency, and duration of the physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech-language pathology services to be furnished to the individual; and
  - (2) **Indicates the diagnosis and anticipated goals.**
- (d) **Changes in the plan.** Any changes in the plan are implemented in accordance with the provider's policies and procedures.

## Notes

### Amendments

[72 FR 66397, Nov. 27, 2007, as amended at 73 FR 69932, Nov. 19, 2008; 75 FR 73613, Nov. 29, 2010]

### Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1302 and 1395hh.

### Source

Source: 48 FR 12541, Mar. 25, 1983, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[72 FR 66397, Nov. 27, 2007, as amended at 73 FR 69932, Nov. 19, 2008; 75 FR 73613, Nov. 29, 2010]