TRICARE: Non-Physician Referrals for Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy

The Department of Defense is publishing this final rule to provide TRICARE approval for authorizing certified physician assistants and certified nurse practitioners (non-physicians) to engage in referrals of beneficiaries to the Military Health System for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Upon implementation of this provision, certified physician assistants, or certified nurse practitioners will be allowed to issue referrals to patients for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy without having the patient see a physician. This rule will align TRICARE with Medicare's allowance of "non-physician providers" to provide, certify, or supervise therapy services.