How is the professional title 'Physical Therapist' regulated in Texas?

• A. Any healthcare professional may hold themselves out with the title.
• B. Only licensed physical therapists may hold themselves out with the title 'Physical Therapist' and use the credentials associated with licensure.
• C. Only physicians may hold the title.
• D. Title usage is optional.

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is that the label “Physical Therapist” is protected in Texas and can only be used by those who are licensed to practice. In Texas, you must hold an active license issued by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners to present yourself as a Physical Therapist and to use the licensure credentials (such as PT or the licensed designation) in professional communications. This protects the public by ensuring that anyone calling themselves a Physical Therapist has met the state’s requirements and is accountable to the board. So, only those who are licensed may hold themselves out with the title and use the associated credentials. Misrepresenting oneself as a PT when not licensed is not allowed and can lead to disciplinary action. The other statements would allow unlicensed individuals to use the title, claim physicians hold that title, or treat title usage as optional, which conflicts with Texas’s protection of this professional designation.