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

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t42/s409.17"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "42 CFR § 409.17 - Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services."
title_number: 42
title_name: "Public Health"
section_number: "409.17"
section_name: "Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services."
chapter_name: "CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES"
subchapter_number: "B"
subchapter_name: "MEDICARE PROGRAM"
part_number: "409"
part_name: "HOSPITAL INSURANCE BENEFITS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "42 U.S.C. 1302 and 1395hh."
regulatory_source: "48 FR 12541, Mar. 25, 1983, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "409"
---


# 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 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) 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.

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