Moving Nevada: Empowering Our Community with Physical Therapy · APTA NV

PTs Can Order Imaging in Nevada!

·1 hr 6 min·5 clips

Bruno Steiner is leading efforts to help PTs order imaging in Nevada—what does this mean for patient care?

This episode focuses on the advocacy efforts to expand physical therapists' scope of practice to include ordering diagnostic imaging in Nevada. Hosts from APTA Nevada are joined by Bruno Steiner, a leader with the Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy. Steiner is part of the leadership team for the Imaging Special Interest Group, which spearheads national advocacy for modifying state practice acts. The discussion centers on the specific legislative and regulatory groundwork required for Nevada PTs to gain imaging privileges. Bruno Steiner outlines the strategic steps needed to change the state's practice act to permit this expansion. He explains the role of the Imaging SIG in providing resources and a framework for state-level advocacy campaigns. The conversation details the process of collaborating with state chapters, lawmakers, and other medical professionals. A key part of the strategy involves demonstrating the clinical competency and safety of physical therapists in ordering imaging. The episode references existing models from other states where PTs have successfully secured these practice rights. Steiner emphasizes the goal of PTs playing a more active role in managing musculoskeletal conditions as primary care providers. One insight is that achieving this change is a multi-year process requiring sustained political and professional advocacy. The episode suggests that gaining imaging privileges is a logical progression for the profession's autonomy and patient care efficiency. A surprising claim may be the assertion that PTs are adequately trained to make appropriate imaging decisions without physician referral. The discussion positions this expansion as a way to reduce healthcare delays and improve patient outcomes. Advocates argue it allows PTs to more fully manage the continuum of care for musculoskeletal issues. The effort is framed as part of a broader national movement to modernize physical therapy practice acts. The tone is professional, educational, and advocacy-oriented, featuring a straightforward interview format. The style is conversational but focused on delivering practical, actionable information for clinicians. This episode is essential for Nevada physical therapists and PTAs interested in legislative advocacy and scope-of-practice expansion. Listeners seeking clinical treatment techniques or broad industry trends might find the topic too narrowly focused.

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