Who may perform wound debridement services in physical therapy?

• A. Only PT with written authorization from a health care professional.
• B. Any PT.
• C. Only physicians can.
• D. Only in hospital settings.

Answer: (A)

Wound debridement by a physical therapist is allowed when there is a written authorization or referral from a licensed health care professional. This written order ensures the wound is suitable for debridement, the method is appropriate, and patient safety is maintained under professional oversight. That’s why the best choice is a PT who has written authorization from a health care professional.

Why the other ideas don’t fit: allowing any PT to perform debridement without an order isn’t consistent with many practice acts and safety guidelines. Saying only physicians can perform debridement ignores the established role of therapists to treat wounds under a proper written authorization. And restricting this to hospital settings overlooks outpatient clinics and other non-hospital environments where a PT may work with the required authorization.