CORU Welcomes Enhanced Practice Milestone for Physiotherapists
Trained physiotherapists now able to refer patients for radiological procedures
CORU has welcomed a major step forward in healthcare regulation, with trained physiotherapists in specific roles now authorised to refer patients for radiological procedures.
This marks the first time a CORU-registered profession has been enabled, through regulation, to take on an extended clinical function. It reflects the changing needs of the health system — where highly trained professionals can play a greater role in delivering timely, efficient care to patients.
Claire O’Cleary, CEO of CORU, described the development as a landmark moment:
“This is a significant step — not just for physiotherapists, but for all regulated health and social care professionals. For the first time, CORU’s regulatory framework has enabled the safe extension of clinical practice. We’ve set rigorous standards for education and professional competence, ensuring public protection remains central.
For patients, this will mean faster access to diagnostic tests and a more efficient care experience. It shows how regulation, when applied effectively, can support innovation and help professionals work to the full extent of their training.”
To support this change, CORU developed standards of proficiency and education programme criteria that physiotherapists must meet in order to refer patients. Only those who complete an approved training programme will be eligible to do so.
CORU will continue to work with stakeholders across the health system to explore how similar regulatory approaches can be applied to other health and social care professions in future, where appropriate.
To find out more about how the physiotherapist referrer for radiological procedures works — including standards, eligibility and training requirements click here.
Photo (left to right): Mo Flynn, Chairperson, CORU, Róisín O Hanlon, Chairperson, Physiotherapists Registration Board and Claire O’Cleary, CEO, CORU, at the Physiotherapist Referral for Medical Radiological Procedures Launch with the Department of Health.