(1) A physical therapist who is treating a patient upon the prescription of a health care professional as described in section 17820 shall do all of the following, as applicable:

    (a) Refer the patient back to the health care professional who issued the prescription for treatment if the physical therapist has reasonable cause to believe that symptoms or conditions are present that require services beyond the scope of practice of physical therapy.

    (b) Consult with the health care professional who issued the prescription for treatment if the patient does not show reasonable response to treatment in a time period consistent with the standards of practice as determined by the board.

    (2) A physical therapist who is treating a patient without a prescription from a health care professional under the conditions authorized in section 17820 shall do all of the following, as applicable:

    (a) Refer the patient to an appropriate health care professional for treatment if the physical therapist has reasonable cause to believe that symptoms or conditions are present that require services beyond the scope of practice of physical therapy.

    (b) Consult with an appropriate health care professional if the patient does not show reasonable response to treatment in a time period consistent with the standards of practice as determined by the board.