1. Can physical therapy be provided as a Supplementary Service in the School Setting?
It is not within the scope of its authority for the Board to determine whether or not physical therapy can be provided as a supplementary aid or service in the school setting. If physical therapy is provided as either a related or a supplementary service, the Board’s authority lies in determining whether or not the […]
6. Can a PTA update short term goals (STG) as long as the supervising PT modifies the long term goals (LTG)?
No, the Board does not make any distinction in Rule as to whether or not a goal is short term or long term. Section 322.2 (b) (3) (B) of the PT Rules states that the PTA may not alter a plan of care or goals. Furthermore, §322.1 (c) (4) states that “The plan of care […]
5. Does a HCPC code with therapy minutes and the name of the PT or PTA (and the name of the supervising PT) suffice as a daily treatment note?
No. At a minimum, a daily treatment note should include the patient’s name, the date, a description of the intervention and modalities, along with treatment minutes that were provided, in language that supports the CPT codes that you’re billing. Each entry needs to be physically or electronically signed by the licensee who sees/treats the patient. […]
4. How many conferences should we have for each patient? Is there a frequency?
The rules leave the decision regarding frequency to the professional judgment of the PT. The PT’s decision should be based on the condition of the patient, the practice setting, the experience and abilities of the PTA, and so on. Not all patients or PTAs will require the same number or frequency of conferences. The Board […]
3. Must a PTA have notes co-signed?
No. However, the name of the supervising PT must be included in the note in some form. See the Board rules, §322.1(d)
2. Do the rules require that a plan of care be certified by the referring practitioner?
The board’s rules do not require the referring practitioner to sign the plan of care, nor do the rules address when a referral source needs to approve continuation of services. If a referral does not specifically address duration or frequency of treatment, it is up to the PT’s professional judgment how often to notify the […]
1. How often do I need to document treatment?
The Board requires documentation of EACH treatment session; in other words, there should be an entry for every visit or encounter between the patient and the PT or PTA, regardless of how many times in a day or a week the patient is seen. Each entry needs to be physically or electronically signed by the […]
4. I work in more than one facility. Can I display a duplicate of my license in each facility?
NO. The PT rules (§337.1) forbid hanging a second license or copy of a license, so you can’t display a duplicate or a photocopy. Whether you work in two places or 20, here are the requirements: Hang your license in the facility where you work most often. Make photocopies of your license to keep on […]
3. Can I use the initials “MPT” or “DPT” after my name to indicate that I am a licensed physical therapist?
No. The only letters that legally signify licensure as a physical therapist in Texas are the letters “PT”. If you wish to highlight your degree, it is appropriate to put them after the letters “PT” – for example, Jane Doe, PT, DPT, or John Deer, PT, PhD.
2. May a PT or PTA use the generic title “therapist”?
Use of the term “therapist” is not authorized by a license from the PT Board. The PT must use the term “physical therapist” to identify himself, while the PTA must use “physical therapist assistant.” You are required to identify yourself to the patient with those words, and not just as a “therapist”, so that it […]