1. Can I use the title “doctor” if I have a DPT, PhD, or other doctoral level degree?
The use of the title “Doctor” in front of your name is not authorized by your physical therapy license. Correct licensure designation in the provision of physical therapy is the title “physical therapist” and the initials “PT”. However, the Healing Arts Identification Act states that if a person has an academic or honorary degree, they […]
5. Can the last treatment note be the Discharge Summary?
In the case where the PT renders the last treatment, the treatment note and the discharge summary can be in the same document, but the PT should clearly identify treatment given that day and any other information pertinent to that treatment session as well as the information expected in the Discharge Summary. If the PTA […]
4. What’s the difference between discharge and discontinuation?
As far as the Board’s rules are concerned, there is no difference. The purpose of the summary is to record all of the pertinent information at the time treatment ends – regardless of whether the patient met goals, quit coming to therapy, or transitioned to another setting. In some settings, such as the ECI or […]
3. What must be in the Discharge Summary?
The purpose of the discharge document is to summarize a patient’s/client’s progress toward goals, status at discharge, and future plans for self-management. Essentially, as the APTA puts it, it is “the last opportunity a therapist has to convey the outcome of physical therapy services. It is also a time to justify the medical necessity for […]
2. Who can complete the Discharge Summary?
Only the PT can complete the discharge summary, because it is based on the PT’s analysis of the patient’s/client’s achievement of the predicted goals and expected outcomes. The PTA may provide subjective and objective information for the discharge summary, but may not complete the evaluative portion of the discharge summary or develop the follow-up plan. […]
1. Is a Discharge Summary always required?
Documentation of patient care is incomplete without a discharge summary – in every setting, for every patient.
1. Are there any advertising guidelines for my physical therapy practice?
The Board may take disciplinary action against a licensee who advertises in a manner that is “false, misleading, or deceptive.” (§322.4(b)(12)) The following guidelines are provided to assist licensees in determining how to advertise their services. (1/11)Examples of appropriate advertising statements: ABC Therapy provides physical therapy services by licensed professionals in a clean, safe and friendly environment. […]
3. Does anyone need to co-sign my notes while I have a temporary license?
No. The Board does not require co-signatures on notes written by temporary licensees. The notarized affidavits you sent to us stand as a guarantee that a licensed PT is closely supervising you as you begin practice.
5. Does the TX Jurisprudence Assessment Module (TX JAM) count as a continuing competence activity?
Yes. The TX JAM has been assigned a value of two (2) continuing competence units (CCUs) and is a requirement for PTs and PTAs renewing or restoring their license.
4. What errors could keep my license from being renewed as soon as my application and fee are received?
One common mistake is entering a PO Box as the Home Address, or not submitting a contact phone number. As it clearly states in the instructions, you must have a home address with a physical street location on file with the Board for your renewal to be processed. Even if you pay for your renewal […]