2. Can a PT/PTA located in another state provide physical therapy services via telehealth to a patient who is physically located in Texas?
As long as the PT/PTA has either an unrestricted Texas license or a Compact Privilege to practice in Texas, they can provide physical therapy services via telehealth to a patient who is physically located in Texas regardless of their location.
1. Can a PT/PTA who is licensed in TX provide physical therapy services via telehealth to a patient in another state/country?
The TX PT Rules pertain to physical therapy services via telehealth provided to a patient who is physically located in Texas. Physical therapy services provided to a patient located in another state/country are governed by the physical therapy statutes and rules of that state/country.
7. Can anyone who is not a PT or PTA, such as a physician or an OT, supervise physical therapy treatment by a PTA or aide?
No. Regardless of the setting, if a patient is receiving physical therapy services, only licensed physical therapy personnel may supervise the treatment of the patient. See the Board rules, §322.3(c)
6. If the patient’s discharge is voluntary or unanticipated, what are the consequences for the supervising PT if no conferences were held?
Unanticipated discharge should not be an issue for the supervising PT, since there is no specific frequency or number of conferences required. If a conference was necessary prior to the voluntary or unanticipated discharge, for example, it should show up in the documentation of treatment that occurred prior to that discharge. If there is no […]
5. In my clinic, PTs and PTAs work closely together on their patients, often discussing the patient’s progress or status informally in the hall, which is often enough to make intelligent decisions regarding the case. Does this type of “conference” satisfy the new requirements?
Yes, as long as it is documented. See the Board rules, §322.3(4) 11/06
4. How and where should we document conferences between the PT and PTA?
The Board’s purpose in requiring documented conferences is to ensure that PT/PTA communication about the patient is part of the record for that patient. The Board has not set out in rule how each conference should be documented, leaving the format up to the PT and PTA. However, you should note the date of the […]
3. What does “on call and readily available” mean?
“On call” means immediately available by phone or pager; “readily available” means able to respond in person within a reasonable amount of time. The Board has not set time and distance limits so that circumstances particular to each situation may be taken into account. The Board relies on your professional judgment to guide you.
2. What’s “on-site”?
On-site is defined as “on the premises and readily available to respond.” On-site supervision is required for those working with a temporary license, as well as for PT aides. Generally, on-site means in the same building; however, the size of the building, the acuteness of the patient, and other factors that are unique to each […]
1. Can a PT supervise home health aides?
The Physical Therapy Board’s rules only specifically address supervision of physical therapy aides. There is nothing in the rules which addresses the ability or authority of a PT to supervise any other personnel. Therefore, as long as the home health aide is not providing any service considered or represented to be physical therapy, the supervision […]
1. Where can I find information on supervising PT and PTA students working in my clinic?
Students are specifically exempt from regulation by the Board, as per §453.004 of the Practice Act. If you have chosen to be a clinical instructor for students from a PT or PTA program, you must contact the student’s school for guidance about what students may do in a clinical setting and the type of supervision […]