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 […]
10. My employer wants me to do something that I think violates the PT Practice Act/Rules. What should I do?
When a PT or PTA believes that an employer has directed or mandated an action that he believes is outside the scope of physical therapy practice, violates the Practice Act or Rules, or falls outside the standard of care, the licensee is obligated as a professional to address this with their employer. If the licensee […]
9. Can a physical therapist use ultrasonography imaging during evaluation and intervention?
Both the PT Practice Act and the PT Rules authorize a physical therapist to examine, evaluate, measure, and test in order to aid in diagnosis or treatment. Tools within the scope of physical therapy to accomplish this include ultrasonography imaging. Point-of-care applications of ultrasonography imaging could include, but are not limited to, assessing the morphological […]
8. What is within the scope of practice of a PT or PTA in a home health setting?
The Board does not differentiate between types of settings, as far as the scope of practice is concerned. The scope of practice as defined in Section 453.005 of the Practice Act is not all inclusive. While the Board will define those activities which may be physical therapy, it leaves those activities which are not defined […]