(a) The physical therapist may only allow
supportive personnel to perform patient-related activities which do not require
the formal education or training and the skill and knowledge of a physical
therapist or physical therapist assistant, and only while the supportive
personnel are under the direct on-premise supervision of a physical
therapist.
(b) The physical
therapist may not permit supportive personnel to provide physical therapy
services. The physical therapist may permit supportive personnel to perform the
following:
(1) Patient assistance in
preparation for treatment, as necessary during treatment and at the conclusion
of treatment.
(2) Application of
superficial heat or cold as an adjunct to the treatment program.
(3) Assembly, disassembly and maintenance of
equipment and accessories.
(4)
Transportation of patients.
(5)
Assistance to patients with nontreatment aspects of activities and attending
the personal needs of patients.
(6)
Recording information through the use of flow sheets and checklists which
identify activities performed by the patient.
(c) The physical therapist may not permit
supportive personnel to interpret referrals, perform evaluation procedures,
conduct tests, initiate or adjust treatment programs, assume responsibility for
patient care or document physical therapy treatment.
Notes
The
provisions of this § 40.32 adopted July 24, 1992, effective
7/25/1992, 22 Pa.B. 3872;
amended August 27, 2004, effective 8/28/2004, 34 Pa.B.
4697.
The provisions of this § 40.32 issued under
sections 3(a), 6(d.1), 8(b), 9.1, 9.2 and 11(a)(6) of the Physical Therapy
Practice Act (63 P. S. §§
1301(a),
1306(d.1), 1308(b), 1309.1,
1309.2 and 1311(a)(6)); amended under section 3(a) of the Physical Therapy
Practice Act (63 P. S. §
1303(a)); and section 812.1
of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. §
279.3a).
This section cited in 49 Pa. Code §
40.52 (relating to unprofessional
conduct; physical therapists).
