Objective Six: The Role , Supervision , and Tasks of Physical Therapy Aide

1. Objective Six:The Role, Supervision, and Tasks of Physical Therapy Aide By Caitlin Prentice

2. What is the role of a PT Aide? • A PT Aide provides routine assistance: To a licensed physical therapist or licensed physical therapist assistant, while the licensed physical therapist or licensed physical therapist assistant practices physical therapy, if the PT aide is: • under the general or on-site supervision of a licensed physical therapist; and • under the on-site supervision of the licensed physical therapist assistant.

3. Supervision • The division shall make rules that describe the circumstances under which general supervision or on-site supervision of a physical therapist assistant or a physical therapy aide is required.

4. Supervision • All aides must be supervise by direct or on-site supervision by a PT or PTA. • A full-time Physical Therapist may not supervise no more than three full-time equivalent supportive personnel unless approved by the board and Division

5. Tasks PT Aides May Not Do • A physical therapy aide may not engage in the practice of physical therapy. • A physical therapist assistant or a physical therapy aide may not:

6. Unprofessional Conduct Failure to supervise a licensed physical therapist assistant or a physical therapy aide in accordance with the requirements of this chapter or ruleis defined as being an act of Unprofessional Conduct.

7. Summary A physical therapy aide is not a licensed PT or PTA. They are trained on site to assist PT’s and PTA’s but are not allowed to individually practice physical therapy. If a PT aide is not under general or on site supervision then the supervisor is considered to be participating in Unprofessional Conduct.