DEFINITION:

This is a qualified person who is responsible for supervising and participating in the application of a wide variety of physical therapy treatments to enhance rehabilitation of physical disabilities, injuries, and disease processes.

LINE OF AUTHORITY:

Reports to and works under the direction and supervision of Administrator and/ or Director of Nursing regarding patient’s condition, progress, outcome and other Agency matters.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Must be currently registered, licensed or certified by the state of Florida to practice Physical Therapy with at least 1 year experience in physical therapy;
2. Must be a graduate of a physical therapy curriculum approved by:

a.     The American Physical Therapy Association, or

b.     The committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association, or

c.      The Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association and the American Physical Therapy Association

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

·       Performs comprehensive assessment utilizing the OASIS data set;

·       Provides physical therapy services as prescribed by a physician, which can be safely provided in the home and assisting the physician in evaluating patients by applying diagnostic and prognostic muscle, nerve, joint and functional abilities test.

·       Assists the physician in evaluating disability, injury or disease process of individual patients, and in determining the patient’s level of function.

·       Interprets plans and establishes and implements the proper treatment in accordance with the physician’s orders.

·       Contacts the physician directly for patient reports and care as needed.

·       Submits appropriate documentation of the patient’s progress and course of care to the Agency and the physician.

·       Observes and records activities and findings in the clinical record and report to the physician the patient’s reaction to treatment and any changes in patient’s condition, or when there are deviations from the plan of care.

·       Instructs the patient and caregiver in care and use of physical therapy devices;

·       Instructs other health team personnel including, when appropriate, home health aides and caregivers in certain phases of physical therapy with which they may work with the patient; and

·       Evaluates the home environment and makes appropriate recommendations.

·       Participates in staff development and Performance Improvement activities as requested.

·       Supervises Physical Therapy Assistants and Home Health Aides as required. The physical therapists shall be accessible at all times by two way communication, which enable the physical therapist to be readily available for consultation during the delivery of care.

·       Instructs the caregiver on the patient’s total physical therapy program.

·       Maintains confidentiality of all patient’s and Agency matters.

·       Assists the physician in evaluating level of function, helps develop the plan of care (revising as necessary), prepares clinical and progress notes, advises and consults with the family and other agency personnel, and participates in in-service programs;

·       Acts as Case Manager for Therapy only cases. 

Regulatory Reference: Florida AHCA Tag H260, H261, H265, H308
Regulatory Reference: Federal Conditions of Participation Tag G184, G185, G186, G188, G189, G190. G191, G192
FIRSTLANTIC NURSING SERVICES, INC. POLICY MANUAL
Established 2/ 2004