DEFINITION:

The Physical Therapist Assistant is a skilled technical provider of physical therapy treatments and related duties. The Physical Therapist Assistant works under the direction of the Physical Therapist. The Physical Therapist supervises the assistant in accordance with state law.

LINE OF AUTHORITY:

Services provided by the physical therapist assistant will be provided under the general supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Reports to and is supervised by the Physical Therapist.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have an associate degree from a recognized Physical Therapy Assistant Program accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association;
• Must be currently licensed by the state of Florida with at least 1 year experience;
• Must have a thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and equipment used in physical therapy treatment;
• Must be able to communicate instructions to the patient;
• Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients and home care staff.
• Possess ability to understand, interpret and carry out the Physical Therapist’s directions.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Provides and performs services planned, delegated, and supervised by the therapist;
• Assists in preparing clinical notes and progress reports;
• Contributes to assessment and planning process that addresses physical, psychosocial, environmental and safety factors and considers physician’s orders, relevant medical history, patient’s/ client’s functional status and availability of willing and able caregiver.
• Assists the physician in evaluating the patient’s/ client’s level function by applying diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
• Participated in educating the patient and family;
• Participates in in-service programs;
• Must be able to communicate instructions to the patient;
• Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients and home care staff.
• Participates in patient case conferences as requested.
• Able to see and hear adequately to respond to auditory and visual requests which relate to the coordination of Agency activities.
• Able to speak in a clear, concise voice in order to communicate direction for homecare activities and staff.
• Mental acuity high enough to adequately perform job requirements.
• Maintains confidentiality of all patient and Agency matters.

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