Unit Objective 6

1. Unit Objective 6 HilariPectol

2. The Role of a Physical Therapy Aide • According to the Physical Therapy Practice Act, “a physical therapy aide is a person who is trained, on the job, by a licensed physical therapist; and provides routine assistance to a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.” • A physical therapy aide is a person working in a physical therapy clinic who is not a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant. • A physical therapy aide is a non-licensed worker.

3. Supervision of a Physical Therapy Aide • The Physical Therapy Practice Act Rule states that a full-time physical therapist can only supervise three full-time physical therapy aides or physical therapist assistants unless otherwise approved by the board and Division. • A physical therapy aide can only provide routine assistance to a physical therapist if the aide is under the on-site supervision of the therapist. • A physical therapy aide may provide routine assistance to a physical therapist assistant if the aide is under general (must be available by telecommunications) or on-site supervision of a licensed physical therapist and under the on-site supervision of the physical therapist assistant.

4. Supervision • According to the Physical Therapy Practice Act, “Failure to supervise a licensed physical therapist or physical therapy aide in accordance with the requirements of this chapter” is considered unprofessional conduct.

5. Tasks of a Physical Therapy Aide • The physical therapy aide is involved in patient related and non-patient related tasks. • They can assist patients before and after treatment • Put together equipment • Clean equipment • Stock supplies • It will be up to the physical therapist that the aide works for to decide the extent of the aides responsibilities in compliance with the state and federal regulations

6. Tasks • There are many tasks that a physical therapy aide cannot do. Some of these things are, • Performing an evaluation or assessment • Identifying an injury • Creating a plan of care for a patient • Perform interventions with the patient