Role Delineation in Physical Therapy

1. Role DelineationinPhysical Therapy by Vince Lepak, MPH, PT

2. OBJECTIVES: Understand the responsibilities of delegation. Differentiate the roles of the athletic trainer, physical therapist, physical therapists assistant, and the physical therapy aide.

3. Who will you supervise? PTA Student PT or PTA ATC PT technician (aide)

4. Delegation of Authority (APTA House of Delegates, 1993) Deliver of services in a way that protects the public safety & maximizes availability of services. You are responsible legally to anyone you delegate responsibility to the supervision of a PT program. The amount of responsibility should be based on education, experience and training of the individual and that patient's particular circumstances.

5. What you cannot delegate:

6. Supervision Direct clinical on-site General 30 days except; no less than 120 calendar days Responsible Maximum of 3

7. Students and Graduates PT or PTA Students Direct on-site If you work outside of the formal education curriculum, you are classified as an aide. Graduate PT - Direct on-site

8. ATC�s Environment Typically the ATC works for a school system and their services are usually not reimbursable. The ATC may only treat athletes from the team or organization they are associated with.

9. ATC Skills list signed by M.D. every year in August Practice anything the list says Must make a contract with a physician College undergraduate degrees as a minimum and stringent requirement (1500) hours under an ATC. (National Athletics Trainer's Association)

10. Six Major Domains of ATC & Sports Physical Therapy Prevention of athletic injuries Recognition and evaluation of athletic injuries Management, treatment, and disposition of athletic injuries Rehabilitation of athletic injuries Organization, and administration of the athletic training program Education and counseling of the athlete Sports injury prevention Sports injury assessment Management, treatment, and disposition of athletic injuries Rehabilitation of athletic injuries Organization and administration of the athletic training program Education and counseling of the athlete

11. References Direction, delegation and supervision in physical therapy services: A definition and utilization of the physical therapist assistant (HOD 06-93-08-09). In: Minutes of the 193 House of Delegates Meeting. Alexandria, Va: American Physical Therapy Association; 1993. Direction, delegation and supervision in physical therapy services: A definition and utilization of the physical therapist assistant (HOD 06-95-11-06). In: Minutes of the 1993 House of Delegates Meeting. Alexandria, Va: American Physical Therapy Association; 1993. National athletic trainers� association facts. (1994). (Available from the National Athletic Trainers� Association, 2952 Stemmons, Dallas, Tx 75247). Oklahoma Administrative Code, Title 435. State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision. Chap. 20. Physical Therapists and Assistants (Title 59 O.S., Section 887.5, 1993). Physical Therapy Practice Act, Title 59 O.S., Sections 887.1-887.17 (1987). Position on athletic trainers in relation to physical therapy (HOD 06-93-18-30). In: Minutes of the 1992House of Delegates Meeting. Alexandria, Va: American Physical Therapy Association; 1992.