Unit Objective 6 Hilari Pectol

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.

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.

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.

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

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