Physical Therapist

PHYSICAL THERAPIST Policy No.: JD-11
JOB SUMMARY
A Physical Therapist (PT) administers physical therapy to patients on an intermittent basis in their place of residence. This is
performed in accordance with physician orders and plan of care under the direction and supervision of the Clinical Manager/
Therapy Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. A person who is licensed, if applicable, by the state in which practicing, unless licensure does not apply and meets one of the
following requirements:

a. Graduated after successful completion of a physical therapist education program approved by one of the following:

1. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Eduction (CAPTE).
2. Successor organizations of CAPTE.
3. An education program outside the United States determined to be substantially equivalent to physical therapist entry level education in the United States by a credentials evaluation organization approved by the American Physical Therapy Association or an organization identified in 8 CFR 212.15(e) as it relates to physical therapists.

b. Passed an examination for physical therapists approved by the state in which physical therapy services are provided.
OR
On or before December 31, 2009

1. Graduated after successful completion of a physical therapy curriculum approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Eduction (CAPTE); or
2. Meets both of the following:
3. Graduated after successful completion of an education program determined to be substantially equivalent to physical therapist entry level education in the United States by a credentials evaluation organization approved by the American Physical Therapy Association or identified in 8 CFR 212.15(e) as it relates to physical therapists.
4. Passed an examination for physical therapists approved by the state in which physical therapy services are provided.

OR
Before January 1, 2008 graduated from a physical therapy curriculum approved by one of the following:

1. The American Physical Therapy Association.
2. The Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association.
3. The Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association and the American Physical Therapy Association.

OR
On or before December 31, 1977 was licensed or qualified as a physical therapist and meets both of the following:

1. Has 2 years of appropriate experience as a physical therapist.
2. Has achieved a satisfactory grade on a proficiency examination conducted, approved, or sponsored by the U.S. Public Health Service.

OR
Before January 1, 1966

1. Was admitted to membership by the American Physical Therapy Association.
2. Was admitted to registration by the American Registry of Physical Therapists; or
3. Graduated from a physical therapy curriculum in a 4-year college or university approved by a state department of education.

OR
Before January 1, 1966 was licensed or registered, and before January 1, 1970, had 15 years of full-time experience in the treatment of illness or injury through the practice of physical therapy in which services were rendered under the order and direction of attending and referring doctors of medicine or osteopathy.
OR
If trained outside the United States before January 1, 2008, meets the following requirements:

1. Was graduated since 1928 from a physical therapy curriculum approved in the country in which the curriculum was located and in which there is a member organization of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy.
2. Meets the requirements for membership in a member organization of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy
3. Two (2) years experience, preferred
4. Acceptance of philosophy and goals of Agency.
5. Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assists the physician or intermediate care provider in evaluating level of function, helps develop the plan of care and
revise as necessary.
2. Advises and consults with the family and other agency personnel.
3. Participates in in-service programs and presents in-service programs as assigned.
4. Understands and adheres to established policies and procedures.
5. Participates with all other health care personnel in patient care planning.
6. Directs and supervises assistant (PTA, HHA) personnel per requirements and as assigned.
7. Completes initial history and evaluation visit, notifies physician of patient needs and submits plan of care and orders
for physician approval.
8. Performs all skilled physical therapy procedures as ordered by physician.
9. Consults with physicians regarding change in treatment.
10. Writes reports to physicians regarding patients progress.
11. Instructs patients and family/significant others in home programs and activities of daily living and documents
instruction in the patients clinical records.
12. Attends all staff meetings and patient care conferences as scheduled.
13. Supervises the PTA every 30-days and HHA (per requirements) as assigned.
14. Completes and submits OASIS assessments, reassessments, and transfers, resumptions of care, discharges and
significant change in condition in accordance with Agency defined time frames if therapist has been trained and
evaluated for competency on tasks.
15. Appropriately utilizes ICD-10 diagnoses and codes.
16. Completes a discharge summary upon completion of therapy services.
17. Completes a 60-day summary for physician every 60 days if further treatment is to be continued (recertification).
18. Observes confidentiality and safeguards all patient related information.
19. Prepares and submits patient evaluations, clinical and progress notes in a timely manner as outlined in Agency policy.
20. Immediately reports to Clinical Manager/Therapy Director/RN any patient incidents/variances or complaints.
21. Participants in peer review and QM activities as requested.
22. Adheres to Agency standards and consistently interprets and accurately performs all assigned responsibilities.
23. Maintains acceptable attendance status, per Agency policy.
24. Reports all incomplete work assignments to Clinical Manager/Therapy Supervisor.
25. Appearance is always within Agency standards; is clean and well-groomed.
26. Demonstrates effective time management skills through daily documentation and infrequent overtime for routine
assignments.
27. Maintains clean and neat work environment.
28. Demonstrates sound judgment, critical thinking and decision making.
29. Maintains current CPR certifications.
30. Performs other duties as assigned.