§ 40.32. Functions of supportive personnel.
(a) The physical therapist may only allow supportive personnel to perform patient-related activities which do not require the formal education or training and the skill and knowledge of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, and only while the supportive personnel are under the direct on-premise supervision of a physical therapist.
(b) The physical therapist may not permit supportive personnel to provide physical therapy services. The physical therapist may permit supportive personnel to perform the following:
(1) Patient assistance in preparation for treatment, as necessary during treatment and at the conclusion of treatment.
(2) Application of superficial heat or cold as an adjunct to the treatment program.
(3) Assembly, disassembly and maintenance of equipment and accessories.
(4) Transportation of patients.
(5) Assistance to patients with nontreatment aspects of activities and attending the personal needs of patients.
(6) Recording information through the use of flow sheets and checklists which identify activities performed by the patient.
(c) The physical therapist may not permit supportive personnel to interpret referrals, perform evaluation procedures, conduct tests, initiate or adjust treatment programs, assume responsibility for patient care or document physical therapy treatment.
Authority The provisions of this § 40.32 issued under sections 3(a), 6(d.1), 8(b), 9.1, 9.2 and 11(a)(6) of the Physical Therapy Practice Act (63 P. S. § § 1301(a), 1306(d.1), 1308(b), 1309.1, 1309.2 and 1311(a)(6)); amended under section 3(a) of the Physical Therapy Practice Act (63 P. S. § 1303(a)); and section 812.1 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 279.3a).
Source The provisions of this § 40.32 adopted July 24, 1992, effective July 25, 1992, 22 Pa.B. 3872; amended August 27, 2004, effective August 28, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 4697. Immediately preceeding text appears at serial pages (206197) to (206198).
Cross References This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 40.52 (relating to unprofessional conduct; physical therapists).
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