Specifications include, but are not limited to: A. Physical Therapist: 1. The physical therapist must attend all initial Individual Program Planning (IPP) sessions and provide written input to the Program Coordinator. The physical therapist must confirm that input has been documented in the client’s IPP. 2. The Physical Therapist must complete an evaluation for individuals identified by PT to need PT direct or indirect services or support at least fourteen (14) days prior to the individual’s annual staffing. An annual evaluation shall include written plans for staff training as approved by the Physical Therapist. The written plan will include as needed proposed objectives in terms of developmental programming and the staff support needed to enable the individual to adapt to his or her environment. 3. The PT must provide ongoing physical therapy staff training. The PT must monitor all staff that provides direct communication training services. Physical Therapist Assistant: 1. The practice of the PTA shall be performed only under direct on-site supervision by a licensed PT. The PT shall retain moral, ethical, and legal responsibility for patient care. In direct consultation with the (supervising) PT, the PTA may: • Recommend changes in the treatment, plan of care, or goals as appropriate. • Within the plan of care, recommend appropriate equipment, assistive devices, or modification of architectural barriers. • Within the plan of care, perform appropriate examination procedures. • Alter treatment in response to adverse changes in the patient’s physiological state. 2. The PTA may provide direct supervision of a Physical Therapy Aide. However, the PT shall retain moral, ethical, and legal responsibility for patient care. 3. The PTA may provide training to the Physical Therapy Aide regarding treatment plans that will be performed with direct on-site supervision of the PT or PTA.
