Section 61.5-05-01-02 - Physical therapist assistantsThe physical therapist assistant shall perform selected components of patient care under the supervision of a physical therapist who is properly credentialed in the jurisdiction in which the physical therapist assistant practices.
1. The physical therapist assistant may initiate or alter a treatment program only with prior evaluation by, and approval of, the supervising physical therapist.2. The physical therapist assistant, with prior approval by the supervising physical therapist, may adjust the specific treatment procedure in accordance with changes in the patient's status.3. The physical therapist assistant may interpret data only within the scope of the physical therapist assistant's education.4. The physical therapist assistant may respond to inquiries regarding a patient's status to appropriate parties within the protocol established by the supervising physical therapist.5. The physical therapist assistant shall refer inquiries regarding patient prognosis to a supervising physical therapist.6. Documentation other than the initial note and the discharge summary can be written by a physical therapist assistant.7. The supervising physical therapist must be accessible by communication to the physical therapist assistant at all times while the physical therapist assistant is treating the patient.8. An initial visit must be made by the supervising physical therapist for evaluation of the patient and establishment of a plan of care.9. A joint visit by the supervising physical therapist and physical therapist assistant or a conference between the supervising physical therapist and physical therapist assistant must be made prior to or on the first physical therapist assistant visit to the patient. This visit must include:a. A functional assessment;b. Review of activities with appropriate revisions or termination of plan of care; andc. Assessment of utilization of outside resources.10. At least once after a sixth physical therapist assistant visit or at least once every thirty calendar days, whichever occurs first, a physical therapist must visit the patient. Following each visit by a supervising physical therapist, the medical/education record must reflect a documented conference with the physical therapist assistant outlining treatment goals and program modifications. The supervising physical therapist shall complete the documentation for this conference. If the physical therapist performing the sixth visit is not the patient's initial evaluator, the medical record must reflect a transfer of supervisory authority from the initial evaluator to that physical therapist.N.D. Admin Code 61.5-05-01-02
Effective December 1, 1994; amended effective July 1, 2004.Amended by Administrative Rules Supplement 376, April 2020, effective 4/1/2020.General Authority: NDCC 43-26.1-03(5)
Law Implemented: NDCC 43-26.1-01, 43-26.1-11, 43-26.1-13(7)