Section 7-5 - Physical therapist assistants (a) Definitions that apply to this section: - (i) "Physical therapist assistant" is a person who is certified and who assists a physical therapist in the administration of physical therapy. The physical therapist assistant's function is to assist the physical therapist in patient-related activities and to perform delegated procedures that are commensurate with the physical therapist assistant's education, training, experience, and skill.
- (ii) "Physical therapist assistant supervision" means that at all times a supervising physical therapist is readily accessible for consultation with the physical therapist assistant, either in person or by means of telecommunications.
- (iii) "Supervising physical therapist" means either the last physical therapist to see the patient or the physical therapist designated as in charge of the patient on the day the patient is being treated.
(b) Scope of Practice. - (i) For purposes of the provision of physical therapy services, a physical therapist assistant shall practice solely under the supervision and direction of a physical therapist.
- (ii) A physical therapist assistant may provide physical therapy treatment only when supervised by a physical therapist.
- (iii) The physical therapist assistant shall ensure the aide's competence in tasks delegated.
- (iv) The physical therapist assistant shall report any changes in the patient status to the supervising physical therapist before providing physical therapy services.
- (v) When components of a patient's treatment are delegated to a physical therapist assistant in the outpatient setting, a physical therapist must provide the treatment and documentation of its appropriateness at least every six (6) treatment sessions or three (3) weeks.
- (vi) When components of a patient's treatment are delegated to a physical therapist assistant in home health, long-term care, or school settings:
- (A) The physical therapist must be accessible in person or by telecommunication to the physical therapist assistant at all times while the physical therapist assistant is treating the patient;
- (B) A joint visit by the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant or a conference between the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant must be made prior to or on the first physical therapist assistant visit to the patient;
- (C) At least once every thirty (30) calendar days the physical therapist must visit the patient and the medical/education record must reflect a documented conference with the physical therapist assistant outlining treatment goals and program modification;
- (D) The on-site visit must include:
- (I) An on-site functional assessment;
- (II) Review of activities with appropriate revisions or termination of plan of care;
- (III) Assessment of utilization of outside resources.
(c) Prohibited Acts. A physical therapist assistant shall not: - (i) Perform an initial evaluation;
- (ii) Perform reassessment. A physical therapist assistant may participate with the physical therapist on gathering data to be included in the reassessment of a patient for whom the physical therapist assistant has been providing treatment;
- (iii) Independently make modifications to the plan of care or objective goals. A physical therapist assistant may collaborate with the physical therapist in making modifications or changes to the plan of care or goals based on the physical therapist assistant's treatment of that patient and the patient's condition, progress or response to the treatment;
- (iv) Independently make the decision to discharge a patient from therapy. A physical therapist assistant may make recommendations regarding discharge to the supervising physical therapist based on the physical therapist assistant's treatment of the patient;
- (v) Perform high velocity manipulation of the spine or peripheral joints;
- (vi) Perform dry needling.
(d) No person shall practice as a physical therapist assistant unless that person is certified as provided in W.S. 33-25-102.