Physical Therapist

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/Clinical Supervisor.

 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:
   1. 1. Graduated after successful completion of a Physical Therapist education program approved by one of the following:
         1. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (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; and
      2. Passed an examination for Physical Therapists approved by the State in which physical therapy services are provided.

On or before December 31, 2009—

1. 1. 1. Graduated after successful completion of a physical therapy curriculum approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE); or meets both of the following:
         1. 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.
         2. Passed an examination for Physical Therapists approved by the State in which physical therapy services are provided.

Before January 1, 2008—

1. 1. 1. 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.

On or before December 31, 1977 was licensed or qualified as a Physical Therapist and meets both of the following:

1. 1. 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.

Before January 1, 1966—

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

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.

If trained outside the United States before January 1, 2008, meets the following requirements:

1. 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.
2. Two years of appropriate experience as a physical therapist. Community/home health experience is preferred.
3. Current CPR certification and valid driver’s license.
4. Acceptance of philosophy and goals of the Agency.
5. Excellent observation, verbal and written communication skills, problem solving skills, basic math skills; therapy skills per competency checklist.

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities

1. The Physical Therapist assumes responsibility for, but is not restricted to:
   1. Ongoing interdisciplinary assessment of the patient
   2. Development and evaluation of the plan of care in partnership with the patient, representative (if any), and caregiver(s)
   3. Providing services that are ordered by the physician as indicated in the plan of care
   4. Patient, caregiver, and family counseling
   5. Patient and caregiver education
   6. Preparing clinical notes
   7. Communication with all physicians involved in the plan of care and other health care practitioners (as appropriate) related to the current plan of care
   8. Participation in the Agency’s QAPI program
   9. Participation in agency-directed in-service training
   10. Supervision of Physical Therapist Assistants and home health aide services, if indicated.
2. Assesses and evaluates patient’s status by:
   1. Writing and initiating plan of care
   2. Regularly re-evaluating patient and family/caregiver needs
   3. Participating in revising the plan of care as necessary
3. Initiates the plan of care and makes necessary revisions as patient status and needs change.
4. Develops a care plan that establishes goals, based on diagnoses and incorporates physical therapy actions. Includes the patient and the family in the planning process.
5. Initiates physical therapy program and instructs other personnel and/or family/caregiver in certain phases of physical therapy with which they may work with a patient, as well as instructing them as to the goals of the physical therapy program for the patient.
6. Implements current physical therapy practice following the plan of care.
7. Provides accurate and timely documentation of patient services to reflect the plan of care.
8. Provide patient and family/caregiver education and information pertinent to diagnosis and plan of care.
9. Identifies patient and family/caregiver needs for other home health services and refers
   as necessary.
10. Prepares and submits clinical and progress summaries based on the attainment of goals.
11. Participates in coordination of Agency services, appropriately reporting the identified needs to the care team.
12. Uses equipment and supplies effectively.
13. Provides appropriate pain/symptom management. Evaluates and documents patient’s response to treatments/interventions.
14. Participates in personal, professional growth and development.

The above statements are intended to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS

1. Supervised by: Clinical Supervisor/Clinical Manager

2. Employees Supervised: None

RISK EXPOSURE High risk