Upcoming Webinars

Site Updates

Disclaimer

The analysis of any legal or medical billing is dependent on numerous specific facts — including the factual situations present related to the patients, the practice, the professionals and the medical services and advice. Additionally, laws and regulations and insurance and payer policies are subject to change. The information that has been accurate previously can be particularly dependent on changes in time or circumstances. The information contained in this web site is intended as general information only. It is not intended to serve as medical, health, legal or financial advice or as a substitute for professional advice of a medical coding professional, healthcare consultant, physician or medical professional, legal counsel, accountant or financial advisor. If you have a question about a specific matter, you should contact a professional advisor directly. CPT copyright American Medical Association. All rights reserved. CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.

Menu
Log in


Log in

Oregon PT Assistants

Definition of a PTA

“Physical therapist assistant” means a person who assists a physical therapist in the administration of selected components of physical therapy intervention. A physical therapist assistant works under the supervision and direction of the physical therapist.

What are PTAs allowed to do?

A physical therapist assistant may prepare a final summary of a patient’s physical therapy status upon discharge as provided in OAR 848-040-0165.

What activities are expressly prohibited?

A physical therapist assistant shall not:

    • Perform an initial evaluation.
    • Perform the required reassessment provided in OAR 848-040-0155. However, a physical therapist assistant may participate with the physical therapist in gathering data to be included in the required reassessment of a patient for whom the assistant has been providing treatment.
    • Independently make modifications to the plan of care or objective goals. However, an assistant may collaborate with the physical therapist in making modifications or changes to the plan of care or goals based on the assistant's treatment of that patient and the patient's condition, progress or response to the treatment.
    • Independently make the decision to discharge a patient from therapy. However, a physical therapist assistant may make recommendations regarding discharge to the supervising physical therapist based on the assistant's treatment of the patient.
    • Perform high velocity manipulation of the spine or peripheral joints.

What are the responsibilities of the PT when delegating to a PTA?

A physical therapist assistant may provide physical therapy treatment only after a physical therapist has performed an initial evaluation and prepared a plan of care.

What type of therapist supervision is required?

“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.

For purposes of the provision of physical therapy services, a physical therapist assistant shall practice solely under the clinical supervision and direction of a physical therapist.

A physical therapist assistant may provide physical therapy treatment only when a supervising physical therapist is available. As used in this rule “available” means that at all times a supervising physical therapist is readily accessible for consultation with the assistant, either in person or by means of telecommunications.

Citations

ORS 688.010

OAR 848-015-0010

OAR 848-015-0030



About Us

Therapy Comply is a healthcare compliance firm that seeks to bring high quality web-based compliance guidance and one-on-one consulting services to small and medium size physical, occupational, and speech therapy practices.

Learn More 

Join Us

Join today as either a monthly or a yearly member and enjoy full access to the site and a significant discount to our live and recorded webinars.  Members also have access to compliance and billing support.

Join Today 

Find Us


Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software