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
Forgot password


Search
Log in
Forgot password

Washington Physical Therapy Supervision Definitions

Close Supervision - The supervisor has personally diagnosed the condition to be treated and has personally authorized the procedures to be performed. The supervisor is continuously on-site and physically present in the operatory while the procedures are performed and capable of responding immediately in the event of an emergency.

Consultation - A communication regarding a patient's evaluation and proposed treatment plan with an authorized health care practitioner.

Direct Supervision - The supervisor must:

    • Be continuously on-site and present in the department or facility where the person being supervised is performing services;
    • Be immediately available to assist the person being supervised in the services being performed; and
    • Maintain continued involvement in appropriate aspects of each treatment session in which a component of treatment is delegated to assistive personnel or is required to be directly supervised.

Indirect Supervision - The supervisor is not on the premises but has given either written or oral instructions for treatment of the patient and the patient has been examined by the PT at such time as acceptable health care practice requires and consistent with the particular delegated health care task.

Other Assistive Personnel - Other trained or educated health care personnel, who perform specific designated tasks that are related to physical therapy and within their license, scope of practice, or formal education, under the supervision of a PT including, but not limited to, licensed massage therapists, licensed athletic trainers, and exercise physiologists. At the direction of the supervising PT, and if properly credentialed and not prohibited by any other law, other assistive personnel may be identified by the title specific to their license, training or education.

Physical Therapist - A person who meets all the requirements of the statutes and regulations and is licensed in Washington to practice physical therapy.

Physical Therapist Assistant - A person who meets all the requirements of the statutes and is licensed as a PTA and who performs physical therapy procedures and related tasks that have been selected and delegated only by the supervising PT.

Physical Therapy Aide - An unlicensed person who receives ongoing on-the-job training and assists a PT or PTA in providing physical therapy patient care and who does not meet the definition of a PT, PTA, or other assistive personnel. A physical therapy aide may directly assist in the implementation of therapeutic interventions but may not alter or modify the plan of therapeutic interventions and may not perform any procedure or task which only a physical therapist may perform.

Other Assistive Personnel - Other trained or educated health care personnel who perform specific designated tasks that are related to physical therapy and within their license, scope of practice, or formal education, under the supervision of a PT, including but not limited to licensed massage therapists, athletic trainers, and exercise physiologists. At the direction of the supervising PT, and if properly credentialed and not prohibited by any other law, other assistive personnel may be identified by the title specific to their license, training, or education.

Reference

RCW 18.74.010

WAC 246-915-010

About Us

Zachary Edgar JD, LLM is the managing partner for Therapy Comply.  Zachary is a healthcare attorney that specializes in federal and state healthcare regulatory issues particularly for physical, occupational, and speech therapy practices.  

Learn More 

Join Us

Join today as 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