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

In providing general supervision, the PT shall do all of the following:

• Have primary responsibility for physical therapy care rendered by the PTA.
• Have direct face−to−face contact with the physical therapist assistant at least every fourteen (14) calendar days, unless the board approves another type of contact.
• Remain accessible to telecommunications in the interim between direct contacts while the physical therapist assistant is providing patient care.
• Establish a written policy and procedure for written and oral communication. This policy and procedure shall include a specific description of the supervisory activities undertaken for the physical therapist assistant as well as a description of the manner by which the physical therapist shall manage all aspects of patient care. The amount of supervision shall be appropriate to the setting and the services provided
• Provide initial patient examination, evaluation and interpretation of referrals and create the initial patient record for every patient the physical therapist treats.
• Develop and revise as appropriate a written patient treatment plan and program.
• Delegate appropriate portions of the treatment plan and program to the physical therapist assistant consistent with the physical therapist assistant’s education, training and experience.
• Coordinate discharge plan decisions and the final assessment with the physical therapist assistant.

When is a reassessment required?

Provide on−site assessment and reevaluation of each patient’s treatment at a minimum of one (1) time per calendar month or every tenth (10th) treatment day, whichever is sooner, and adjust the treatment plan as appropriate.

What level of supervision is required?

General Supervision

“General supervision” means direct, on−premises contact between a supervisor, and a physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, student or temporary licensee being supervised, as necessary. Between direct contacts, a supervisor is required to maintain indirect, off−premises telecommunication contact such that the person being supervised can, within 24 hours, establish direct telecommunication with a supervisor.

What is the ratio between supervising PTs and PTAs?

No PT may at any time supervise more than two (2) PTA full−time equivalents practicing under general supervision.

Reference

Wis. Stat. 448.56

Wis. Admin. Code Trans.  PT 5.01