California PT Jurisprudence flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Physical therapy definition

Under the California act, physical therapy is the examination, treatment, and instruction of patients to detect, assess, prevent, correct, alleviate, and limit physical disability, bodily malfunction, and pain from injury and disease.

PTBC role

The Physical Therapy Board of California administers the Physical Therapy Practice Act, sets fees, approves schools and continuing competency, issues licenses, and imposes discipline on licensees.

PTA scope

A physical therapist assistant performs physical therapy procedures under the supervision and direction of a licensed PT and may not perform evaluations, interpret tests, or develop treatment plans.

Aide scope

A physical therapist aide is an unlicensed support person who may perform non-treatment tasks such as transporting patients and preparing treatment areas but may not render physical therapy treatment.

Initial PT licensure

Initial PT licensure requires graduation from an approved program, a passing score on the National Physical Therapy Examination, and completion of the Board's application and background requirements.

Licensure by endorsement

The Board may issue a license to an applicant already licensed in another jurisdiction based on endorsement, subject to documentation, fee, and any additional requirements set by regulation.

Renewal cycle

California physical therapy licenses renew on a two-year cycle; a licensee must renew before expiration and certify completion of continuing competency and disclose certain events.

Delinquent license

A license not renewed by its expiration date becomes delinquent or expires; practicing on a delinquent or expired license is unlicensed practice subject to citation and discipline.

PT supervision of PTA

A licensed PT supervises the PTA, retains responsibility for the patient's care, and must be available for consultation and direction at the level required by regulation.

Delegation limits

A PT may delegate only tasks within the education, training, and competence of the delegatee and must retain duties requiring professional judgment, such as evaluation and discharge planning.

Student supervision

A student in an approved physical therapy program may perform physical therapy procedures only as part of the educational program and under supervision consistent with program requirements.

Supervision documentation

Where required, supervision must be documented in the patient record, including co-signature or review and identification of the supervising therapist.

Informed consent elements

Informed consent requires explaining the proposed treatment, its risks and benefits, reasonable alternatives, and the right to refuse, with the consent documented in the record.

Confidentiality rule

Patient information is confidential and may be disclosed only with patient authorization, as required by law, or for treatment, payment, and health care operations consistent with privacy law.

Record content

The physical therapy record must identify the patient, evaluation findings, treatment provided, patient response, and the provider, and must be accurate, legible, and timely.

Record alteration

A record may be corrected only by a dated addendum that preserves the original entry; falsifying or improperly altering a record is unprofessional conduct.

Gross negligence

Gross negligence, an extreme departure from the standard of care, is a ground for discipline under the act, as are repeated negligent acts and incompetence.

Impairment

Practicing while impaired by alcohol or drugs, or with a condition that endangers patients, is a ground for discipline and may trigger a Board-ordered evaluation.

Patient abandonment

Abandoning a patient without reasonable notice and an opportunity to arrange alternative care is unprofessional conduct and a ground for discipline.

Discipline types

Discipline may include revocation, suspension, probation with conditions, practice limitation, remedial education, citation with an administrative fine, or a public or private reproval.

Truthful advertising

Advertising must be truthful and not misleading; false or deceptive statements about qualifications, services, or outcomes are prohibited and may constitute unprofessional conduct.

Fee splitting

Paying or receiving compensation for patient referrals, or splitting a professional fee with an unlicensed person except as permitted by law, is prohibited.

Corporate practice limits

Corporate practice restrictions limit ownership of professional practices and bar unlicensed persons or entities from controlling a licensee's professional judgment.

Kickback prohibition

Offering or accepting a kickback, rebate, or other inducement for patient referrals is prohibited and may constitute both unprofessional conduct and a violation of the act.

Direct access

California allows physical therapy without a physician referral, subject to conditions and limits in the act and regulations, including screening and referral duties.

Referral duty

When a patient's condition is outside the scope of physical therapy or requires medical diagnosis, the therapist must refer the patient to an appropriate provider and document it.

Direct access notice

A therapist providing services without a physician referral must inform the patient, in writing where required, that no referral was obtained and that a physician may be consulted.

Visit limits

The act limits the duration or number of visits that may be provided without a physician referral in specified circumstances; the therapist must track limits and obtain referral when required.

Citation

A citation may be issued for a minor violation and may include an administrative fine, an abatement order, and education requirements; the licensee may appeal the citation.

Accusation

A formal accusation initiates disciplinary proceedings and entitles the licensee to notice of charges and a hearing before an administrative law judge.

Administrative hearing

Hearings proceed under the Administrative Procedure Act; the licensee may be represented by counsel, present evidence, and cross-examine witnesses before the administrative law judge.

Proposed decision

After the hearing, the administrative law judge issues a proposed decision; the Board may adopt, modify, or reject it, and the licensee may seek reconsideration and judicial review.