DC PT Jurisprudence key terms

The evaluation, treatment, and prevention of physical disability, injury, or disease using physical agents, therapeutic exercise, manual techniques, and related interventions performed under the DC Practice Act's scope provisions.

The legally defined boundary of activities a DC licensee may perform, including evaluation, intervention, and consultation, with certain tasks reserved to physical therapists or requiring physician referral.

Conduct the DC Practice Act bars a licensee from doing, such as practicing without a license, exceeding authorized scope, or using a title without authorization, each a potential ground for discipline.

A person licensed under the DC Practice Act to evaluate, treat, and prevent movement dysfunction and to supervise assistive personnel within the statutory scope and referral requirements.

A person licensed or certified under the DC Practice Act who performs selected physical therapy interventions under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, without independent evaluation or plan-of-care authority.

The physical therapist's responsibility to direct, monitor, and remain accountable for care delivered by assistants or aides, with the level of oversight defined by the Act and Board rules.

The assignment of a specific task to another person by a physical therapist who retains accountability for the patient's care and must ensure the delegate is competent and legally permitted to perform it.

An unlicensed worker who supports physical therapy services by performing non-skilled tasks such as transport, setup, and clerical duties, and who may not provide skilled interventions or patient education.

The DC regulatory body that licenses physical therapists and assistants, adopts rules, investigates complaints, and imposes discipline for violations of the Practice Act.

The process by which the DC Board grants legal authority to practice physical therapy after verifying education, examination, and fitness qualifications required by statute and regulation.

The periodic process by which a DC licensee submits required fees, continuing education evidence, and attestations to keep an active license valid for practice.

A license that has expired because renewal requirements were not met, making continued practice unlawful until reinstatement or a new license is issued.

Providing physical therapy services or using a protected title without a valid DC license, a violation that may result in civil penalties, injunctions, or criminal prosecution.

Required coursework or professional activity completed during each renewal cycle to maintain competence, subject to Board-approved hour and content requirements and recordkeeping.

A Board review of a licensee's continuing education records to verify compliance, which may require submission of certificates and can lead to discipline if requirements are unmet.

The degree of skill and care a reasonably prudent physical therapist would provide in similar circumstances, used as the benchmark in negligence and disciplinary analysis.

A patient's voluntary agreement to evaluation or treatment after receiving an explanation of the nature, risks, benefits, and alternatives, documented in the record.

The statutory and ethical entitlements of patients, including privacy, dignity, access to records, informed participation in care, and freedom from discrimination or abuse.

The duty to protect patient information from unauthorized disclosure, with exceptions required or permitted by law such as mandatory reporting and public health obligations.

The clinical documentation of evaluation findings, plan of care, interventions, progress, and communications that must be accurate, timely, and retained under DC requirements.

The written or electronic recording of care that supports clinical decisions, demonstrates supervision, and provides evidence of services for billing and legal purposes.

The required period for keeping patient records after the last service date, after which records may be destroyed in a manner that preserves confidentiality.

The legal obligation to report certain events to authorities, such as suspected child or elder abuse, communicable disease, or unsafe practice by another licensee.

A sanction imposed by the DC Board after a finding of misconduct, ranging from reprimand and probation to suspension, revocation, or civil penalties.

Statutorily listed bases for discipline, including fraud in obtaining a license, incompetence, unprofessional conduct, substance impairment, and violation of Board orders.

Behavior falling below accepted standards of the profession, such as dishonesty, boundary violations, abandonment, or practicing while impaired, that can support discipline.

The procedural protections owed a licensee in disciplinary proceedings, including notice of charges, an opportunity to respond, and a fair hearing before an impartial decision-maker.

A negotiated resolution in which a licensee accepts specified findings and sanctions without a full hearing, which becomes a public Board order.

Failure to exercise the standard of care owed a patient, causing harm, established by showing a duty, a breach, causation, and damages.

Professional negligence by a physical therapist that injures a patient and may give rise to civil liability independent of any Board disciplinary proceeding.

The statutory condition under which physical therapy may be initiated only with a physician or other authorized practitioner's referral, or under defined direct-access exceptions.

The authority to evaluate and treat a patient without a prior physician referral, limited by DC statutory conditions such as duration, diagnosis, or referral triggers.

Practices such as hand hygiene, barrier precautions, and equipment disinfection that reduce transmission of pathogens in physical therapy settings and are subject to regulatory standards.

A universal approach treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious, requiring gloves, hand hygiene, and protective equipment as indicated by anticipated exposure.

Regulatory and practical obligations to maintain safe facilities and equipment, respond to emergencies, and protect patients and staff from foreseeable harm.

A rule specific to practicing in the District of Columbia, such as DC license display, address reporting, and compliance with local health and business regulations.

Providing care while affected by alcohol, drugs, or a physical or mental condition that undermines judgment or skill, a ground for discipline and often for mandated evaluation.

The duty to notify the DC Board of changes to a licensee's contact or practice address so that official notices and renewal materials reach the licensee.

Terminating care of a patient without reasonable notice, an adequate handoff, or arrangements for continued treatment, which constitutes unprofessional conduct.