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DC PT Jurisprudence study materials
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DC PT Jurisprudence practice questions

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Question 1DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

Under the District of Columbia physical therapy practice act, which activity most closely fits the statutory definition of physical therapy?

  1. Performing surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff
  2. Evaluating and treating a patient's movement dysfunction using therapeutic exercise and manual techniques Correct answer.
  3. Prescribing controlled substances for musculoskeletal pain management
  4. Ordering and interpreting diagnostic radiographs independently

Explanation

Physical therapy is defined around the examination, evaluation, and treatment of movement and functional limitations using physical measures such as exercise, manual therapy, and modalities. Prescribing drugs, performing surgery, and independently ordering imaging fall outside that definition.

Question 2DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A physical therapist wants to use the title 'physical therapist' in the District of Columbia. What does the practice act require?

  1. Only a bachelor's degree in a health field
  2. Registration with a national therapy association
  3. Nothing, because the title is unprotected
  4. Licensure by the District of Columbia board Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act protects the titles physical therapist and physical therapist assistant, and use of those titles requires a District license. National association membership and degrees alone do not confer title protection.

Question 3DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

Which individual may lawfully perform physical therapy interventions on patients in the District of Columbia?

  1. A certified athletic trainer employed by a gym
  2. A physical therapist assistant working without any supervision
  3. A student who has completed all coursework but is not licensed
  4. A licensed physical therapist Correct answer.

Explanation

Only a licensed physical therapist, or a physical therapist assistant acting under the required supervision, may provide physical therapy. Athletic trainers and unlicensed students are not authorized to deliver physical therapy services.

Question 4DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

In the District of Columbia, a physical therapist assistant provides treatment to a patient. Which statement best describes the required relationship with a physical therapist?

  1. The assistant may only observe and never treat patients
  2. The assistant may treat independently once licensed
  3. The assistant must obtain a separate physician order for each visit
  4. The assistant must work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist Correct answer.

Explanation

Physical therapist assistants are licensed to provide selected interventions but must do so under the supervision of a physical therapist, who retains responsibility for the plan of care. They do not practice autonomously.

Question 5DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

Which term describes a person who is not licensed but who assists a physical therapist with non-treatment tasks such as clerical work and equipment setup?

  1. Athletic trainer
  2. Physical therapy intern
  3. Physical therapist assistant
  4. Physical therapy aide Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act distinguishes licensed physical therapist assistants from unlicensed supportive personnel, often called aides, who may perform non-clinical tasks but not physical therapy interventions. Aides do not hold a therapy license.

Question 6DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A patient asks a licensed physical therapist about the therapist's obligation regarding the plan of care. Which statement reflects the Act's allocation of responsibility?

  1. The physical therapist assistant independently designs the plan of care
  2. The physical therapist is responsible for the plan of care Correct answer.
  3. The front desk staff determines the treatment schedule
  4. The referring physician must write the plan of care

Explanation

The physical therapist holds professional responsibility for examination, evaluation, and development of the plan of care. Assistants implement the plan under supervision, and non-clinical staff do not determine clinical care.

Question 7DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

Which of the following best describes an act that is prohibited for an unlicensed person under the District of Columbia practice act?

  1. Using the title 'physical therapist' without a license Correct answer.
  2. Attending a continuing education lecture
  3. Observing a licensed therapist with patient consent
  4. Reading a physical therapy textbook

Explanation

The Act prohibits unlicensed persons from using protected titles and from holding themselves out as physical therapists. Studying and observing are not prohibited, provided no treatment is rendered or title claimed.

Question 8DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A physical therapist moves from another state to the District of Columbia and wants to practice. What is the most accurate statement about licensure?

  1. The therapist must obtain a District of Columbia license Correct answer.
  2. A license from any state is automatically valid in the District
  3. The therapist may practice for one year before applying
  4. The therapist only needs a national certification

Explanation

The District requires its own license to practice physical therapy; out-of-state licenses and national certifications do not by themselves authorize practice in DC. A therapist must apply and meet DC requirements.

Question 9DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A physical therapist assistant is asked to evaluate a new patient and establish a diagnosis. How should the assistant respond under the DC practice act?

  1. Perform the evaluation because the assistant holds a license
  2. Decline, because evaluation and diagnosis are physical therapist responsibilities Correct answer.
  3. Refer the patient directly to surgery
  4. Perform the evaluation but have the therapist sign later

Explanation

Examination, evaluation, and diagnosis are reserved to the physical therapist; the assistant's scope is to provide interventions under supervision. Signing later does not cure the assistant's lack of authority to evaluate.

Question 10DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A licensed physical therapist wants to delegate a treatment to an unlicensed aide. Which task may the aide lawfully perform?

  1. Applying a therapeutic modality to the patient
  2. Documenting the patient's clinical response to treatment
  3. Progressing the patient's exercise program
  4. Setting up equipment and transporting supplies Correct answer.

Explanation

Unlicensed aides may perform supportive, non-clinical tasks such as equipment setup and supply transport. Direct patient interventions, program progression, and clinical documentation require licensed personnel.

Question 11DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A therapist provides treatment via telehealth to a patient located in the District of Columbia. Which principle governs whether the therapist may do so?

  1. Telehealth is entirely outside the practice act
  2. The therapist's home-state license always controls
  3. Only physicians may deliver telehealth
  4. The therapist must hold a DC license because the patient is located in DC Correct answer.

Explanation

Licensure generally follows the location of the patient, so a therapist treating a patient physically located in DC must be licensed in DC. The therapist's home-state license does not automatically authorize treatment of a DC-located patient.

Question 12DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A physical therapist is reviewing a chart and sees that a colleague documented interventions performed by an aide. What is the most accurate concern under the Act?

  1. The documentation format was improper
  2. The chart should have been written by the physician
  3. The aide exceeded the unlicensed supportive role by performing treatment Correct answer.
  4. The colleague needed a second signature

Explanation

Unlicensed aides may not perform physical therapy interventions; doing so exceeds the supportive role permitted by the Act. Documentation format and co-signatures are secondary to the underlying scope violation.

Question 13DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

Which statement about the use of the title 'physical therapist assistant' in DC is correct?

  1. Anyone may use it if supervised by a therapist
  2. A physical therapist may assign the title to an aide
  3. A student may use it during the final semester
  4. Only a person licensed as a physical therapist assistant may use it Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act protects the title physical therapist assistant, so only individuals licensed in that category may use it. Supervision does not authorize an unlicensed person to adopt the title.

Question 14DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A patient presents with a condition that the physical therapist believes requires medical evaluation before therapy continues. What is the appropriate action within the therapist's scope?

  1. Continue treatment and ignore the concern
  2. Diagnose the medical condition and prescribe medication
  3. Refer the patient for medical evaluation Correct answer.
  4. Discharge the patient permanently without explanation

Explanation

Physical therapists recognize when a condition is beyond their scope and refer for medical evaluation. Diagnosing medical conditions and prescribing medication are outside physical therapy scope.

Question 15DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

Which of the following activities would constitute holding oneself out as a physical therapist without a license?

  1. Reading a journal article about therapy
  2. Listing 'physical therapist' on a business card while unlicensed Correct answer.
  3. Completing a physical therapy degree
  4. Volunteering at a health fair

Explanation

Holding out includes representing oneself as a physical therapist through advertising, titles, or business materials without a license. Educational and volunteer activities alone do not constitute holding out.

Question 16DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A physical therapist assistant is supervised by a therapist who is frequently off-site. What does the Act require regarding supervision?

  1. The assistant may substitute a physician's supervision
  2. Supervision means only an annual review
  3. No supervision is needed once the assistant is licensed
  4. Supervision must meet the level the Act and rules require for the setting Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act and implementing rules define the supervision a physical therapist must provide to an assistant, and that level must be maintained for the practice setting. An assistant's license does not eliminate the supervision requirement.

Question 17DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

Which best describes how the Act treats the relationship between a physical therapist and a referring practitioner?

  1. A referral is required only for Medicare patients
  2. A referral is required only for surgical patients
  3. A therapist may never treat a patient without a physician referral in any circumstance
  4. The Act and rules define when a referral or prior diagnosis is required Correct answer.

Explanation

Whether a referral or prior diagnosis is needed depends on the Act and rules in effect, which set the conditions for treatment without referral. Payer rules and surgical status are separate considerations.

Question 18DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A therapist wants to advertise a specialty service. Which statement is consistent with the Act's prohibitions?

  1. Advertisements may not be false or misleading Correct answer.
  2. Advertising requires pre-approval by the board for each campaign
  3. Only hospitals may advertise therapy services
  4. Advertising is prohibited for all physical therapists

Explanation

The Act prohibits false, deceptive, or misleading advertising rather than advertising itself. Truthful advertising of services is permitted without per-campaign board pre-approval.

Question 19DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A licensed physical therapist is asked to sign off on a plan of care developed entirely by an unlicensed aide. What is the best analysis?

  1. This is improper because clinical decision-making cannot be delegated to unlicensed personnel Correct answer.
  2. This is acceptable if the patient consents
  3. This is acceptable because the therapist retains a license
  4. This is acceptable if the therapist signs quickly

Explanation

Clinical decision-making and plan development are non-delegable responsibilities of the licensed therapist; an aide cannot create the plan even with a signature or patient consent.

Question 20DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A physical therapist is licensed in DC and provides services to a patient who travels to Virginia for a session. Which statement is most accurate?

  1. Interstate treatment is never regulated
  2. The DC license authorizes practice anywhere the patient goes
  3. The DC license automatically converts to a Virginia license
  4. The therapist must comply with the licensure requirements where the patient is located Correct answer.

Explanation

Licensure is generally tied to the jurisdiction where the patient is located at the time of service, so the therapist must satisfy that jurisdiction's requirements. A DC license does not travel automatically with the patient.

Question 21DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

An unlicensed individual performs manual therapy on patients while a licensed therapist is in the building. Which violation is most directly implicated?

  1. Unlicensed practice of physical therapy Correct answer.
  2. Improper record retention
  3. Insufficient continuing education
  4. Failure to post a license

Explanation

Performing manual therapy, a treatment intervention, without a license is unlicensed practice regardless of whether a licensed therapist is present. Presence of a therapist does not authorize an unlicensed person to treat.

Question 22DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A therapist is developing a supervision plan for an assistant in a setting where the therapist will be present only part of the day. Which approach best reflects the Act's requirements?

  1. Rely on the assistant to self-report any problems
  2. Assume the assistant can act independently when the therapist is absent
  3. Delegate supervision to the aide
  4. Design the plan so the required supervision is maintained even during absences Correct answer.

Explanation

The supervising therapist must structure practice so that the supervision required by the Act and rules is continuously satisfied, including during absences. Supervision cannot be delegated to unlicensed aides or left to self-reporting.

Question 23DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A therapist is offered payment to certify a patient as permanently disabled for a purpose unrelated to physical therapy findings. What is the best response under the Act?

  1. Certify and document that the finding is uncertain
  2. Certify only if the payer approves
  3. Decline to make a certification unsupported by clinical findings Correct answer.
  4. Certify the claim because the patient requested it

Explanation

Making a certification unsupported by clinical findings would be false or fraudulent conduct prohibited by the Act. Payer approval or patient request does not justify an unsupported certification.

Question 24DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

Which statement best captures the scope of practice of a licensed physical therapist in the District of Columbia?

  1. Performing independent surgical procedures
  2. Examining, evaluating, and treating movement and functional impairments within the Act's limits Correct answer.
  3. Practicing medicine and prescribing drugs
  4. Providing dental hygiene services

Explanation

The physical therapy scope centers on examination, evaluation, and treatment of movement and functional impairments, subject to the limits in the Act. Medicine, surgery, and dentistry are separate licensed professions.

Question 25DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A physical therapist assistant documents treatment and the supervising therapist later reviews it. Which principle does this illustrate?

  1. The assistant's notes replace the therapist's plan of care
  2. The assistant may practice without review once experienced
  3. The assistant may alter the plan of care after review
  4. The assistant functions within a supervised relationship with therapist oversight Correct answer.

Explanation

Assistant practice occurs within a supervised relationship in which the physical therapist provides oversight and retains responsibility for the plan of care. The assistant does not gain independence through experience or documentation.

Question 26DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

Under the District of Columbia Physical Therapy Practice Act, which term is defined to include the evaluation and treatment of patients through the use of physical measures and rehabilitative procedures?

  1. Chiropractic adjustment
  2. Physical therapy Correct answer.
  3. Occupational therapy
  4. Massage therapy

Explanation

The Act defines physical therapy as the evaluation and treatment of patients using physical measures and rehabilitative procedures, including exercise, manual techniques, and modalities, to restore function and relieve pain. The other listed practices are governed by separate DC licensure laws and are not within the physical therapy definition.

Question 27DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A person in DC who has completed an accredited physical therapist assistant program but has not yet been licensed may use which title?

  1. Physical therapist assistant
  2. Licensed physical therapist assistant
  3. Physical therapy technician Correct answer.
  4. Physical therapy assistant

Explanation

The Act reserves the titles 'physical therapist assistant' and 'physical therapy assistant,' along with their abbreviations, for licensed persons. An unlicensed graduate may work only in a role and title that does not suggest licensure, such as physical therapy technician or aide.

Question 28DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

Which individual is permitted to perform an initial examination and establish a physical therapy diagnosis in the District of Columbia?

  1. A licensed physical therapist assistant
  2. A certified athletic trainer
  3. A licensed physical therapist Correct answer.
  4. An unlicensed physical therapy aide

Explanation

Only a licensed physical therapist may perform the initial examination, interpret findings, and establish a physical therapy diagnosis. Assistants implement interventions under supervision, and aides and other personnel cannot perform evaluation or diagnosis.

Question 29DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

Under the DC Act, which activity falls within the lawful scope of a licensed physical therapist acting without a physician referral?

  1. Prescribing opioid analgesics for pain control
  2. Ordering and interpreting plain-film radiographs
  3. Providing physical therapy treatment and education to a patient with a musculoskeletal complaint Correct answer.
  4. Performing electromyographic diagnostic testing for a neurological disorder

Explanation

The Act permits licensed physical therapists to provide physical therapy services directly, including examination, treatment, and education, without prior referral. Prescribing drugs, ordering imaging, and performing electroneuromyographic diagnostic studies are outside the physical therapy scope and belong to other licensed professions.

Question 30DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A licensed physical therapist in DC delegates a therapeutic exercise session to a physical therapist assistant. Which statement correctly describes the Act's requirement for that delegation?

  1. The assistant may perform the session only after obtaining a separate physician referral for that visit.
  2. The assistant performs the intervention under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist, who retains responsibility for the plan of care. Correct answer.
  3. The assistant may modify the plan of care independently when the patient reports new symptoms.
  4. The assistant may delegate the session to an aide if the therapist is unavailable.

Explanation

The Act allows a physical therapist to delegate selected interventions to an assistant, but the therapist remains responsible for the plan of care and must provide the supervision the Act requires. The assistant does not gain authority to alter the plan or to re-delegate to unlicensed personnel.

Question 31DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A clinic owner asks an unlicensed receptionist to apply hot packs and set up electrical stimulation on patients. How does the Act characterize this arrangement?

  1. Prohibited because applying modalities to patients constitutes practice requiring licensure Correct answer.
  2. Permissible only for patients who have signed a consent form
  3. Permissible because the receptionist is supervised by a therapist in the building
  4. Permissible if the receptionist completes a short in-service training

Explanation

Applying therapeutic modalities to patients is part of physical therapy practice and may be performed only by licensed persons or, where the Act allows, by properly supervised assistive personnel within defined limits. An unlicensed receptionist may not render treatment even with on-site supervision or informal training.

Question 32DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A physical therapist licensed in DC is convicted of a felony involving patient financial exploitation. What is the most accurate statement about the Act's treatment of this event?

  1. The conviction automatically voids the license with no further process.
  2. The conviction may constitute grounds for disciplinary action, including license suspension or revocation, by the licensing board. Correct answer.
  3. The conviction has no effect unless the patient files a civil suit.
  4. The conviction is irrelevant because it did not involve clinical care.

Explanation

The Act lists grounds for discipline that include conviction of certain offenses, and the board may impose sanctions such as suspension, revocation, or probation after the required process. Discipline is not automatic and does not depend on a civil lawsuit being filed.

Question 33DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

Which statement best describes the Act's prohibition on practicing physical therapy without a license in the District of Columbia?

  1. Unlicensed practice is a matter for federal authorities only.
  2. Unlicensed practice is prohibited, and the board may seek injunctive relief and impose penalties. Correct answer.
  3. Unlicensed practice is permitted for up to 90 days while an application is pending.
  4. Unlicensed practice is permitted if the person is supervised by a licensed therapist.

Explanation

The Act makes unlicensed practice unlawful and gives the board authority to pursue injunctive relief and other penalties against persons who practice without a license. Supervision by a licensed therapist does not launder an unlicensed person's practice, and there is no general 90-day practice allowance.

Question 34DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A physical therapist wants to describe her credentials in advertising. Which statement is consistent with the Act's prohibitions?

  1. Stating that the therapist is 'licensed by the state of Maryland' in a DC clinic
  2. Using the title 'physical therapist' and accurately listing earned certifications Correct answer.
  3. Claiming board certification in a specialty that the therapist has not obtained
  4. Using the title 'doctor' to imply a medical degree the therapist does not hold

Explanation

The Act prohibits false, deceptive, or misleading representations about licensure and credentials. Accurately using the protected title 'physical therapist' and listing certifications actually earned is lawful, while implying credentials or licensure the therapist lacks is prohibited.

Question 35DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A physical therapist assistant is directed by the supervising therapist to perform a task the assistant believes exceeds the assistant's lawful scope. What is the most appropriate action under the Act?

  1. Ask an unlicensed aide to perform the task instead
  2. Perform the task because the supervising therapist accepted responsibility
  3. Decline to perform the task and notify the supervising therapist of the scope concern Correct answer.
  4. Perform the task and document that the therapist directed it

Explanation

A licensee may not perform acts outside the authorized scope even at a supervisor's direction, and following an unlawful order exposes the assistant to discipline. The correct response is to decline, raise the concern with the supervising therapist, and seek a lawful resolution.

Question 36DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

Which statement accurately reflects how the Act treats patient records maintained by a DC physical therapist?

  1. Records may be withheld from a patient indefinitely to protect the therapist's business interests.
  2. Records may be destroyed immediately after the patient's last visit.
  3. Records belong solely to the referring physician and must be transferred on request.
  4. Records must be retained for the period the Act and board rules require and released as those rules provide. Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act and board regulations impose recordkeeping duties, including retention periods and conditions for releasing records to patients or authorized parties. Immediate destruction and indefinite withholding are inconsistent with those duties, and the treating therapist, not the referrer, owns the practice's records.

Question 37DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A physical therapist employed by a DC practice is asked to treat a patient using a technique the therapist has never been trained in and cannot perform safely. What does the Act require?

  1. Have an unlicensed aide perform the technique under observation
  2. Proceed because the employer accepted the assignment on the therapist's behalf
  3. Proceed but document that the technique is unfamiliar
  4. Refer the patient to a qualified provider and inform the patient and employer Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act's standard of care and prohibited-acts provisions bar practicing beyond one's competence or in a manner that endangers patients. A therapist who lacks the training to perform a technique safely should decline, arrange referral to a qualified provider, and communicate that to the patient and employer.

Question 38DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

Which of the following persons is required to hold a DC license before performing physical therapy interventions on patients?

  1. A front-desk scheduler who books appointments
  2. A hospital volunteer who transports patients
  3. A billing specialist who reviews claims
  4. A physical therapist assistant Correct answer.

Explanation

Physical therapist assistants must be licensed under the Act before providing physical therapy interventions to patients. Clerical, transport, and billing duties are not physical therapy practice and do not require licensure.

Question 39DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

A therapist in DC wishes to use dry needling as part of treatment. Which principle governs whether this is within the therapist's scope under the Act?

  1. Any technique taught in an entry-level physical therapy curriculum is automatically authorized.
  2. The technique is always prohibited for physical therapists in DC.
  3. The technique is authorized only if the patient signs a waiver.
  4. The technique is governed by the Act's scope provisions and board rules, and the therapist must be competent and authorized to perform it. Correct answer.

Explanation

Whether a specific technique such as dry needling falls within physical therapy practice depends on the Act's scope language and any board rules or interpretations, and the therapist must also be competent to perform it safely. Neither a patient waiver nor entry-level coursework alone establishes authority.

Question 40DC Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and prohibited acts

An unlicensed person in DC uses the abbreviation 'PT' after his name on business cards while offering exercise instruction to patients with injuries. Which violation does this most directly illustrate?

  1. Practicing without a current CPR certification
  2. Holding out as a licensed physical therapist without a license Correct answer.
  3. Failure to complete continuing education
  4. Unprofessional conduct in billing

Explanation

Using the protected designation 'PT' while unlicensed constitutes holding out as a physical therapist, a prohibited act under the Act. Billing irregularities, CPR status, and continuing education are separate regulatory concerns that do not describe this misrepresentation.

Question 41Licensure, application requirements, and Board of Physical Therapy procedures

Under the District of Columbia physical therapy practice act, which entity is responsible for issuing a license to practice physical therapy in the District?

  1. The American Physical Therapy Association
  2. The Board of Physical Therapy
  3. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
  4. The Mayor, through the Department of Health Correct answer.

Explanation

In the District of Columbia, the Board of Physical Therapy serves an advisory role, while the actual authority to issue, renew, suspend, and revoke licenses rests with the Mayor, who acts through the Department of Health and its licensing administration. The Board reviews qualifications and recommends action, but it does not itself confer the credential.

Question 42Licensure, application requirements, and Board of Physical Therapy procedures

A graduate of an accredited physical therapist program wants to take the licensure examination in the District. Which prerequisite must be satisfied before the Board will recommend the candidate for the examination?

  1. Completion of at least two years of supervised clinical practice
  2. A letter of sponsorship from a licensed District physical therapist
  3. Graduation from an accredited educational program and submission of a completed application with the required fee Correct answer.
  4. Membership in a national physical therapy association

Explanation

The standard pathway requires graduation from an accredited physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program, submission of a complete application, payment of the required fee, and evidence of good moral character. Association membership and sponsor letters are not statutory prerequisites.

Question 43Licensure, application requirements, and Board of Physical Therapy procedures

Which examination does the District of Columbia require for initial physical therapist licensure?

  1. An examination administered by the local hospital association
  2. A District-specific oral jurisprudence examination only
  3. A specialty certification examination in orthopaedics
  4. The national physical therapy licensure examination accepted by the Board Correct answer.

Explanation

The District requires passage of the national physical therapy licensure examination recognized by the Board, which covers the entry-level knowledge needed to practice safely. Jurisprudence content may be tested, but it does not replace the national examination, and specialty certification is separate and voluntary.

Question 44Licensure, application requirements, and Board of Physical Therapy procedures

A physical therapist licensed in Maryland moves to the District and wishes to practice. Which statement best describes the District's treatment of licensure by reciprocity or endorsement?

  1. The therapist must repeat the entire entry-level doctoral program in the District
  2. A Maryland license is automatically accepted because the two jurisdictions are adjacent
  3. The therapist must submit an application demonstrating credentials equivalent to District requirements and meet any Board-specified conditions Correct answer.
  4. The therapist may practice for one year on the out-of-state license while applying

Explanation

Endorsement requires the applicant to demonstrate that the out-of-state license was obtained under standards substantially equivalent to those in the District, along with a completed application and fee. Licenses from neighboring states are not automatically valid in the District, and no provisional practice period exists simply because a license is held elsewhere.

Question 45Licensure, application requirements, and Board of Physical Therapy procedures

How long is a physical therapist license valid in the District of Columbia before it must be renewed?

  1. Five years
  2. Three years
  3. Two years Correct answer.
  4. One year

Explanation

Physical therapy licenses in the District are issued on a two-year renewal cycle, with renewal contingent on completing the required continuing education and paying the renewal fee. Licensees are responsible for tracking the expiration date and renewing before it lapses.

Question 46Licensure, application requirements, and Board of Physical Therapy procedures

A physical therapist's District license lapses because the renewal was not filed. Which consequence follows from practicing during the lapse?

  1. The therapist's employer assumes all legal liability for the unlicensed practice
  2. The therapist is practicing without a license and is subject to disciplinary action Correct answer.
  3. The therapist may practice if a supervising physician signs an attestation
  4. The therapist may practice until the next renewal cycle without penalty

Explanation

Once a license lapses, any continued practice constitutes unlicensed practice and exposes the therapist to disciplinary sanctions, including fines and denial of reinstatement. Employer supervision or physician attestation does not create authority to practice without a valid license.

Question 47Licensure, application requirements, and Board of Physical Therapy procedures

Which continuing education requirement must a District physical therapist satisfy at renewal?

  1. Continuing education hours earned only at national association conferences
  2. No continuing education is required after initial licensure
  3. Only continuing education in business administration
  4. The continuing education hours specified by Board rule, including any required topic areas such as ethics Correct answer.

Explanation

Renewal requires completion of the continuing education hours set by Board rule, which typically include a specified ethics component and may address other mandated topics. The requirement is defined by regulation rather than by conference attendance or business content.

Question 48Licensure, application requirements, and Board of Physical Therapy procedures

A physical therapist assistant practicing in the District performs an initial evaluation, establishes a plan of care, and adjusts the diagnosis. Which statement is correct?

  1. These activities are within the assistant's scope when the patient signs a consent form
  2. These activities are permitted in home health settings only
  3. These activities are permitted if the assistant holds a bachelor's degree
  4. These activities are outside the assistant's scope because evaluation, diagnosis, and plan of care development are reserved to the physical therapist Correct answer.

Explanation

The physical therapist assistant implements the plan of care and provides treatment under the direction of a physical therapist, but initial evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and establishment or modification of the plan of care are reserved to the physical therapist. Patient consent or an advanced degree does not expand the statutory scope.

Question 49Licensure, application requirements, and Board of Physical Therapy procedures

Under District law, what is the minimum education credential required for licensure as a physical therapist?

  1. An associate degree with five years of experience
  2. A doctoral degree in physical therapy from an accredited program Correct answer.
  3. A master's degree in kinesiology
  4. A bachelor's degree in any health science field

Explanation

The District requires graduation from an accredited physical therapist education program at the doctoral level, consistent with the profession's entry-level standard. Degrees in unrelated health science or kinesiology fields do not qualify.

Question 50Licensure, application requirements, and Board of Physical Therapy procedures

An applicant for physical therapist assistant licensure in the District must meet which educational requirement?

  1. Graduation from an accredited physical therapist assistant program Correct answer.
  2. Completion of a certified nursing assistant program
  3. Twelve months of on-the-job training without formal education
  4. A bachelor's degree in exercise physiology

Explanation

Physical therapist assistant licensure requires graduation from an accredited physical therapist assistant program, which is typically an associate-level curriculum. On-the-job training and unrelated credentials do not substitute for accredited education.