Florida PT Jurisprudence key terms

A person licensed under Florida law to evaluate, treat, and prevent physical disability, injury, or disease using physical means such as exercise, manual therapy, and modalities.

A person licensed to perform physical therapy interventions under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist, working within a plan of care the therapist established.

The evaluation, treatment, and prevention of physical disability and pain through physical or mechanical means, including exercise, massage, mobilization, and the application of physical agents.

The physical therapist's identification of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities based on examination findings, used to guide the plan of care and intervention strategy.

A written, therapist-developed outline of treatment goals, interventions, frequency, and duration that directs care and must be reviewed and updated as the patient's condition changes.

The physical therapist's ongoing oversight of care delivered by assistants or aides, including availability, direction, and verification that treatment follows the plan of care.

A level of oversight in which the supervising physical therapist is physically present in the facility and immediately available to intervene while the supervised person provides care.

A level of oversight in which the supervising physical therapist authorizes care and is available by communication but is not required to be physically present during treatment.

An unlicensed worker who performs non-treatment support tasks such as clerical duties, transport, and equipment setup, and who may not provide skilled physical therapy interventions.

The assignment of a specific task to another person while the delegating therapist retains responsibility for appropriate selection, instruction, and monitoring of that task.

Individuals who are not licensed as physical therapists or assistants and may only perform limited tasks permitted by rule under therapist direction.

The Florida regulatory board, composed of appointed therapist and consumer members, that adopts rules, reviews applications, and recommends disciplinary action involving licensees.

The state agency that licenses health practitioners, investigates complaints, prosecutes violations, and administers the disciplinary process for Florida physical therapy licensees.

The credential issued by the state that authorizes a person to practice physical therapy or work as a physical therapist assistant in Florida.

The pathway to licensure requiring graduation from an approved program, passage of the national examination, and satisfaction of other statutory application requirements.

The standardized national test of entry-level competence that applicants must pass as one requirement for Florida physical therapy licensure.

A licensure pathway allowing an applicant already licensed in another jurisdiction to obtain a Florida license based on credentials and standing rather than retaking the examination.

The periodic process by which a licensee submits a renewal application, fee, and required continuing education to keep an active Florida license in effect.

Required post-licensure coursework and activities that licensees complete during each renewal cycle to maintain and update professional competence.

A review in which the Department requests documentation proving that a licensee actually completed the continuing education hours claimed during a renewal period.

A license designation in which the holder may not practice but may retain the license by meeting specified conditions and paying applicable fees.

The process of returning an inactive or lapsed license to active practice status after satisfying required fees, continuing education, and any other conditions.

The initial patient assessment in which the therapist gathers history, performs tests and measures, and interprets findings to identify problems and guide care.

A periodic or condition-triggered reexamination of the patient that evaluates progress and supports modification of goals or interventions in the plan of care.

Terminating care of a patient without reasonable notice, an adequate transition, or justification, which can constitute a violation of professional conduct standards.

Behavior by a licensee that violates practice standards or statutory prohibitions, such as practicing beyond scope, fraud, or impairment, and that may lead to discipline.

The legally defined boundaries of activities that a physical therapist or assistant is authorized and competent to perform under Florida law and board rule.

A sanction imposed by the state for a practice violation, which may include reprimand, fine, probation, suspension, revocation, or restrictions on the license.

A report submitted to the Department alleging that a licensee violated practice law or rules, which may trigger investigation and possible prosecution.

A finding, determined through the Department's review process, that reasonable grounds exist to believe a licensee committed a violation warranting further action.

Documentation of examination findings, plan of care, treatment provided, and progress that licensees must create and maintain in accordance with legal and professional requirements.

A patient's voluntary agreement to evaluation or treatment after being told about the nature, risks, benefits, and alternatives of the proposed care.

Statutory grounds covering improper billing, fee splitting, false advertising, or other conduct that violates professional standards and may support discipline.

A licensee's physical or mental condition that affects the ability to practice with reasonable skill and safety, which is a ground for discipline or restriction.

The process by which courses or sponsors are recognized as meeting state standards so their hours count toward a licensee's renewal requirement.

The obligation of licensees to report certain violations or adverse actions, such as another practitioner's misconduct, to the appropriate authority as required by law.