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Question 1Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Under Florida law, which individual is authorized to perform physical therapy interventions without holding a physical therapist license?

  1. A massage therapist working in a clinical setting
  2. A physical therapist assistant practicing under direct supervision of a physical therapist Correct answer.
  3. A chiropractor with a rehabilitation certificate
  4. An athletic trainer employed by a university

Explanation

Physical therapist assistants are licensed personnel who may carry out physical therapy interventions under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Other licensed professions such as chiropractors, athletic trainers, and massage therapists are governed by separate practice acts and cannot perform physical therapy. Only PTs and PTAs are authorized to deliver physical therapy under Florida's practice act.

Question 2Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

How often must a Florida physical therapist license be renewed?

  1. Every five years
  2. Every three years
  3. Every two years Correct answer.
  4. Every year

Explanation

Florida physical therapist and physical therapist assistant licenses are renewed biennially, on a two-year cycle. Renewal requires completing the required continuing education and paying the renewal fee. Annual, triennial, and five-year cycles do not match Florida's licensure schedule.

Question 3Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A physical therapist assistant may perform which of the following activities?

  1. Modifying the plan of care independently based on patient response
  2. Implementing selected interventions and contributing to patient progress documentation Correct answer.
  3. Diagnosing a new musculoskeletal condition
  4. Performing an initial evaluation and establishing a plan of care

Explanation

PTAs implement the interventions selected by the supervising physical therapist and contribute to documentation of patient progress. Initial evaluation, diagnosis, and establishing or independently modifying the plan of care are reserved to the physical therapist. The PTA role is defined by the supervision and delegation framework in Florida rules.

Question 4Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

In Florida, which of the following is required before a physical therapist may practice on a patient for the first time?

  1. A physician referral in all cases
  2. An initial examination and evaluation by the physical therapist Correct answer.
  3. Written consent from the patient's insurer
  4. A second opinion from another physical therapist

Explanation

Florida allows physical therapists to evaluate and treat patients with or without a physician referral, but an initial examination and evaluation must be performed before treatment. The evaluation establishes the diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care. Referral, insurer consent, and second opinions are not universal prerequisites.

Question 5Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Under Florida's direct access provisions, a physical therapist may treat a patient without a physician referral for up to how long before obtaining a referral or confirming the condition is within scope?

  1. 30 days
  2. 45 days
  3. 90 days
  4. 60 days Correct answer.

Explanation

Florida's practice act permits treatment without a physician referral for up to 60 days, after which the therapist must obtain a referral or confirm the condition is within the scope of physical therapy practice. This time-limited direct access balances patient access with medical oversight. The other durations do not match the statutory period.

Question 6Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which action by a physical therapist would most likely violate Florida's patient confidentiality requirements?

  1. Documenting treatment in the patient's medical record
  2. Discussing a patient's diagnosis with the treating physician
  3. Releasing patient records to the patient's attorney without authorization Correct answer.
  4. Sharing a patient's protected health information with a colleague for treatment purposes

Explanation

Patient records may generally only be released with the patient's authorization or as otherwise permitted by law; releasing records to an attorney without authorization violates confidentiality. Sharing information with treating providers for treatment purposes and documenting care are appropriate. Florida law and professional rules protect patient health information from unauthorized disclosure.

Question 7Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A physical therapist assistant performs an intervention that was not delegated by the supervising physical therapist. This conduct is best described as:

  1. Acceptable if the PTA is experienced
  2. Allowable when the PT is unavailable
  3. Permissible if the patient consents
  4. A violation of supervision and delegation rules Correct answer.

Explanation

PTAs may only perform interventions delegated by and under the supervision of a physical therapist. Performing undelegated interventions violates Florida's supervision and delegation requirements. Experience, patient consent, or the PT's absence does not authorize independent practice beyond scope.

Question 8Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which document must a physical therapist maintain for each patient that records the examination findings, evaluation, diagnosis, and plan of care?

  1. An insurance claim form
  2. A referral log
  3. A marketing brochure
  4. A patient care record Correct answer.

Explanation

Florida rules require physical therapists to maintain a patient care record documenting the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, plan of care, interventions, and outcomes. The record supports continuity of care and demonstrates compliance. Brochures, claim forms, and referral logs do not satisfy this documentation requirement.

Question 9Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A physical therapist wishes to advertise a specialty certification. Under Florida rules, the advertisement is acceptable if it:

  1. Omits the therapist's license number
  2. Claims superiority over all other providers in the area
  3. Uses patient testimonials to guarantee results
  4. Is truthful, not misleading, and accurately reflects credentials Correct answer.

Explanation

Florida advertising rules require that communications be truthful and non-misleading and that credentials be accurately represented. Guarantees of results, comparative superiority claims, and omission of required identifying information are prohibited. Accurate, honest advertising protects the public.

Question 10Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which of the following best describes the continuing education requirement for Florida physical therapists during each renewal cycle?

  1. Continuing education is required only for PTAs
  2. No continuing education is required after initial licensure
  3. Only a jurisprudence examination is required
  4. A specified number of approved continuing education hours including required topics Correct answer.

Explanation

Florida requires physical therapists to complete a specified number of approved continuing education hours each renewal cycle, including required topic areas such as jurisprudence and medical error prevention. Continuing education is mandatory for both PTs and PTAs. The remaining options misstate the requirement.

Question 11Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A physical therapist suspects that a colleague is practicing while impaired. Under Florida law, the therapist should:

  1. Report the impairment to the appropriate licensing authority Correct answer.
  2. Ignore the situation to avoid conflict
  3. Confront the colleague publicly in front of patients
  4. Document the concern but take no further action

Explanation

Florida law imposes a duty to report known or suspected impairment or violations that could endanger patients to the appropriate licensing authority. Failing to report can itself be a violation. Public confrontation or inaction does not satisfy this professional and statutory obligation.

Question 12Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which of the following is a ground for disciplinary action against a Florida physical therapist license?

  1. Referring a patient to another provider
  2. Declining to accept a patient's insurance plan
  3. Treating a patient without a referral within the direct access period
  4. Practicing with an inactive or delinquent license Correct answer.

Explanation

Practicing on an inactive, suspended, or delinquent license is a ground for disciplinary action. Treating within the direct access period without a referral is permitted, and declining an insurance plan or making an appropriate referral are not violations. Disciplinary grounds focus on conduct that endangers the public or violates the practice act.

Question 13Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A physical therapist assistant is supervised by a physical therapist who is not on site. Which type of supervision is this?

  1. Personal supervision
  2. Line-of-sight supervision
  3. Direct supervision
  4. General supervision Correct answer.

Explanation

General supervision means the supervising physical therapist is not required to be physically present but is available for consultation and oversight. Direct supervision requires the PT to be physically present. Personal and line-of-sight supervision are not the standard terms for this arrangement under Florida rules.

Question 14Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which of the following actions is within the scope of physical therapy practice in Florida?

  1. Providing interventions to improve movement and function Correct answer.
  2. Prescribing medication for pain management
  3. Performing surgery on a musculoskeletal injury
  4. Ordering diagnostic imaging without referral

Explanation

Physical therapy scope centers on examining, evaluating, and treating impairments of movement and function through physical interventions. Prescribing medication, performing surgery, and independently ordering diagnostic imaging fall outside the scope of physical therapy. Scope is defined by the practice act and rules.

Question 15Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A patient requests a copy of their physical therapy records. Under Florida law, the physical therapist should:

  1. Release the records only if the patient sues
  2. Provide copies in accordance with patient access requirements Correct answer.
  3. Refuse because records belong to the clinic
  4. Destroy the records after the visit

Explanation

Patients have a right of access to their medical records, and Florida law requires providers to furnish copies in accordance with statutory procedures, including allowable fees. Refusing access, conditioning release on litigation, or destroying records violates these obligations. Records must be maintained for the required retention period.

Question 16Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which statement about a physical therapist's obligation when a patient's condition is outside the therapist's scope is correct?

  1. The therapist should alter the diagnosis to fit treatment
  2. The therapist should discharge the patient without explanation
  3. The therapist should refer the patient to an appropriate provider Correct answer.
  4. The therapist should continue treatment regardless

Explanation

When a patient's condition falls outside the scope of physical therapy or requires other expertise, the therapist must refer the patient to an appropriate provider. Continuing inappropriate treatment, altering documentation, or abrupt discharge without explanation would be improper. Referral protects patient safety and reflects professional responsibility.

Question 17Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

The Florida board responsible for regulating physical therapists is the:

  1. Board of Medicine
  2. Board of Pharmacy
  3. Board of Nursing
  4. Board of Physical Therapy Practice Correct answer.

Explanation

The Board of Physical Therapy Practice regulates the licensure and practice of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in Florida. Other boards regulate different professions and do not govern physical therapy. The board operates under the Department of Health.

Question 18Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A physical therapist delegates a task to an unlicensed aide. Which principle governs this delegation?

  1. Unlicensed personnel may supervise PTAs
  2. Unlicensed personnel may perform evaluations if trained
  3. Unlicensed personnel may perform any task the PT chooses
  4. Unlicensed personnel may perform only non-clinical supportive tasks and may not provide skilled interventions Correct answer.

Explanation

Unlicensed supportive personnel may perform only non-clinical tasks and may not deliver skilled physical therapy interventions or be delegated clinical judgment. Evaluations and supervision of PTAs are reserved to licensed personnel. Delegation must remain within the supervision framework established by Florida rules.

Question 19Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which of the following describes the correct use of a physical therapist's professional title in Florida?

  1. Only a licensed person may use the title and represent themselves as a physical therapist Correct answer.
  2. Aides may use the title with employer permission
  3. The title may be used by anyone with a bachelor's degree
  4. Any person may use the title 'physical therapist' if trained

Explanation

Florida law restricts use of the titles 'physical therapist' and 'physical therapist assistant' to individuals who hold the corresponding license. Unlicensed persons may not represent themselves using these titles regardless of training or employer permission. Title protection safeguards the public from misrepresentation.

Question 20Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A physical therapist assistant who observes a patient deterioration should:

  1. Discharge the patient without consultation
  2. Report the change to the supervising physical therapist Correct answer.
  3. Independently change the plan of care
  4. Continue the session as planned

Explanation

PTAs must communicate significant changes in patient status to the supervising physical therapist, who is responsible for reassessment and plan-of-care decisions. Independently altering the plan, ignoring deterioration, or discharging without consultation exceeds PTA scope. Communication ensures safe, coordinated care.

Question 21Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which of the following is required for informed consent before physical therapy treatment?

  1. Only verbal consent from a family member is needed
  2. The patient must be told the risks, benefits, and alternatives and must agree to treatment Correct answer.
  3. The patient must sign a waiver releasing all liability
  4. Consent is unnecessary once a referral is obtained

Explanation

Informed consent requires that the patient understand the nature of the proposed treatment, its risks and benefits, and reasonable alternatives before agreeing. A liability waiver is not a substitute for informed consent, and consent from a family member alone is insufficient for a competent adult. A referral does not eliminate the need for consent.

Question 22Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A physical therapist who fails to maintain required patient records for the mandated retention period may face:

  1. Automatic license reinstatement
  2. A reduced continuing education requirement
  3. No consequence if the patient recovered
  4. Disciplinary action for violating documentation and record-retention rules Correct answer.

Explanation

Florida rules require records to be maintained for a specified retention period, and failure to do so can result in disciplinary action. Patient recovery does not excuse the requirement, and there is no automatic reinstatement or CE reduction tied to record violations. Proper retention supports accountability and continuity of care.

Question 23Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which of the following best describes a physical therapist's responsibility regarding a patient who presents with a condition requiring emergency medical care?

  1. Continue routine therapy and monitor
  2. Delay care until the next scheduled visit
  3. Arrange appropriate emergency referral or transfer Correct answer.
  4. Discharge the patient immediately without referral

Explanation

When a patient presents with an emergency condition, the therapist must arrange appropriate emergency care, including referral or transfer. Continuing routine therapy, discharging without referral, or delaying care could endanger the patient. This duty reflects the therapist's obligation to protect patient safety.

Question 24Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which of the following statements about supervision requirements for a physical therapist assistant is accurate?

  1. A PTA may supervise other PTAs
  2. A PTA may establish a plan of care
  3. A PTA may practice without any supervising physical therapist
  4. A PTA must practice under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist Correct answer.

Explanation

PTAs must practice under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, who retains responsibility for the plan of care. PTAs may not practice independently, supervise other PTAs, or establish plans of care. Supervision requirements are central to the PTA's defined role.

Question 25Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A physical therapist is asked to treat a patient whose care would require techniques the therapist is not competent to perform. The therapist should:

  1. Delegate the techniques to an unlicensed aide
  2. Document competence without training
  3. Attempt the techniques to avoid losing the patient
  4. Refer the patient or obtain appropriate consultation Correct answer.

Explanation

Therapists must practice within their competence and refer or consult when a patient's needs exceed their skills. Attempting unfamiliar techniques, delegating to unlicensed personnel, or misrepresenting competence endangers patients and violates professional standards. Referral and consultation are appropriate responses.

Question 26Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Under Florida law, which entity has the authority to adopt rules that implement the Physical Therapy Practice Act?

  1. The Department of Education
  2. The Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice Correct answer.
  3. The Agency for Health Care Administration
  4. The Florida Medical Association

Explanation

The Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice is the regulatory body created under the Physical Therapy Practice Act and is authorized to adopt rules to implement the statute. Other entities listed do not have this rulemaking authority for physical therapy.

Question 27Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which of the following is required for licensure as a physical therapist in Florida?

  1. Membership in the American Physical Therapy Association
  2. Graduation from an accredited physical therapist education program Correct answer.
  3. Completion of a residency program
  4. A bachelor's degree in any field

Explanation

Florida law requires graduation from an accredited physical therapist education program as a condition for licensure. Membership in a professional association is not required, and a residency is not a prerequisite for initial licensure.

Question 28Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A physical therapist assistant licensed in Florida must work under the supervision of a physical therapist. What is the primary responsibility of the supervising physical therapist?

  1. Reviewing the assistant's documentation on a monthly basis
  2. Ensuring that the physical therapist assistant provides safe and competent care Correct answer.
  3. Approving the assistant's continuing education courses
  4. Providing direct one-on-one supervision at all times

Explanation

The supervising physical therapist is responsible for the overall care of the patient and must ensure that delegated tasks are performed safely and competently. Continuous direct supervision is not required in all settings, and documentation review and CE approval are not the primary responsibilities.

Question 29Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which of the following tasks may a physical therapist delegate to a physical therapist assistant?

  1. Developing a plan of care
  2. Establishing a diagnosis
  3. Implementing selected interventions as directed by the physical therapist Correct answer.
  4. Performing an initial patient examination

Explanation

Physical therapist assistants may implement selected interventions under the direction of a physical therapist. Initial examination, diagnosis, and development of the plan of care are reserved for the physical therapist.

Question 30Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A physical therapist wants to use a new modality that is not specifically mentioned in the Physical Therapy Practice Act. What should the therapist do first?

  1. Ask a colleague who has used the modality
  2. Check whether the modality is within the scope of physical therapy practice as defined by law and rules Correct answer.
  3. Use the modality only after obtaining patient consent
  4. Submit a request to the Board for approval before using it

Explanation

The therapist must determine whether the modality falls within the statutory and rule-defined scope of physical therapy practice. Board approval is not required for each new modality; the therapist is responsible for ensuring it is within scope.

Question 31Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which of the following is an example of unprofessional conduct under Florida law?

  1. Providing treatment without a referral in a direct access setting
  2. Referring a patient to another provider when appropriate
  3. Failing to respond to a patient's request for records within a reasonable time Correct answer.
  4. Using a title that clearly indicates licensure

Explanation

Unprofessional conduct includes failing to provide patient records upon request within a reasonable time. The other actions are either permitted or required by law.

Question 32Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A physical therapist is moving to Florida and wants to know if there is a temporary license available. Which statement is accurate?

  1. A temporary license is only available to physical therapist assistants.
  2. A temporary license may be issued to an applicant who meets certain requirements while awaiting full licensure. Correct answer.
  3. Florida does not issue temporary licenses under any circumstances.
  4. A temporary license is automatically granted upon application.

Explanation

Florida law allows the Board to issue a temporary license to applicants who meet specified requirements, such as having an active license in another state and meeting other conditions. It is not automatic and is available to both physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

Question 33Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which of the following is a required component of patient records maintained by a physical therapist?

  1. Documentation of each visit and the services provided Correct answer.
  2. The patient's social security number
  3. The patient's insurance policy number
  4. The patient's home address

Explanation

Patient records must document each visit and the services provided, including the patient's status and progress. Social security number, insurance policy number, and home address are not universally required components of the clinical record.

Question 34Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A physical therapist assistant is asked by a patient to explain the risks of a treatment. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Tell the patient that risks do not need to be discussed
  2. Refer the patient to the supervising physical therapist for an explanation Correct answer.
  3. Explain the risks based on the assistant's knowledge
  4. Provide the patient with a written handout about the treatment

Explanation

Informed consent is the responsibility of the physical therapist, who must explain the risks and obtain consent. The assistant should refer the patient to the supervising therapist.

Question 35Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which of the following is considered a violation of the Florida Physical Therapy Practice Act?

  1. Practicing beyond the scope of the license Correct answer.
  2. Treating a patient without a referral in a direct access setting
  3. Consulting with another health care provider
  4. Using physical agents in treatment

Explanation

Practicing beyond the scope of the license is a violation of the Practice Act. The other actions are permitted or required in appropriate circumstances.

Question 36Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A physical therapist is considering delegating a task to a physical therapist assistant. Which factor is most important in determining whether the delegation is appropriate?

  1. The assistant's years of experience
  2. The complexity of the patient's condition and the assistant's competence Correct answer.
  3. The physical therapist's workload
  4. The patient's preference

Explanation

The supervising physical therapist must consider the patient's condition and the assistant's competence when delegating tasks. Experience alone, workload, and patient preference are not the primary determinants.

Question 37Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which of the following statements about continuing education for Florida physical therapists is correct?

  1. Continuing education is only required for physical therapist assistants.
  2. All continuing education must be completed online.
  3. Continuing education is optional for license renewal.
  4. Continuing education must be approved by the Board and include specific topics. Correct answer.

Explanation

Florida requires physical therapists to complete continuing education that is approved by the Board and includes certain mandated topics, such as ethics and Florida laws and rules. It is not optional and is not limited to online formats.

Question 38Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A physical therapist suspects that a patient is being abused. What is the therapist's obligation under Florida law?

  1. Document the suspicion and take no further action
  2. Confront the suspected abuser
  3. Report the suspicion to the appropriate authorities Correct answer.
  4. Discuss the suspicion with colleagues to confirm

Explanation

Florida law requires health care practitioners, including physical therapists, to report suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities. Confronting the abuser or merely documenting is not sufficient.

Question 39Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which of the following is a permissible form of advertising for a physical therapist?

  1. Using a patient testimonial without consent
  2. Guaranteeing a specific outcome
  3. Listing services that are within the scope of practice Correct answer.
  4. Claiming to be a specialist without certification

Explanation

Physical therapists may advertise services that are within their scope of practice. Claims of specialization without certification, use of testimonials without consent, and guarantees of outcomes are prohibited.

Question 40Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A physical therapist assistant is completing a patient's treatment when the patient reports a new symptom. What should the assistant do?

  1. Document the symptom and continue with the planned treatment
  2. Stop treatment and immediately contact the supervising physical therapist Correct answer.
  3. Ignore the symptom as it is not related to the treatment
  4. Adjust the treatment plan to address the new symptom

Explanation

The assistant should stop treatment and inform the supervising physical therapist, who is responsible for reassessing the patient and modifying the plan of care. The assistant cannot independently alter the plan.

Question 41Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which of the following is a ground for disciplinary action against a physical therapist license in Florida?

  1. Declining to treat a patient with a contagious disease
  2. Being convicted of a felony Correct answer.
  3. Taking a vacation without notifying patients
  4. Providing free treatment to a family member

Explanation

A felony conviction is a ground for disciplinary action under Florida law. Providing free treatment to family, taking a vacation, and declining to treat a patient with a contagious disease are not grounds for discipline.

Question 42Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A physical therapist is treating a patient who does not speak English. What is the therapist's responsibility regarding informed consent?

  1. Proceed with treatment without consent
  2. Obtain consent from a family member who speaks English
  3. Provide written materials in English and ask the patient to sign
  4. Use a qualified interpreter to ensure the patient understands Correct answer.

Explanation

Informed consent requires that the patient understands the information. The therapist should use a qualified interpreter to facilitate communication. Consent from a family member or proceeding without consent is not appropriate.

Question 43Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which of the following best describes the role of the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice in disciplinary proceedings?

  1. The Board sets fees for licensure.
  2. The Board conducts investigations and imposes penalties. Correct answer.
  3. The Board only reviews continuing education applications.
  4. The Board has no role in disciplinary matters.

Explanation

The Board has the authority to investigate complaints and impose disciplinary penalties, such as fines, probation, or license suspension. It also handles other regulatory functions, but its disciplinary role is a key responsibility.

Question 44Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A physical therapist wants to provide services via telehealth to a patient located in Florida. What is required?

  1. The therapist must be licensed in Florida. Correct answer.
  2. The therapist must be licensed in the state where the therapist is located.
  3. The therapist must obtain a special telehealth certification.
  4. The therapist must have a physical office in Florida.

Explanation

To provide telehealth services to a patient in Florida, the physical therapist must hold a Florida license. Licensure in another state is not sufficient, and no separate telehealth certification is required.

Question 45Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which of the following is a violation of the patient confidentiality provisions under Florida law?

  1. Documenting treatment in the patient's record
  2. Discussing a patient's case with the supervising physical therapist
  3. Sharing a patient's diagnosis with a colleague who is not involved in care Correct answer.
  4. Sending a copy of the record to another provider with the patient's consent

Explanation

Confidential patient information may only be shared with those involved in the patient's care or as authorized by law or the patient. Sharing with an uninvolved colleague without consent is a violation.

Question 46Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A physical therapist assistant is supervised by a physical therapist who is not physically present. Which statement is true regarding the supervision?

  1. The physical therapist assistant may practice independently without supervision.
  2. The physical therapist must be on the premises at all times.
  3. The physical therapist must be available for consultation at all times. Correct answer.
  4. The physical therapist must review all documentation within 24 hours.

Explanation

When the supervising physical therapist is not on site, the therapist must be available for consultation at all times, such as by phone. The therapist need not be on the premises, and the assistant cannot practice independently.

Question 47Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which of the following is a requirement for renewal of a Florida physical therapist license?

  1. Submitting a new fingerprint card
  2. Providing proof of current CPR certification
  3. Passing a jurisprudence examination each renewal cycle
  4. Completion of a specified number of continuing education hours Correct answer.

Explanation

License renewal requires completion of continuing education hours, including specific topics. A jurisprudence exam is not required for renewal, and fingerprint cards and CPR certification are not renewal requirements.

Question 48Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A physical therapist is asked to supervise a physical therapist assistant who is performing a task that the assistant has not been trained to perform. What should the physical therapist do?

  1. Perform the task themselves and not delegate it
  2. Delegate the task to another assistant who is trained
  3. Provide training to the assistant before delegating the task Correct answer.
  4. Allow the assistant to perform the task under close supervision

Explanation

The supervising physical therapist must ensure that the assistant is competent to perform delegated tasks. Providing training is appropriate if the therapist is qualified to do so. Allowing an untrained assistant to perform the task is unsafe.

Question 49Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

Which of the following statements about the physical therapist's use of the title "Dr." is correct under Florida law?

  1. A physical therapist may use "Dr." if they hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Correct answer.
  2. A physical therapist may never use the title "Dr."
  3. A physical therapist may use "Dr." if they have a PhD in any field.
  4. A physical therapist may use "Dr." only if licensed as a physician.

Explanation

Florida law permits physical therapists to use the title "Dr." if they hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, but they must clearly indicate that they are a physical therapist. Using "Dr." without clarification could be misleading.

Question 50Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules governing physical therapy practice

A physical therapist is treating a patient who is covered by Medicare. Which of the following is true regarding the provision of services?

  1. The therapist may ignore Medicare rules if the patient agrees.
  2. The therapist may bill for services not provided if the patient approves.
  3. The therapist must follow Medicare rules, including documentation and certification requirements. Correct answer.
  4. Medicare rules do not apply to physical therapy services.

Explanation

Physical therapists providing services to Medicare beneficiaries must comply with Medicare regulations, including documentation and certification requirements. Ignoring these rules or billing for undocumented services is fraudulent.