NH PT Juris key terms

The state statute, RSA 328-A, that establishes the legal framework for physical therapy in New Hampshire, defining licensed practice, board authority, licensure requirements, and grounds for discipline.

A person licensed by the board to practice physical therapy, including examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and consultation for individuals with movement impairments or functional limitations.

A person licensed to perform selected physical therapy interventions and related tasks under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, without independent evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment planning.

The legally permitted range of activities a licensee may perform, defined by statute and rule and bounded by education, training, and the license held.

The board-issued authorization required to legally practice physical therapy or work as a physical therapist assistant in New Hampshire, obtained by meeting education, examination, and character requirements.

The periodic process by which a licensee submits fees and evidence of continuing competence to maintain an active license before the expiration date set by the board.

A license that has expired because renewal requirements were not met on time; practicing on a lapsed license is unlawful and may require reinstatement or a new application.

Performing physical therapy activities without a valid license or beyond the authorization granted, which is prohibited and subject to civil penalties and board action.

The New Hampshire regulatory body that licenses physical therapists and assistants, adopts administrative rules, investigates complaints, and imposes discipline for violations of the practice act.

Regulations adopted by the board under statutory authority that fill in operational details such as licensure procedures, supervision standards, documentation, and continuing education requirements.

The physical therapist's ongoing responsibility to direct, monitor, and evaluate the care delivered by assistants and support personnel, with the level of oversight determined by patient needs and legal requirements.

Assigning a specific task to another person while retaining accountability for the appropriateness of that assignment and the quality of the outcome.

Aides or technicians who support physical therapy services by performing non-clinical or routine tasks under supervision but who may not perform skilled physical therapy interventions or independent patient education.

Supervision in which the supervising physical therapist is physically present in the same facility and immediately available to the assistant during treatment.

Supervision in which the physical therapist is not required to be physically present but remains responsible for the plan of care, availability for consultation, and periodic review of the patient's progress.

The written, therapist-established document describing goals, interventions, frequency, duration, and expected outcomes that guides treatment and must be reviewed and updated as the patient's condition changes.

The ability of a patient to obtain physical therapy services by consulting a physical therapist without first obtaining a physician referral, subject to limits set by state law.

A written or verbal request from a licensed health care provider directing a patient to physical therapy, often required for certain conditions, payer reimbursement, or continuation beyond statutory limits.

The comprehensive assessment a physical therapist performs at the start of care, including history, systems review, and tests, to establish a diagnosis and baseline for intervention.

The clinical judgment process in which the physical therapist interprets examination findings to determine a diagnosis, prognosis, and appropriate plan of care.

A follow-up assessment performed when the patient's condition changes or goals are met, used to revise the diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care.

A patient's voluntary agreement to evaluation or treatment after receiving an explanation of the proposed care, its risks, benefits, alternatives, and the right to refuse.

The legally recognized entitlements of patients, including respectful care, privacy, access to records, participation in decisions, and freedom from discrimination or abuse.

The duty to protect a patient's health information from unauthorized disclosure, with exceptions such as patient authorization, legal requirements, or serious threats of harm.

Individually identifiable health data created or received in the course of care that is safeguarded by privacy law and may be shared only for permitted treatment, payment, or operations purposes.

The timely, accurate, and legible record of examination findings, interventions, patient response, and communication that supports care continuity and demonstrates professional accountability.

The standards of behavior expected of licensees, including honesty, competence, respect for patients, and compliance with law and board rules.

The principles guiding right conduct in practice, such as beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, justice, and veracity, applied when obligations conflict.

Situations where the professional relationship risks becoming personal, exploitative, or otherwise inappropriate, requiring the therapist to maintain clear therapeutic limits.

Any sexual contact, behavior, or communication with a patient or former patient that exploits the professional relationship and constitutes grounds for discipline.

The legal obligation of licensees to report certain events to authorities, such as suspected child or elder abuse, impaired practitioners, or unsafe practice by colleagues.

The board procedure for receiving, investigating, and adjudicating allegations of licensee misconduct or incompetence, which may lead to dismissal, settlement, or formal hearing.

A sanction imposed by the board for violations, ranging from reprimand and fines to probation, suspension, revocation, or required remediation.

Statutorily enumerated behaviors that justify board sanctions, such as practicing beyond scope, fraud, impairment, unprofessional conduct, or failing to meet documentation standards.

The requirement that licensees maintain and demonstrate current knowledge and skill through continuing education, self-assessment, or other board-approved activities during each renewal cycle.

A measure of completed professional learning, typically one unit per ten contact hours, used to satisfy the board's continuing competence requirement for renewal.

The cooperative communication between physical therapists and referring or treating providers to coordinate care, share findings, and address conditions that require medical evaluation.

A licensee whose ability to practice safely is compromised by substance use, mental health conditions, or other impairments, often addressed through reporting and board-monitored recovery programs.