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NH PT Juris practice questions

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Question 1New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

Under the New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act, which activity falls within the statutory definition of physical therapy practice?

  1. Performing electromyographic needle examinations to diagnose nerve injury
  2. Prescribing orthotic devices and adjusting their dosage over time
  3. Diagnosing a patient's underlying medical disease and ordering laboratory tests
  4. Evaluating and treating impairments of body structure using physical agents and therapeutic exercise Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act defines physical therapy as examining, evaluating, and treating impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities using physical agents, exercise, manual techniques, and related interventions. Diagnosis of disease and ordering labs remain medical acts outside the scope.

Question 2New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A person practicing physical therapy in New Hampshire without holding a license or being otherwise authorized by the board is subject to which consequence under the Act?

  1. No consequence if the person works under a physician's supervision
  2. Disciplinary action including possible criminal penalties under the Act's unlicensed practice provisions Correct answer.
  3. Automatic licensure by grandfathering after one year of practice
  4. A warning letter only, since practice without a license is a civil infraction

Explanation

The Act makes unlicensed practice a violation subject to board action and legal penalties. Supervision by a physician does not create an exemption from licensure.

Question 3New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

Which credential does the New Hampshire board require an applicant to hold before sitting for the physical therapist licensure examination?

  1. Graduation from an accredited physical therapist education program Correct answer.
  2. A doctoral degree from any regionally accredited institution in any health field
  3. A bachelor's degree plus five years of clinical experience
  4. A current athletic trainer certification

Explanation

Licensure requires graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the recognized accrediting body, plus examination and other board requirements. Degrees in unrelated fields or experience alone do not substitute.

Question 4New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

In New Hampshire, the term 'physical therapist assistant' refers to a person who:

  1. Is a physical therapist completing a residency
  2. Performs physical therapy interventions under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist Correct answer.
  3. Works independently without any supervising physical therapist
  4. Holds a license to diagnose musculoskeletal conditions

Explanation

A physical therapist assistant is licensed to provide selected physical therapy interventions under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. The assistant does not practice independently or diagnose.

Question 5New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

Which individual most clearly meets the Act's definition of a 'physical therapist'?

  1. A certified personal trainer who designs exercise programs
  2. A chiropractor who performs spinal manipulation
  3. A massage therapist who provides soft tissue work
  4. A licensed person who examines and treats patients to relieve impairments and improve function Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act defines a physical therapist as a person licensed to practice physical therapy, which includes examination, evaluation, and treatment to relieve impairments and improve function. Other credentials do not confer that status.

Question 6New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

The New Hampshire physical therapy board derives its authority to adopt rules and discipline licensees from which source?

  1. Local municipal ordinances
  2. Voluntary association bylaws
  3. The state's physical therapy practice act and related administrative rules Correct answer.
  4. Federal Medicare regulations

Explanation

The board's rulemaking and disciplinary authority comes from the state practice act and the administrative rules adopted under it. Municipal, association, and federal payment rules do not grant that authority.

Question 7New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A physical therapist licensed in another state moves to New Hampshire and wants to practice. Which statement best reflects the licensure pathway under the Act?

  1. The therapist may practice for one year before applying
  2. The therapist must repeat an entire entry-level degree program
  3. The therapist may practice immediately because licensure is reciprocal nationwide
  4. The therapist must obtain a New Hampshire license through the board's application process, which may consider licensure elsewhere Correct answer.

Explanation

New Hampshire requires its own license; the board's process may credit out-of-state licensure but does not create automatic nationwide reciprocity. Practice before licensure is unauthorized.

Question 8New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

Which statement about the supervision of a physical therapist assistant in New Hampshire is accurate?

  1. The PTA may perform initial evaluations independently
  2. The physical therapist retains responsibility for the plan of care and the supervision of the PTA Correct answer.
  3. Supervision is never required once the PTA is licensed
  4. The PTA may alter the plan of care without notifying the physical therapist

Explanation

The supervising physical therapist is responsible for the plan of care and for directing and supervising the assistant. The PTA implements interventions but does not independently evaluate or change the plan.

Question 9New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A physical therapist wants to include dry needling in a patient's care. Which statement best describes how New Hampshire law treats this technique?

  1. It is prohibited entirely for physical therapists
  2. It is authorized for physical therapists who meet the board's specified education and competency requirements Correct answer.
  3. It may be performed only by physicians and nurses
  4. It requires no additional training because it is part of basic entry-level education

Explanation

New Hampshire authorizes physical therapists to perform dry needling when they satisfy the education, training, and competency conditions set by the board. It is neither universally prohibited nor open to untrained practitioners.

Question 10New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A licensed physical therapist is asked to evaluate a patient and, after evaluation, determines the patient needs surgery. What is the appropriate action under the scope of practice?

  1. Perform the surgery in the clinic
  2. Ignore the finding because physical therapists cannot communicate with physicians
  3. Prescribe the surgical procedure and schedule it
  4. Refer the patient to an appropriate physician and continue physical therapy as indicated Correct answer.

Explanation

Physical therapists identify conditions requiring medical attention and refer appropriately while continuing care within their scope. Performing surgery or prescribing procedures is outside physical therapy practice.

Question 11New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

Which continuing competence requirement applies to New Hampshire physical therapist licensees?

  1. Continuing education is required only for assistants, not therapists
  2. No continuing education is required after initial licensure
  3. Licensees must retake the licensure examination at each renewal
  4. Licensees must complete the continuing education required by the board for each renewal cycle Correct answer.

Explanation

New Hampshire requires licensees to complete board-specified continuing education for renewal. The requirement applies across license types, and retaking the examination is not a renewal condition.

Question 12New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A physical therapist assistant is asked by a patient to perform an initial examination and establish a diagnosis. What should the PTA do?

  1. Refer the patient directly for surgery
  2. Perform the examination because the patient requested it
  3. Decline, because initial examination and diagnosis are physical therapist responsibilities Correct answer.
  4. Perform the examination and have a physician sign off later

Explanation

Initial examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and prognosis are physical therapist functions. The assistant implements the plan of care under supervision and should decline to act outside that scope.

Question 13New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

Which of the following best describes the term 'practice of physical therapy' as used in the New Hampshire Act?

  1. The examination, evaluation, and treatment of patients to prevent or remediate impairments and functional limitations Correct answer.
  2. The dispensing of prescription medications
  3. Only the performance of hands-on massage techniques
  4. The interpretation of radiographs for medical diagnosis

Explanation

The statutory definition encompasses examination, evaluation, and treatment directed at preventing or remediating impairments and functional limitations. It is broader than massage and excludes prescribing medication or diagnostic imaging interpretation.

Question 14New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A patient asks a physical therapist to provide treatment that the therapist believes is outside the scope of practice. What is the most appropriate response?

  1. Provide the treatment if a colleague has done it before
  2. Decline to provide the out-of-scope service and discuss appropriate alternatives or referral Correct answer.
  3. Provide the treatment and document it as experimental
  4. Provide the treatment because the patient consented

Explanation

Licensees must practice within the statutory scope regardless of patient request or custom. Declining and offering alternatives or referral protects the patient and complies with the Act.

Question 15New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

Which statement about the title 'physical therapist' in New Hampshire is correct?

  1. The title may be used by athletic trainers without a license
  2. Use of the title is restricted to persons licensed by the board Correct answer.
  3. Anyone who has completed a course in anatomy may use the title
  4. The title may be used by unlicensed assistants

Explanation

The Act restricts use of the protected title to individuals licensed by the board. Unlicensed persons using the title are subject to enforcement action.

Question 16New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A physical therapist is evaluating a patient and identifies red flags suggesting a serious medical condition. According to the scope of practice, the therapist should:

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

Explanation

Recognizing conditions that require medical attention and referring appropriately is part of competent physical therapy practice. The therapist does not diagnose or treat the medical condition independently.

Question 17New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

Which of the following is a function of the New Hampshire physical therapy board?

  1. Setting reimbursement rates for private insurers
  2. Issuing licenses and investigating complaints against licensees Correct answer.
  3. Negotiating employment contracts for therapists
  4. Accrediting entry-level physical therapist education programs

Explanation

The board licenses qualified applicants and investigates complaints involving licensees. Reimbursement, employment contracts, and educational accreditation fall to other entities.

Question 18New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

An applicant for a New Hampshire physical therapist license has a prior disciplinary action in another state. How does the board typically treat this information?

  1. It may be considered as part of the licensure review and may affect eligibility Correct answer.
  2. It automatically bars licensure forever
  3. It automatically grants licensure
  4. It is irrelevant and must be ignored

Explanation

The board reviews applicant history and may consider prior discipline when determining eligibility. Such history is neither automatically disqualifying nor automatically ignored.

Question 19New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

Which statement best describes the relationship between the physical therapist and the physical therapist assistant regarding documentation?

  1. Documentation by the PTA is optional
  2. The PTA is solely responsible for all documentation, including the initial evaluation
  3. The physical therapist may not review PTA documentation
  4. The PTA documents interventions, and the supervising therapist remains responsible for the overall plan and review Correct answer.

Explanation

The assistant documents the interventions provided, while the supervising physical therapist retains responsibility for the plan of care and its review. Initial evaluation documentation belongs to the therapist.

Question 20New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A physical therapist employed in a New Hampshire clinic is directed by an administrator to treat a patient using a technique the therapist believes is unsafe and outside accepted practice. What is the therapist's obligation?

  1. Exercise independent professional judgment and decline to provide unsafe or out-of-scope care Correct answer.
  2. Ask the patient to sign a waiver and proceed
  3. Delegate the task to an unlicensed aide
  4. Follow the administrator's direction without question

Explanation

Licensees owe an independent duty to practice safely and within scope, and administrative pressure does not override that duty. Delegating unsafe care to an unlicensed aide compounds the violation.

Question 21New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

Which situation most likely constitutes unlicensed practice under the New Hampshire Act?

  1. An unlicensed aide independently performing therapeutic exercise prescription and progression Correct answer.
  2. A student observing treatment with patient consent
  3. A licensed PTA treating a patient under a physical therapist's supervision
  4. A licensed physical therapist consulting with a colleague

Explanation

Unlicensed practice occurs when a person without a license performs activities reserved to licensees, such as independently prescribing and progressing skilled interventions. Supervised assistant practice, observation, and consultation are not unlicensed practice.

Question 22New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A physical therapist wishes to provide services via telehealth to a patient located in New Hampshire. Which principle governs this situation?

  1. The therapist needs only a license from any state
  2. Telehealth is entirely prohibited in New Hampshire
  3. The therapist may practice without any New Hampshire license because care is remote
  4. The therapist generally must hold a New Hampshire license because the patient is located in the state Correct answer.

Explanation

Licensure generally follows the location of the patient, so a therapist treating a patient in New Hampshire must be licensed there unless an exception applies. Remote delivery does not eliminate the licensure requirement.

Question 23New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

An unlicensed physical therapy aide is asked to perform an initial patient evaluation. Which analysis is most accurate?

  1. This is permissible if the patient consents
  2. This is permissible if the physical therapist is in the building
  3. This is impermissible because initial evaluation is a reserved physical therapist function Correct answer.
  4. This is permissible if the aide documents the findings

Explanation

Initial examination and evaluation are reserved to the licensed physical therapist. Physical proximity, documentation, or patient consent cannot transfer that authority to an unlicensed aide.

Question 24New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A physical therapist moves to New Hampshire and begins treating patients while the license application is pending. Which analysis is correct?

  1. This is acceptable because the application is under review
  2. This is acceptable if the therapist treats only family members
  3. This is acceptable if the therapist holds a license in another state
  4. This is unlicensed practice, since authorization is required before treating patients in New Hampshire Correct answer.

Explanation

A pending application does not confer practice authority; treating patients before licensure is unlicensed practice. Holding an out-of-state license or treating acquaintances does not create an exception.

Question 25New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

Which statement best captures how the New Hampshire Act allocates responsibility when a physical therapist delegates tasks to a physical therapist assistant?

  1. Responsibility is shared equally with no distinction in roles
  2. Responsibility shifts to the employer once tasks are delegated
  3. The assistant assumes full legal responsibility for all delegated care
  4. The physical therapist remains accountable for the plan of care and for appropriate delegation Correct answer.

Explanation

Delegation does not transfer the therapist's accountability; the therapist must delegate appropriately and retain responsibility for the plan of care. The assistant remains accountable for competent performance within scope.

Question 26New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

Under the New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act, which individual is authorized to perform an initial patient examination that establishes a physical therapy diagnosis?

  1. A physical therapy aide with documented training
  2. A licensed physical therapist Correct answer.
  3. A licensed physical therapist assistant
  4. A student completing a clinical internship

Explanation

The Act reserves the initial examination, evaluation, and establishment of a physical therapy diagnosis to the licensed physical therapist. Assistants may contribute to care under supervision but cannot independently establish a diagnosis. Aides and students work only under the direction of a licensed therapist.

Question 27New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A New Hampshire licensee uses the designation 'P.T.' after her name in a clinic advertisement. Which statement best describes the requirement governing this abbreviation?

  1. Only therapists with a doctoral degree may use the P.T. abbreviation
  2. Any licensee may use P.T. only if currently licensed and in good standing Correct answer.
  3. The abbreviation is prohibited and only the full title may be used
  4. Use of P.T. requires separate board approval each renewal cycle

Explanation

New Hampshire restricts the use of titles and abbreviations implying physical therapy credentials to individuals who actually hold a valid license. A licensee in good standing may use the recognized abbreviation. Non-licensees may not use it to suggest licensure.

Question 28New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

Which element is central to the statutory definition of the practice of physical therapy in New Hampshire?

  1. Ordering diagnostic imaging and prescribing controlled medications
  2. Diagnosing and treating systemic disease through pharmacologic therapy
  3. Performing surgical procedures on the musculoskeletal system
  4. Evaluating and treating physical impairments through physical means to restore function Correct answer.

Explanation

The statutory definition centers on examining, evaluating, and treating physical impairments and functional limitations using physical agents, exercise, manual techniques, and related interventions. Prescriptive authority, surgery, and pharmacologic disease management fall outside that definition.

Question 29New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A physical therapist assistant in New Hampshire wants to open an independent practice and treat patients without any therapist involvement. Which statement best reflects the Act?

  1. The assistant may practice independently after five years of clinical experience
  2. The assistant may practice independently if the clinic posts a disclosure sign
  3. The assistant may practice independently when treating only wellness clients
  4. The assistant may not practice independently because services require therapist supervision Correct answer.

Explanation

Physical therapist assistants practice only under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist; independent practice is not authorized. Experience, signage, or the label of wellness services does not convert an assistant into an independent provider. Supervision must be provided consistent with board rules.

Question 30New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

Which body is responsible for administering and enforcing the New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act?

  1. The state board of physical therapy examiners established under the Act Correct answer.
  2. The state medical board
  3. The state nursing board
  4. The state department of education

Explanation

The Act creates a dedicated physical therapy board that licenses practitioners, adopts rules, and handles discipline. Other professional boards govern their own licensees, and the education department has no role in physical therapy licensure.

Question 31New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

An applicant for New Hampshire licensure must satisfy which requirement related to the national physical therapy examination?

  1. Completing an oral examination before the full board
  2. Passing a jurisprudence examination in place of the national examination
  3. Passing a state-specific written examination written by the board
  4. Passing the national examination accepted by the board as a condition of licensure Correct answer.

Explanation

New Hampshire requires applicants to pass the national physical therapy examination recognized by the board, in addition to meeting education and other requirements. The state does not substitute a board-authored written or oral examination for that national exam.

Question 32New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A patient asks a New Hampshire physical therapist to perform a service that the therapist believes exceeds the physical therapy scope. What is the most appropriate response under the Act?

  1. Perform the service and document the patient's request as consent
  2. Decline the service and explain that it falls outside the lawful scope of practice Correct answer.
  3. Perform the service because the patient requested it in writing
  4. Refer the request to an aide to complete the service instead

Explanation

A licensee may provide only services within the scope defined by the Act, regardless of patient request or written consent. Performing out-of-scope services exposes the therapist to discipline. Delegating the request to an unlicensed aide compounds the violation.

Question 33New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

Which statement best describes the role of a physical therapy aide under the New Hampshire Act?

  1. The aide may supervise assistants during busy periods
  2. The aide independently designs treatment plans for routine cases
  3. The aide performs delegated supportive tasks while the therapist retains responsibility for care Correct answer.
  4. The aide may perform initial evaluations when the therapist is unavailable

Explanation

Aides provide supportive, non-clinical tasks delegated by the therapist, who remains accountable for patient care. Aides do not design plans, supervise licensed personnel, or perform evaluations. The Act places responsibility for delegation on the licensed therapist.

Question 34New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A physical therapist licensed in New Hampshire is supervising two physical therapist assistants in one clinic. Which principle governs how supervision must be delivered?

  1. Supervision may be provided entirely by an aide in the therapist's absence
  2. Supervision must be sufficient to ensure patient safety and comply with board rules Correct answer.
  3. Supervision is unnecessary once the assistants have two years of experience
  4. Supervision is required only for patients with Medicare coverage

Explanation

The Act and board rules require supervision adequate to protect patients and ensure competent care, with the therapist accountable for delegated services. Experience does not eliminate supervision, and unlicensed personnel cannot substitute for it. Payer type does not determine the supervision obligation.

Question 35New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

An applicant submits a license application to the New Hampshire board and is told the file is incomplete. Which statement best reflects the applicant's practice status while the application is pending?

  1. The applicant may practice if supervised by another applicant
  2. The applicant may not practice until a license is issued Correct answer.
  3. The applicant may practice after paying an additional fee
  4. The applicant may practice under a temporary title while waiting

Explanation

Practice before a license is issued constitutes unlicensed practice unless a specific provisional mechanism authorized by the board applies. A pending application alone confers no practice authority. Payment of fees or informal supervision does not create licensure.

Question 36New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A New Hampshire physical therapist is asked to delegate a selected intervention to a physical therapist assistant. Which analysis best reflects how the Act allocates responsibility?

  1. Responsibility is shared equally with no distinct accountability
  2. The assistant assumes full legal responsibility once the task is accepted
  3. Responsibility shifts to the clinic owner who employs both licensees
  4. The therapist remains responsible for the delegated service and must ensure proper supervision Correct answer.

Explanation

Delegation does not transfer accountability away from the supervising therapist, who must ensure the assistant is competent and supervised appropriately. The assistant is accountable for competent performance but does not absorb the therapist's supervisory duty. Employers and owners do not displace the treating therapist's responsibility.

Question 37New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A physical therapist wants to provide services to a patient located in New Hampshire while the therapist is physically in another state. Which principle governs this arrangement?

  1. The therapist may practice if a New Hampshire aide is present with the patient
  2. The therapist may rely on the other state's license because that is where the therapist sits
  3. The therapist must hold a New Hampshire license because the patient is located in the state Correct answer.
  4. The therapist may provide unlimited services if the patient consents

Explanation

Licensure generally follows the location of the patient receiving services, so a therapist treating a patient in New Hampshire needs New Hampshire licensure. The therapist's physical location and patient consent do not substitute for licensure. An aide's presence does not cure an unlicensed provider's status.

Question 38New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A physical therapist assistant is asked to perform an initial examination and establish a diagnosis for a new patient. Which response is most consistent with the New Hampshire Act?

  1. Decline because the initial examination and diagnosis belong to the physical therapist Correct answer.
  2. Proceed if the patient signs a consent form
  3. Proceed because the assistant holds an active license
  4. Proceed if the supervising therapist reviews the note later

Explanation

The initial examination, evaluation, and diagnosis are reserved to the physical therapist. Holding an assistant license authorizes implementation of selected interventions, not independent examination or diagnosis. Consent and later review do not cure the scope violation.

Question 39New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

Which situation most clearly constitutes unlicensed practice of physical therapy in New Hampshire?

  1. An unlicensed person advertises and provides physical therapy treatment for a fee Correct answer.
  2. A licensed therapist treats a patient in a hospital outpatient department
  3. A licensed assistant treats a patient under a therapist's supervision
  4. A student observes treatment during a supervised clinical rotation

Explanation

Providing physical therapy services for compensation without a license is the core of unlicensed practice. Licensed therapists, supervised students in clinical education, and supervised assistants are all acting lawfully within their respective roles. The absence of a license plus the delivery of services is the distinguishing feature.

Question 40New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

An applicant for New Hampshire licensure has a disciplinary action from another state's board. How should this information be treated in the licensure process?

  1. It automatically bars licensure with no review
  2. It must be disclosed and may be considered by the board in evaluating the application Correct answer.
  3. It must be expunged before the application can be filed
  4. It is irrelevant because only New Hampshire conduct counts

Explanation

Applicants must disclose prior disciplinary history, and the board may consider it when assessing fitness for licensure. Out-of-state discipline is not automatically disqualifying, nor is it ignored. The board evaluates the circumstances rather than applying an absolute bar.

Question 41New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A physical therapist identifies red flags suggesting a serious medical condition during a patient's evaluation. What is the most appropriate action consistent with the New Hampshire Act?

  1. Ask an aide to assess whether the symptoms are serious
  2. Refer the patient for appropriate medical evaluation and document the concern Correct answer.
  3. Discharge the patient without any referral or documentation
  4. Continue physical therapy and monitor the patient for several weeks

Explanation

When findings suggest a condition beyond the physical therapy scope, the therapist should refer the patient for medical evaluation and document the reasoning. Continuing treatment without referral, delegating the judgment to an aide, or silently discharging the patient all fail the standard of care and scope expectations.

Question 42New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

How does the New Hampshire Act treat the relationship between the physical therapist and the physical therapist assistant regarding patient evaluation findings?

  1. The assistant and therapist must independently evaluate every patient
  2. The assistant independently interprets findings and alters the plan of care
  3. The aide interprets findings when both licensees are unavailable
  4. The therapist interprets evaluation findings and directs the assistant's interventions accordingly Correct answer.

Explanation

The therapist performs the evaluation, interprets findings, and directs the plan; the assistant implements selected interventions under supervision. Assistants do not independently alter the plan of care. Duplicative independent evaluations are not required, and aides cannot interpret findings.

Question 43New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

Which statement about continuing competence requirements for New Hampshire physical therapist licensees is accurate?

  1. Continuing competence is required only for therapists over age 60
  2. Continuing competence is satisfied by paying a higher renewal fee
  3. Continuing competence applies only to therapists in hospital settings
  4. Licensees must meet continuing competence requirements established by the board to renew Correct answer.

Explanation

The board establishes continuing competence requirements that licensees must satisfy to renew their licenses. The obligation applies across practice settings and ages and cannot be replaced by paying an additional fee. Renewal depends on meeting those requirements.

Question 44New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A physical therapist employed in a New Hampshire clinic is directed by an administrator to use a technique the therapist believes is outside the scope of practice. Which action is most consistent with the Act?

  1. Decline to perform the technique and raise the scope concern through appropriate channels Correct answer.
  2. Perform the technique and note the administrator's instruction in the record
  3. Ask an aide to perform the technique instead
  4. Perform the technique because the administrator directs it

Explanation

Scope of practice is defined by law, and a licensee cannot rely on an employer's directive to justify out-of-scope care. The therapist should decline and address the concern through proper channels. Delegating the technique to an aide does not resolve the scope problem.

Question 45New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

Which statement best describes how dry needling is treated under the New Hampshire Act?

  1. It may be performed by assistants after a brief training course
  2. It is prohibited for all New Hampshire licensees without exception
  3. It is permitted only to the extent the board's rules and the statutory scope allow Correct answer.
  4. It is automatically within scope for every licensed physical therapist

Explanation

Whether dry needling falls within physical therapy practice depends on the board's rules and the statutory scope, and therapists must comply with those requirements. It is not automatically authorized for all licensees, nor is it categorically banned. Assistants cannot perform it merely by completing a short course.

Question 46New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A physical therapist assistant moves to New Hampshire and asks whether a separate license is required to work as an assistant. Which statement is most accurate?

  1. The assistant may practice for up to one year without any license
  2. The assistant needs only a national certification card to practice
  3. The assistant must obtain a New Hampshire assistant license before practicing Correct answer.
  4. The assistant may practice under the therapist's license without any credential

Explanation

New Hampshire licenses physical therapist assistants separately from physical therapists, and an assistant must hold that license before providing services. A therapist's license does not cover the assistant, and national certification alone is not a state license. No grace period authorizes unlicensed practice.

Question 47New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A physical therapist is considering whether to accept a referral that includes a request for a service the therapist believes is outside physical therapy scope. Which analysis is most consistent with the New Hampshire Act?

  1. The therapist should perform the service and let the board decide afterward
  2. The therapist should perform the service because a referral authorizes any requested care
  3. The referring provider's request expands the therapist's scope of practice
  4. The therapist's own scope determination controls, and the therapist should decline the out-of-scope portion Correct answer.

Explanation

Scope of practice is set by statute and board rules, and a referral cannot enlarge it. The therapist must independently determine whether a requested service is within scope and should decline the portion that is not. Performing first and asking the board later is not a defensible approach.

Question 48New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A clinic uses an unlicensed technician who performs ultrasound and instructs patients in exercises while the therapist is off-site. Which analysis best reflects the Act?

  1. The technician's activities likely constitute unlicensed practice because clinical interventions require licensure or proper delegation Correct answer.
  2. The technician may perform these tasks because exercise instruction is not physical therapy
  3. The technician may perform these tasks if the clinic posts a supervision policy
  4. The technician may perform these tasks because ultrasound is a routine modality

Explanation

Applying modalities and directing therapeutic exercise are clinical interventions that require licensure or lawful delegation to a licensed assistant under supervision. Labeling the tasks routine or posting a policy does not authorize an unlicensed technician. Exercise instruction delivered as therapy is part of physical therapy practice.

Question 49New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

A New Hampshire licensee is asked to supervise a physical therapist assistant who will treat patients at a satellite site. Which consideration is most important under the Act?

  1. The supervision arrangement must satisfy board requirements for the setting and distance involved Correct answer.
  2. Supervision may be provided by an unlicensed site manager
  3. Supervision is unnecessary because the assistant holds a license
  4. Supervision is required only when the therapist is physically present

Explanation

Board rules address how supervision must be delivered, including considerations for off-site or satellite practice, and the therapist must ensure the arrangement complies. Holding an assistant license does not eliminate supervision. Unlicensed managers cannot provide professional supervision, and physical presence is not the only permissible model.

Question 50New Hampshire Physical Therapy Practice Act: definitions, scope of practice, and licensure requirements

An individual uses the title 'physical therapist' in New Hampshire marketing materials but holds no license and provides no treatment. Which analysis is most accurate?

  1. A violation occurs only if the individual charges a fee
  2. No violation occurs because no treatment was delivered
  3. Using the protected title without licensure is itself a violation under the Act Correct answer.
  4. A violation occurs only if a patient is harmed

Explanation

The Act protects professional titles, and using a protected title without holding the corresponding license violates the statute even absent treatment. A fee or patient harm is not an element of the title violation. The violation arises from the misrepresentation of licensure status.