NM PT Juris key terms

The state statute that establishes the Physical Therapy Board, defines physical therapy, sets licensure and supervision rules, and authorizes discipline for violations.

The regulatory body created under the Practice Act that licenses physical therapists and assistants, adopts rules, investigates complaints, and imposes discipline.

The evaluation, treatment, and prevention of movement dysfunction and physical disability using exercise, manual therapy, modalities, and education, performed by or under the direction of a licensed physical therapist.

A person licensed by the Board to practice physical therapy, including examination, diagnosis of movement dysfunction, intervention, and consultation without direction from another practitioner.

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

A designation such as physical therapist, PT, physical therapist assistant, or PTA that only Board licensees may use, including in advertising, signage, and correspondence.

Performing physical therapy or holding oneself out as a licensee without a valid New Mexico license, which is grounds for Board action and possible criminal penalties.

Board-issued authorization to practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in New Mexico, granted after meeting education, examination, and character requirements.

A Board-approved test on New Mexico statutes and rules governing physical therapy that applicants must pass to demonstrate knowledge of state-specific legal requirements.

A review of an applicant's education and transcripts, often by a Board-recognized service, to confirm the degree is equivalent to an accredited physical therapy program.

A licensure candidate trained outside the United States who must document program equivalency, English proficiency, and supervised clinical hours before Board approval.

A time-limited permit allowing a qualified applicant to practice while completing remaining licensure requirements, subject to any conditions the Board sets.

The periodic process by which a licensee submits a renewal application, fee, and continuing education attestation to keep an active New Mexico license.

Required post-licensure coursework or activities, including jurisprudence and ethics hours, that licensees complete each renewal cycle to maintain and update competence.

A license that has expired because renewal was not completed, making practice unlawful until the licensee meets reinstatement requirements set by the Board.

The physical therapist's oversight of a PTA's work, ranging from on-site direction to availability for consultation, depending on patient condition and setting rules.

The physical therapist's assignment of specific patient care tasks to a PTA or aide, based on the patient's needs and the delegate's training, with retained accountability.

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

The physical therapist's written document stating goals, interventions, frequency, and duration of treatment, which guides the PTA and is updated as the patient progresses.

The physical therapist's periodic reassessment of a patient's status and progress, used to revise the plan of care and required at intervals set by the Board.

The timely, accurate written record of evaluation, treatment, patient response, and communication that supports care and demonstrates compliance with practice standards.

The retained clinical file for each patient, including notes, consent forms, and reports, kept confidentially and made available as required by law or Board rule.

The legal duty to notify the Board of certain events, such as suspected unlicensed practice or a licensee's impairment or misconduct that endangers patients.

A written allegation of a violation of the Practice Act or Board rules that the Board reviews, investigates, and may resolve through dismissal, settlement, or hearing.

A formal administrative proceeding in which a licensee may respond to allegations, present evidence, and cross-examine before the Board imposes discipline.

A Board sanction such as reprimand, probation, suspension, or revocation imposed after a finding that a licensee violated the Practice Act or rules.

Behavior that violates practice standards, including practicing impaired, falsifying records, breaching confidentiality, or failing to supervise adequately, and that supports discipline.

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

Entitlements of people receiving physical therapy, including respectful care, privacy, access to records, participation in decisions, and freedom from discrimination or abuse.

The duty to protect patient information from unauthorized disclosure, permitting release only with valid consent or when law requires reporting.

The legally permitted range of activities for a PT or PTA, defined by statute and Board rules, including boundaries on diagnosis, treatment, and independent practice.

A patient's ability to seek physical therapy evaluation and treatment without a physician referral, subject to limits New Mexico law and Board rules impose.

A request from another licensed provider directing a patient for physical therapy, which may be required for certain conditions or settings under state law.

The environment where physical therapy is delivered, such as hospital, outpatient clinic, school, or home health, each carrying distinct supervision and documentation expectations.

The physical therapist's provision of expert advice or findings to a patient, caregiver, or other provider without necessarily assuming ongoing treatment responsibility.