OAR 848-015-0020: Scope of Practice

(1) For purposes of the provision of physical therapy services, a physical therapist assistant shall work solely under the clinical supervision and direction of a physical therapist. (2) A physical therapist assistant may provide physical therapy treatment only when a supervising physical therapist is available. As used in this rule “available” means that at all times a supervising physical therapist is readily accessible for consultation with the assistant, either in person or by means of telecommunications. (3) A physical therapist assistant may provide physical therapy treatment only after a physical therapist has performed an initial evaluation and prepared a plan of care. (4) A physical therapist assistant may prepare a final summary of a patient’s physical therapy status upon discharge as provided in OAR 848-040-0165. (5) A physical therapist assistant shall work in compliance with the standards set out in Division 40 of these rules. (6) If authorized by a supervising physical therapist, a physical therapist assistant may provide limited services to a student in a school setting for up to 10 school days after the date when a reassessment is required to be performed under OAR 848-0040-0155(2)(b) or (c). The services that may be provided under this paragraph are limited to coordinating with other persons and instructing a teacher or educational or instructional assistant or nursing aide in physical management strategies to insure that the student can access the classroom and related educational services in compliance with and continued implementation of the student’s individualized education plan as defined in OAR 848-040-0100(3).