Florida Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

A physical therapist assistant is able to directly supervise unlicensed personnel once the task has been delegated by _______.

1. the clinic manager

2. the physical therapist

3. a licensed practitioner

4. a physician

The correct answer is: the physical therapist

The correct answer emphasizes the professional relationship and hierarchy within physical therapy practice. A licensed physical therapist is responsible for overseeing and delegating tasks to unlicensed personnel, including physical therapist assistants. This delegation must come from the physical therapist to ensure that the tasks assigned are appropriate for the unlicensed personnel's skills and the clinical situation. The physical therapist has the required education and training to assess patient needs and determine which tasks can be safely delegated, ensuring that the safety and well-being of patients are maintained. In practice, roles such as clinic managers, licensed practitioners, or physicians may influence workflow or operational aspects of a clinic, but they do not have the direct authority to delegate clinical tasks specific to physical therapy practice. Only the licensed physical therapist is trained to make such decisions regarding the direct supervision of unlicensed personnel in the context of patient care. This clear delineation supports the standards of practice and helps maintain the integrity of patient treatment.