Florida Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

Under which condition can a physical therapist delegate tasks to a student?

1. Only during emergency situations

2. When the therapist is absent

3. When the patient is stable

4. When they provide direct supervision

The correct answer is: When they provide direct supervision

A physical therapist can delegate tasks to a student when they provide direct supervision. This means the licensed therapist is on-site, overseeing the student's work to ensure that it meets professional standards and that the patient receives appropriate care. Direct supervision ensures that the physical therapist can immediately address any questions or issues that arise, maintain the safety and quality of therapy services, and provide guidance based on the patient's specific needs. The other conditions do not meet the requirements for safe and effective delegation in a clinical setting. Delegating only during emergency situations or when the therapist is absent does not ensure oversight or quality control, and delegating when the patient is stable lacks the necessary context that direct supervision provides. Therefore, the requirement for direct supervision is crucial for ensuring both patient safety and the educational experience of the student.