PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: PHYSICAL THERAPIST

DUTIES

When physical therapy services are provided, a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant under the supervision of a physical therapist shall provide the services in accordance with the plan of treatment and within the licensee's scope of practice as established by the Illinois Physical Therapy Act.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Instruct other health team personnel, including, when appropriate, home health aides and family members, in certain phases of physical therapy with which they may work with the patient.

Instruct the patient and family in the total physical therapy program.

Prepare clinical and progress notes for the clinical record.

Be directed by and under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist and within the licensee's scope of practice as established by the Illinois Physical Therapy Act;

Administer the physical therapy program as established by the physical therapist

Observe patient's progress and response to treatment, and report to the physical therapist

Confer with members of the health care team for planning, modifying and coordinating treatment programs.

Under the supervision of the physical therapist, assist in evaluation and development of a rehabilitative plan of care and in periodic re-evaluation, as required.

Participate in the preparation of clinical and daily progress notes; all notes are reviewed by the PT and submitted, within 48 hours. Also prepares periodic summary reports.

As directed, perform routine strengthening, and therapeutic, exercises and assist the patient with the use of self-help devices.

Together with the PT, instruct the patient, and family, and assist in teaching exercise programs, to the patient and family.

Identify possible ineffective drug therapy, or adverse reactions, significant side effects, drug allergies, and contra-indicated medication and reports same to the PT.

Observe, and record, activities and findings, in the clinical record, and reports to the PT and the physician the patient's reaction to treatment and any changes in the patient's condition.

Consult with PT, regarding the outcome of home visits and report physical findings, in written form.

Under the supervision of the Physical Therapist, assist in evaluation, and development, of the rehabilitative plan of care and in periodic re-evaluation, as indicated.

Attend rehabilitation department staff meetings and case conferences.

Participate with staff, patients, and physicians in discharge activities and assist the Physical Therapist in completing the Physical Therapy Discharge Summary.

Confirm, on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits with the Supervisor/ Agency Supervisor in order to coordinate Agency visits.

Assume responsibility for self-development by continually striving to improve his/her health care knowledge through educational programs, attendance at workshops and conferences, active participation in professional and related organizations, and individual research and reading.

Assume other duties, deemed appropriate and necessary, by the PT, and as designated by Registered Nurse Case Management and the Nursing Supervisor.

ASSISTS IN THE AGENCY ADMISSION PROCESS

Obtain a medical history, particularly as it relates to the present condition.

Evaluate the patient, the patient’s significant other(s), and the home situation to determine what instruction will be required, what assistance will be available from the family in caring for the patient, and what other Agency and community services will be required.

Ensure that the physician’s orders are appropriate and discuss necessary changes.

JOB CONDITIONS

The ability to drive and the ability to access patients’ homes, which may not be routinely wheelchair accessible are required.

Hearing, eyesight, and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical assessment of the patient's condition and to perform patient care.

On occasion, may be required to bend, stoop, reach, and move patient weight up to 250 pounds; lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds.

Must be able to effectively communicate in English.

EQUIPMENT OPERATION

Physical therapy equipment and other medical equipment will be utilized. Hand washing materials.

COMPANY INFORMATION

Has access to all patient medical records, which may be discussed with Agency Supervisor the Administrator, the Executive Director, and the Quality Assurance department staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

1.    A person who is licensed, licensed as a physical therapist assistant under the Illinois Physical Therapy Act

2.    Graduated from a Physical Therapist Assistant curriculum, approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association; or, if educated outside the United States, or trained in the United States military, graduated from an education program, determined to be substantially equivalent to Physical Therapist Assistant entry-level education in the United States, by a credentials evaluation organization approved by the American Physical Therapy Association or identified at 8 CFR 212.15(e); and

a.    Passed a national examination for Physical Therapist Assistants

3.    Must have a criminal background check.

4.    Must have current CPR certification. Online certification is not accepted