Florida Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

Which patient care task can be delegated to a physical therapist assistant?

1. Modification of goals

2. Review and interpretation of a practitioner's referral

3. Supervision of unlicensed personnel

4. Initial identification of contraindications

The correct answer is: Supervision of unlicensed personnel

The task of supervising unlicensed personnel is appropriate for delegation to a physical therapist assistant (PTA) because it aligns with the PTA's role in the healthcare team. PTAs are trained to work under the supervision of licensed physical therapists and can oversee the activities and duties of unlicensed staff, ensuring that treatment protocols are followed correctly and safely. This supervision helps facilitate patient care while allowing physical therapists to focus on more complex aspects of patient management. Other tasks such as modification of goals and the initial identification of contraindications require clinical decision-making that should be reserved for a licensed physical therapist due to the potential implications for patient safety and treatment efficacy. Likewise, reviewing and interpreting a practitioner's referral typically involves clinical judgment that is outside the scope of a PTA's responsibilities. Therefore, supervising unlicensed personnel is a properly designated task that fits within the skill set and capabilities of a physical therapist assistant.