The Physical Therapist provides comprehensive diagnostic services to patients referred for a possible dysfunction in the areas of gross motor development, orthopedic abnormality, or neurological deficits. With physician referral and approval, treatment plans are implemented to address deficits identified in any, or all of these areas. Goals are set to move the individual toward his or her maximum level of independence and/or function.

The following is a summary of major essential functions of the Physical Therapist. Other duties may be performed as permitted by Texas laws and regulations adopted by the state agencies that are not mentioned here. Specific functions may, from time to time, change. These functions include:

Essential Functions

• Performs comprehensive evaluations of referred patients using standardized testing tools and/or other accepted assessment methods. Documents results in format approved by facility.
• Provides physical therapy for all types of pediatric physical dysfunctions.
• Safely apply any modalities utilized including electrical stimulation, ultrasound, etc.
• Monitors equipment to be sure it is safe before using with a patient.
• Maintains the well-being and safety of the patient during treatment.
• Completes all documentation that is required for each patient (progress notes, summaries, re-evaluations).
• Communicates to physicians, appropriate members of staff, patient and family members regarding patient needs and progress, either by documentation or, if necessary, direct contact.
• Supplies billing information to appropriate staff, in a proper and timely manner for all patient procedures.
• Participates in and attends rehabilitation team conferences and clinic staff meetings as scheduled.
• Provides supervision for staff Physical Therapist Assistants and co-signs documentation for staff Physical Therapist Assistants.
• Provides supervision for and monitors clinical documentation on staff Physical Therapy Assistants to ensure all treatment notes indicate the name of the Supervising Physical Therapist for whom the Physical Therapy Assistant is treating.
• Provide clinical supervision to any PT or PTA students completing clinical hours in the facility, as applicable.
• Monitors inventory of supplies and equipment. Requests orders of needed supplies and equipment in a timely manner to avoid emergency ordering.
• Keeps informed of changes and innovation in the field through professional contacts, literature, and workshops.
• Continually pursues professional growth and act as a Resource for expertise in the field of Physical Therapy.
• Provides education and counseling to patients and their families that will reinforce the therapy provided in the clinic.
• Provides education related to Physical Therapy to staff and the general public upon request.
• Either attends and actively participates in or obtains an excused absence and arranges for make-up for all mandatory meetings and in services.
• Demonstrates the skills of effective time management.
• Demonstrates positive interpersonal communications skills while maintaining standards of professional ethics.

13. Observes patient confidentiality and follows HIPAA guidelines.

17. Assumes personal responsibility for professional development and continuing education.

21. Suggests and develops new patient programs and ideas for treatment as appropriate.

24. Performs other duties as delegated, required, or requested.

Qualifications

• Has graduated from a physical therapy curriculum approved by:
  • The American Physical Therapy Association, or
  • (2)The Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association, or
  • (3)The Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association and the American Physical Therapy Association; or
• Prior to January 1, 1966
  • Was admitted to membership by the American Physical Therapy Association, or
  • Was admitted to registration by the American Registry of Physical Therapist, or
  • (3)Has graduated from a physical therapy curriculum in a 4-year college or university approved by a State department of education; or
• Has 2 years of appropriate experience as a physical therapist, and has achieved a satisfactory grade on a proficiency examination conducted, approved, or sponsored by the U.S. Public Health Service except that such determination of proficiency does not apply with respect to persons initially licensed by a State or seeking qualifications as a physical therapist after December 31, 1977; or
• Was licensed or registered prior to January 1, 1966, and prior to January 1, 1970, had 15 years of full- time experience in the treatment of illness or injury through the practice of physical therapy in which services were rendered under the order and direction of attending and referring doctors of medicine or osteopathy; or
• If trained outside the United States,
  • (1)Was graduated since 1928 from physical therapy curriculum approved in the country in which the curriculum was located and in which there is a member organization of the Worlds Confederation for Physical Therapy.
  • (2)Meets the requirements for membership in a member organization of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy,
    1. Capable to lift, guard, transfer, and maneuver patients of all sizes and weights, utilizing assistance or special equipment as needed on a recurring basis and in a safe manner.
    2. Manual dexterity and visual acuity to safely apply all necessary modalities and operation of equipment.

Physical Requirements

3. Must be able to follow written procedures and verbal directives.