ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
physical therapy assistants; students; supervision
Purpose
Specifies that a physical therapist is responsible for patient care provided by student physical therapists and student physical therapist assistants under the supervision of the physical therapist.
Background
Physical therapy is the care and services provided by or under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The physical therapist is responsible for managing all aspects of the physical therapy care of each patient and the patient care given by assistive personnel under the physical therapist's supervision. The physical therapist may delegate to assistive personnel and supervise selected acts, tasks or procedures that fall within the scope of physical therapy practice, but that do not exceed the education or training of the assistive personnel. Assistive personnel, includes: 1) physical therapist assistants; 2) physical therapy aides; and 3) other assistive personnel who are trained or educated health care providers who perform specific designated tasks related to physical therapy under the supervision of a physical therapist. Assistive personnel does not include personnel assisting other licensed health care professionals in performing delegable treatment responsibilities within the personnel's scope of practice (A.R.S. § 32-2001 and 32-2043).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Specifies that a physical therapist is responsible for patient care given by student physical therapists and student physical therapist assistants under the physical therapist's supervision, in addition to the care provided by assistive personnel.
2. Defines student physical therapist as a person who is enrolled in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program that is accredited by or has candidate status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
3. Defines student physical therapist assistant as a person who is enrolled in an academic physical therapist assistant program that is accredited by or has candidate status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
4. Specifies that assistive personnel does not include student physical therapists or student physical therapist assistants.
5. Makes technical and conforming changes.
6. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 2, 2024
MM/KS/slp