Current through Register Vol. 18, September 20, 2024
(1) As used in
these rules, the following definitions apply:
(a) "Physical therapy aide" as defined in
37-11-101,
MCA, means an unlicensed individual who has received appropriate, documented,
on the job orientation and training by a physical therapist or physical
therapist assistant. The physical therapy aide performs designated unskilled
tasks.
(b) "Direct supervision"
means that the supervising physical therapist or physical therapist assistant
is onsite (on the premises physically) and immediately available for direction
and supervision of the physical therapy aide at all times.
(2) A physical therapy aide is limited to
performing the following patient-supportive tasks under the direct supervision
of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant:
(a) preparing a patient for treatment by a
physical therapist or physical therapist assistant;
(b) providing unskilled aid to a patient
after treatment by a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant;
and
(c) assisting a physical
therapist or physical therapist assistant when safety or patient care requires
a second person's assistance.
(3) A physical therapy aide may perform the
following and similar nonpatient care routine tasks without direct or onsite
supervision, by a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant:
(a) housekeeping activities including caring
for and stocking equipment and supplies;
(b) transporting patients, records,
equipment, and supplies in accordance with established policies and
procedures;
(c) assembling and
disassembling equipment and accessories;
(d) preparing, maintaining, and cleaning up
treatment areas and maintaining supportive areas; and
(e) transcribing, recording, or copying
treatment documentation generated by a physical therapist or physical therapist
assistant. All documents prepared by a physical therapy aide must be signed by
the treating physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.
(4) A physical therapist or
physical therapy assistant who fails to directly supervise a physical therapy
aide may be subject to disciplinary action by the board.
37-1-131,
37-11-201,
MCA; IMP,
37-1-131,
37-11-105,
MCA;
