Section 17-6712. PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANTS AND AIDES

 

6712.1  A physical therapy assistant or physical therapy aide may perform physical therapy functions only in accordance with this section.

 

6712.2  A physical therapy assistant may perform the following functions under the direct supervision of a physical therapist:

 

 (a)  Use of therapeutic exercise, mechanical traction, therapeutic massage, compression, heat, cold, ultraviolet, water, and      electricity;

 

 (b)  Measurement and adjustment of crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs, and instruction in their use and care;

 

(c)  Instruction, motivation, and assistance to patients and others in improving pulmonary function, learning, and functional activities    such as pre-ambulation, transfer, ambulation and daily living    activities; and the use and care of orthoses, prostheses, and     supportive devices;

 

(d) Modification of treatment procedures as indicated by patient response and within the limits specified in the plan of care, and reported orally or in writing to the physical therapist; and

 

 (e)  Participation in routine administrative procedures required for a physical therapy service.

 

6712.3  A physical therapy aide may perform the following functions under the direct supervision of a physical therapist:

 

 (a) Gait practice;

 

 (b) Activities of daily living;

 

 (c) Transfer activities;

 

 (d) Hot or cold packs;

 

 (e) Paraffin bath;

 

 (f) Hydrotherapy;

 

 (g) Whirlpool; and

 

 (h) Therapeutic exercises.

 

6712.4  A physical therapy assistant or physical therapy aide may not perform the

following:

 

 (a) Interpret referrals;

 

 (b) Perform evaluation procedures;

 

 (c) Initiate or adjust treatment programs; or

 

 (d) Assume responsibility for planning patient care.

 

6712.5 Pursuant to § 6710.12, a physical therapist shall review and co-sign any

documentation written by a physical therapy assistant or physical therapy aide.

 

authority

The Administrator of the Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances, pursuant to the authority set forth in section 309 of the District of Columbia Administrative Procedure Act, approved October 21, 1968 (82 Stat. 1203; D.C. Official Code § 2-559), and the Director of the Department of Health, pursuant to the authority set forth under § 302 (14) of the District of Columbia Health Occupation Revision Act of 1985, effective March 25, 1986 (D.C. Law 6-99; D.C. Official Code § 3-1203.02 (14)) (Act), and Mayor’s Order 98-140, dated August 20, 1998.

source

Final Rulemaking published at 35 DCR 936, 952 (February 12, 1988); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 36 DCR 1061, 1062 (February 3, 1989); and as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 51 DCR 6451 (June 25, 2004); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 55 DCR 7949 (July 25, 2008); as corrected by Errata Notice published at 57 DCR 11093, 11094 (November 26, 2010).