24.177.405    PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDES, LICENSE EXEMPTION, AND SUPERVISION

(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.

History: 37-1-131, 37-11-201, MCA; IMP, 37-1-131, 37-11-105, MCA; NEW, 1979 MAR p. 1243, Eff. 10/12/79; TRANS, from Dept. of Prof. & Occup. Lic., Ch. 274, L. 1981, Eff. 7/1/81; AMD, 1982 MAR p. 593, Eff. 3/26/82; AMD, 1990 MAR p. 2107, Eff. 11/30/90; AMD, 1995 MAR p. 2483, Eff. 11/23/95; AMD, 2003 MAR p. 2549, Eff. 10/17/03; TRANS, from Commerce, 2005 MAR p. 380; AMD, 2009 MAR p. 2153, Eff. 11/13/09.