Arizona Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

A PT is responsible for patient care given by which of the following?

1. Assistive personnel

2. Aide staff

3. Medical interns

4. Volunteers

The correct answer is: Assistive personnel

The responsibility of a physical therapist (PT) extends to the patient care provided by assistive personnel. This is because assistive personnel, which can include physical therapy aides and technicians, work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The PT must ensure that the care provided by these personnel is safe, effective, and consistent with the treatment plan they have developed for the patient. In the context of patient care, the PT is accountable not only for direct interventions but also for the actions of those who assist them, ensuring that these actions adhere to the standards of practice. While aides and other staff may support patient care, it is the PT’s expertise and authority that dictate the care protocols and oversee the implementation of treatment by assistive personnel. Other roles, such as medical interns and volunteers, may provide support in various capacities but do not typically have the same level of responsibility or direct oversight by the PT in a clinical setting. The PT’s primary duty is to ensure that all care provided, regardless of the personnel type, aligns with professional standards and improves patient outcomes.