Arizona Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

Which group includes PTAs and PT aides as well as other trained healthcare providers under a supervising PT?

1. Assistive personnel

2. Auxiliary staff

3. Healthcare assistants

4. Rehabilitation team members

The correct answer is: Assistive personnel

The correct choice reflects the terminology widely used in physical therapy and healthcare in general. The term "assistive personnel" encompasses a variety of individuals who support physical therapists in their duties. This group includes Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), who are specifically trained to provide therapy services under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, and physical therapy aides, who assist with non-treatment-related duties. The term is inclusive of other trained healthcare providers who may also work under the supervision of a physical therapist, thereby supporting the delivery of patient care. Other terms listed, such as "auxiliary staff," "healthcare assistants," and "rehabilitation team members," typically don't encompass the same range of professionals defined as assistive personnel. They might refer to roles with different scopes of practice or varying levels of training and responsibility within the healthcare environment. Therefore, "assistive personnel" is the most accurate choice that encapsulates the roles relevant to PTs and their direct support staff in a clinical setting.