Arizona Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

What must a PTA document in the patient record when providing a treatment intervention?

1. Only the therapeutic interventions made

2. The name and license number of the supervising PT

3. Only the date of the treatment intervention

4. The supervising PT’s email address for future reference

The correct answer is: The name and license number of the supervising PT

The correct answer involves the requirement for documentation to include the name and license number of the supervising physical therapist. This is critical for several reasons related to professionalism, accountability, and compliance with state regulations governing physical therapy practice. Including the name and license number of the supervising PT ensures that there is a clear and documented chain of responsibility for the treatment provided. In the event of an audit, complaint, or legal issue, having this information readily available helps to confirm that the treatment was performed under the supervision of an appropriately licensed professional. Proper documentation is vital for continuity of care, communication among healthcare providers, and ensuring patient safety. In many states, including Arizona, regulations dictate that a physical therapist assistant (PTA) must operate under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, making it essential to document this supervisory relationship. The other options do not meet the necessary documentation standards for a PTA. For instance, simply documenting the therapeutic interventions without identifying the supervising PT does not fulfill the legal and ethical requirements. Meanwhile, documenting only the date of the treatment or the supervisor's email address lacks the comprehensiveness needed for patient records and may not fulfill regulatory requirements. Thus, the requirement to document the supervising PT's name and license number is foundational for both accountability and