Florida Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

Which responsibility MUST physical therapy personnel meet for proper patient care?

1. Inform of the cost of each session prior to participation

2. Obtain a survey every two weeks to determine satisfaction level

3. Notify the referring practitioner of record of the initiation of care within 15 days

4. Communicate what is entailed in the evaluation or treatment prior to performance

The correct answer is: Communicate what is entailed in the evaluation or treatment prior to performance

Effective communication is a cornerstone of proper patient care in physical therapy. By ensuring that patients understand what is involved in their evaluation or treatment prior to its performance, physical therapy personnel foster a collaborative relationship and build trust. This transparency allows patients to make informed decisions about their care and actively participate in the treatment process. Informing patients about the evaluation or treatment details enhances their understanding of the goals and methods, which may improve adherence to the treatment plan and overall outcomes. This responsibility aligns with ethical obligations to protect patient autonomy and promote the best interests of the patient. While informing patients of costs and obtaining feedback about satisfaction are important aspects of service delivery, they do not carry the same level of criticality for direct patient care as ensuring effective communication about treatment. Likewise, notifying the referring practitioner of the initiation of care is a necessary administrative task, but it is secondary to the immediate need for patients to be informed about their own care processes.