Florida Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

Which statement is true regarding unlicensed personnel in physical therapy?

1. A physical therapist assistant can assign patient tasks to unlicensed personnel

2. General supervision is always sufficient during patient care delivered by unlicensed personnel

3. Two unlicensed personnel may provide patient-directed care simultaneously

4. Unlicensed personnel can assess a patient's progress without supervision

The correct answer is: Two unlicensed personnel may provide patient-directed care simultaneously

The statement that two unlicensed personnel may provide patient-directed care simultaneously is based on the understanding of how unlicensed personnel can support the work of licensed practitioners. In a physical therapy setting, unlicensed personnel can assist, but they must do so under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. This means that while they can provide care to patients, such as assisting with exercises or carrying out specific tasks, they must be coordinated and supervised to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the care being provided. Allowing two unlicensed personnel to provide care simultaneously can be beneficial under proper supervision, as it ensures that patients receive adequate assistance while still being monitored by licensed professionals. This approach can also enhance patient care, especially in settings needing assistance for multiple patients simultaneously. In contrast, the other statements present scenarios that misinterpret the regulations regarding unlicensed personnel. For instance, a physical therapist assistant may not have the authority to assign tasks to unlicensed personnel independently without the direct oversight of a licensed professional. Similarly, general supervision is not sufficient for all aspects of patient care involving unlicensed personnel, as certain activities require direct supervision to ensure patient safety. Lastly, unlicensed personnel are not permitted to assess a patient's progress; assessment is a professional function that requires