Policy and Procedure Manual
Title: Licensed Physical Therapist
POSITION SUMMARY
Responsible for the evaluation, supervision and delivery of physical therapy services to agency clients in accordance with an established physician plan of care and in compliance with all applicable federal, state and agency procedures.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
1. Graduate of an approved physical therapy program with evidence of current licensure in Texas.
2. Minimum of one (1) year of experience in an acute care or rehabilitation setting, with exposure to geriatric and medical/surgical client care desired.
3. Effective verbal and written communication skills.
4. Valid driver's license in the state of Texas, available and dependable transportation and proof of current automobile liability insurance.
5. Ability to meet minimum agency hiring standards which include evidence of current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate and willingness to perform such procedures in the home setting.
6. Essential physical, mental, and / or environmental working conditions: a. Must be able to meet the physical demands which including standing, walking, bending, lifting, and transferring. b. Must be able to utilize good judgement, demonstrate patience, and maintain a professional demeanor. c. Must be able to work in a busy and stressful environment.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Performs direct physical therapy services to clients as ordered by a physical and according to an established plan of care. a. Evaluates the client via on-site visit within 72 hours of referral. b. Performs initial client evaluation and plans appropriate therapy program with approval of the attending physician. c. Documents client evaluation on appropriate home care forms and submits to agency within 48 hours of the home visit. d. Initiates the plan of care and makes necessary changes as client condition dictates and in accordance with physician approval. e. Plans appropriate short - and long - term goals and documents progress in attainment of same. f. Treats clients for the purpose of relieving pain, developing/restoring functional capability and maintaining maximum performance. g. Directs and aids clients in active and passive exercise, muscle re-education and functional training activities of daily living, such as transfer techniques and prosthetic training. h. Develops and maintains positive rapport with rehabilitation and hospital staff and physicians. i. Maintains good working rapport with clients and family members. j. Seeks appropriate medical advice as necessary adn confers with agency staff on a regular basis.
2. Maintains and submits all required client documentation in a timely manner. a. Completes skilled note for each visit delivered to the client. b. Documents teaching plans and client response to same. c. Reviews client progress at least monthly and reviews and adjusts care plan accordingly. d. Attends monthly client care conferences and updates outstanding HCFA 486 documents as necessary. e. Confers with physicians and agency staff as necessary and documents all pertinent information and recommendations.
3. Provides supervision to physical therapy assistants and / or home health aides who may be assigned to provide physician ordered care to the client. a. Develops and instructs PTA in the established plan of care and any ongoing changes. b. Makes the first viist PTA to ensure the knowledge of and efficiency in assigned treatments and supervises implementation. c. Provides complete instruction for PTA performing any physical therapy-related procedures and monitors the quality of PTA services. d. Supervises care rendered by the PTA at least every 30 days. e. Makes the final visit to determine client discharge. f. Establishes home health aide assignment for therapy-related duties. g. Trains and supervises the home health aide on-site in program / client plan. h. Documents communication with home health aide. i. Updates the aide assignment sheet as necessary. j. Makes additional on-site visits with the aide as needed.
4. Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with agency policies related to home health care. a. Complies with all state, federal and JCAHO guidelines regarding physical therapy services and home health qualifications. b. Attends ongoing continuing education programs and all mandatory inservices, and provides documentation for same. c. Conducts staff inservices on physical therapy interventions as requested. d. Fosters professional relationships outside home health as evidenced by membership in professional organizations and community activities. e. Attends staff meetings as requested by immediate supervisor.
* Since it is difficult to identify all essential functions of a job because of changes in the workplace, this job description will be reviewed periodically to ensure it is accurate and up-to-date.* I understand I am not eligible for employment if I have ever been convicted of a criminal offense or under criminal indictment / charge of an offense that did or would have endangered a client or fellow employee or property of a client, employee or employer. I have read and understand this job description and agree to the condition set forth herein.