TITLE OF POSITION: REGISTERED PHYSICAL THERAPIST
TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: DIRECTOR OF SERVICES/DIRECTOR OF NURSING
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Licensed or registered by the State. Has at least one (1) year of institutional experience. Graduate of a physical therapy school approved by the Council of Medical Education of the A.M.A. in collaboration with the American Physical Therapy Association.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Physical Therapist is a registered professional who provides skilled physical therapy services on an intermittent basis to clients in their homes. These services are performed in accordance with the client’s plan of treatment, and/or physician’s orders and other duties as deemed necessary.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Physical therapy services provided by a Registered Physical Therapist include:
a. initial and ongoing assessment to determine level of functioning, including OASIS assessment;
b. problem identification and goal setting;
c. treatment planning in consultation with the physician to achieve goals;
d. treatment provision
e. interdisciplinary coordination;
f. revision of treatment plans as needed;
g. client/family education as appropriate;
h. provision of equipment required to increase the client’s function and independence
i. timely recording of all evaluation data, treatments, and client’s response to therapy interventions
j. supervision of PTAs and paraprofessionals as required by state regulations.
k. recording quality assurance data;
l. education and consultation with clients and families and with agency staff.
2. Assists in the admission of the client to the Agency by:
a. Obtaining a medical history, particularly as it relates to the present condition.
b. Evaluating the client, significant other(s) and situation to determine what health
teaching will be required, what assistance will be available from the family in caring for the client, and what other agency and community services will be required.
c. Interpreting Physical Therapy Agency services to client and families as a part of
planning for care.
d. Assuring appropriateness of physician’s orders and discussing necessary changes.
3. Assists in development and implementation of the interdisciplinary client care plan as it pertains to Physical Therapy.
4. Provides skilled Physical Therapy as outlined below and after consultation with the physician:
a. Assists the physician in evaluating clients by applying diagnostic and prognostic muscle, nerve, joint and functional abilities tests.
b. Treats clients to relieve pain, develop or restore functional and maintain maximum performance, using physical means, such as exercise, massage, heat, water, light and electricity.
c. Instructs client in care and use of wheelchairs, braces, crutches, canes and prosthetic and orthotic devices.
d. Teaches, supervises, and counsels the family and client in the total physical therapy program and other related problems of the client at home.
e. Evaluates clients equipment needs as applicable.
5. Makes arrangements for out-patient services which cannot be given in the home.
6. Evaluates the effectiveness of Physical Therapy intervention and updates the client care plan as needed.
7. Instructs clients and their families in the use of prosthetic, orthotic and assistive devices (canes, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.).
8. Instructs and advices the family and other agency personnel as applicable in the client’s total physical therapy program.
9. Records and reports to the physician the client’s reaction to treatment and /or any changes in the client’s condition.
10. Communicates with the physician at least every 30 days or whenever changes occur regarding client status and obtaining additional orders, if necessary.
11. Prepares, maintains and submits written clinical and agency records as deemed necessary to include:
a. Initial assessment
b. Daily notes
c. Progress notes
12. Communicates with other team members (including Home Health Aides) and, when
appropriate, instructs them in certain phases of physical therapy that they may use while working with the client.
13. Prepares an assessment of the client’s condition and periodic evaluations and summaries.
14. Develops a plan of care and problem list.
15. Writes clinical/progress notes on the date of the visit and incorporates same in the client’s record within 48 hours.
16. Participates in case conferences, physical therapy staff meetings, agency activities and in-service programs as indicated.
17. Supervises the home health aide every two weeks when physical therapy is the only
professional discipline involved in the client’s care.
18. Supervises the Physical Therapy Assistant at least every two weeks as outlined in the
physical therapy assistant job description.
19. Confirms, on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits with the Director of Nursing to coordinate necessary visits with other personnel.
20. Notifies the Agency of absences due to illness, emergency leave, normal vacation periods, or special professional meetings which will affect agreed services with the Agency.
21. Participates with staff, client, and physician in discharge planning activities and completes the physical therapy discharge summary within the designated framework of Agency policies.
22. Evaluates outcomes of care.
JOB CONDITIONS
The position requires the ability to drive extensively in a geographic area. Must be able to access clients’ homes which will not be routinely wheelchair accessible. Hearing, eyesight and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical assessment of the client’s condition and to perform and demonstrate client care. There must be the ability to give and receive information orally. On occasion, may be required to bend, stoop, reach and move client weight up to 250 pounds; lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds.
EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS
Use of physical therapy and other medical equipment, etc.
COMPANY INFORMATION
Access to all client medical records which may be discussed with Director of Nursing, the Administrator, the Executive Director, and the Quality Assurance department s
