Physical Therapist

Job Purpose :

A Physical Therapist (PT) provides physical therapy services in accordance with the patient’s plan of care as directed by their primary care provider. The PT supervises Licensed Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) and Home Health Aides per Medicare and Medicaid regulations, as well as state regulations, if any.

Supervisor : Clinical Manager

Qualifications :

1. Licensed as a PT by the state in which practicing, if applicable.

2. If licensure does not apply, then one must have graduated from a PT education program approved by one of the following :

The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Successor organizations of CAPTE.

An education program outside the United States determined to be substantially equivalent to PT entry-level education in the United States by a credential's evaluation organization approved by the American Physical Therapy Association or an organization identified in 8 CFR 212.15(e) as it relates to PTs.

Passed an examination for PTs approved by the state in which physical therapy services are provided.

Training :

1. At least one year of healthcare experience preferred.

2. Home health care experience preferred.

Responsibilities :

1. Provides comprehensive assessments (initial and ongoing), including Outcomes and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) items for Medicare and Medicaid patients.

2. Develop and implement the patient's plan of care in accordance with the patient’s primary care provider.

3. Provide physical therapy in accordance with the plan of care.

4. Provide care / services to patients to relieve pain, develop and restore function, and maintain maximum performance by using appropriate treatments, procedures, and modalities according to the plan of care.

5. Evaluate the home environment for safety concerns and recommend home equipment, as applicable.

6. Maintains accurate and timely documentation of care / services provided.

7. Physical therapy services may include :

Assessment of patient’s rehabilitation needs.

Therapeutic exercises and muscle strengthening.

Gait training, including patient instruction on the use of assistive devices.

Range of motion.

Transfer training using appropriate equipment and body mechanics.

Muscle re-education.

Prosthetic training and stump conditioning.

Wound care as permitted by the state practice act.

Pulmonary therapy including postural drainage and breathing exercises.

Rehabilitative treatments including ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and hot packs.

8. Assign and supervise PTAs as required by state regulations, if any, and accreditation standards.

9. Assign and supervise Home Health Aides as required by Medicare / Medicaid and state regulations, if any.

10. Participates in orientation and training of new personnel.

11. Evaluate and complete competencies for PTs and PTAs, as directed by the Clinical Manager.

12. Notifies the primary care provider, as applicable, when there are changes in the patient’s plan of care or clinical changes.

13. Communicate with other team members, as appropriate, regarding the patient’s plan of care and update team members when there are changes.

14. Attends and participates in staff meetings, educational in-services, and committee meetings, as appropriate.

15. Report adverse events, incidents, and grievances / complaints (patients and / or personnel) to the Clinical Manager.

16. Provides education and information to the patient and / or family members as appropriate to their plan of care.

17. Evaluate the patient’s progress and effectiveness in meeting goals and outcomes.

18. Participates and coordinates the patient’s discharge from service.

19. Participates in the agency’s Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program, as appropriate.

20. Adheres to the agency’s policies and procedures.

21. Maintains confidentiality of all aspects of job performance.

22. Practices proper infection control and utilizes PPE as indicated.

23. Only performs treatments or special procedures authorized by the Home Health Agency and deemed competent to perform by the Clinical Manager.

24. Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations in the performance of job functions.

25. Performs other related functions as directed.

Physical Demands :

The physical requirements described here must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions in this job description successfully.

1. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit, as well as talk and hear.

2. The employee is required to use hands to operate vehicles and office equipment.

3. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 30 pounds.

4. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.