PTA Commitment 2, Home Health

The Home Health Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) performs treatment and provides exercise instruction and patient education aimed at improving/enhancing the patient's well-being while following the established plan of care.

Under the supervision of a Physical Therapist, is at all times responsible to follow all state specific laws governing the provision of physical therapy in home care, to follow the treatment set only as defined by the Physical Therapist; to perform only those procedures that he/she is qualified and trained to perform and to make all recommendations for changes in the plan of care to the supervising Physical Therapist.

Following the plan of care, instructs and aids patients in evidence based treatment within the scope of the physical therapy assistant and according to the state laws governing physical therapy assistants.

Observes, records, and reports to the supervising PT, the nurse supervisor, and/or the physician the patient's response to treatment and changes in the patient's condition. Coordinates care with the other members of the healthcare team as appropriate.

Instructs patient, family, caregiver, and other members of the health care team in the areas of therapy within the scope of the physical therapy assistant.

Visits patients within the entire service area of their respective agency and other nearby LHC agencies as needed

According to Plan of Treatment; complete a progress note for each visit and submits progress notes per LHC policy.

Schedule flexibility is needed in this role to ensure we provide care to the patient as needed.  Requires the ability to participate in a weekend rotation and potential availability on observed holidays to ensure we are meeting the demands of our patients. 

Participates in staff conferences and committees as requested by the agency.

Adheres to LHC Therapy Standards of Practice in provision of services to all patients.

All other duties as assigned.

License Requirements

• Current licensed, registered, or certified to assist in the practice of physical therapy in state of practice.
• Current CPR certification is required.
• Current driver's license, vehicle insurance, and access to a dependable vehicle or public transportation.

Additional State Requirements

• AZ: Must have 2,000 hours of experience under onsite supervision post certification prior to working in home health.
• District of Columbia: Not allowed to practice.
• LA and TX: Must have one (1) year of experience as a licensed PTA.
• PA: Must have 2,000 hours of experience providing patient-related services under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist or worked as a physical therapist assistant for at least 3 years between October 2, 2003 and October 2, 2008 (Part time work is acceptable if equivalent to 3 years of full time work).
• NY 2 years direct clinical experience
• AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, , OH, OK, OR, RI, SC, TN, VA, WA, WV, WI: No additional state specific requirements.