Question

Which of the following interventions would NOT be appropriate to delegate to a physical therapist assistant?

A) Supervising a patient's range of motion exercises
B) Providing manual therapy techniques under the guidance of a physical therapist
C) Developing a patient's individualized home exercise program
D) Making a diagnosis and prescribing medications for a patient's pain management

Answer 1

Making a diagnosis and prescribing medications for a patient's pain management would NOT be appropriate for a physical therapist assistant, as these tasks require the higher level of education and licensure held by a physical therapist or medical doctor.

Step-by-step explanation:

A physical therapist assistant (PTA) usually works under the supervision of a physical therapist (PT). The role of a PTA includes aiding with exercises, providing manual therapy, and assisting with patient care, while working within the scope of their expertise. A PTA can be delegated tasks such as supervising a patient's range of motion exercises and providing manual therapy techniques as long as they are under the guidance of a physical therapist.

However, PTAs are not typically trained or licensed to develop comprehensive treatment plans or make independent clinical judgements. Therefore, the duty of developing a patient's individualized home exercise program can sometimes be within a PTA’s scope if it's based on a PT’s initial plan, but this can vary by jurisdiction. Importantly, a PTA cannot diagnose conditions or prescribe medications; these are the responsibilities of a licensed PT or a medical doctor.

The correct answer is that making a diagnosis and prescribing medications for a patient's pain management would NOT be appropriate to delegate to a physical therapist assistant.