45:9-37.20 Supervision of physical therapist assistants; guidelines.

10. a. No physical therapist shall supervise more physical therapist assistants at any one time than in the opinion of the board can be adequately supervised. Under usual circumstances the maximum number of physical therapist assistants that may be supervised by a physical therapist shall be two, except that, upon application, the board may permit the supervision of a greater number of physical therapist assistants if it feels there would be adequate supervision and the public health and safety would be served.

b. A licensed physical therapist assistant may initiate patient physical therapy treatment consistent with the role of a physical therapist assistant, as defined by the board or otherwise provided in P.L.1983, c.296 (C.45:9-37.11 et seq.) or P.L.2003, c.18 (C.45:9-37.34b et al.), only at the discretion of, and under the direct or general supervision of, a licensed physical therapist, as specified in P.L.2017, c.121 (C.45:9-37.34g et al.). A licensed physical therapist shall make an onsite visit and actively participate in the treatment of the patient at least every six patient visits or every 14 days, whichever occurs first.

c. When supervising a physical therapist assistant in any off-site setting, the following requirements shall be observed:

(1) A physical therapist shall be accessible by telecommunications to the physical therapist assistant at all times while the physical therapist assistant is treating patients.

(2) There shall be regularly scheduled and documented conferences or communications between the physical therapist and the physical therapist assistant regarding patients, the frequency of which is determined by the needs of the patient and the needs of the physical therapist assistant.

(3) In those situations in which a physical therapist assistant is involved in the care of a patient, a supervisory visit by the physical therapist is to be made: upon the physical therapist assistant's request for a reexamination; when a change in the plan of care is needed; prior to any planned discharge; and in response to a change in the patient's medical status.

d. Within 180 days following the enactment of P.L.2017, c.121 (C.45:9-37.34g et al.), the board shall establish guidelines concerning the general supervision of physical therapist assistants, including, but not limited to:

(1) On-site review of the plan of care with appropriate revision or termination, completed during a regular physical therapist visit; and

(2) Evaluation of the need for, and a recommendation regarding, utilization of outside resources.

L.1983, c.296, s.10; amended 2003, c.18, s.6; 2017, c.121, s.4.