Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Provides direct physical therapy services to patients in accordance with generally accepted physical therapy standards, State of Maryland Physical Therapy Practice Act, code of ethics, and departmental procedures, as follows:

• Performs comprehensive evaluations to identify problems that require physical therapy. Selects appropriate tests and measurements to identify and define specific patient problems.
• Sets priorities and establishes treatment goals directed toward problems that are objective, functional, and measurable. Plans and selects the most appropriate treatment modality, method, or procedure to address goals.
• Selects and implements alternate methods or procedures when goals are not being adequately attained, adjusting goals according to patient response. Determines when goals have been reached and problems resolved.
• Provides competent patient care. Maintains patient privacy. Teaches patients and families home care and exercise skills specific to the patient's disability. Recognizes patient distress signals and provides emergency care, via CPR, when necessary.
• Requests the assistance of Physical Therapy Assistants, Therapy Aides and/or volunteers as appropriate.

2. Records patient evaluations, re-evaluations and care provided in the medical record in accordance with departmental documentation standards.

• Prepares written documentation as required by the profession and the department, such as patient evaluation results, treatment plans, progress reports, discharge summaries, and other such reports.
• Records patient charges and procedures performed, daily.

3. Participates in quality assurance activities, suggests areas for improvement to colleagues in a tactful and considerate manner. Suggests quality assurance topics and alternate treatment techniques to improve physical therapy services.

4. Assumes responsibility to resolve or reports clinical and operational issues department leadership for resolution in order to assure smooth departmental operations.

5. Attends and participates in clinical patient rounds and conferences as required, as part of the interdisciplinary patient care team. Communicates observations, facts and comments to interdisciplinary team members.

6. Attends physical therapy in-service training programs. Suggests in-service topics and speakers. Presents information concerning continuing education courses to Physical Therapy staff at in-service programs.

7. Oversees and directs the work of therapy aides, volunteers and students as directed by the department leadership.