Overview
Job Summary
The LPTA is a licensed professional who is responsible for an assigned group of patients, typically geographically related and accountable for the oversight and overall management of the physical therapy services in the home setting under the plan and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist (PT). Implements physical therapy patient care programs on an intermittent basis in the home and notifies the PT of changes in the patient's condition, performance and response to treatment. These are performed in accordance with the physician’s orders. A licensed physical therapist assistant’s practice is guided by the Physical Therapy Practice Act.
Essential Functions
- Responsible for the daily management of an assigned patient caseload, ensuring timely care and documentation to meet the patient needs/services as prescribed in the established plan of care and per MD orders.
- Collects data pertinent to the healthcare consumer’s health or the situation from patient assessments in the home setting, telephonic contacts and/or related EMR information available.
- Implements patient care programs including necessary modalities, procedures, exercise programs, and patient education as established by the PT.
- Documents and implements a plan of care to meet patient and family needs, to include discharge planning and utilization of available resources.
- Demonstrates clinical reasoning, coupled with clinical skills to conduct accurate clinical assessments and perform patient care activities; evaluates effectiveness of therapy interventions, identifies and prioritizes patient/family strength, needs and priorities.
- Provides and documents patient and family education in regard to deficits, progress toward goals, and therapeutic techniques, with individualized instruction for a home program including equipment use.
- Observes, records, and reports to the physician and/or supervising PT any reaction to treatment and/or any changes in the patient's condition.
- Maintains communication with multidisciplinary team providing updates and changes in schedules, patient data or needs, and physician orders.
- Incorporates short and long-term goals established in the plan of care into therapy, as evidenced by documentation in visit notes.
- Supports effective communication and collaboration with the physician oversight, and branch PT/leadership supervision to ensure timely feedback regarding patients’ condition and/or need for changes in the plan of care.
- Will provide clear, timely and complete documentation as required by policy and practice standards.
- Adhere to productivity standards as set by the agency.
- Remains and performs ordered treatments, therapies, and/or procedures in accordance with State Physical Therapy Practice Act and Home Health Conditions of Participation, JCAHO, Medicare Guidelines, OASIS and agency policy and procedures.
- Promotes shared governance and decision making activities, developing and nurturing research to positively affect clinical outcomes and promotion.
- Attains knowledge and competence that reflects current physical therapy practice.
- Integrates evidence and research findings into practice.
- Contributes to quality of physical therapy practice.
- Communicates effectively in a variety of formats in all areas of practice.
- Collaborates with healthcare consumer, family, and others in the conduct of physical therapy practice.
- Evaluates his/her own physical therapy practice in relation to professional practice standards and guidelines, relevant statutes, rules and regulations and is open to constructive criticism from a supervising PT when appropriate.
- Utilizes appropriate resources to plan and provide physical therapy services that are safe, effective, and financially responsible.
Physical Requirements
Work requires walking, standing, sitting, lifting, reaching, stooping, bending, pushing, and pulling. Must be able to lift and support the weight of 50 pounds in handling patients, medical equipment, and supplies. Ability to travel extensively during all seasons to assigned patients place of residence. Works in a variety of home environments and conditions. Must speak English in good, understandable terms. Intact sense of sight, hearing, smell, touch. Finger dexterity. Critical thinking and ability to concentrate. Must be able to respond quickly to changes in patient and/or unit conditions. Ability to work flexible schedule to meet patients' needs. Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, goggles, gowns, and masks are sometimes required due to possible exposure to hazardous chemicals or blood and body fluids.
Education, Experience and Certifications
Graduate of an approved Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program required. Current state licensure as a PTA required. Must maintain current state driver’s license and auto insurance at all times. Personal vehicles must be well maintained and in safe driving condition. 1-year experience as a licensed PT in a clinical care setting or home health preferred. Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider (BLS HCP) from AHA required.
Additional qualifications for staff providing services to special patient populations:
Pediatrics – 1-year pediatric experience within the past 5 years preferred OR education and training may be provided by Healthy@Home.
Patient Population Served
Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development and demonstrates the skills and competency appropriate to the ages, culture, developmental stages, and special needs of the patient population served.
Protected Health Information
Will limit access to protected health information (PHI) to the information reasonably necessary to do the job. Will share information only on a need to know basis for work purposes.
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