536

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch.8

13-310. SCOPE OF PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT LICENSE.

(A)  IN GENERAL.

SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION, A PHYSICAL
THERAPIST ASSISTANT LICENSE AUTHORIZES THE LICENSEE TO
PRACTICE LIMITED PHYSICAL THERAPY WHILE THE LICENSE IS
EFFECTIVE.

(B)  SUPERVISION REQUIRED.

A LICENSED PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT MAY PRACTICE
LIMITED PHYSICAL THERAPY ONLY UNDER THE DIRECTION OF A
LICENSED PHYSICAL THERAPIST WHO GIVES PERIODIC ONSITE
SUPERVISION AND INSTRUCTION THAT IS ADEQUATE TO ENSURE THE
SAFETY AND WELFARE OF THE PATIENT.

REVISOR'S NOTE: Subsection (a) of this section is
standard language added for clarity to this and,
where necessary, other titles of this article.

Subsection (b) of this section is new language
derived without substantive change from the
requirement in Art. 43, § 605(d) that a licensed
physical therapist supervise a licensed physical
therapist assistant.

In subsection (b) of this section, the present
reference to "continued verbal and written
contact" is deleted as confusing and, in any
event, as inconsistent with the other provisions
of this subsection.

The General Assembly may wish to note that the
supervision of physical therapist assistants has
been a subject of controversy between physicians
and physical therapists. Present Art. 43, §
605(d) — which now appears in subsection (b) of
this section and § 13-404 of this title — states
expressly that only a licensed physical therapist
may direct a licensed physical therapist
assistant. However, present Art. 43, § 122(b)(6)
and (d) — which now appears in § 14-304 of this
article — allows a physician licensed by this
State to delegate duties to any individual,
including one who is licensed or otherwise
authorized to practice any of the health
occupations regulated under this article, if the
Board of Medical Examiners and the other health
occupation board that is regulated under this
article adopt joint regulations concerning these
duties. Alternatively, if there is no agreement
between the two boards, each board shall submit
its own rules and regulations to the Secretary
for a final decision. The State Board of Medical
Examiners and the State Board of Physical Therapy