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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 patent 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/
leaderships 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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Atrium Health
Nov 16, 2024