“Adequate Supervision”- By a licensed physical therapist shall include the following:

• Evaluate each patient and interpret the results to determine and document a physical therapy diagnosis;
• Plan each patient's treatment program and determine which elements thereof can be delegated to the assistant;
• Provide periodic reevaluation of the treatment program and of the assistant's performance in relation to the patient;
• Perform and record an evaluation of the patient and his response to treatment at the termination thereof;
• Interact with the assistant in appropriate ways specific to the plan of care of the patients being treated by the assistant.

“Board” - The Georgia Board of Physical Therapy. 

“Consultation”- The provision of professional advice.

“Direct supervision” - On the premises and immediately available at all times.

“Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts” - Any health practitioner who is licensed in the State to diagnose and treat individuals with the physical or mental disability or functional limitations at issue and operating within the scope of practice defined in Title 43 Chapter 33.

“License” - A valid and current certificate of registration issued by the board which shall give the person to whom it is issued authority to engage in the practice prescribed thereon.

“Licensee” - Any person holding a license under this article or holding a valid Physical Therapy Licensure Compact privilege. 

“On the Premises”- The immediate area of the patient.

“Person” - A human being only, not a legal entity.

“Physical Therapist” - A person licensed to practice physical therapy whose license is in good standing in Georgia.

“Physical Therapist Assistant” - A person who is licensed by the board to assist a physical therapist, whose activities are supervised and directed by a physical therapist, and whose license is in good standing.

“Physical Therapy” - The care and services provided by or under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

“Physical Therapy Aide” - A person who only performs designated and supervised physical therapy tasks. The physical therapy aide must receive direct supervision and must be directed on the premises at all times by a licensee. Physical therapy aides are not licensed.

“Preventative Services”- The use of physical therapy knowledge and skills by a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to provide education or activities in a wellness or community setting for the purpose of injury prevention, reduction of stress and or the promotion of fitness, but does not include administration of physical therapy treatment.

“Trainee” - An individual who is approved for a traineeship.

“Traineeship” - A period of activity during which a trainee works under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist who has practiced for not less than one year prior to assuming the supervisory role.

“Training Permit” - A valid and current certificate of registration issued by the board which gives the person to whom it is issued authority to engage in practice through a  traineeship prescribed thereon.

Reference

O.C.G.A. § 43‐33‐3

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 490-11-.01

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 490-10-.01

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 490-8-0.1

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 490-5-.02