“Act”- The Physical Therapists Act, 26 Vermont Statutes Annotated, Chapter 38.

“Continuing Competence”- The licensee’s obligation to acquire and maintain the minimum necessary education, training, experience and/or expertise to practice with reasonable skill and safety and within the essential standards of acceptable and prevailing practice. It also involves the process of maintaining and documenting competence through ongoing self assessment, development and implementation of a personal learning plan and subsequent reassessment.

“Direct Supervision”- The supervising physical therapist must be on-site and present in the department facility where the services are provided, is immediately available to the person being supervised, and maintains continued involvement in the aspects of each treatment session which are beyond the scope of practice of a physical therapist assistant or aide.

“Disciplinary Action” - Any action taken by the administrative law officer appointed under 3 V.S.A. § 129(j) against a licensee or applicant premised upon a finding of wrongdoing or unprofessional conduct by the licensee or applicant. It includes all sanctions of any kind, including obtaining injunctions, suspending or revoking licenses, issuing conditions on practice, warnings, and other similar sanctions.

“Distance Consultation” - The rendering of professional or expert opinion or advice to a licensed physical therapist, including the review or transfer of patient records or related information by means of audio, video, or data communications.

“General Supervision”- The supervising physical therapist must be available at least by telecommunications.

“Physical Therapist” - A person who has met all the conditions of this chapter and is licensed for the practice of physical therapy in Vermont.

“Physical Therapy Assistant” - A person who has met the conditions of this chapter and is licensed to perform selected physical therapy interventions and related tasks that have been assigned by the supervising physical therapist.

“Physical Therapy” - The care and services provided by or under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist who is licensed pursuant to this chapter.

“Physical Therapy Aide” - A person, trained under the direction of a physical therapist, who performs designated and supervised routine physical therapy tasks.

“Practice of Physical Therapy”:

• Examining, evaluating, and testing, in order to determine a plan of care inclusive of appropriate therapeutic interventions and expected outcome and effect of the interventions of individuals with:
• Mechanical, physiological, and developmental impairments;
• Functional limitations in physical movement and mobility;
• Disabilities; and
• Other movement-related conditions;
• Alleviating impairments and functional limitations in physical movement and mobility and disabilities by developing, implementing, and modifying treatment interventions; or
• Reducing the risk of injury, impairment, functional limitation, and disability related to physical movement and mobility, including the promotion and maintenance of fitness, health, and wellness related to movement and function.

Reference

26 V.S.A. § 2081a

CVR 04-030-240 2.1