• Decisions Pending & Opportunities for Public Participation
• Model Guidelines for Issuing Citations and Imposing Discipline
• California Physical Therapy Association (CPTA)

Supervision & Documentation Laws & Regulations

Laws vs. Regulations... what's the difference?

• Laws are created by statutes that originate from legislative bills originally introduced by either the Senate or the Assembly. For example, in 1953 the Physical Therapy Practice Act (Act), are the laws governing the practice of physical therapy, was created by AB 1001, Chapter 1823. The Act can be found beginning with §2600 in the Business and Professions Code (B&P Code).  The Act, statutes, laws and B&P Code could be considered synonymous.
• Regulations are standards (see the Rulemaking Process below) adopted as rules by the Physical Therapy Board of California to implement, interpret, or make specific the law enforced or administered by the Physical Therapy Practice Act. They must be approved by the Office of Administrative Law, and filed with the Secretary of State.

Regulations have the same effect as law. Failure to comply with either the laws or regulations could result in issuance of a citation and/or fine or discipline.

Official copies of the laws and regulations governing the practice of physical therapy are located at www.leginfo.ca.gov for the laws and www.oal.ca.gov for the regulations. Copies of both the laws and regulations are also on the PTBC's website.

Documentation
Associated with providing excellent treatment is the documentation of care rendered as required by the Physical Therapy Practice Act (laws). Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action taken against your license. The physical therapist is responsible for all documentation in the patient’s record. The physical therapist must adhere to the laws and regulations governing the practice of physical therapy to ensure the documentation in the patient’s record are recorded accordingly by themselves and their supportive personnel.

Review the documentation guidelines below to ensure that the patient’s record is accurately reflecting the care provided and that you and your supportive personnel are in compliance with the laws and regulations.

Supervision
The physical therapist is ultimately responsible for the care of the patient. The physical therapist must adhere to the laws and regulations governing the practice of physical therapy to ensure supportive personnel are supervised as required by the laws and regulations.

Review the supervision laws and regulations below to ensure you are supervising the supportive personnel as required.

Documentation Requirements by the Physical Therapist in the Patient’s Records

Supervision & Documentation Requirements for Physical Therapy Aides

Supervision & Documentation Requirements for Physical Therapist Assistants

Supervision & Documentation Requirements for Physical Therapist License Applicants

Supervision & Documentation Requirements for Physical Therapist Assistant License Applicants

Supervision & Documentation Requirements for PT Students & Interns

Supervision & Documentation Requirements for PTA Students & Interns