Is a co-signature required by a physical therapist at the time a physical therapist assistant provides service if the PT has previously documented their expertise?

In Arizona, a co-signature from a physical therapist is not required merely based on prior documentation of the physical therapist’s expertise. The law allows physical therapist assistants (PTAs) to provide services under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, but this supervision does not necessitate a co-signature on every instance of care as long as the PTA is functioning within their scope of practice and guidelines established.

The presence of a documented expertise from the physical therapist indicates they have knowledge and authority over the treatment protocols, but this alone does not mandate co-signature on each treatment record. Instead, the requirement for any additional signature often relates to specific cases of treatment or health complaints and is determined by professional standards and practices rather than a blanket rule.

Understanding this context clarifies that intervention strategies and client progress notes can be jointly or independently managed by PT and PTA in many situations, aligning with established practice frameworks without necessitating overt co-signatures each time.