Which activity requires a licensed physical therapist to provide supervision?

The requirement for supervision by a licensed physical therapist in the context of dry needling performed by a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is grounded in both the legal and professional standards governing physical therapy practice. Dry needling is a specialized intervention that involves inserting thin needles into specific points in the body to alleviate pain, which can have significant implications for patient safety and treatment efficacy.

Under Arizona law, PTAs may provide physical therapy services under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, but certain advanced interventions, such as dry needling, necessitate direct oversight to ensure that the PTA is performing the procedure safely and effectively. This supervisory relationship is crucial for protecting patient welfare and upholding the standards of care within the profession.

In contrast, activities such as general office administration, billing and coding, and conducting physical therapy workshops do not directly relate to patient care procedures needing clinical oversight. These tasks can typically be handled by non-licensed personnel or may not require the same level of specialized knowledge or oversight that is essential for providing direct patient care, particularly for treatments involving potential risk factors like dry needling. Therefore, the supervisory requirement is specifically tied to the nature of the treatment being provided and the qualifications necessary to ensure competent and safe practice.