• The participant will demonstrate an understanding between a licensed therapy assistant and a tech.
• The participant will be introduced to basic knowledge of rules and regulations regarding the practice of physical and occupational therapy assistants.
• The participant will review what duties an assistant or tech can perform in a rehab setting.
• The participant will become familiear with how managed care has changed the role of the assistant and tech in therapy.
• The participant will review how to use job descriptions, performance evaluations, and competency assessments in their clinical setting.
• The participant will review how to assess and promote competency of staff.
• The participant will describe how to appropriately incorporate therapy assistants into treatment.
• The participant will explain how to establish effective communication guidelines in the clinical setting.
• The participant will review the importance of written documentation.
• The participant will explain how to foster a cohesive staff that functions together as a team.

I.                     Defining the  Therapy Assistant

A.      Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

1.       General Scope of Practice

2.       Supervision Requirements

3.       Limitations of Practice

B.      Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

1.       General Scope of Practice

2.       Supervision Requirements

3.       Limitations of Practice

C.      The Therapy Tech

1.       General Scope of Practice

2.       Supervision Requirements

3.       Limitations of Practice

II.  Assistants and Techs in the Clinic: What’s Right or Wrong?

A.      Assessment

B.      Modalities

C.      Therapeutic Exercises

D.      Splinting

E.       Wound Care

F.       Supervision

G.      Billing

III.                 Benefits of Using Assistants & Techs

A.  Cost Effective

B. Clinical Efficiency

C. Clinical Outcomes

IV.                Managed Care: The Tug of War in Therapy

A.      Pressure from Employers

B.      Caseload Size

C.      Billing Concerns

D.      Documentation Problems

E.       Accountability / Supervision

F.       Cover Your Bases

V.                  Making It All Work: 7 Steps to Success

A.      Competency & Experience of the Therapist

B.      Competency & Experience of the Assistant

C.      Staffing Mix

D.      Therapist:Patient Ratio

E.       The Physician

F.       Determine Treatment Responsibilities

G.      Develop Clinical Competency

1.       Job Descriptions

2.       Performance Evaluation

3.       Competency Assessment

4.       Orientation / training

5.       Continuing Education

VI.                Developing an Effective Team Relationship

A.      Written Communication

B.      Communication with Patients

C.      Physician Interaction