Section R4-24-301. Lawful Practice

A.      A physical therapist shall provide the referring practitioner, if any, with information from the patient assessment, diagnosis, and plan of care. Within one week after a patient is initially evaluated, the physical therapist shall provide this informa- tion:

1.        In writing and place a copy of the written notice in the patient’s record, or

2.        Orally and place a contemporaneously made note of the verbal communication in the patient’s record.

B.       A physical therapist shall maintain the confidentiality of patient records as required by federal and state law.

C.      On written request by a patient or the patient’s health care decision maker, a physical therapist shall provide access to or a copy of the patient’s medical or payment record in accor- dance with A.R.S. § 12-2293.

D.      A physical therapist shall obtain a patient’s consent before examination and treatment and document the consent in the patient’s record.

E.       A physical therapist shall respect a patient’s right to make decisions regarding examination and the recommended plan of care including the patient’s decision regarding consent, modi- fication of the plan of care, or refusal of examination or treat- ment. To assist the patient in making these decisions, the physical therapist shall:

1.        Communicate to the patient:

a.         Examination findings,

b.        Evaluation of the findings, and

c.         Diagnosis and prognosis,

2.        Collaborate with the patient to establish the goals of treat- ment and the plan of care, and

3.        Inform the patient that the patient is free to select another physical therapy provider.

Historical Note

Adopted effective June 3, 1982 (Supp. 82-3). Former Section R4-24-301 repealed, new Section R4-24-301 adopted effective April 10, 1986 (Supp. 86-2). Amended

effective March 14, 1996 (Supp. 96-1). Section repealed; new Section adopted by final rulemaking at 6 A.A.R. 2399, effective June 9, 2000 (Supp. 00-2). Amended by final rulemaking at 15 A.A.R. 1788, effective December 5, 2009 (Supp. 09-4).