Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the questions the Board receives. Click on any of the below questions to view the answer.Please note that all responses the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapy (hereinafter “Board”) gives to individual questions are based solely upon WV Code § 30-20-1 et seq. and the Code of State Rules 16-1-1 et seq. These Statutory and Regulatory provisions govern the jurisdiction of the Board, and its sole purpose of regulating the practice of Physical Therapy and the protection of the public. As such, the responses do not take into account any billing issues and the regulations that govern such reimbursement. Moreover, a provider should consult with his/her legal counsel for questions pertaining to billing for Physical Therapy services.
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Where can I find information regarding the ability of a PTA to do or not do a screening process for residents of a long term care environment; in which the screen comprises review of medical chart, patient and staff interview and referral as needed to appropriate therapy discipline for further assessment?
“Physical therapist assistant” means a person holding a license or permit issued under the provisions of W. Va. Code §30-20-1, et. seq., and this rule who assists in the practice of physical therapy by performing patient related activities delegated to him or her by a physical therapist and performs under the supervision of a physical therapist and which patient related activities commensurate with his or her education and training, including physical therapy procedures and screens, but not the performance of evaluative procedures or determination and modification of the patient plan of care.“Screen” means to gather relevant information as it relates to the screening process without formalizes an evaluation or plan of treatment performed by a physical therapist assistant directed by the physical therapist.
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Does the WV State Law allow athletic trainers to work with others besides those with athletic injuries?
Athletic Trainers are not regulated by the State of WV. When working in a Physical Therapy setting, they work under the direct supervision of a Physical Therapist and perform such delegated tasks as are commensurate with their education and training.
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Is a Physical Therapist Assistant permitted under their license to perform Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE's)?
"No", a Physical Therapist Assistant cannot do FCE's. Evaluations may only be performed by a PT.
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Do Massage Therapists who are licensed in WV count as PT "supportive personnel" when employed and utilized within their own scope of practice in a PT private practice clinic? In this scenario, the Massage Therapist is working under the "Physical Therapy Plan of Care".
"Yes", a Massage Therapist would count as PT supportive personnel in the above scenario.
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If the utilization of a Massage Therapist is legal (as mentioned in the previous question), is the PT liable for acts performed by the licensed Massage Therapist as would be the case for PTA's and Aides in the direct care of the patient?
"Yes", the PT is legally responsible for the Massage Therapist.
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Can an ATC under on-site supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist perform an evaluation in the clinic on an athlete referred from the team physician of a local school?
No. An Athletic trainer cannot perform an independent Physical Therapy evaluation.
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If so, and if the third party payer or insurance company is aware that the ATC is performing the evaluation under on-site supervision of a PT, can and how should this be billed in WV?
A Physical Therapy evaluation cannot be billed for when it is not performed by a PT.
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If this does apply to student athletes referred by a physician for sports medicine, would it apply to related populations with similar injuries?
Yes