DC PHYSICAL THERAPY
JURISPRUDENCE 2026 EXAM
EXCELLENCE WITH ACCURATE A+
SOLUTIONS, COMPLETE ANSWERS,
AND CERTIFIED SUCCESS
Supervision and Scope of Practice
Q: What does the term "supervision" legally require when a Physical
Therapist (PT) oversees a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)?
A: ✔✔ In the District of Columbia, this currently requires on-site supervision
(also known as direct supervision). This means the supervising PT must be
physically present in the same facility and immediately available to assist while the
PTA is providing patient care.
Note: While some jurisdictions have moved to "General Supervision" (available by
phone), DC strictly requires the PT's physical presence to ensure patient safety.
Q: Is a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) permitted to interpret an initial
evaluation?
A: ✔✔ No. A PTA is strictly prohibited from interpreting initial evaluations,
performing re-evaluations, or independently changing a patient's Plan of Care
(POC). These tasks require the advanced clinical judgment of a licensed Physical
Therapist.
Referrals and Disciplinary Authority
Q: Which healthcare professionals are authorized to refer a patient to a
Physical Therapist in DC?
A: ✔✔ Patients may be referred by a Physician, Osteopath, Dentist, Podiatrist,
or a Licensed Registered Nurse who has advanced practice authorization (such as
a Nurse Practitioner).
,Q: Which legal act governs disciplinary actions against a PT who fails to
report their own professional incompetence or job loss related to it?
A: ✔✔ Such disciplinary actions are conducted in accordance with the Health
Occupations Revision Act (HORA). This comprehensive act provides the legal
framework for all health professional licensing, conduct, and sanctions within the
District.
The Board of Physical Therapy
Q: How many members serve on the District of Columbia Board of Physical
Therapy?
A: ✔✔ The Board is composed of 7 members (increased from the previous 5-
member structure to include better representation).
Current Composition: 4 licensed Physical Therapists, 2 licensed Physical
Therapist Assistants, and 1 Consumer Member.
Q: Who is responsible for appointing the members of the Board?
A: ✔✔ All board members are appointed by the Mayor of the District of
Columbia, typically with the advice and consent of the DC Council.
What is the make up of the board members?
4 practicing PTs in DC and 1 "consumer"
How long does a board member serve?
One shall be appointed for 1 year, two for 2 years, and two for 3 years
What are some responsibilities of the Mayor?
, Planning/developing/maintaining procedures of boards, processing licenses,
investigations, holding hearings, budgeting, issuing rules to protect the health and
wellfare of the citizens
What are the qualifications of the board members?
1. practicing in the district for at least 3 years
2. Initially appointed by the board
What are the qualifications of a "consumer" board member?
-18 years or older
-Not be a health professional
-Not have a household member who is a health professional
-They or their household member can not own, operate, or be employed in the HC
industry
How can a board member be removed?
-Mayor may remove for incompetence, misconduct, or negligence
-Failed attendance of at least 1/2 meetings w/n a year
Do board members get compensation?
Yes
JURISPRUDENCE 2026 EXAM
EXCELLENCE WITH ACCURATE A+
SOLUTIONS, COMPLETE ANSWERS,
AND CERTIFIED SUCCESS
Supervision and Scope of Practice
Q: What does the term "supervision" legally require when a Physical
Therapist (PT) oversees a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)?
A: ✔✔ In the District of Columbia, this currently requires on-site supervision
(also known as direct supervision). This means the supervising PT must be
physically present in the same facility and immediately available to assist while the
PTA is providing patient care.
Note: While some jurisdictions have moved to "General Supervision" (available by
phone), DC strictly requires the PT's physical presence to ensure patient safety.
Q: Is a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) permitted to interpret an initial
evaluation?
A: ✔✔ No. A PTA is strictly prohibited from interpreting initial evaluations,
performing re-evaluations, or independently changing a patient's Plan of Care
(POC). These tasks require the advanced clinical judgment of a licensed Physical
Therapist.
Referrals and Disciplinary Authority
Q: Which healthcare professionals are authorized to refer a patient to a
Physical Therapist in DC?
A: ✔✔ Patients may be referred by a Physician, Osteopath, Dentist, Podiatrist,
or a Licensed Registered Nurse who has advanced practice authorization (such as
a Nurse Practitioner).
,Q: Which legal act governs disciplinary actions against a PT who fails to
report their own professional incompetence or job loss related to it?
A: ✔✔ Such disciplinary actions are conducted in accordance with the Health
Occupations Revision Act (HORA). This comprehensive act provides the legal
framework for all health professional licensing, conduct, and sanctions within the
District.
The Board of Physical Therapy
Q: How many members serve on the District of Columbia Board of Physical
Therapy?
A: ✔✔ The Board is composed of 7 members (increased from the previous 5-
member structure to include better representation).
Current Composition: 4 licensed Physical Therapists, 2 licensed Physical
Therapist Assistants, and 1 Consumer Member.
Q: Who is responsible for appointing the members of the Board?
A: ✔✔ All board members are appointed by the Mayor of the District of
Columbia, typically with the advice and consent of the DC Council.
What is the make up of the board members?
4 practicing PTs in DC and 1 "consumer"
How long does a board member serve?
One shall be appointed for 1 year, two for 2 years, and two for 3 years
What are some responsibilities of the Mayor?
, Planning/developing/maintaining procedures of boards, processing licenses,
investigations, holding hearings, budgeting, issuing rules to protect the health and
wellfare of the citizens
What are the qualifications of the board members?
1. practicing in the district for at least 3 years
2. Initially appointed by the board
What are the qualifications of a "consumer" board member?
-18 years or older
-Not be a health professional
-Not have a household member who is a health professional
-They or their household member can not own, operate, or be employed in the HC
industry
How can a board member be removed?
-Mayor may remove for incompetence, misconduct, or negligence
-Failed attendance of at least 1/2 meetings w/n a year
Do board members get compensation?
Yes
