DC PHYSICAL THERAPY
JURISPRUDENCE EXAM 2026 NEWLY
UPDATED FINAL EXAM HIGH-YIELD
ASSESSMENT CLEAR RATIONALES
MAXIMUM READINESS GUIDE
Supervision and Scope of Practice
Q: What does the term "supervision" legally require when a Physical
Therapist (PT) oversees a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in DC?
A: ✔✔ In the District of Columbia, this is defined as on-site supervision. This
means the supervising PT must be physically present in the same building (or
contiguous buildings) and immediately available to provide direction while the
PTA is rendering care.
Q: Is a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) permitted to interpret a patient's
initial evaluation?
A: ✔✔ No. A PTA is strictly prohibited from interpreting evaluations, performing
assessments, or designing/developing a patient's plan of care. Their role is to
implement treatment plans as outlined by the licensed PT.
Referrals and Disciplinary Authority
Q: Which healthcare professionals are authorized to refer a patient to a
Physical Therapist in DC?
A: ✔✔ Referrals can be provided by a Physician, Osteopath, Dentist, Podiatrist,
or a Licensed Registered Nurse with advanced practice authorization.
Q: Which legal act governs disciplinary actions against a PT who fails to
report their own professional incompetence or job loss?
A: ✔✔ Such actions fall under the Health Occupations Revision Act (HORA).
This act establishes the legal framework for all health profession licensing and
disciplinary standards within the District.
,Board Structure and Governance
Q: How many members serve on the District of Columbia Board of Physical
Therapy?
A: ✔✔ The Board currently consists of 7 members (an increase from the previous
5).
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, with the advice and consent of the DC Council. All members must be
residents of the District.
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
What are the powers of the board?
-administer/enforce rules
-eval qualifications of applicants
JURISPRUDENCE EXAM 2026 NEWLY
UPDATED FINAL EXAM HIGH-YIELD
ASSESSMENT CLEAR RATIONALES
MAXIMUM READINESS GUIDE
Supervision and Scope of Practice
Q: What does the term "supervision" legally require when a Physical
Therapist (PT) oversees a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in DC?
A: ✔✔ In the District of Columbia, this is defined as on-site supervision. This
means the supervising PT must be physically present in the same building (or
contiguous buildings) and immediately available to provide direction while the
PTA is rendering care.
Q: Is a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) permitted to interpret a patient's
initial evaluation?
A: ✔✔ No. A PTA is strictly prohibited from interpreting evaluations, performing
assessments, or designing/developing a patient's plan of care. Their role is to
implement treatment plans as outlined by the licensed PT.
Referrals and Disciplinary Authority
Q: Which healthcare professionals are authorized to refer a patient to a
Physical Therapist in DC?
A: ✔✔ Referrals can be provided by a Physician, Osteopath, Dentist, Podiatrist,
or a Licensed Registered Nurse with advanced practice authorization.
Q: Which legal act governs disciplinary actions against a PT who fails to
report their own professional incompetence or job loss?
A: ✔✔ Such actions fall under the Health Occupations Revision Act (HORA).
This act establishes the legal framework for all health profession licensing and
disciplinary standards within the District.
,Board Structure and Governance
Q: How many members serve on the District of Columbia Board of Physical
Therapy?
A: ✔✔ The Board currently consists of 7 members (an increase from the previous
5).
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, with the advice and consent of the DC Council. All members must be
residents of the District.
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
What are the powers of the board?
-administer/enforce rules
-eval qualifications of applicants
