FLORIDA JURISPRUDENCE EXAMINATION - PT
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100% PASS
1. A physical therapist receives a subpoena for patient records in a civil lawsuit. The patient has
not signed a release. Under Florida law, what is the therapist's best course of action?
A. Comply immediately with the subpoena because it is a court order.
B. Notify the patient and wait for a court order or patient authorization before releasing records.
C. Release only the records that are favorable to the patient's case.
D. Seek guidance from the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice before responding.
Answer: B
Rationale: Under Florida law (s. 456.057, F.S.), a subpoena alone does not authorize release of patient
records without patient consent or a court order. The therapist must notify the patient and may release
records only after obtaining a signed authorization or a court order. Option A is incorrect because a
subpoena is not a court order. Option C is inappropriate as it selectively releases records. Option D is
not required; the therapist should follow statutory procedure.
2. A physical therapist wants to provide pro bono services to a community center. The center does
not have a license to operate as a clinic. Under Florida law, which statement is true?
A. Pro bono services are exempt from all licensing requirements.
B. The therapist may treat patients at the center as long as no fee is charged.
C. The therapist must ensure the location is licensed as a physical therapy clinic if services are provided
regularly.
D. The therapist can treat patients only if they are referred by a physician.
Answer: C
Rationale: Florida law (Rule 64B17-6.001, F.A.C.) requires that any location where physical therapy
services are provided on a regular basis must be licensed as a physical therapy clinic, regardless of
whether services are pro bono. Option A is false; pro bono does not exempt licensing. Option B is
incorrect because regular provision of services triggers licensing. Option D is unrelated to the licensing
issue.
3. A physical therapist assistant (PTA) is asked by a supervising PT to perform an initial
evaluation on a new patient. What is the appropriate response under Florida law?
A. The PTA may perform the evaluation if the PT is on-site and available.
B. The PTA may perform the evaluation only if the patient is stable and the PT has given verbal orders.
C. The PTA must refuse because initial evaluations must be performed by a licensed PT.
D. The PTA may perform the evaluation if the PT reviews it within 24 hours.
Answer: C
Rationale: Florida law (s. 486.102, F.S.) specifies that only a licensed physical therapist may perform
initial evaluations. A PTA cannot perform evaluations, even under supervision. Option A and B are
incorrect because the law does not allow delegation of evaluations. Option D is false; the PTA cannot
Page 1
,perform the evaluation at all.
4. A physical therapist is treating a patient with a complex neurological condition. The therapist
decides to use a modality that is not specifically listed in the Florida rules as within the scope of
physical therapy. Which of the following is most appropriate?
A. Use the modality because it is commonly taught in physical therapy programs.
B. Refrain from using the modality until it is explicitly approved by the Board.
C. Use the modality if it is safe, effective, and within the therapist's education and training.
D. Obtain a physician's prescription for the modality before use.
Answer: C
Rationale: Florida law (Rule 64B17-2.001, F.A.C.) defines scope of practice broadly, allowing the use of
modalities that are within the therapist's education, training, and experience, provided they are safe and
effective. Option A is not sufficient; legality depends on individual competence. Option B is overly
restrictive; the Board does not pre-approve every modality. Option D is not required unless the modality
requires a prescription.
5. A physical therapist has been treating a patient for three weeks. The patient's condition has not
improved, and the therapist believes further treatment is futile. Under Florida law, what is the
therapist's ethical and legal obligation?
A. Continue treatment until the patient decides to stop.
B. Discharge the patient immediately without notice.
C. Discuss the lack of progress with the patient, recommend discontinuation, and provide referrals if needed.
D. Refer the patient to another therapist for a second opinion.
Answer: C
Rationale: Florida law and ethical standards require that physical therapists avoid unnecessary or
ineffective treatment. The therapist must communicate with the patient, recommend appropriate
discontinuation, and facilitate continuity of care through referrals if needed. Option A is unethical if
treatment is futile. Option B is abandonment. Option D may be appropriate but does not fulfill the
obligation to discuss discontinuation.
6. A physical therapist is opening a private practice. Which of the following is required by Florida
law before accepting patients?
A. Obtain a business license from the local municipality.
B. Register the practice with the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice.
C. Obtain a physical therapy clinic license from the Board.
D. Purchase professional liability insurance.
Answer: C
Rationale: Florida law (s. 486.101, F.S.) requires that any location where physical therapy services are
provided must be licensed as a physical therapy clinic. Option A is a local requirement but not the
primary state law. Option B is incorrect; the practice itself must be licensed, not just registered. Option
D is not a legal requirement for opening a practice, though it is advisable.
Page 2
,7. A physical therapist is supervising two PTAs simultaneously in a hospital setting. One PTA is
treating a patient who suddenly develops chest pain. What is the therapist's legal responsibility?
A. The therapist must immediately attend to the patient with chest pain.
B. The therapist can continue supervising from a distance and instruct the PTA via phone.
C. The therapist must ensure that at least one PTA is under direct supervision at all times.
D. The therapist should call 911 and then continue with other duties.
Answer: A
Rationale: Under Florida supervision rules (Rule 64B17-6.001, F.A.C.), the supervising PT must be
immediately available to respond to emergencies. The therapist must attend to the patient experiencing
chest pain. Option B is insufficient; the therapist must be on-site and available. Option C is irrelevant to
the emergency. Option D is incorrect because the therapist must personally respond.
8. A physical therapist receives a request from an attorney for a patient's records. The patient has
signed a release authorizing disclosure to the attorney. The records include psychotherapy notes.
Under Florida law, which statement is true?
A. The therapist must release all records, including psychotherapy notes, because the patient authorized it.
B. The therapist must release the records but may withhold psychotherapy notes unless the authorization
specifically mentions them.
C. The therapist cannot release any records without a court order.
D. The therapist must redact all references to third parties before releasing.
Answer: B
Rationale: Florida law (s. 456.057, F.S.) and HIPAA require a separate authorization for psychotherapy
notes unless the authorization explicitly includes them. Option A is incorrect because a general
authorization does not cover psychotherapy notes. Option C is false; a valid authorization suffices.
Option D is not required unless the information is irrelevant or confidential.
9. A physical therapist is found to have engaged in sexual misconduct with a patient. The Board of
Physical Therapy Practice initiates disciplinary action. Which of the following is a possible penalty
under Florida law?
A. A written reprimand and a fine of $1,000.
B. Probation for one year with supervision.
C. Revocation of license and a fine up to $10,000.
D. Mandatory continuing education on ethics.
Answer: C
Rationale: Sexual misconduct is a serious violation that can result in license revocation and fines up to
$10,000 per violation (s. 456.072, F.S.). Option A and B are too lenient. Option D may be additional but
is not the primary penalty. The Board has discretion, but revocation is common for such offenses.
10. A physical therapist is treating a patient who is insured by Medicare. The therapist wants to
charge a fee for missed appointments. Under Florida law, which is correct?
A. The therapist may charge any reasonable fee for missed appointments.
B. The therapist may charge a missed appointment fee only if the patient is notified in advance.
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, C. The therapist cannot charge a missed appointment fee to Medicare beneficiaries.
D. The therapist must obtain written consent from the patient before charging.
Answer: C
Rationale: Medicare regulations prohibit charging beneficiaries for missed appointments if the therapist
participates in Medicare. Florida law does not override this federal restriction. Options A, B, and D are
incorrect because they conflict with Medicare rules. The therapist must absorb the cost of missed
appointments for Medicare patients.
11. A physical therapist in Florida receives a subpoena duces tecum for patient records. The
patient has not signed a release. Which action is most consistent with Florida law?
A. Comply fully with the subpoena as it is a court order.
B. Notify the patient and seek a protective order or quash the subpoena.
C. Release records only after redacting all identifying information.
D. Ignore the subpoena until a court order for contempt is issued.
Answer: B
Rationale: Under Florida law, a subpoena duces tecum for medical records does not override patient
confidentiality without patient consent or a court order. The PT must notify the patient and allow time to
object, or seek a protective order. Full compliance without patient notice (A) violates privacy; redaction
(C) may not suffice; ignoring (D) risks contempt.
12. A PT in Florida wishes to delegate tasks to a physical therapist assistant (PTA). Which of the
following tasks, if delegated, would violate Florida Administrative Code 64B17-6.001?
A. Performing therapeutic exercises for a patient with status post total knee arthroplasty.
B. Conducting the initial evaluation and establishing the plan of care.
C. Administering ultrasound therapy as directed in the plan of care.
D. Modifying the treatment program within established parameters.
Answer: B
Rationale: Florida law prohibits PTAs from performing initial evaluations or establishing plans of care;
these must be done by the PT. Options A, C, and D are permissible delegated tasks when appropriate
supervision is provided.
13. A PT in Florida treats a patient covered by Medicare Part B. The PT bills for a re-evaluation
that was performed solely by a PTA. Which of the following is true?
A. Billing is appropriate if the PTA is certified and supervised.
B. Billing is fraudulent because a PTA cannot perform re-evaluations.
C. Billing is allowed if the PT reviews and cosigns the note.
D. Billing is allowed only if the PTA is an employee of the PT.
Answer: B
Rationale: Medicare requires that re-evaluations be performed by a qualified physical therapist. A PTA
cannot perform re-evaluations, and billing for such services is fraudulent. Cosigning (C) does not
change the fact that the service was not provided by the PT. Employment status (D) is irrelevant.
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100% PASS
1. A physical therapist receives a subpoena for patient records in a civil lawsuit. The patient has
not signed a release. Under Florida law, what is the therapist's best course of action?
A. Comply immediately with the subpoena because it is a court order.
B. Notify the patient and wait for a court order or patient authorization before releasing records.
C. Release only the records that are favorable to the patient's case.
D. Seek guidance from the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice before responding.
Answer: B
Rationale: Under Florida law (s. 456.057, F.S.), a subpoena alone does not authorize release of patient
records without patient consent or a court order. The therapist must notify the patient and may release
records only after obtaining a signed authorization or a court order. Option A is incorrect because a
subpoena is not a court order. Option C is inappropriate as it selectively releases records. Option D is
not required; the therapist should follow statutory procedure.
2. A physical therapist wants to provide pro bono services to a community center. The center does
not have a license to operate as a clinic. Under Florida law, which statement is true?
A. Pro bono services are exempt from all licensing requirements.
B. The therapist may treat patients at the center as long as no fee is charged.
C. The therapist must ensure the location is licensed as a physical therapy clinic if services are provided
regularly.
D. The therapist can treat patients only if they are referred by a physician.
Answer: C
Rationale: Florida law (Rule 64B17-6.001, F.A.C.) requires that any location where physical therapy
services are provided on a regular basis must be licensed as a physical therapy clinic, regardless of
whether services are pro bono. Option A is false; pro bono does not exempt licensing. Option B is
incorrect because regular provision of services triggers licensing. Option D is unrelated to the licensing
issue.
3. A physical therapist assistant (PTA) is asked by a supervising PT to perform an initial
evaluation on a new patient. What is the appropriate response under Florida law?
A. The PTA may perform the evaluation if the PT is on-site and available.
B. The PTA may perform the evaluation only if the patient is stable and the PT has given verbal orders.
C. The PTA must refuse because initial evaluations must be performed by a licensed PT.
D. The PTA may perform the evaluation if the PT reviews it within 24 hours.
Answer: C
Rationale: Florida law (s. 486.102, F.S.) specifies that only a licensed physical therapist may perform
initial evaluations. A PTA cannot perform evaluations, even under supervision. Option A and B are
incorrect because the law does not allow delegation of evaluations. Option D is false; the PTA cannot
Page 1
,perform the evaluation at all.
4. A physical therapist is treating a patient with a complex neurological condition. The therapist
decides to use a modality that is not specifically listed in the Florida rules as within the scope of
physical therapy. Which of the following is most appropriate?
A. Use the modality because it is commonly taught in physical therapy programs.
B. Refrain from using the modality until it is explicitly approved by the Board.
C. Use the modality if it is safe, effective, and within the therapist's education and training.
D. Obtain a physician's prescription for the modality before use.
Answer: C
Rationale: Florida law (Rule 64B17-2.001, F.A.C.) defines scope of practice broadly, allowing the use of
modalities that are within the therapist's education, training, and experience, provided they are safe and
effective. Option A is not sufficient; legality depends on individual competence. Option B is overly
restrictive; the Board does not pre-approve every modality. Option D is not required unless the modality
requires a prescription.
5. A physical therapist has been treating a patient for three weeks. The patient's condition has not
improved, and the therapist believes further treatment is futile. Under Florida law, what is the
therapist's ethical and legal obligation?
A. Continue treatment until the patient decides to stop.
B. Discharge the patient immediately without notice.
C. Discuss the lack of progress with the patient, recommend discontinuation, and provide referrals if needed.
D. Refer the patient to another therapist for a second opinion.
Answer: C
Rationale: Florida law and ethical standards require that physical therapists avoid unnecessary or
ineffective treatment. The therapist must communicate with the patient, recommend appropriate
discontinuation, and facilitate continuity of care through referrals if needed. Option A is unethical if
treatment is futile. Option B is abandonment. Option D may be appropriate but does not fulfill the
obligation to discuss discontinuation.
6. A physical therapist is opening a private practice. Which of the following is required by Florida
law before accepting patients?
A. Obtain a business license from the local municipality.
B. Register the practice with the Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice.
C. Obtain a physical therapy clinic license from the Board.
D. Purchase professional liability insurance.
Answer: C
Rationale: Florida law (s. 486.101, F.S.) requires that any location where physical therapy services are
provided must be licensed as a physical therapy clinic. Option A is a local requirement but not the
primary state law. Option B is incorrect; the practice itself must be licensed, not just registered. Option
D is not a legal requirement for opening a practice, though it is advisable.
Page 2
,7. A physical therapist is supervising two PTAs simultaneously in a hospital setting. One PTA is
treating a patient who suddenly develops chest pain. What is the therapist's legal responsibility?
A. The therapist must immediately attend to the patient with chest pain.
B. The therapist can continue supervising from a distance and instruct the PTA via phone.
C. The therapist must ensure that at least one PTA is under direct supervision at all times.
D. The therapist should call 911 and then continue with other duties.
Answer: A
Rationale: Under Florida supervision rules (Rule 64B17-6.001, F.A.C.), the supervising PT must be
immediately available to respond to emergencies. The therapist must attend to the patient experiencing
chest pain. Option B is insufficient; the therapist must be on-site and available. Option C is irrelevant to
the emergency. Option D is incorrect because the therapist must personally respond.
8. A physical therapist receives a request from an attorney for a patient's records. The patient has
signed a release authorizing disclosure to the attorney. The records include psychotherapy notes.
Under Florida law, which statement is true?
A. The therapist must release all records, including psychotherapy notes, because the patient authorized it.
B. The therapist must release the records but may withhold psychotherapy notes unless the authorization
specifically mentions them.
C. The therapist cannot release any records without a court order.
D. The therapist must redact all references to third parties before releasing.
Answer: B
Rationale: Florida law (s. 456.057, F.S.) and HIPAA require a separate authorization for psychotherapy
notes unless the authorization explicitly includes them. Option A is incorrect because a general
authorization does not cover psychotherapy notes. Option C is false; a valid authorization suffices.
Option D is not required unless the information is irrelevant or confidential.
9. A physical therapist is found to have engaged in sexual misconduct with a patient. The Board of
Physical Therapy Practice initiates disciplinary action. Which of the following is a possible penalty
under Florida law?
A. A written reprimand and a fine of $1,000.
B. Probation for one year with supervision.
C. Revocation of license and a fine up to $10,000.
D. Mandatory continuing education on ethics.
Answer: C
Rationale: Sexual misconduct is a serious violation that can result in license revocation and fines up to
$10,000 per violation (s. 456.072, F.S.). Option A and B are too lenient. Option D may be additional but
is not the primary penalty. The Board has discretion, but revocation is common for such offenses.
10. A physical therapist is treating a patient who is insured by Medicare. The therapist wants to
charge a fee for missed appointments. Under Florida law, which is correct?
A. The therapist may charge any reasonable fee for missed appointments.
B. The therapist may charge a missed appointment fee only if the patient is notified in advance.
Page 3
, C. The therapist cannot charge a missed appointment fee to Medicare beneficiaries.
D. The therapist must obtain written consent from the patient before charging.
Answer: C
Rationale: Medicare regulations prohibit charging beneficiaries for missed appointments if the therapist
participates in Medicare. Florida law does not override this federal restriction. Options A, B, and D are
incorrect because they conflict with Medicare rules. The therapist must absorb the cost of missed
appointments for Medicare patients.
11. A physical therapist in Florida receives a subpoena duces tecum for patient records. The
patient has not signed a release. Which action is most consistent with Florida law?
A. Comply fully with the subpoena as it is a court order.
B. Notify the patient and seek a protective order or quash the subpoena.
C. Release records only after redacting all identifying information.
D. Ignore the subpoena until a court order for contempt is issued.
Answer: B
Rationale: Under Florida law, a subpoena duces tecum for medical records does not override patient
confidentiality without patient consent or a court order. The PT must notify the patient and allow time to
object, or seek a protective order. Full compliance without patient notice (A) violates privacy; redaction
(C) may not suffice; ignoring (D) risks contempt.
12. A PT in Florida wishes to delegate tasks to a physical therapist assistant (PTA). Which of the
following tasks, if delegated, would violate Florida Administrative Code 64B17-6.001?
A. Performing therapeutic exercises for a patient with status post total knee arthroplasty.
B. Conducting the initial evaluation and establishing the plan of care.
C. Administering ultrasound therapy as directed in the plan of care.
D. Modifying the treatment program within established parameters.
Answer: B
Rationale: Florida law prohibits PTAs from performing initial evaluations or establishing plans of care;
these must be done by the PT. Options A, C, and D are permissible delegated tasks when appropriate
supervision is provided.
13. A PT in Florida treats a patient covered by Medicare Part B. The PT bills for a re-evaluation
that was performed solely by a PTA. Which of the following is true?
A. Billing is appropriate if the PTA is certified and supervised.
B. Billing is fraudulent because a PTA cannot perform re-evaluations.
C. Billing is allowed if the PT reviews and cosigns the note.
D. Billing is allowed only if the PTA is an employee of the PT.
Answer: B
Rationale: Medicare requires that re-evaluations be performed by a qualified physical therapist. A PTA
cannot perform re-evaluations, and billing for such services is fraudulent. Cosigning (C) does not
change the fact that the service was not provided by the PT. Employment status (D) is irrelevant.
Page 4
