FLORIDA JURISPRUDENCE
PRACTICE EXAM MULTIPLE
CHOICE QUESTIONS WITH
EXPLANATIONS
1. A physical therapist who is supervising a physical therapist assistant treating a patient
with chronic low back pain in an outpatient orthopedic setting is required to be:
A. In direct line of sight of the assistant
B. Present within the same facility where services are occurring
✅ C. Available for a telephone call during the session
D. Interacting with the patient before the end of the treatment
Rationale:
In an outpatient orthopedic setting, general supervision applies to PTAs. This means the
supervising PT does not need to be physically present or in the same facility, but must be readily
available by telecommunication for consultation during treatment. The PT remains
professionally responsible for patient care but may not directly oversee each session. Direct
supervision (same facility) is required only for unlicensed personnel, not for PTAs.
2. Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding unlicensed personnel?
A. A physical therapist assistant can assign patient tasks to the personnel
B. General supervision is considered sufficient during patient care delivered by unlicensed
personnel
✅ C. Two unlicensed personnel can be providing patient-directed care simultaneously
while supervised by a licensee
D. If properly trained by a physical therapist, the personnel can assess a patient’s progress during
treatment
Rationale:
Unlicensed personnel (aides, technicians) can perform delegated non-clinical tasks or patient-
related activities under direct supervision of a licensed PT or PTA. Florida law allows up to
1
,two unlicensed personnel to provide patient-directed care simultaneously per licensee.
However, they cannot assess progress, modify treatment plans, or interpret data. Only the
PT can perform evaluative and interpretive tasks.
3. Which of the following professions is NOT considered one that can serve as a
practitioner of record for signing a physical therapist’s plan of care?
A. Chiropractor
B. Podiatrist
C. Dentist
✅ D. Pharmacist
Rationale:
Under Florida Statutes, licensed healthcare practitioners such as physicians, chiropractors
(Chapter 460), dentists, and podiatrists are authorized to sign a PT’s plan of care. However,
pharmacists are not recognized as practitioners of record in this context because they do not
diagnose or prescribe treatment plans. The pharmacist’s role is limited to medication dispensing
and consultation, not therapeutic plan approval.
4. Is a chiropractor considered a practitioner of record?
✅ Yes, a chiropractor is a licensed healthcare practitioner under Chapter 460.
Rationale:
Chiropractors hold licensure under Chapter 460 of the Florida Statutes, which qualifies them as
healthcare practitioners eligible to serve as the practitioner of record for PT plans of care. They
may evaluate, diagnose musculoskeletal conditions, and authorize physical therapy services.
5. An unlicensed personnel who is claiming the status of a physical therapist assistant is
guilty of which of the following crimes?
A. Misdemeanor with a maximum of a $5,000 fine
✅ B. Misdemeanor with a maximum of one year imprisonment
C. Felony with a maximum of a $5,000 fine
D. Felony with a maximum of one year imprisonment
Rationale:
Under Florida law, false representation as a licensed professional constitutes a first-degree
misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines. The intent is to protect the public
from individuals performing medical or therapeutic services without appropriate training or legal
authorization.
2
,6. The maximum fine that false representation of licensure carries is ($):
✅ $1,000
Rationale:
When an unlicensed person falsely claims to be a PT or PTA, the offense is categorized as a
first-degree misdemeanor, carrying a maximum fine of $1,000 and potential imprisonment of
up to one year. This ensures accountability for fraudulent claims and safeguards public trust in
licensed healthcare professionals.
7. For false representation of licensure, the unlicensed personnel is guilty of a:
✅ Misdemeanor of the first degree
Rationale:
The statute explicitly identifies false representation of licensure as a first-degree
misdemeanor. This classification applies when an individual practices or claims to be a licensed
physical therapist or assistant without appropriate credentials, posing potential harm to the
public.
8. Which of the following statements regarding disciplinary proceedings for administrative
complaints is TRUE?
✅ A. Ten days following a finding of probable cause, the investigation shall be made
public record
B. The probable cause panel has 15 days to complete the investigation following receipt of the
report
C. The American Physical Therapy Association is responsible for the final verdict
D. The identity of the complainant must be disclosed once a complaint is filed
Rationale:
After probable cause is established by the Department of Health, the case becomes public
record within 10 days. Before this point, investigations remain confidential to protect both
complainant and licensee. The Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice, not the APTA,
issues the final ruling on disciplinary matters.
9. The ________ of the respective state orders the final action or verdict regarding an
administrative complaint.
✅ Board
Rationale:
The Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice is the governing body responsible for
3
, reviewing administrative complaints, determining violations, and enforcing penalties such as
fines, probation, or suspension.
10. A physical therapist assistant performing patient-related activities for which of the
following practitioners requires on-site supervision by a physical therapist?
A. Orthopedic physician
B. Physiatrist
C. Chiropractor
✅ D. Podiatrist
Rationale:
When a PTA performs tasks under a podiatrist, on-site supervision by a PT is required. This
ensures compliance with laws differentiating between medical, chiropractic, and podiatric
practice. Podiatric cases often involve surgical or specialized conditions, thus requiring closer
oversight.
11. When a PTA is performing patient-related activities for a chiropractor licensed under
Chapter 460, which level of supervision is required by the PT?
✅ General supervision
Rationale:
In this context, general supervision is sufficient, meaning the PT does not need to be present but
must be available by telecommunications. The chiropractor’s referral allows PT services under
the PT’s direction, as long as the therapist is available for consultation.
12. Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding a licensee who has begun
performing acupuncture with skin penetration to treat fibromyalgia patients?
A. An individual licensed through the Board of Medicine can perform acupuncture with skin
penetration
B. If certified in acupuncture from another state, it can be performed lawfully
C. Revocation of license will occur
✅ D. A year of probationary practice can be required
Rationale:
Practicing outside the permitted scope—such as performing acupuncture without proper
authorization—constitutes a disciplinary violation. For a first offense, the Board may impose
probation, suspension, or fines depending on severity. Immediate revocation is reserved for
repeated or egregious violations.
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PRACTICE EXAM MULTIPLE
CHOICE QUESTIONS WITH
EXPLANATIONS
1. A physical therapist who is supervising a physical therapist assistant treating a patient
with chronic low back pain in an outpatient orthopedic setting is required to be:
A. In direct line of sight of the assistant
B. Present within the same facility where services are occurring
✅ C. Available for a telephone call during the session
D. Interacting with the patient before the end of the treatment
Rationale:
In an outpatient orthopedic setting, general supervision applies to PTAs. This means the
supervising PT does not need to be physically present or in the same facility, but must be readily
available by telecommunication for consultation during treatment. The PT remains
professionally responsible for patient care but may not directly oversee each session. Direct
supervision (same facility) is required only for unlicensed personnel, not for PTAs.
2. Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding unlicensed personnel?
A. A physical therapist assistant can assign patient tasks to the personnel
B. General supervision is considered sufficient during patient care delivered by unlicensed
personnel
✅ C. Two unlicensed personnel can be providing patient-directed care simultaneously
while supervised by a licensee
D. If properly trained by a physical therapist, the personnel can assess a patient’s progress during
treatment
Rationale:
Unlicensed personnel (aides, technicians) can perform delegated non-clinical tasks or patient-
related activities under direct supervision of a licensed PT or PTA. Florida law allows up to
1
,two unlicensed personnel to provide patient-directed care simultaneously per licensee.
However, they cannot assess progress, modify treatment plans, or interpret data. Only the
PT can perform evaluative and interpretive tasks.
3. Which of the following professions is NOT considered one that can serve as a
practitioner of record for signing a physical therapist’s plan of care?
A. Chiropractor
B. Podiatrist
C. Dentist
✅ D. Pharmacist
Rationale:
Under Florida Statutes, licensed healthcare practitioners such as physicians, chiropractors
(Chapter 460), dentists, and podiatrists are authorized to sign a PT’s plan of care. However,
pharmacists are not recognized as practitioners of record in this context because they do not
diagnose or prescribe treatment plans. The pharmacist’s role is limited to medication dispensing
and consultation, not therapeutic plan approval.
4. Is a chiropractor considered a practitioner of record?
✅ Yes, a chiropractor is a licensed healthcare practitioner under Chapter 460.
Rationale:
Chiropractors hold licensure under Chapter 460 of the Florida Statutes, which qualifies them as
healthcare practitioners eligible to serve as the practitioner of record for PT plans of care. They
may evaluate, diagnose musculoskeletal conditions, and authorize physical therapy services.
5. An unlicensed personnel who is claiming the status of a physical therapist assistant is
guilty of which of the following crimes?
A. Misdemeanor with a maximum of a $5,000 fine
✅ B. Misdemeanor with a maximum of one year imprisonment
C. Felony with a maximum of a $5,000 fine
D. Felony with a maximum of one year imprisonment
Rationale:
Under Florida law, false representation as a licensed professional constitutes a first-degree
misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines. The intent is to protect the public
from individuals performing medical or therapeutic services without appropriate training or legal
authorization.
2
,6. The maximum fine that false representation of licensure carries is ($):
✅ $1,000
Rationale:
When an unlicensed person falsely claims to be a PT or PTA, the offense is categorized as a
first-degree misdemeanor, carrying a maximum fine of $1,000 and potential imprisonment of
up to one year. This ensures accountability for fraudulent claims and safeguards public trust in
licensed healthcare professionals.
7. For false representation of licensure, the unlicensed personnel is guilty of a:
✅ Misdemeanor of the first degree
Rationale:
The statute explicitly identifies false representation of licensure as a first-degree
misdemeanor. This classification applies when an individual practices or claims to be a licensed
physical therapist or assistant without appropriate credentials, posing potential harm to the
public.
8. Which of the following statements regarding disciplinary proceedings for administrative
complaints is TRUE?
✅ A. Ten days following a finding of probable cause, the investigation shall be made
public record
B. The probable cause panel has 15 days to complete the investigation following receipt of the
report
C. The American Physical Therapy Association is responsible for the final verdict
D. The identity of the complainant must be disclosed once a complaint is filed
Rationale:
After probable cause is established by the Department of Health, the case becomes public
record within 10 days. Before this point, investigations remain confidential to protect both
complainant and licensee. The Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice, not the APTA,
issues the final ruling on disciplinary matters.
9. The ________ of the respective state orders the final action or verdict regarding an
administrative complaint.
✅ Board
Rationale:
The Florida Board of Physical Therapy Practice is the governing body responsible for
3
, reviewing administrative complaints, determining violations, and enforcing penalties such as
fines, probation, or suspension.
10. A physical therapist assistant performing patient-related activities for which of the
following practitioners requires on-site supervision by a physical therapist?
A. Orthopedic physician
B. Physiatrist
C. Chiropractor
✅ D. Podiatrist
Rationale:
When a PTA performs tasks under a podiatrist, on-site supervision by a PT is required. This
ensures compliance with laws differentiating between medical, chiropractic, and podiatric
practice. Podiatric cases often involve surgical or specialized conditions, thus requiring closer
oversight.
11. When a PTA is performing patient-related activities for a chiropractor licensed under
Chapter 460, which level of supervision is required by the PT?
✅ General supervision
Rationale:
In this context, general supervision is sufficient, meaning the PT does not need to be present but
must be available by telecommunications. The chiropractor’s referral allows PT services under
the PT’s direction, as long as the therapist is available for consultation.
12. Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding a licensee who has begun
performing acupuncture with skin penetration to treat fibromyalgia patients?
A. An individual licensed through the Board of Medicine can perform acupuncture with skin
penetration
B. If certified in acupuncture from another state, it can be performed lawfully
C. Revocation of license will occur
✅ D. A year of probationary practice can be required
Rationale:
Practicing outside the permitted scope—such as performing acupuncture without proper
authorization—constitutes a disciplinary violation. For a first offense, the Board may impose
probation, suspension, or fines depending on severity. Immediate revocation is reserved for
repeated or egregious violations.
4
