TEXAS PHYSICAL THERAPIST JURISPRUDENCE EXAM – QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES |
GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
Core Domains:
1. Texas Physical Therapy Practice Act (Occupations Code, Chapter 453)
2. Rules of the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (TBPTE)
3. Scope of Practice and Standards of Care
4. Patient Rights, Informed Consent, and Confidentiality (HIPAA)
5. Ethical Principles and Professional Conduct
6. Documentation, Coding, and Billing Compliance
7. Risk Management, Safety, and Infection Control
8. Supervision of Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) and Students
9. Disciplinary Actions and Complaint Procedures
10. Federal and State Regulatory Compliance (e.g., Medicare, ADA)
Introduction
This comprehensive assessment is designed to rigorously evaluate your
mastery of the legal and regulatory framework governing the practice of
physical therapy in the state of Texas. The examination covers critical
knowledge areas including the Texas Physical Therapy Practice Act, Board
rules, ethical standards, and patient management protocols. You will be
presented with a variety of multiple-choice questions and complex, real-world
scenarios that require the application of professional judgment, critical
reasoning, and a deep understanding of compliance and risk management.
Success on this exam demonstrates not only recall of statutes and rules, but
also the ability to make sound, legally defensible decisions in clinical practice,
ensuring the highest standard of patient care and professional integrity.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1-100
1. Under the Texas Physical Therapy Practice Act, which of the following
actions constitutes the "practice of physical therapy"?
A. Prescribing medication to manage a patient's chronic pain.
B. Interpreting a physician's referral to establish a physical therapy plan of
,care.
C. Performing surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
D. Diagnosing a patient with lumbar radiculopathy.
🟢 B. Interpreting a physician's referral to establish a physical therapy plan of
care.
🔴 Explanation: The Practice Act defines the practice of physical therapy to
include examining, evaluating, testing, and interpreting a referral to establish
a plan of care. Prescribing medication and performing surgery are outside
the PT scope of practice. Making a medical diagnosis is also not within the PT
scope.
2. A physical therapist is treating a Medicare beneficiary. For the therapist's
services to be considered "reasonable and necessary," the plan of care
must primarily be designed to:
A. Prevent the onset of a new disease process.
B. Improve the patient's functional capacity.
C. Provide convenience for the patient's family.
D. Address the patient's social and emotional needs.
🟢 B. Improve the patient's functional capacity.
🔴 Explanation: Medicare guidelines stipulate that therapy services must be
reasonable and necessary to improve the patient's functional capacity. While
prevention, family convenience, and addressing social needs are secondary,
the primary focus for reimbursement is on functional improvement that is
clinically significant.
3. According to the TBPTE rules, a physical therapist may delegate a
specific treatment task to a physical therapist assistant (PTA). Which task is
the PT NOT permitted to delegate?
A. Therapeutic exercise.
B. Gait training.
C. The initial evaluation and assessment of the patient.
D. Application of a hot pack.
🟢 C. The initial evaluation and assessment of the patient.
,🔴 Explanation: The initial evaluation, assessment, and the development of
the plan of care are the exclusive responsibility of the PT and cannot be
delegated to a PTA. The PTA may carry out delegated treatment tasks, such
as therapeutic exercise, gait training, and modalities under supervision.
4. A physical therapist discovers that a former patient is now a personal
trainer at a local gym and is using the therapist's copyrighted home
exercise program (HEP) handouts with the trainer's clients without
permission. This action by the trainer is primarily a violation of:
A. The Texas Physical Therapy Practice Act.
B. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
C. Federal copyright laws.
D. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
🟢 C. Federal copyright laws.
🔴 Explanation: The unauthorized use and distribution of the therapist's
original HEP handouts constitute copyright infringement, which is protected
under federal law. This does not directly violate the Practice Act (unless the
trainer is claiming to provide physical therapy services), HIPAA (which
involves protected health information), or the ADA.
5. A physical therapist is asked by a patient's family to provide a copy of
the patient's medical records. Under Texas law, who has the right to access
these records?
A. Any immediate family member, regardless of the patient's wishes.
B. The patient's primary care physician, with a formal written request.
C. The patient or their legally authorized representative, upon request.
D. The patient's employer for purposes of worker's compensation claims.
🟢 C. The patient or their legally authorized representative, upon request.
🔴 Explanation: Texas law and HIPAA grant the patient (or their legal
representative) the right to access their protected health information. Others,
like family, physicians, or employers, require specific authorization or a legal
basis for release.
6. A PT is reviewing a referral from a physician. The referral is for "physical
therapy evaluation and treatment for shoulder pain." The PT performs an
evaluation and determines the patient's primary problem is cervical
, radiculopathy. What is the MOST appropriate action?
A. Treat the patient's symptoms as described in the referral (shoulder pain).
B. Call the physician, discuss the findings, and request an updated referral or
clarification.
C. Treat the cervical spine and bill for the diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy.
D. Decline to treat the patient as the referral was inaccurate.
🟢 B. Call the physician, discuss the findings, and request an updated referral
or clarification.
🔴 Explanation: Maintaining communication with the referring physician is
crucial. The PT should discuss the findings, suggest the need for an updated
referral that reflects the patient's actual condition, and ensure a collaborative
and legally compliant approach to care. Treating a condition outside the
initial referral's intent without clarification is poor practice.
7. Which of the following is TRUE regarding continuing competence (CE)
requirements for a Texas-licensed Physical Therapist?
A. All CE courses must be approved by the TBPTE.
B. A PT must complete a minimum of 30 CE hours every two years.
C. A PT must obtain a minimum of 30 CCUs every licensing cycle.
D. A PT can complete all CE requirements in the final month of the reporting
period.
🟢 C. A PT must obtain a minimum of 30 CCUs every licensing cycle.
🔴 Explanation: Texas PTs are required to complete at least 30 Continuing
Competency Units (CCUs) per licensing period. The courses do not all need
to be TBPTE-approved, but must be relevant to physical therapy. It is not
recommended to complete all CEUs in the final month, as the learning and
application should be more integral to practice.
8. A physical therapist is providing care to an 8-year-old patient with
cerebral palsy. According to the standards of practice, the therapist must
ensure that:
A. The patient is treated in a separate room away from adults.
B. A pediatric specialist is always present during treatment.
C. The patient’s guardian is present for the entire treatment session.
D. The plan of care is designed to address the patient's developmental stage
and specific needs.
ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES |
GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE
Core Domains:
1. Texas Physical Therapy Practice Act (Occupations Code, Chapter 453)
2. Rules of the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (TBPTE)
3. Scope of Practice and Standards of Care
4. Patient Rights, Informed Consent, and Confidentiality (HIPAA)
5. Ethical Principles and Professional Conduct
6. Documentation, Coding, and Billing Compliance
7. Risk Management, Safety, and Infection Control
8. Supervision of Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) and Students
9. Disciplinary Actions and Complaint Procedures
10. Federal and State Regulatory Compliance (e.g., Medicare, ADA)
Introduction
This comprehensive assessment is designed to rigorously evaluate your
mastery of the legal and regulatory framework governing the practice of
physical therapy in the state of Texas. The examination covers critical
knowledge areas including the Texas Physical Therapy Practice Act, Board
rules, ethical standards, and patient management protocols. You will be
presented with a variety of multiple-choice questions and complex, real-world
scenarios that require the application of professional judgment, critical
reasoning, and a deep understanding of compliance and risk management.
Success on this exam demonstrates not only recall of statutes and rules, but
also the ability to make sound, legally defensible decisions in clinical practice,
ensuring the highest standard of patient care and professional integrity.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1-100
1. Under the Texas Physical Therapy Practice Act, which of the following
actions constitutes the "practice of physical therapy"?
A. Prescribing medication to manage a patient's chronic pain.
B. Interpreting a physician's referral to establish a physical therapy plan of
,care.
C. Performing surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
D. Diagnosing a patient with lumbar radiculopathy.
🟢 B. Interpreting a physician's referral to establish a physical therapy plan of
care.
🔴 Explanation: The Practice Act defines the practice of physical therapy to
include examining, evaluating, testing, and interpreting a referral to establish
a plan of care. Prescribing medication and performing surgery are outside
the PT scope of practice. Making a medical diagnosis is also not within the PT
scope.
2. A physical therapist is treating a Medicare beneficiary. For the therapist's
services to be considered "reasonable and necessary," the plan of care
must primarily be designed to:
A. Prevent the onset of a new disease process.
B. Improve the patient's functional capacity.
C. Provide convenience for the patient's family.
D. Address the patient's social and emotional needs.
🟢 B. Improve the patient's functional capacity.
🔴 Explanation: Medicare guidelines stipulate that therapy services must be
reasonable and necessary to improve the patient's functional capacity. While
prevention, family convenience, and addressing social needs are secondary,
the primary focus for reimbursement is on functional improvement that is
clinically significant.
3. According to the TBPTE rules, a physical therapist may delegate a
specific treatment task to a physical therapist assistant (PTA). Which task is
the PT NOT permitted to delegate?
A. Therapeutic exercise.
B. Gait training.
C. The initial evaluation and assessment of the patient.
D. Application of a hot pack.
🟢 C. The initial evaluation and assessment of the patient.
,🔴 Explanation: The initial evaluation, assessment, and the development of
the plan of care are the exclusive responsibility of the PT and cannot be
delegated to a PTA. The PTA may carry out delegated treatment tasks, such
as therapeutic exercise, gait training, and modalities under supervision.
4. A physical therapist discovers that a former patient is now a personal
trainer at a local gym and is using the therapist's copyrighted home
exercise program (HEP) handouts with the trainer's clients without
permission. This action by the trainer is primarily a violation of:
A. The Texas Physical Therapy Practice Act.
B. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
C. Federal copyright laws.
D. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
🟢 C. Federal copyright laws.
🔴 Explanation: The unauthorized use and distribution of the therapist's
original HEP handouts constitute copyright infringement, which is protected
under federal law. This does not directly violate the Practice Act (unless the
trainer is claiming to provide physical therapy services), HIPAA (which
involves protected health information), or the ADA.
5. A physical therapist is asked by a patient's family to provide a copy of
the patient's medical records. Under Texas law, who has the right to access
these records?
A. Any immediate family member, regardless of the patient's wishes.
B. The patient's primary care physician, with a formal written request.
C. The patient or their legally authorized representative, upon request.
D. The patient's employer for purposes of worker's compensation claims.
🟢 C. The patient or their legally authorized representative, upon request.
🔴 Explanation: Texas law and HIPAA grant the patient (or their legal
representative) the right to access their protected health information. Others,
like family, physicians, or employers, require specific authorization or a legal
basis for release.
6. A PT is reviewing a referral from a physician. The referral is for "physical
therapy evaluation and treatment for shoulder pain." The PT performs an
evaluation and determines the patient's primary problem is cervical
, radiculopathy. What is the MOST appropriate action?
A. Treat the patient's symptoms as described in the referral (shoulder pain).
B. Call the physician, discuss the findings, and request an updated referral or
clarification.
C. Treat the cervical spine and bill for the diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy.
D. Decline to treat the patient as the referral was inaccurate.
🟢 B. Call the physician, discuss the findings, and request an updated referral
or clarification.
🔴 Explanation: Maintaining communication with the referring physician is
crucial. The PT should discuss the findings, suggest the need for an updated
referral that reflects the patient's actual condition, and ensure a collaborative
and legally compliant approach to care. Treating a condition outside the
initial referral's intent without clarification is poor practice.
7. Which of the following is TRUE regarding continuing competence (CE)
requirements for a Texas-licensed Physical Therapist?
A. All CE courses must be approved by the TBPTE.
B. A PT must complete a minimum of 30 CE hours every two years.
C. A PT must obtain a minimum of 30 CCUs every licensing cycle.
D. A PT can complete all CE requirements in the final month of the reporting
period.
🟢 C. A PT must obtain a minimum of 30 CCUs every licensing cycle.
🔴 Explanation: Texas PTs are required to complete at least 30 Continuing
Competency Units (CCUs) per licensing period. The courses do not all need
to be TBPTE-approved, but must be relevant to physical therapy. It is not
recommended to complete all CEUs in the final month, as the learning and
application should be more integral to practice.
8. A physical therapist is providing care to an 8-year-old patient with
cerebral palsy. According to the standards of practice, the therapist must
ensure that:
A. The patient is treated in a separate room away from adults.
B. A pediatric specialist is always present during treatment.
C. The patient’s guardian is present for the entire treatment session.
D. The plan of care is designed to address the patient's developmental stage
and specific needs.
