Fall Semester 2025 | California Law for Physical Therapy
Complete Study Guide & Updated Exam Prep Bundle |
2024–2025 California PT Jurisprudence Review, Practice
Act Regulations, Licensing Requirements, Professional
Ethics, Legal Standards of Care, PT/PTA Scope of Practice,
Documentation Rules & High-Yield State Board Compliance
Notes
CALIFORNIA LAW - PHYSICAL THERAPY
Actual Real Exam Questions and Answers | Practice Exam Test Bank and Study
Guide | Professional Certification Review
Overview
This exam is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of California laws
pertaining to physical therapy practice. It is relevant for physical therapy students,
practitioners, and anyone preparing for certification or assessments in this field.
Mastering these laws ensures compliance, enhances professional practice, and
improves patient care.
Key Features
• Actual exam-style questions from recent testing cycles
• Well-elaborated solutions with clinical/academic reasoning
• Comprehensive practice test bank with varied difficulty levels
• Updated guidelines, protocols, and concepts
• Scenario-based applications with real-world contexts
Exam Components
• Actual Exam Questions Bank: 170 questions
• Comprehensive Practice Exam: 50 questions
• Study Guide Section: Concept review + explanations
Core Content Areas
1. Licensure Requirements (20 questions)
2. Scope of Practice (25 questions)
3. Patient Rights and Ethics (20 questions)
, 4. Legal Considerations in Documentation (30 questions)
5. Informed Consent Procedures (15 questions)
6. Disciplinary Actions and Violations (20 questions)
7. Insurance and Reimbursement Policies (15 questions)
8. Continuing Education Requirements (10 questions)
9. Regulatory Bodies (15 questions)
10. Risk Management (10 questions)
Answer FormAt
Verified correct answers provided in bold green with step-by-step rationales, evidence-
based explanations, intervention pathways, and concept clarifications.
Exam Questions
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of the California Physical Therapy Practice Act?
A. To provide a legal framework for physical therapy practice
B. To define the education requirements for physical therapists
C. To outline billing procedures for therapy services
D. To detail fault in malpractice cases
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: The California Physical Therapy Practice Act establishes the legal framework
under which physical therapy practice operates, ensuring safe and effective service
delivery.
Question 2
Which body is responsible for the regulation of physical therapy practice in
California?
A. American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
B. California Department of Consumer Affairs
C. California Board of Registered Nursing
D. National Physical Therapy Examination Board
,CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: The California Department of Consumer Affairs oversees the regulation of
physical therapy, ensuring compliance with state laws and standards.
Question 3
Which of the following actions may lead to disciplinary action against a licensed
physical therapist?
A. Neglecting to document treatment sessions
B. Participating in community health fairs
C. Engaging in continuing education
D. Offering pro bono services
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Failing to document treatment sessions can result in disciplinary actions as
proper documentation is essential for legal and ethical practice.
Question 4
What must a physical therapist obtain before initiating treatment?
A. Written authorization from the insurance company
B. Informed consent from the patient
C. Approval from a supervising physician
D. A referral from a chiropractor
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Informed consent from the patient is crucial before treatment can
commence, ensuring that the patient understands the procedures and associated risks.
Question 5
What is the minimum number of continuing education hours required for license
renewal every two years?
A. 20 hours
B. 30 hours
C. 40 hours
D. 60 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: California law mandates that physical therapists complete 30 hours of
continuing education for license renewal to ensure they keep abreast with the latest
practices and regulations.
Question 6
, Under California law, which of the following is NOT a requirement for obtaining a
physical therapy license?
A. Graduation from an accredited physical therapy program
B. Passing the National Physical Therapy Examination
C. Completion of a residency program
D. Submission of a criminal background check
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: A residency program is not a mandatory requirement for licensure in
California, whereas graduation from an accredited program, passing the examination,
and a background check are essential.
Question 7
Which of the following best explains the concept of "scope of practice" in physical
therapy?
A. The extent of benefits that physical therapy can provide
B. The legal boundaries within which a physical therapist can operate
C. The specific treatment techniques a therapist can utilize
D. The ethical guidelines governing patient interactions
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Scope of practice defines the legal limitations and allowances for
practitioners, ensuring that they operate within their trained competencies.
Question 8
What is the primary role of the California Physical Therapy Board?
A. To promote physical therapy to the public
B. To establish continuing education requirements
C. To license physical therapists and enforce practice standards
D. To provide financial support for physical therapy schools
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: The California Physical Therapy Board is responsible for licensing
practitioners and enforcing standards that ensure safe and effective practice.
Question 9
In the event of a patient complaint against a physical therapist, which of the
following actions is a therapist required to take?
A. Ignore the complaint until formally notified
B. Investigate the complaint independently
Complete Study Guide & Updated Exam Prep Bundle |
2024–2025 California PT Jurisprudence Review, Practice
Act Regulations, Licensing Requirements, Professional
Ethics, Legal Standards of Care, PT/PTA Scope of Practice,
Documentation Rules & High-Yield State Board Compliance
Notes
CALIFORNIA LAW - PHYSICAL THERAPY
Actual Real Exam Questions and Answers | Practice Exam Test Bank and Study
Guide | Professional Certification Review
Overview
This exam is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of California laws
pertaining to physical therapy practice. It is relevant for physical therapy students,
practitioners, and anyone preparing for certification or assessments in this field.
Mastering these laws ensures compliance, enhances professional practice, and
improves patient care.
Key Features
• Actual exam-style questions from recent testing cycles
• Well-elaborated solutions with clinical/academic reasoning
• Comprehensive practice test bank with varied difficulty levels
• Updated guidelines, protocols, and concepts
• Scenario-based applications with real-world contexts
Exam Components
• Actual Exam Questions Bank: 170 questions
• Comprehensive Practice Exam: 50 questions
• Study Guide Section: Concept review + explanations
Core Content Areas
1. Licensure Requirements (20 questions)
2. Scope of Practice (25 questions)
3. Patient Rights and Ethics (20 questions)
, 4. Legal Considerations in Documentation (30 questions)
5. Informed Consent Procedures (15 questions)
6. Disciplinary Actions and Violations (20 questions)
7. Insurance and Reimbursement Policies (15 questions)
8. Continuing Education Requirements (10 questions)
9. Regulatory Bodies (15 questions)
10. Risk Management (10 questions)
Answer FormAt
Verified correct answers provided in bold green with step-by-step rationales, evidence-
based explanations, intervention pathways, and concept clarifications.
Exam Questions
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of the California Physical Therapy Practice Act?
A. To provide a legal framework for physical therapy practice
B. To define the education requirements for physical therapists
C. To outline billing procedures for therapy services
D. To detail fault in malpractice cases
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: The California Physical Therapy Practice Act establishes the legal framework
under which physical therapy practice operates, ensuring safe and effective service
delivery.
Question 2
Which body is responsible for the regulation of physical therapy practice in
California?
A. American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
B. California Department of Consumer Affairs
C. California Board of Registered Nursing
D. National Physical Therapy Examination Board
,CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: The California Department of Consumer Affairs oversees the regulation of
physical therapy, ensuring compliance with state laws and standards.
Question 3
Which of the following actions may lead to disciplinary action against a licensed
physical therapist?
A. Neglecting to document treatment sessions
B. Participating in community health fairs
C. Engaging in continuing education
D. Offering pro bono services
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Failing to document treatment sessions can result in disciplinary actions as
proper documentation is essential for legal and ethical practice.
Question 4
What must a physical therapist obtain before initiating treatment?
A. Written authorization from the insurance company
B. Informed consent from the patient
C. Approval from a supervising physician
D. A referral from a chiropractor
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Informed consent from the patient is crucial before treatment can
commence, ensuring that the patient understands the procedures and associated risks.
Question 5
What is the minimum number of continuing education hours required for license
renewal every two years?
A. 20 hours
B. 30 hours
C. 40 hours
D. 60 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: California law mandates that physical therapists complete 30 hours of
continuing education for license renewal to ensure they keep abreast with the latest
practices and regulations.
Question 6
, Under California law, which of the following is NOT a requirement for obtaining a
physical therapy license?
A. Graduation from an accredited physical therapy program
B. Passing the National Physical Therapy Examination
C. Completion of a residency program
D. Submission of a criminal background check
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: A residency program is not a mandatory requirement for licensure in
California, whereas graduation from an accredited program, passing the examination,
and a background check are essential.
Question 7
Which of the following best explains the concept of "scope of practice" in physical
therapy?
A. The extent of benefits that physical therapy can provide
B. The legal boundaries within which a physical therapist can operate
C. The specific treatment techniques a therapist can utilize
D. The ethical guidelines governing patient interactions
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Scope of practice defines the legal limitations and allowances for
practitioners, ensuring that they operate within their trained competencies.
Question 8
What is the primary role of the California Physical Therapy Board?
A. To promote physical therapy to the public
B. To establish continuing education requirements
C. To license physical therapists and enforce practice standards
D. To provide financial support for physical therapy schools
CORRECT ANSWER: C
Rationale: The California Physical Therapy Board is responsible for licensing
practitioners and enforcing standards that ensure safe and effective practice.
Question 9
In the event of a patient complaint against a physical therapist, which of the
following actions is a therapist required to take?
A. Ignore the complaint until formally notified
B. Investigate the complaint independently
