Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 1150 - TN Boards of Occupational and Physical Therapy
Tennessee Title 1150 – Boards of Occupational and Physical Therapy
Title 1150 of the Tennessee Administrative Code governs Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) practice in the state. It is issued by the Tennessee Board of Occupational Therapy and the Tennessee Board of Physical Therapy under authority granted by Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) Title 63, Chapter 13.
These rules are meant to protect the public, ensure competent practice, and provide standards for licensure, practice, supervision, and discipline.
1. Definitions and Applicability
Physical Therapist (PT): A person licensed to evaluate, plan, and provide treatment to improve movement, function, or reduce pain.
Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA): Works under supervision of a PT to carry out treatment plans.
Occupational Therapist (OT): Licensed to evaluate and treat individuals to improve daily living and work skills.
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA): Works under supervision of an OT to implement treatment plans.
Rules apply to anyone practicing PT or OT in Tennessee, including assistants.
2. Scope of Practice
Physical Therapy
PTs may perform evaluations, treatment, and interventions to improve physical function.
PTs generally need a referral from a physician, chiropractor, or nurse practitioner, except:
They may perform an initial evaluation without referral.
They may continue treatment for a patient who had a prior referral for a limited number of visits.
They may provide emergency care without referral.
PTs cannot prescribe drugs or perform medical diagnoses outside their scope.
Occupational Therapy
OTs evaluate and treat patients to improve daily living, work, or leisure skills.
OT practice includes assessment, intervention, and adaptive equipment recommendations.
OTAs work under supervision, and all delegated tasks remain the OT’s responsibility.
3. Supervision and Delegation
PTAs and OTAs must work under the supervision of a licensed PT or OT.
Supervising therapists must:
Determine the level of supervision required.
Ensure assistants do not exceed delegated tasks.
Be responsible for all treatment provided by assistants.
Supervision can be direct (onsite) or general (available as needed) depending on patient needs and therapy complexity.
4. Licensure, Renewal, and Continuing Competence
Licensure Requirements:
Graduation from an accredited PT or OT program.
Passing national board exams.
Submission of proof of education and character references.
Renewal Requirements:
Licenses must be renewed periodically (usually every 2 years).
Proof of continuing education or professional development is required.
Continuing Competence:
Therapists must demonstrate ongoing learning in relevant areas.
This includes new techniques, patient safety, ethics, or evidence-based practice.
5. Disciplinary Actions
The Board may take action against licensees for:
Incompetence or substandard practice.
Unethical conduct (e.g., falsifying records, boundary violations).
Violation of laws or rules (e.g., practicing without a license).
Possible sanctions include:
Advisory censure.
Probation with conditions.
License suspension or revocation.
Fines or costs of disciplinary proceedings.
6. Case Law Principles (Illustrative)
Even though there are no Title 1150-specific court cases widely published, general principles from Tennessee case law and administrative decisions apply:
Scope of Practice Limits
PTs cannot give medical diagnoses or prescribe medication; courts have supported strict adherence to scope of practice.
Supervision Enforcement
Boards’ decisions upholding disciplinary actions for unsupervised practice are typically upheld by courts.
For example, an OTA practicing without proper supervision may be disciplined, and courts generally support the Board’s authority.
Continuing Competence Requirement
Failure to complete continuing education can justify license denial or non-renewal.
Courts recognize ongoing competence as essential for public protection.
Documentation and Ethical Violations
Falsifying patient records or engaging in fraudulent billing is grounds for disciplinary action.
Courts consistently uphold these Board actions to maintain safety and integrity in therapy practice.
7. Key Takeaways
Purpose: Protect public safety, ensure competent care, define permissible practice, and enforce ethical standards.
Scope: Applies to PTs, OT, PTAs, and OTAs in Tennessee.
Supervision: Assistants must be properly supervised; the licensed therapist is responsible for all delegated care.
Licensing: Requires education, examination, and continuing competence.
Discipline: Boards can reprimand, suspend, or revoke licenses for violations.
Legal Principle: Tennessee courts support Board authority to enforce rules, uphold supervision standards, and maintain competence requirements.
RELATED Blog
comments