<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<chapter num="04" heading="Physical Therapy Aide" title_num="10" subtitle_num="38">
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Definition.">
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>In these regulations, the following term has the meaning indicated.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>Term Defined. “Physical therapy aide” or “aide” means a person who performs certain physical therapy duties under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. This individual may be known, also, as a physical therapy technician, a rehabilitation technician, an athletic trainer, or be described by some other similar title.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Requirements.">
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>Supervision.</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>The physical therapy aide shall be under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist when performing those physical therapy treatments that the aide is permitted to perform.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>Exceptions. An aide may:</text>
        <paragraph num="(a)">
          <text>Perform non-treatment-related activities, such as secretarial, clerical, and housekeeping duties without direct supervision;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(b)">
          <text>Perform patient-related activities that do not involve treatment (such as transporting patients, undressing and dressing patients, removing and applying assistive and supportive devices) without direct supervision;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(c)">
          <text>Assist a physical therapist assistant when more than one individual is required to ensure the safety and welfare of the patient during ambulation, transfers, or functional activities without direct supervision.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>In-Service Training. There shall be documented evidence of sufficient in-service training to assure safe performance of the duties assigned to the aide.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Activities Which May Be Performed by Aides under Direct Supervision.">
    <text>The following activities may be performed by aides under direct supervision:</text>
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>Assist in the practice of gait and ambulation;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>Assist in the practice of functional activities;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="C.">
      <text>Assist in the practice of transfers;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="D.">
      <text>Assist in the routine follow-up of specific exercises;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="E.">
      <text>Assist in the application of hot or cold packs;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="F.">
      <text>Assist in the procedure of Hubbard tank;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="G.">
      <text>Assist in the procedure of whirlpool;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="H.">
      <text>Assist in the application of contrast bath;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="I.">
      <text>Assist in the application of infrared; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="J.">
      <text>Assist in the application of paraffin bath.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" heading="Prohibited Activities.">
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>Evaluation may not be performed by aides.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>Treatments other than those listed in Regulation .03 of this chapter may not be performed by aides.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" heading="Penalty.">
    <text>A physical therapy aide who violates the above regulations shall be considered by the Board to be practicing physical therapy in violation of the Maryland Physical Therapy Practice Act and may be referred to the appropriate State's Attorney's Office with a recommendation by the Board that the physical therapy aide be prosecuted.</text>
  </regulation>
  <annotations>
    <annotation type="Authority">Health Occupations Article, §13-206, Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: November 8, 1982 (9:22 Md. R. 2197)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01 amended effective April 16, 2001 (28:7 Md. R. 690)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01B amended effective November 1, 1999 (26:22 Md. R. 1693)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01 amended effective December 25, 2000 (27:25 Md. R. 2282)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .02C adopted effective November 1, 1999 (26:22 Md. R. 1693)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .03 amended effective November 1, 1999 (26:22 Md. R. 1693); December 25, 2000 (27:25 Md. R. 2282)</annotation>
  </annotations>
</chapter>