NCBPTE updates [2023 : September, no.2]

THE NORTH CAROLINA BOARD OF PHYSICAL THERAPY PTBoard@NCPTBoard.org Regulatory Spotlight Informed Consent о September 2023 EXAMINERS The COVID-19 global pandemic brought the topic of informed consent to the forefront, specifically as related to the delivery of telehealth physical therapy services. In its 2020 Summary: Telehealth in Physical Therapy, the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) states: Informed consent is the process of communication between the PT and a competent client, or competent designee, during which the therapist and client discuss the examination and recommended plan of care. Upon gaining a clear understanding of the risks, benefits, alternatives to the proposed treatment plan and anticipated timeframes and costs, the client is enabled to make an informed and voluntary decision on whether or not to proceed with physical therapy care. Informed consent procedures should follow state law. Typically informed consent may be verbal, written, or recorded and the documentation of consent should be maintained in the medical record. The standard of care that is expected during face-to-face encounters is also expected for telehealth encounters. For NC physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, professional and ethical practice includes obtaining informed consent from the patient/client or their legally authorized representative. As outlined in both the NC PT Practice Act and Board Rules, informed consent is a critical element of the physical therapy profession’s standards of practice/standards of care. Both the process surrounding and details within informed consent may vary depending upon factors such as the level of risk/complexity with recommended physical therapy evaluation and/or treatment as well as patient treatment setting. To learn more about this important topic, click here to read the entire Board document, or go directly to the home page of the Board website (ncptboard.org). Board office staff hours remain 7:30 am - 4 pm, Monday- Friday, to respond to calls and email inquiries. In-office appointments may be scheduled in advance, Tuesday through Thursday, 10 am - 2 pm by emailing PTBoa rdtSiNCPTBoard.org. Provide name, email address, best contact number, and a brief description of appointment needs.