May exercise physiologists and/or athletic trainers document in the physical therapy record?
Section 40-45-280 of the physical therapy practice act establishes the physical therapy record. As the physical therapy record is established to document physical therapy care, only physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and appropriate students are authorized to provide documentation in the physical therapy record. There is nothing in the physical therapy practice act that prohibits the physical therapy record from being a component of a multi disciplinary chart. Exercise physiologists and athletic trainers should function in a physical therapy treatment program as aides (guidelines for utilization of nonlicensed personnel are established). Thus, they should not provide documentation in the physical therapy record.
