Physical Therapy Professional Liability Claim Report: 5th Edition

Medical malpractice claims may be asserted against any healthcare provider, including physical therapists (PTs). This case study involves an insured PT who had approximately 15 years of experience and was working part-time at a physical therapy outpatient clinic as an independent contractor. He had provided intermittent service at the clinic for about one year to help address staffing shortages.

Physical therapists (PTs) often delegate to physical therapy assistants (PTAs) and students, requiring appropriate supervision once a task is assigned. Thanks to a recent change by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), PTs can now provide general supervision of PTAs in outpatient settings; previously, direct supervision was required.