Source: http://regulations.delaware.gov/register/may2005/final/8%20DE%20Reg%201591%2005-01-05.htm
Timestamp: 2017-12-14 06:22:27
Document Index: 113278631

Matched Legal Cases: ['§2601', '§2604', '§2602', '§2602', '§2615', '§2616', '§2616', '§2607', '§2602', '§2602', '§2607']

8 DE Reg 1591 05-01-05
After due notice in the Register of Regulations and two Delaware newspapers, a public hearing was held on April 19, 2005 at a scheduled meeting of the Delaware Examining Board of Physical Therapists and Athletic Trainers to receive comments regarding proposed amendments to its rules and regulations due to the enactment of House Bill 292 enacted by the 142nd General Assembly. The proposed amendments clarify provisions in the rules and regulations related to the practice of athletic training. The proposed regulation was published in the Register of Regulations, Vol. 8, Issue 9, March 1, 2005.
No written comments were received. No public comment was received at the April 19, 2005 hearing.
The Board carefully reviewed and considered its rules and regulations with respect to the current practice of athletic training following the enactment of House Bill 292. The Board established a subcommittee which held several meetings and received input from representatives of the Delaware Athletic Trainers Association (DATA) and the Delaware Physical Therapy Association (DPTA). The subcommittee reported its recommendations to the Board. The amendments reflect those recommendations adopted by the Board for publication.
The “primary objective of the Examining Board of Physical Therapists and Athletic Trainers, which all other objectives and purposes are secondary, is to protect the general public (especially those persons who are direct recipients of services regulated by this chapter) from unsafe practices and from occupational practices which tend to reduce competition or to fix the price of services rendered.” 24 Del.C. §2601.
The Board finds that the amendments to its rules and regulations meet the primary objective of the Board by clarifying the rules and regulations related to the practice of athletic training. The amendments clarify supervisory provisions related to athletic trainers, treatment of athletic and non-athletic injuries and exceptions, continuing education, licensure by reciprocity, temporary licensure, reactivation and reinstatement related to an inactive license
In summary, the Board finds that adopting the amendments to its rules and regulations as proposed is in the best interest of the citizens of the State of Delaware and is necessary to protect the health and safety of the general public, particularly the recipients of athletic training services.
The Board’s rulemaking authority is provided by 24 Del.C. §2604(a)(1).
The text of the rule remains as published in Register of Regulations, Vol. 8, Issue 9, March 1, 2005, and as attached hereto as Exhibit A.
SO ORDERED this 19th day of April, 2005.
1.2.3 Direct supervision in relation to a Physical Therapist Assistant with one (1) year or more experience means that a Physical Therapist Assistant must receive on-site, face to face supervision at least once every fifth treatment day or once every three weeks, whichever occurs first. The supervising Physical Therapist must have at least one (1) year clinical experience. The Physical Therapist must be available and accessible by telecommunications to the Physical Therapist Assistant during all working hours of the Physical Therapist Assistant.
1.2.5 Direct supervision in connection with an athletic trainer in a non-clinical setting means that the supervising athletic trainer should be personally present and immediately available to the treatment area. Direct supervision in connection with an Athletic Trainer treating an injury not defined as an 'athletic injury', which must be a musculoskeletal disorder if seen for physical therapy when the athletic trainer has one (1) year or more of continuous experience means that an Athletic Trainer must receive on-site, face to face supervision at least once every fifth treatment day or once every three weeks, whichever occurs first. The supervising Physical Therapist must have at least one (1) year clinical experience. The Physical Therapist must be accessible by telecommunications to the Athletic Trainer during all work hours of the Athletic Trainer.
1.2.67 Direct supervision in connection with an Athletic Trainer means a Physical Therapist shall be on the premises at all times in a clinical setting and see every patient. in relation to an Athletic Trainer with one (1) year or more experience means that an Athletic Trainer must receive on-site, face to face supervision at least once every fifth treatment day or once every three weeks, whichever occurs first. The Supervising Athletic Trainer must have at least one (1) year experience. The Supervising Athletic Trainer must be available and accessible by telecommunications to the Athletic Trainer during all working hours.
1.2.7 8 At no time may a Physical Therapist supervise more than 2 Physical Therapist Assistants, 2 Athletic Trainers or 1 Physical Therapist Assistant and 1 Athletic Trainer. A Physical Therapist may only supervise 1 Physical Therapist Assistant off site. Athletic Trainers must be supervised on site.
1.2.8 9 Direct supervision in connection with support personnel means a licensed Physical Therapist, or Physical Therapist Assistant or Athletic Trainer shall be personally present and immediately available within the treatment area to give aid, direction, and instruction when procedures are performed. On site or on premises (24 Del.C. §2602(5)), in connection with supervision of a Physical Therapist Assistant or Athletic Trainer, means that the Physical Therapist Assistant or Athletic Trainer supervising professional must be in the same physical building as the supervising Physical Therapist. On site or on premises does not refer to attached buildings is located on the same physical property where the supervision is occurring.
1.3 On site or on premises (24 Del.C. §2602(5)), in connection with supervision of a Physical Therapist Assistant or Athletic Trainer, means that the Physical Therapist Assistant or Athletic Trainer must be in the same physical building as the supervising Physical Therapist. On site or on premises does not refer to attached buildings.
1.4 3 Support personnel (24 Del.C. §2615) means a person(s) who performs certain routine, designated physical therapy tasks, or athletic training tasks, under the direct supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant. or Athletic Trainer. There shall be documented evidence of sufficient in-service training to assure safe performance of the duties assigned to the support personnel.
1.5 4 Unprofessional Conduct (24 Del.C. §2616(7)). Unprofessional conduct shall include departure from or the failure to conform to the minimal standards of acceptable and prevailing physical therapy practice or athletic training practice, in which proceeding actual injury to a patient need not be established 24 Del.C. §2616(7). Such unprofessional conduct shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
1.54.1 Assuming duties within the practice of physical therapy or athletic training without adequate preparation or supervision or when competency has not been maintained.
1.54.2 The Physical Therapist or Athletic Trainer who knowingly allows a Physical Therapist Assistant or Athletic Trainer to perform prohibited activities is guilty of unprofessional conduct.
1.54.3 The Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, or Athletic Trainer who knowingly performs prohibited activities is guilty of unprofessional conduct.
1.54.4 The Physical Therapist, Athletic Trainer, or Physical Therapist Assistant who knowingly allows support personnel to perform prohibited activities is guilty of unprofessional conduct.
1.54.5 Performing new physical therapy or athletic training techniques or procedures without proper education and practice or without proper supervision.
1.54.6 Failing to take appropriate action or to follow policies and procedures in the practice situation designed to safeguard the patient.
1.54.7 Inaccurately recording, falsifying, or altering a patient or facility record.
1.54.8 Committing any act of verbal, physical, mental or sexual abuse of patients.
1.54.9 Assigning untrained persons to perform functions which are detrimental to patient safety, for which they are not adequately trained or supervised, or which are not authorized under these rules and regulations.
1.54.10 Failing to supervise individuals to whom physical therapy or athletic training tasks have been delegated.
1.54.11 Failing to safeguard the patient’s dignity and right to privacy in providing services regardless of race, color, creed and status.
1.54.12 Violating the confidentiality of information concerning the patient.
1.54.13 Failing to take appropriate action in safeguarding the patient from incompetent health care practice.
1.54.14 Practicing physical therapy as a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant or athletic training as an Athletic Trainer when unfit to perform procedures or unable to make decisions because of physical, psychological, or mental impairment.
1.54.15 Practicing as a Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant or Athletic Trainer when physical or mental ability to practice is impaired by alcohol or drugs.
1.54.16 Diverting drugs, supplies or property of a patient or a facility.
1.54.17 Allowing another person to use his/her license.
1.54.18 Resorting to fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit in taking the licensing examination or obtaining a license as a Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant or Athletic Trainer.
1.54.19 Impersonating any applicant or acting as proxy for the applicant in a Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, or Athletic Trainer licensing examination.
1.54.20 A Physical Therapist, who initiated a physical therapy plan of care without a referral, Ccontinuing to treat a patient, who initiated treatment without a formal referral, for longer than thirty days without a licensed health practitioner consult. An Athletic Trainer continuing to treat a patient, who initiated treatment for a minor strain, sprain, or contusion for longer than thirty days without a licensed health practitioner consult; preventative taping, padding, bandaging, icing and conditioning excluded.
1.54.21 Substantially modifying a treatment prescription without consulting the referring licensed health practitioner.
1.54.22 Failing to comply with the mandatory continuing education requirements of 24 Del.C. §2607(a) and Section 7 of these rules and regulations.
The Athletic Trainer in a clinical setting - 24 Del.C. §2602 (5)).
The Athletic Trainer in a nonclinical setting - 24 Del.C. §2602(5)).
5.2.2 set up and preparation of patients requiring treatment using Physical Therapist modalities.
6.6.3 for individuals seeking renewal, evidence of continuing education courses as provided by Section
7.1 Three CEU’s are required for every biennial license renewal for Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, and Athletic Trainers. The Continuing Education Unit Activity Record (CEUAR) credits shall be received at the Division of Professional Regulation, Dover, Delaware, no later than November 30th of every even numbered year and shall be received every 2 years after such date.
7.2 Individuals shall maintain the following items in order to receive credit for CEU’s:
7.2.1 name of applicant seeking renewal
7.2.2 license classification (Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, Athletic Trainer)
7.2.3 license number of applicant
7.2.4 proof of attendance at CEU course
7.2.5 date of CEU course
7.2.6 instructor(s) of CEU course
7.2.7 sponsor of CEU course
7.2.8 title of CEU course
7.2.9 number of hours of CEU course
7.3 Continuing Education Regulations, (24 Del.C. §2607(a)). Each licensed Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant and Athletic Trainer is responsible for continuing his/her education so that professional skills are maintained in accordance with the advancement of the profession. The purpose of this is to help Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, and Athletic Trainers become more efficient in achieving their objectives.
7.3.1 For a licensee to renew a license, the licensee must complete three continuing education units over the two year period immediately preceding November 30th of each even year. CEU’s completed before November 30th of the even year shall not be carried over to the next renewal period. Any continuing education completed in the December or January preceding renewal will apply to the next renewal period. CEU requirements shall be prorated for new licensees. If the license is granted during the six month period shown below, the following will be required for renewal:
Odd Numbered Year Even Numbered Year
1/1- 6/30 2.5 CEUs 1/1- 6/30 1.5 CEUs
7/1-12/31 2.0 CEUs 7/1-12/31 .5 CEUs
7.3.2 One CEU will be given for every 10 hours of an approved continuing education course. (1 contact hour = .1 CEU). Each course must include topics relevant to the field of health care as it pertains to Physical Therapy or Athletic Training. Approval of CEU’s shall be within the discretion of the State Examining Board of Physical Therapists. Continuing education units that have been previously approved during the current licensing period by another agency such as a national governing body or a fellow state licensing board shall be acceptable to the Examining Board for the State of Delaware as appropriate CEU’s. Any sponsors or licensees wishing to receive prior written approval of CEU courses from the Examining Board must complete a CEU Application Form. CEU’s may not be carried over from one biennial period to the next one.
7.3.3 At the time of license renewal, the appropriate forms will be supplied by the Board. Proof of attendance shall be enclosed by the licensee when requested by the Board. While course brochures may be used to verify contact hours, they are not considered to be acceptable proof for use of verification of course attendance. All licensees must complete and submit to the Board the CEUAR. If randomly selected, the licensee must submit documentation of the CEU’s. The CEUAR is due November 30th of the even year. All questionable CEUAR’s will be re-evaluated.
7.3.4 In the event a licensee shall fail to complete the required credits by November 30, 2000, the Board may withhold issuance of a permanent license unless the CEUAR required by Section 7.3.3 is accompanied by a specific plan for making up the deficiency of necessary credits by March 31, 2001. The plan shall be deemed accepted by the Board unless within 60 days after the receipt of the CEUAR the Board notifies the licensee to the contrary. Full completion of the licensee’s plan shall be reported by CEUAR not later April 15, 2001. Failure to complete the specific plan may result in the Board suspending the license issued, following a hearing pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act, for unprofessional conduct as defined by Section 1.5.22. This provision no longer applies effective with the 2003 renewal.
7.3.5 The Board has the power to waive any part of the entire CEU requirement. Exemptions to the CEU requirement may be granted due to prolonged illness or other incapacity. Application for exemption shall be made in writing to the Board by the applicant for renewal and must be received by the Board no later than November 30th of the end of the respective CEU term.
7.3.6 CEU’s may be earned through Board approved courses in colleges and universities, extension courses, independent study courses, workshops, seminars, conferences, lectures, videotapes, professional presentations and publications, and in-services oriented toward the enhancement of their respective professional’s practice. CEU programs shall be conducted under responsible sponsorship, capable direction and qualified instruction. The program may include staff development activities of agencies and cross-disciplinary offerings.
7.3.7 The following are examples of acceptable continuing education which the Board may approve. The Board will determine the appropriate number of contact hours for these categories of continuing education, subject to any limitation shown below.
7.3.7.1 professional meetings including national, state, chapter, and state board meetings
7.3.7.2 seminars/workshops
7.3.7.3 staff/faculty in-services
7.3.7.4 first time presentation of professionally oriented course/lecture (0.3 CEU/hour per presentation)
7.3.7.5 approved self studies including:
- videotapes, if:
- there is a sponsoring agency
- there is a facilitator or program official present
- the program official is not the only attendee
- correspondence course, if a sponsoring agency provides a certificate of completion
7.3.8 The following are also examples of acceptable continuing education in the amount of CEU’s shown.
7.3.8.1 university/college courses:
7.3.8.2 passing of licensing examination (1.5 CEU’s)
7.3.8.3 original publication in peer reviewed publication (0.3 CEU)
7.3.8.4 original publication in non-peer reviewed publication (0.1 CEU)
7.3.8.5 holding of an office (0.3 CEU), to include:
7.3.8.6 acting as the direct clinical instructor providing supervision to a Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant or Athletic Trainer student officially enrolled in an accredited institution program during an internship (40 contact hours = 0.1 CEU).
7.3.8.7 acting as the direct clinical instructor providing supervision to an Athletic Training student officially enrolled in an accredited Athletic Training Education Program (40 contact hours = 0.1 CEU).
8.2.3 For the Athletic Trainer candidate, the passing score shall be that which was established at time of examination. All sections of the examination shall be passed. The reciprocity applicant shall supply his/her examination scores to the Board. have their National Athletic Trainer Association Board of Certification (NATABOC) [verification of certification] forwarded directly to the Board office.
9.1 The Board may issue a temporary license to all applicants who have submitted to the Board the documents listed in Rule 6.2 and Rule 6.5, respectively, and who have been determined to be eligible to take the examination. The Board shall accept a letter signed by the Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant applicant’s school official stating that the applicant has completed all requirements for graduation; provided, however, that the applicant shall submit to the Board an official transcript as soon as it becomes available. The Board will determine the Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant applicant’s eligibility to take the examination. In the case of Athletic Trainer applicants for temporary license, a letter from NATA stating the applicant’s eligibility to take the NATA examination will be required. Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant applicants may practice only under the direct supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. Athletic Trainer applicants may practice only under the direct supervision of a licensed Athletic Trainer in a non-clinical setting. In a clinical setting, Athletic Trainer applicants may practice only under the direct supervision of a licensed or Physical Therapist. as that supervision is defined in regulation 1.2 above. A temporary license shall expire upon notice to the applicant of his/her failure to pass the license examination and may not be renewed. In all other cases, a temporary license may be renewed only once.
10.1.1 The applicant shall submit proof satisfactory to the Board of graduation from an education program appropriate to their profession in a foreign country. Each foreign applicant must demonstrate that they have met the minimum education requirements as presented by the Federation of State Boards in the Course Work Evaluation Tool for Persons Who Received Their Physical Therapy Education Outside the United States. The applicant shall arrange and pay for a credential evaluation of such foreign school’s program to be completed by one of four independent agencies:
(Address change 2/1/01)
Foreign Credentialing Commission for Physical
Alexandria VA 22313-9998
11.1.2.1 The Physical Therapist, or Physical Therapist Assistant, or Athletic Trainer working in a clinical setting shall work under the direct supervision of a Physical Therapist/Athletic Trainer in Delaware for a minimum of six months.
11.1.2.2 The Athletic Trainer working in a nonclinical setting shall work under the direct supervision of an Athletic Trainer in Delaware for a minimum of six months.
11.3 If the license has been expired over five years, the Physical Therapist/Physical Therapist Assistant/Athletic Trainer must file a new application and provide proof of completion of 3.0 DEU’s when reapplying under the provisions which govern reciprocity.
12.5 Failure to cooperate fully with the participating Board chairperson or that chairperson's designate or designates or the Director of the Division of Professional Regulation or his/her designate in regard to the Voluntary Treatment Option or to comply with their requests for evaluations and screens may disqualify the regulated professional from the provisions of the Voluntary Treatment Option, and the participating Board chairperson or that chairperson's designate or designates shall cause to be activated an immediate investigation and institution of disciplinary proceedings, if appropriate, as outlined in subsection (h) of this section.