California PTA Laws Practice Exam

Which of the following roles can a PTA not assume during a meeting with healthcare professionals?

1. Lead the meeting

2. Present patient discharge summaries

3. Co-facilitate the meeting

4. Participate as a team member

The correct answer is: Lead the meeting

A physical therapist assistant (PTA) is not authorized to lead a meeting with healthcare professionals due to the regulations governing their practice. In California, PTAs work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, and their responsibilities do not extend to leading meetings. This is in line with the established hierarchy within the healthcare environment, where the licensed physical therapists assume the roles that entail making clinical decisions and leading discussions related to patient care. In contrast, PTAs can participate as team members, co-facilitate discussions, and present certain types of information, such as gathering data or summarizing patient care tasks, but these roles are supportive and follow the guidance of a licensed professional. Leading meetings or making independent decisions about patient care would exceed the boundaries of their practice and regulatory limitations.