All documents by PTA, SPTs, and PTA students must be co-signed by whom?

The requirement for all documents authored by Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), Student Physical Therapist Assistants (SPTs), and PTA students to be co-signed by a licensed physical therapist stems from the necessity to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards in the field of physical therapy. This co-signature provides a layer of accountability and ensures that treatment plans, evaluations, and documentation meet the professional standards set forth in Ohio law and by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

The involvement of a licensed physical therapist is essential because they hold the credentials and legal authority to make clinical judgments, oversee patient care, and ensure all documentation aligns with the established plans of care. This oversight protects the well-being of patients by ensuring that all treatment performed under the supervision of a PTA is aligned with the licensed physical therapist's professional standards and the overall treatment goals.

The roles of the other options, while important in the context of a healthcare setting, do not fulfill the specific legal requirements of co-signing documents by licensed physical therapists. Therefore, the necessity for co-signature by a licensed physical therapist is a critical aspect of maintaining proper standards and ensuring that supervised personnel are acting within the lawful scope of their practice.