New York Physical Therapy Jurisprudence
Exam Questions With Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
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1. A physical therapist in New York receives a referral for a patient
requiring evaluation. What is the primary legal requirement
before initiating treatment?
A. Obtain verbal consent only
B. Verify insurance coverage
C. Ensure a valid referral or authorization when required
D. Begin treatment and document later
Answer: C
Rationale: In New York, physical therapists must ensure that any
required referral or authorization is valid before initiating
treatment when applicable. This ensures compliance with state
practice and payer regulations.
2. Which entity primarily regulates the licensure and practice of
physical therapists in New York State?
, A. CDC
B. New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the
Professions
C. American Physical Therapy Association
D. Department of Health and Human Services
Answer: B
Rationale: The NYSED Office of the Professions is responsible for
licensing and regulating physical therapists in New York.
3. A physical therapist assistant (PTA) in New York may perform
which task?
A. Conduct initial evaluations independently
B. Diagnose medical conditions
C. Implement treatment plans developed by a physical therapist
D. Prescribe medications
Answer: C
Rationale: PTAs in New York may implement treatment plans
under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist but cannot
evaluate or diagnose.
4. What is required for informed consent in physical therapy
practice?
A. A signed contract only
, B. Patient understanding of risks, benefits, and alternatives
C. Insurance approval
D. Physician signature
Answer: B
Rationale: Informed consent requires that the patient
understands the risks, benefits, and alternatives of treatment
before agreeing.
5. Which action would be considered unprofessional conduct?
A. Documenting treatment accurately
B. Maintaining patient confidentiality
C. Falsifying patient records
D. Following physician orders
Answer: C
Rationale: Falsifying patient records is considered unprofessional
conduct and may result in disciplinary action.
6. In New York, how long must patient records generally be retained?
A. 1 year
B. 3 years
C. 5 years (minimum standard for adult records under many
healthcare rules)
D. 10 years
, Answer: C
Rationale: Healthcare providers in New York are generally
required to retain records for at least several years, commonly 5
years or more depending on setting and patient age.
7. A PT suspects child abuse. What is the appropriate action?
A. Ignore unless confirmed
B. Report to law enforcement immediately without
documentation
C. Follow mandatory reporting laws and notify appropriate
authorities
D. Discuss only with family
Answer: C
Rationale: Physical therapists are mandated reporters and must
report suspected abuse according to New York law.
8. Which of the following best defines “scope of practice”?
A. Insurance reimbursement rules
B. The legal boundaries of professional duties
C. Hospital policies only
D. Patient treatment preferences
Answer: B
Exam Questions With Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. A physical therapist in New York receives a referral for a patient
requiring evaluation. What is the primary legal requirement
before initiating treatment?
A. Obtain verbal consent only
B. Verify insurance coverage
C. Ensure a valid referral or authorization when required
D. Begin treatment and document later
Answer: C
Rationale: In New York, physical therapists must ensure that any
required referral or authorization is valid before initiating
treatment when applicable. This ensures compliance with state
practice and payer regulations.
2. Which entity primarily regulates the licensure and practice of
physical therapists in New York State?
, A. CDC
B. New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the
Professions
C. American Physical Therapy Association
D. Department of Health and Human Services
Answer: B
Rationale: The NYSED Office of the Professions is responsible for
licensing and regulating physical therapists in New York.
3. A physical therapist assistant (PTA) in New York may perform
which task?
A. Conduct initial evaluations independently
B. Diagnose medical conditions
C. Implement treatment plans developed by a physical therapist
D. Prescribe medications
Answer: C
Rationale: PTAs in New York may implement treatment plans
under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist but cannot
evaluate or diagnose.
4. What is required for informed consent in physical therapy
practice?
A. A signed contract only
, B. Patient understanding of risks, benefits, and alternatives
C. Insurance approval
D. Physician signature
Answer: B
Rationale: Informed consent requires that the patient
understands the risks, benefits, and alternatives of treatment
before agreeing.
5. Which action would be considered unprofessional conduct?
A. Documenting treatment accurately
B. Maintaining patient confidentiality
C. Falsifying patient records
D. Following physician orders
Answer: C
Rationale: Falsifying patient records is considered unprofessional
conduct and may result in disciplinary action.
6. In New York, how long must patient records generally be retained?
A. 1 year
B. 3 years
C. 5 years (minimum standard for adult records under many
healthcare rules)
D. 10 years
, Answer: C
Rationale: Healthcare providers in New York are generally
required to retain records for at least several years, commonly 5
years or more depending on setting and patient age.
7. A PT suspects child abuse. What is the appropriate action?
A. Ignore unless confirmed
B. Report to law enforcement immediately without
documentation
C. Follow mandatory reporting laws and notify appropriate
authorities
D. Discuss only with family
Answer: C
Rationale: Physical therapists are mandated reporters and must
report suspected abuse according to New York law.
8. Which of the following best defines “scope of practice”?
A. Insurance reimbursement rules
B. The legal boundaries of professional duties
C. Hospital policies only
D. Patient treatment preferences
Answer: B
