Section 2655.91.

Every graduate of an approved physical therapist assistant education program who has filed a complete physical therapist assistant application with the board for the first time may, following receipt of a letter of authorization to perform as a "physical therapist assistant applicant" from the board, assist in the provision of physical therapy under the direct and immediate supervision of a licensed physical therapist pending the results of the first examination administered for which he or she is eligible following graduation from an approved physical therapist assistant education program. If the applicant passes the examination, the physical therapist assistant applicant status shall remain in effect until a regular renewable approval is issued, or approval is denied, by the board. If the applicant fails the examination, or if he or she passes the examination but approval is denied, the applicant shall be prohibited from performing as a physical therapist assistant applicant at any time in the future.

During this period the applicant shall identify himself or herself only as a "physical therapist assistant applicant."

If a person assisting in the provision of physical therapy pursuant to this section fails to take the next succeeding examination without due cause or fails to pass the examination or receive approval, all privileges under this section shall terminate upon notice by certified mail, return receipt requested. An applicant may only qualify once to perform as a physical therapist assistant applicant.

A student is not eligible to work as a physical therapist assistant applicant until successful completion of the clinical experience required for graduation from the program.

(Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 970, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 1999.)