What is the scope of practice for a California licensed physical therapist?

The scope of practice for a California licensed physical therapist is to evaluate, treat, and manage patients with physical impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities. This encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including assessing the physical abilities of patients, developing individualized treatment plans, implementing therapeutic interventions, and monitoring progress.

Physical therapists are trained to use various methods, including exercises, manual therapy, and modalities, to help improve patients' mobility and enhance their overall quality of life. Their focus is on rehabilitation and maximizing function rather than performing tasks outside their professional training or legal authority.

In contrast to this, performing surgery, prescribing medication, or teaching physical therapy techniques to students goes beyond the defined scope of practice for physical therapists in California and is reserved for other healthcare professionals, such as physicians or educators in the field. Thus, option B accurately captures the key functions and responsibilities of a licensed physical therapist, affirming its correctness as the rightful answer.