The physical therapist may delegate care of a patient to an unlicensed support person only if:

The correct response highlights the conditions under which a physical therapist may delegate care to an unlicensed support person, specifically focusing on the nature of the tasks being delegated. In Ohio, a physical therapist can delegate certain tasks to an unlicensed support person provided that those tasks are appropriate for such delegation.

Therapeutic exercises and modalities are common tasks that can be delegated due to the structured nature of these activities. These tasks generally do not require the same level of critical assessment, diagnosis, or intervention that a physical therapist would perform, thereby making them suitable for unlicensed support staff to handle under appropriate supervision. The focus on delegation emphasizes ensuring that the unlicensed support person is trained adequately to perform specific therapeutic tasks safely and effectively under the supervision of the licensed therapist.

While the other options touch on aspects of patient care and supervision, they do not specifically address what types of tasks can be delegated. On-site supervision and patient condition are relevant factors, but they alone do not define the appropriateness of delegation. The task itself (therapeutic exercise or modalities) is the primary consideration in determining whether a physical therapist can delegate care.