Which of the following tasks is permissible for a physical therapist to delegate to a physical therapist assistant?

The delegation of tasks from a physical therapist (PT) to a physical therapist assistant (PTA) is governed by regulations and professional standards, which delineate the scope of responsibilities for each role. Reporting a patient's progress is a task that a PTA is allowed to undertake because it falls within their scope of practice to communicate the observations and changes they have noted during treatment sessions. This function is essential for ongoing patient management and care, allowing the PTA to provide feedback that can help inform the PT's decisions regarding treatment plans.

A PTA can collect data and document patient responses and progress toward goals, which is crucial for the continuity of care. While the physical therapist may interpret this information and make clinical decisions based on it, the reporting itself is a routine task that is considered within the PTA's expertise as long as it's based on direct observations made during treatment.

In contrast, tasks such as conducting an initial patient evaluation, performing a patient re-evaluation, and interpreting the initial evaluation are reserved for physical therapists. These activities require clinical judgment and decision-making that exceed the PTA's scope, emphasizing the distinct responsibilities and training levels of each professional.