Direction and supervision of support personnel requires patient-centered decision-making at all times.

The physical therapist (PT) and physical therapist assistant (PTA) work together as a team under the PT's direction and supervision. The details are spelled out in each state's practice act and in physical therapy regulations set by the state licensure board, but the PT's ethical responsibilities don't stop there. The following scenario illustrates what can happen when the letter of the law is met but professional judgment is found to be ethically and practically wanting.