Can a physical therapist in Georgia treat a patient indefinitely?

The appropriate answer is grounded in the ethical and legal framework that governs physical therapy practice in Georgia. In this context, physical therapists are required to regularly reassess their patients to ensure that treatment remains appropriate and effective. This not only safeguards patient welfare but also aligns with evidence-based practice standards, which assert that ongoing evaluation is essential to determining the efficacy of ongoing treatment plans.

Regular reassessment helps to establish whether the patient's goals are being met and whether further physical therapy is warranted. If a patient shows no improvement or reaches the maximum expected benefit, the therapist should consider a different course of action, whether that means discharging the patient or referring them to another healthcare provider. This ensures that healthcare resources are used efficiently and that patients receive the best care possible.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the standards of practice expected of physical therapists. If treatment were to continue indefinitely upon a patient's request or solely at the therapist's discretion, it could potentially lead to ineffective utilization of therapy services and might not serve the best interests of the patient. Additionally, there's no provision in Georgia law that allows for indefinite treatment without reassessment; ongoing efficacy and appropriateness are key tenets in securing patient care standards.