New Jersey Jurisprudence Assessment Module (JAM) Practice Exam 2025 - Free JAM Practice Questions and Study Guide

A licensed physical therapist assistant may initiate treatment under the condition of working at the direction of a licensed physical therapist. This ensures that the treatment provided is aligned with the established plan of care and that the physical therapist maintains clinical oversight, which is essential for patient safety and effective treatment outcomes. The licensed physical therapist supervises the assistant’s activities, ensuring that they are adhering to the appropriate standards of care and can provide guidance as necessary.

In this context, the assistant cannot initiate treatment independently or without supervision, as that would potentially undermine the capability of the licensed physical therapist to manage the treatment plan and adjust it as needed based on the patient's progress. Additionally, while written consent from the patient is important for treatment protocols, it is not the sole condition under which a physical therapist assistant may initiate treatment. The request from a physician does not substitute for the necessary direction from the licensed physical therapist in the therapy context.