What must be included in a patient’s treatment plan according to D.C. regulations?

A patient's treatment plan, as mandated by D.C. regulations, must include goals, intervention strategies, and measurable outcomes. This is critical because the treatment plan serves as a roadmap for the patient's rehabilitation, outlining both what is to be achieved and how the physical therapist intends to achieve it.

Goals provide clear expectations for both the therapist and the patient, establishing what improvements in function or pain relief are sought. Intervention strategies detail the specific methods that will be employed during therapy, such as exercises, manual therapy techniques, or modalities. Measurable outcomes are necessary to evaluate progress objectively over time, allowing therapists to determine the effectiveness of the treatment and adjust the plan as needed.

Incorporating these elements ensures that the treatment is patient-centered, outcome-focused, and allows for proper documentation and accountability in the therapeutic process, essential in clinical practice for tracking patient progress and justifying the care provided.