T/F: The treatment cannot be initiated until the POC has been established.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It depends on the setting
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (A)

The plan of care is the formal document that outlines the patient’s goals, prognosis, and the specific treatment plan, including modalities, frequency, and duration. In Texas PT practice, care is guided by this plan, which is created after the initial evaluation. Starting treatment without an established POC means there’s no documented basis for the chosen interventions, no agreed objectives to measure progress, and potential issues with billing and regulatory compliance. That’s why the statement is true: treatment generally cannot be initiated until the POC is established. In urgent situations you may begin addressing immediate symptoms, but a formal POC should be established as soon as possible to guide ongoing care.