A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to make changes to some parts of the north carolina physical therapy practice act by revising and updating statutory language to more appropriately reflect nationally accepted standards and requirements for the practice of physical therapy, to authorize physical therapists to join some twenty-three other licensed professional groups by participating in the north carolina professional corporation act, and to provide other modifications.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  G.S. 90‑270.24 reads as rewritten:
"§ 90‑270.24.  Definitions.
In this Article, unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions shall apply:
(1)	"Board" means the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
(2)	"Physical therapist" means any person who is licensed pursuant to this Article to practice physical therapy and is regulated by the Article in his or her physical therapy conduct and activities.
(3)	"Physical therapist assistant" means any person who is licensed and regulated under this Article to practice as an assistant to one or more physical therapists, and who works only under the supervision of a physical therapist in performing selected components of physical therapy intervention and patient‑related treatment activities assigned by the physical therapist which are commensurate with the physical therapist assistant's education, training, and experience. However, a physical therapist assistant's work shall not include the interpretation and implementation of referrals from licensed medical doctors or dentists, the performance of patient evaluations, or the determination or independent modification of treatment plans.
(4)	"Physical therapy" means the care and services provided by a physical therapist licensed pursuant to this Article or by a physical therapist assistant licensed pursuant to the Article under the supervision and direction of a licensed physical therapist, including the evaluation and treatment of patients involving physical measures, methods, or procedures as are found commensurate with physical therapy education and training and generally or specifically authorized by regulations of the Board. Physical therapy education and training shall include study of the skeletal manifestations of systemic disease. Physical therapy includes the evaluation or treatment of any person by the use of physical, chemical, or other properties of heat, light, water, electricity, sound, massage, or therapeutic exercise, or other rehabilitative procedures, with or without assistive devices, for the purposes of preventing, correcting, or alleviating a physical or mental disability. Physical therapy further includes the performance of electrodiagnostic, electrophysiologic, and other specialized tests of neuromuscular function or physical capacities; administration of specialized therapeutic procedures; interpretation and implementation of referrals from licensed medical doctors or dentists; and establishment and modification of physical therapy plans or programs for patients. Physical therapy does not include the application of roentgen rays or radioactive materials, surgery, or medical diagnosis of disease.
(5)	"Physical therapy aide" means any nonlicensed person who aids in the practice of physical therapy in accordance with the provisions of this Article, and who at all times acts under the orders, direction, and on‑site supervision of a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant acting within the scope of the physical therapist assistant's authorized areas of practice. An aide may only perform  expressly assigned routine tasks related to physical therapy services that do not require a license under this Article.
(6)	"Physiotherapy" means the same as physical 'therapy' as defined in subdivision (4) of this subsection. The term is historically significant in the development of physical therapy in the United States and is currently sometimes used internationally to refer to the physical therapy discipline. The limitations and requirements of this Article concerning the State's regulation of physical therapy shall apply with the same force and effect if physical therapy care, services, and activities are characterized as physiotherapy.
(7)	"Restricted license" means a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant's license on which the Board has placed restrictions or conditions, which may limit practice by the license holder as to scope or place of practice, supervision, duration of licensed status, or type or condition of patients or clients to whom the licensee may provide services."
SECTION 2.  G.S. 90‑270.26 reads as rewritten:
"§ 90‑270.26.  Powers of the Board.
The Board shall have the following general powers and duties:
(1)	Examine and determine the qualifications and fitness of applicants for a license to practice physical therapy in this State;
(2)	Issue, renew, deny, suspend, restrict, or revoke licenses to practice as a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant in this State, or reprimand or otherwise discipline licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants;
(3)	Conduct confidential investigations for the purpose of determining whether violations of this Article or grounds for disciplining licensed physical therapists or physical therapist assistants exist. Investigation records shall not be considered public records under Chapter 132 of the General Statutes. However, hearing notices and statements of charges and any materials received and admitted into evidence at Board hearings shall be public records, despite being developed or compiled as a result of an investigation;
(3a)	Establish mechanisms for assessing the continuing competence of licensed physical therapists or physical therapist assistants to engage in the practice of physical therapy, including approving rules requiring licensees to periodically, or in response to complaints or incident reports, submit to the Board: (i) evidence of continuing education experiences; (ii) evidence of minimum standard accomplishments; or (iii) evidence of compliance with other Board‑approved measures, audits, or evaluations; and specify remedial actions if necessary or desirable to obtain license renewal or reinstatement;
(3b)	Issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of any witness or the production of any documents relative to investigations or Board proceedings;
(3c)	Request the Department of Justice to provide criminal background checks pursuant to G.S. 90‑270.26.1 in connection with licensure or investigation matters;
(4)	Employ such professional, clerical or special personnel necessary to carry out the provisions of this Article, and may purchase or rent necessary office space, equipment and supplies;
(5)	Conduct administrative hearings in accordance with Chapter 150B of the General Statutes when a "contested case" as defined in G.S. 150B‑2(2) arises under this Article;
(6)	Appoint from its own membership one or more members to act as representatives of the Board at any meeting where such representation is deemed desirable;
(7)	Establish reasonable fees for applications for examination, certificates of licensure and renewal, and other services provided by the Board;
(8)	Adopt, amend, or repeal any rules or regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article and the duties and responsibilities of the Board;
(9)	Regulate physical therapy professional corporations pursuant to Chapter 55B of the General Statutes and this Article, including adopting rules for the registration of physical therapy professional corporations;
(10)	Establish or participate in programs for aiding in the recovery and rehabilitation of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who experience chemical or alcohol addiction or abuse or mental health problems;
(11)	Acquire, hold, rent, encumber, alienate, and otherwise deal with real property in the same manner as a private person or corporation, subject only to approval of the Governor and the Council of State. Collateral pledged by the Board for an encumbrance is limited to the assets, income, and revenues of the Board.
The powers and duties enumerated above are granted for the purpose of enabling the Board to safeguard the public health, safety and welfare against unqualified or incompetent practitioners of physical therapy, and are to be liberally construed to accomplish this objective. In instances where the Board makes a decision to discipline physical therapists or physical therapist assistants under powers set out by any of subsections (2) through (5) of this section, it may as part of its decision charge the reasonable costs of investigation and hearing to the person disciplined."
SECTION 3.  Chapter 90 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 90‑270.26.1.  Criminal history record checks of licensure applicants or investigation subjects in the practice of physical therapy.
The Department of Justice may provide to the Board a criminal record check from the State and National Repositories of Criminal Histories for applicants for licensure or subjects of investigation by the Board. Along with a request for history records, the Board shall provide to the Department of Justice the fingerprints of the applicant or subject, a form signed by the applicant or subject consenting to the criminal history record checks and use of the fingerprints and other identifying information required by the Repositories, and any additional information required by the Department. The fingerprints shall be forwarded to the State Bureau of Investigation for a search of the State's criminal history record file, and the State Bureau of Investigation shall forward a set of fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history record check. The Board shall keep all information obtained pursuant to this section confidential. The Department of Justice may charge a fee to offset the cost incurred by it to conduct a criminal history record check under this section, but the fee shall not exceed the actual cost of locating, editing, researching, and retrieving the information."
SECTION 4.  G.S. 90‑270.29 reads as rewritten:
"§ 90‑270.29.  Examination; qualifications of applicants; application; fees; Board disqualification; national requirement.(a)	Any person who desires to be licensed under this Article and who:
(1)	Is of good moral character;
(2)	If an applicant for physical therapy licensure, has been graduated from a physical therapy program accredited by an agency recognized by either the U.S. Office of Education or the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation; and
(3)	If an applicant for physical therapist assistant licensure, has been graduated from a physical therapist assistant educational program accredited by an agency recognized by either the U.S. Office of Education or the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation;
may make application on a form furnished by the Board for examination  for licensure as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant. At the time of making such application, the applicant shall pay to the secretary‑treasurer of the Board the fee prescribed by the Board, no portion of which shall be returned.
(b)	If the Board determines that an applicant has engaged in or attempted to engage in conduct that subverts or undermines the integrity of the examination process, the Board may disqualify the applicant from taking or retaking the examination for a specified period of time.
(c)	The Board shall provide for examinations in this State.
(d)	The physical therapist examination shall be a national examination that tests entry‑level competence related to physical therapy theory; patient examination; evaluation, including physical therapy diagnosis and prognosis; treatment; intervention; prevention; and consultation.
(e)	The physical therapist assistant examination shall be a national examination that tests for requisite knowledge and skills of physical therapist assistants in the theory and technical application of supervised physical therapy services."
SECTION 5.  G.S. 90‑270.30 is repealed.
SECTION 6.  Chapter 90 of the General Statutes is amended by adding the following new section to read:
"§ 90‑270.30.1.  Requirements for licensure.
(a)	To obtain a license to practice as a physical therapist, an applicant shall meet the following requirements:
(1)	Meet the application requirements of G.S. 90‑270.29(a)(1) and (2), including submitting proof of graduation from a qualifying program.
(2)	Pass an examination approved under G.S. 90‑270.29.
(3)	Meet all other applicable requirements for licensure pursuant to rules adopted by the Board.
(b)	If an applicant is foreign educated, to obtain a license to practice as a physical therapist, the applicant shall meet the following requirements:
(1)	Meet the relevant application requirements of G.S. 90‑270.29(a).
(2)	Submit documentary evidence of completion of a course of instruction substantially equivalent to that required under G.S. 90‑270.29(a)(2).
(3)	Demonstrate satisfactory proficiency in the English language.
(4)	Pass an examination approved under G.S. 90‑270.29.
(5)	Meet all other applicable requirements for licensure pursuant to rules adopted by the Board.
(c)	To obtain a license to practice as a physical therapist assistant, an applicant shall meet the following requirements:
(1)	Meet the application requirements of G.S. 90‑270.29(a)(1) and (3), including submitting proof of graduation from a qualifying program approved by the Board.
(2)	Pass an examination approved under G.S. 90‑270.29.
(3)	Meet all other applicable requirements for licensure pursuant to rules adopted by the Board."
SECTION 7.  G.S. 90‑270.31 reads as rewritten:
"§ 90‑270.31.  Certificates of licensure.
(a)	The Board shall furnish a certificate of licensure to each applicant successfully passing the examination and meeting the other requirements of this Article for licensure as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, respectively. (b)	The Board shall furnish a certificate of licensure to any person who is a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant registered or licensed under the laws of another state or territory, if the individual's qualifications were at the date of his registration or licensure substantially equal to the requirements under this Article. When making such application, the applicant shall pay to the secretary‑treasurer of the Board the fee prescribed by the Board, no portion of which shall be returned.
(c)	When a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant is required or chooses to identify himself or herself in any written expression as a person licensed under this Article, a licensed physical therapist or licensed physical therapist assistant shall, at a minimum, use the abbreviation 'PT' or 'PTA' immediately after his or her name. The requirement does not prevent the use of other legitimate and earned academic or professional abbreviations or references listed after the 'PT' or 'PTA' abbreviations, where not otherwise prohibited by G.S. 90‑270.35(2) or other provisions of law."
SECTION 8.  Chapter 90 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 90‑270.31.1.  Physical therapy professional corporations.
(a)	Physical therapists licensed in North Carolina are authorized to form professional corporations engaged in rendering physical therapy professional services in accordance with Chapter 55B of the General Statutes.
(b)	The Board shall not issue a certification to a professional corporation pursuant to G.S. 55B‑6 for the issue or transfer of stock to an individual who is not licensed as a physical therapist under this Article unless the individual presents evidence satisfactory to the Board that the laws governing or regulating physical therapy practices and professional corporations in the jurisdiction where he or she is duly licensed and the performance of physical therapy professional services are equivalent to the provisions of this Article and Chapter 55B of the General Statutes."
SECTION 9.  G.S. 90‑270.32(a) reads as rewritten:
"(a)	Every licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall, by January 31 of every year, submit the appropriate application to the Board for a renewal of licensure, provide evidence of continuing competence as may be required by rules adopted by the Board, and pay to the secretary‑treasurer the prescribed fee. Licenses that are not so renewed shall automatically lapse. The Board may decline to renew licenses of physical therapists or physical therapist assistants for failure to comply with any required continuing competency measures."
SECTION 10.  G.S. 90‑270.34(a) reads as rewritten:
"(a)	The following persons shall be permitted to practice physical therapy or assist in the practice in this State without obtaining a license under this Article upon the terms and conditions specified herein:
(1)	Students enrolled in accredited physical therapist or physical  therapist assistant educational programs, while engaged in completing a clinical requirement for graduation, which must be performed under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist;
(2)	Physical therapists licensed in other jurisdictions while enrolled in graduate educational programs in this State that include the evaluation and treatment of patients as part of their experience required for credit, so long as the student is not at the same time gainfully employed in this State as a physical therapist;
(3)	Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants employed in the United States armed services, United States Public Health Service, Veterans Administration or other federal agency, to the extent permitted under federal law, so long as the practitioner limits services to those directly relating to work with the employing government agency;
(4)	Physical therapists or physical therapist assistants licensed in other jurisdictions who are teaching or participating in special physical therapy education projects, demonstrations or courses in this State, in which their participation in the evaluation and treatment of patients is minimal;
		(7)	Physical therapists or physical therapist assistants who are licensed in another jurisdiction of the United States or credentialed in another country, if that person by contract or employment is providing physical therapy to individuals affiliated with or employed by established athletic teams, athletic organizations, or performing arts companies temporarily practicing, competing, or performing in this State for no more than 60 days in a calendar year;
(8)	Physical therapists or physical therapist assistants licensed in another jurisdiction of the United States who enter this State to provide physical therapy during a declared local, State, or national disaster or emergency. The exemption applies for no longer than the standard annual renewal time in the State. To be eligible for the exemption, the licensee shall notify the Board of the licensee's intent to practice physical therapy pursuant to this subdivision.
(9)	Physical therapists or physical therapist assistants licensed in another jurisdiction of the United States who are forced to leave their residence or place of employment due to a declared local, State, or national disaster or emergency, and, due to such displacement, need to practice physical therapy. The exemption applies for no longer than the standard annual renewal time but may be renewed by the Board for additional periods. To be eligible for the exemption, the licensee shall notify the Board of the licensee's intent to practice physical therapy pursuant to this subdivision."
SECTION 11.  G.S. 90‑270.35 reads as rewritten:
"§ 90‑270.35.  Unlawful practice.
Except as otherwise authorized in this Article, a person, firm, or corporation  shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor if the person, firm, or corporation does any of the following:
(1)	Practice, attempt to practice, teach, consult, or supervise in physical therapy, or hold out any person as being able to do any of these things in this State, without first having obtained a license or authorization from the Board for the person performing services or being so held out;
(2)	Use in connection with any person's name any letters, including 'PT,' 'DPT,' 'LPT,' or 'RPT'; words, including physical therapy, physical therapist, physiotherapist, physiotherapy, doctor of physical therapy, licensed physical therapist, or registered physical therapist; numerical codes; or insignia indicating or implying that the person is a physical therapist, unless the person is licensed or authorized in accordance with this Article. The phrase 'registered physical therapist' or the abbreviation 'RPT' or 'LPT' shall not be used to indicate licensure under this Article;
(2a)	Use in connection with a person's name any letters, including 'PTA,' 'LPTA,' or 'RPTA'; words, including physical therapist assistant, physiotherapist assistant, licensed physical therapist assistant, or registered physical therapist assistant; numerical codes; or insignia indicating or implying that the person is a physical therapist assistant, unless the person is licensed or authorized in accordance with this Article. The phrase 'registered physical therapist assistant' or the abbreviation 'RPTA' or 'LPTA' shall not be used to indicate licensure under this Article;
(3)	Practice or attempt to practice physical therapy with a revoked, lapsed, or suspended license;
(4)	Practice physical therapy and fail to refer to a licensed medical doctor or dentist any patient whose medical condition should have, at the time of evaluation or treatment, been determined to be beyond the scope of practice of a physical therapist;
(5)	Aid, abet, or assist any unlicensed person to practice physical therapy in violation of this Article; or
(6)	Violate any of the provisions of this Article;
 Each act of unlawful practice shall constitute a distinct and separate offense."
SECTION 12.  G.S. 90‑270.36 reads as rewritten:
"§ 90‑270.36.  Grounds for disciplinary action.
Grounds for disciplinary action shall include but not be limited to the following:
(1)	The employment of fraud, deceit or misrepresentation in obtaining or attempting to obtain a license, or the renewal thereof;
(2)	The use of drugs or intoxicating liquors to an extent which affects professional competency;
(3)	Conviction of an offense under any municipal, State, or federal narcotic or controlled substance law, until proof of rehabilitation can be established;
(4)	Conviction of a felony or other public offense involving moral turpitude, until proof of rehabilitation can be established;
(5)	An adjudication of insanity or incompetency, until proof of recovery from the condition can be established;
(6)	Engaging in any act or practice violative of any of the provisions of this Article or of any of the rules and regulations adopted by the Board, or aiding, abetting or assisting any other person in the violation of the same;
(7)	The commission of an act or acts of malpractice, gross negligence or incompetence in the practice of physical therapy;
(8)	Practice as a licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant without a valid license;
(8a)	Violation of the recognized standard of ethics of the physical therapy profession established under rules adopted by the Board;
(8b)	Failing to report to the Board when a licensee has direct, personal knowledge of any unprofessional, incompetent, or illegal act in violation of this Article or rules adopted by the Board;
(8c)	Interfering with an investigation or disciplinary proceeding of the Board by failure to cooperate, by willful misrepresentation of facts, or by use of threats or harassment against any patient or witness; or
(9)	Engaging in conduct that could result in harm or injury to the public."
SECTION 13.  G.S. 55B‑2(6) reads as rewritten:
"(6)	The term "professional service" means any type of personal or professional service of the public which requires as a condition precedent to the rendering of such service the obtaining of a license from a licensing board as herein defined, and pursuant to the following provisions of the General Statutes: Chapter 83A, "Architects"; Chapter 84, "Attorneys‑at‑Law"; Chapter 93, "Public Accountants"; and the following Articles in Chapter 90: Article 1, "Practice of Medicine," Article 2, "Dentistry," Article 6, "Optometry," Article 7, "Osteopathy," Article 8, "Chiropractic," Article 9A, "Nursing Practice Act," with regard to registered nurses, Article 11, "Veterinarians," Article 12A, "Podiatrists," Article 18A, "Practicing Psychologists," Article 18B, "Physical Therapy," Article 18C, "Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure," Article 18D, "Occupational Therapy," Article 22, "Licensure Act for Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists," and Article 24, "Licensed Professional Counselors"; Chapter 89C, "Engineering and Land Surveying"; Chapter 89A, "Landscape Architects"; Chapter 90B, "Social Worker Certification and Licensure Act" with regard to Licensed Clinical Social Workers as defined by G.S. 90B‑3; Chapter 89E, "Geologists"; Chapter 89B, "Foresters"; and Chapter 89F, "North Carolina Soil Scientist Licensing Act".
SECTION 14.  This act is effective when it becomes law.