Bill > S669

This bill modifies several aspects of North Carolina's Physical Therapy Practice Act, primarily focusing on updating the regulations governing physical therapy licensure, practice, and professional standards. The bill revises the Board of Physical Therapy Examiners' composition, changing the nominating organization from the North Carolina Physical Therapy Association to the American Physical Therapy Association North Carolina (APTANC), and updates the board's powers to include more specific disciplinary actions and ethical guidelines. Key changes include expanding the board's ability to restrict, suspend, or revoke licenses, adding provisions for investigating and addressing unprofessional conduct, and clarifying the qualifications and processes for licensure of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. The bill also updates licensure requirements for non-CAPTE (Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education) educated applicants, modifies the license renewal process by extending the renewal period, and adds new grounds for disciplinary action, such as violating recognized professional ethics standards. Additionally, the bill updates fee schedules, adds provisions for clinical practice requirements, and removes references to "graduate" status for applicants. The changes aim to enhance public safety, improve professional standards, and provide more comprehensive oversight of physical therapy practitioners in North Carolina.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S669