GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2015
H 1
HOUSE BILL 135
Short Title: Modernize Physical Therapy Practice. |
(Public) |
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Sponsors: |
Representatives Dollar, B. Brown, Torbett, and S. Martin (Primary Sponsors). For a complete list of Sponsors, refer to the North Carolina General Assembly Web Site. |
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Referred to: |
Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House. |
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March 4, 2015
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT updating the definition of physical therapy to include manipulation of the spine without a prescription from a physician licensed to practice medicine in this state.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1. G.S. 90‑270.24(4) reads as rewritten:
"(4) "Physical therapy" means 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 includes the performance of
specialized tests of neuromuscular function, administration of specialized
therapeutic procedures, interpretation and implementation of referrals from
licensed medical doctors or dentists, and establishment and modification of
physical therapy programs for patients. Evaluation and treatment of patients
may involve 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 does not include the application of roentgen rays or
radioactive materials, surgery, manipulation of the spine unless prescribed
by a physician licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina, or medical
diagnosis of disease."
SECTION 2. This act becomes effective October 1, 2015.