H536 - Physical Therapy Practice Act Mods. (SL 2026-16)

• Changes the definition of "physical therapy" to include "the standards of acceptable and prevailing physical therapy practice."
• Updates the statute detailing how North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (Board) members are appointed to reflect the current name of the American Physical Therapy Association of North Carolina.
• Allows the Board to encumber licenses of individuals who depart from the standards of acceptable and prevailing physical therapy practice.
• Updates the statute detailing qualifications for licensure to reflect the current name of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
• Updates the statute dealing with licensure requirements for graduates of foreign physical therapy education programs to reflect that those programs are not accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
• Extends the window to apply for license renewal to November 1 through January 1.
• Establishes a fee of $150 for continuing education course approval.
• Allows licensure applicants to practice physical therapy while completing clinical practice requirements.

This act becomes effective October 1, 2026.