All Roll Calls
Yes: 266 • No: 0
North CarolinaHB 5362025-2026 SessionHouseWALLET
AN ACT TO AMEND THE LAWS REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF PHYSICAL THERAPY.
Sponsored By: Grant L. Campbell, MD (Republican), Allen Chesser (Republican), Donny Lambeth (Republican), Heather H. Rhyne (Republican)
Signed by Governor
BOARDSFEESHEALTH SERVICESLICENSING & CERTIFICATIONOCCUPATIONSPHYSICAL THERAPYPHYSICAL THERAPY BOARDPRESENTEDPUBLICRATIFIEDCHAPTEREDINTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Higher fees and stricter renewals for physical therapists
Beginning October 1, 2026, the Board sets fixed fees. The application fee is $150. Renewal is $120. Course approval is $150. Transfer or verification is $30. Revival (with renewal) is $30. Licensee lists cost $60. Each year, renewal runs November 1 to January 31 (next business day if Jan 31 is not one). If you miss the window, the license lapses. The Board may require continuing education, audits, or remedial steps to renew or reinstate.
Stronger discipline and ethics for physical therapists
Beginning October 1, 2026, the Board may deny, restrict, suspend, revoke, or otherwise discipline licenses for unprofessional conduct. Unprofessional conduct includes failing to follow accepted practice standards and Board ethics rules. A felony or misdemeanor conviction can also be grounds for discipline, subject to G.S. 93B-8.1.
New rules to get a physical therapy license
Beginning October 1, 2026, out‑of‑state licensees get NC licenses only if their original qualifications matched NC’s rules, they meet G.S. 90-270.95, and they pay the fee. The prior rule letting new grads work under temporary supervision while waiting for licensure is removed. You must pass the exam and meet G.S. 90-270.95 to be licensed. Applicants finishing required clinical practice, applicants reviving licenses, and licensees doing remediation may practice without a license only under a Board‑approved plan and a licensed physical therapist’s supervision.
Public Board records with patient privacy
Beginning October 1, 2026, Board decisions and hearing materials are public records. Investigation files stay confidential. Patient‑identifying treatment details must be redacted unless the patient agrees. This improves transparency while protecting privacy.
Clearer physical therapy practice and referrals
Beginning October 1, 2026, the law clarifies that care must match training, accepted practice, and Board rules. Physical therapists must refer patients whose condition is beyond their scope to an appropriate health care professional. This helps patients get the right care sooner.
New rules for the physical therapy board
Beginning October 1, 2026, the Governor appoints PT and PTA members from lists APTANC compiles through an open nomination process, with records kept for six months. Members may serve only two back‑to‑back three‑year terms. The Board may remove a member who misses three meetings without just cause, even if not in a row. The Board may hire or contract staff and rent or buy office space and supplies. The Board may adopt rules to carry out this law.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Grant L. Campbell, MD
Republican • House
Allen Chesser
Republican • House
Donny Lambeth
Republican • House
Heather H. Rhyne
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Carla D. Cunningham
Independent • House
Jeffrey C. McNeely
Republican • House
Ray Pickett
Republican • House
Timothy Reeder, MD
Republican • House
Bill Ward
Republican • House
Shelly Willingham
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 6/17/2026
HB 536: Physical Therapy Practice Act Modifications.
Yes: 112 • No: 0 • Other: 6
Senate vote • 6/10/2026
HB 536: Physical Therapy Practice Act Mods.
Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 2
House vote • 6/11/2025
HB 536: Physical Therapy Practice Act Modifications.
Yes: 106 • No: 0 • Other: 13
Bill Text
Edition 1
Edition 2
Edition 3
Filed
Latest Edition
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