§ 90-270.24. Definitions. - North Carolina Statutes

Article 18B.

Physical Therapy.

§ 90‑270.24.  Definitions.

In this Article, unless the context otherwise requires, the followingdefinitions shall apply:

(1)        "Board" means the North Carolina Board of PhysicalTherapy Examiners.

(2)        "Physical therapist" means any person whopractices physical  therapy in accordance with the provisions of this Article.

(3)        "Physical therapist assistant" means any personwho assists in the practice of physical therapy in accordance with theprovisions of this Article, and who works under the supervision of a physicaltherapist by performing such patient‑related activities assigned by aphysical therapist which are commensurate with the physical therapistassistant's education and training, but an assistant's work shall not includethe interpretation and implementation of referrals from licensed medicaldoctors or dentists, the performance of evaluations, or the determination ormajor modification of treatment programs.

(4)        "Physical therapy" means the evaluation ortreatment of any person by the use of physical, chemical, or other propertiesof heat, light, water, electricity, sound, massage, or therapeutic exercise, orother rehabilitative procedures, with or without assistive devices, for thepurposes of preventing, correcting, or alleviating a physical or mentaldisability. Physical therapy includes the performance of specialized tests ofneuromuscular function, administration of specialized therapeutic procedures,interpretation and implementation of referrals from licensed medical doctors ordentists, and establishment and modification of physical therapy programs forpatients. Evaluation and treatment of patients may involve physical measures,methods, or procedures as are found commensurate with physical therapyeducation and training and generally or specifically authorized by regulationsof the Board. Physical therapy education and training shall include study ofthe skeletal manifestations of systemic disease. Physical therapy does notinclude the application of roentgen rays or radioactive materials, surgery,manipulation of the spine unless prescribed by a physician licensed to practicemedicine in North Carolina, or medical diagnosis of disease.

(5)        "Physical therapy aide" means any nonlicensedperson who aids in the practice of physical therapy in accordance with theprovisions of this Article, and who at all times acts under the orders,direction, and on‑site supervision of a licensed physical therapist orphysical therapist assistant. An aide may perform physical therapy relatedactivities which are assigned and are commensurate with an aide's training andabilities, but an aide's work shall not include the interpretation andimplementation of referrals from licensed medical doctors or dentists, theperformance of evaluations, the determination and modification of treatmentprograms, or any independent performance of any physical therapy procedures. (1951, c. 1131, s. 1; 1969, c. 556; 1979, c. 487;1985, c. 701, s. 1.)