North Carolina Physical Therapy Practice Act Changes 2026: What PTs and PTAs Need to Know
The North Carolina Physical Therapy Practice Act (2026) changes took effect October 1, 2026, under Session Law 2026-16. The law adds discipline grounds, such as conduct that could harm the public and violations of ethics standards set by Board rule. It also moves the license renewal window to November 1 through January 31.
Short Answer:
Effective date: October 1, 2026.
Discipline: two new grounds in G.S. 90-270.103, for conduct that could harm the public and for violating ethics standards the Board sets by rule.
Renewal: November 1 through January 31, with the deadline moving to the next business day if January 31 is not one.
Board letter: consider speaking with a lawyer before you reply.
What Do the 2026 North Carolina Physical Therapy Practice Act Changes Cover?
Session Law 2026-16 (House Bill 536) amends most sections of Article 18E of Chapter 90, the Physical Therapy Practice Act. It was ratified June 18, 2026, approved June 22, 2026, and takes effect October 1, 2026. It touches Board powers, licensure, renewal, exemptions, unlawful practice, and discipline, and it lets the Board adopt rules to implement it.
Can the Board now discipline PTs and PTAs for more kinds of conduct?
Yes. G.S. 90-270.103 now lists two added grounds: "engaging in conduct that could result in harm or injury to the public" and violating "recognized standards of ethics of the physical therapy profession" established under rules the Board adopts. The Board's power to discipline under G.S. 90-270.92 also now refers to standards "commensurate with acceptable and prevailing physical therapy practice."
The conviction ground now begins "Subject to G.S. 93B-8.1," the statute on how licensing boards consider criminal history, and refers to a misdemeanor conviction.
What do the new investigation and confidentiality provisions do?
G.S. 90-270.92(3) provides that Board investigation records are not public records and are not subject to discovery or subpoena. Board decisions, notices of hearing, statements of charges, and evidence admitted at a hearing remain public. Patient-identifying information in those public records is redacted unless the patient consented to disclosure.
The Board may issue subpoenas signed by its Chair or Executive Director. Under G.S. 90-270.92(11), the Board must revoke a subpoena on written request if the evidence sought is unrelated, the subpoena lacks particularity, or it is otherwise invalid. The Board may also require evidence of continuing competence in response to complaints or incident reports.
Can the Board make me pay for the investigation?
The statute allows the Board to charge the reasonable costs of an investigation and hearing to a person it disciplines under specified subdivisions of G.S. 90-270.92. Whether costs apply depends on the outcome and the ground for discipline.
When must I renew my physical therapy license now?
Under G.S. 90-270.99, renewal applications are due from November 1 through January 31 at close of business. If January 31 is not a business day, the deadline is the next business day. An unrenewed license lapses automatically, and the Board may decline renewal if continuing competence requirements are not met.
Under G.S. 90-270.102, practicing with a revoked, lapsed, or suspended license is unlawful practice, a Class 1 misdemeanor.
What else changed for graduates, applicants, and Board members?
Recent graduates may be authorized to practice under the immediate supervision of a licensed North Carolina PT while an application is pending, as a "Physical Therapist Graduate" or "Physical Therapist Assistant Graduate" (G.S. 90-270.98). Applicants completing clinical practice requirements, and licensees doing remediation, are exempt from the licensing requirement if they work under a Board-approved plan and licensed supervision (G.S. 90-270.101). Refusing a criminal history record check is grounds to deny licensure (G.S. 90-270.96).
What should I do if I receive a Board letter after October 1, 2026?
These are general steps, not advice for your situation.
Read the letter and note any response date.
Preserve charts, billing, and supervision notes, and do not edit records.
Do not contact the complainant.
Consider speaking with a lawyer before you reply, since a response can become part of the Board's file.
Outcomes depend on the facts, and no result can be promised. See more information [HERE]. The Board's complaint and discipline rules are 21 N.C.A.C. 48G .0504 and .0601, available through the NC Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the new NC Physical Therapy Practice Act take effect?
Session Law 2026-16 took effect October 1, 2026, with no staggered dates. It amends the Physical Therapy Practice Act in Article 18E of Chapter 90 and applies to physical therapists and physical therapist assistants licensed by the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners. The renewal window it creates opens November 1.
Are Board investigation files public?
Under G.S. 90-270.92(3), Board investigation records are not public records and are not subject to discovery or subpoena. However, Board decisions remain public. Patient-identifying information is redacted unless the patient consented to disclosure.
Can the Board charge me for the cost of an investigation?
Yes, in some cases. G.S. 90-270.92 allows the Board to charge the reasonable costs of an investigation and hearing to a person it disciplines under specified subdivisions. Whether costs apply depends on the outcome and the ground for discipline in your case, so review the statute or ask a lawyer.
When is my PT or PTA license renewal due?
Under G.S. 90-270.99, renewal applications are due from November 1 through January 31 at close of business. If January 31 is not a business day, the deadline is the next business day. A license not renewed by the deadline lapses automatically, and practicing on a lapsed license is unlawful.
Should I hire a lawyer if the Board contacts me?
Board correspondence can affect your license and your public record, because a response may become part of the Board's file. A confidential consultation can help you understand your options before you reply. Hiring a lawyer does not guarantee any particular result, and the right step depends on the facts of your matter.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation
If you received a notice of agency action and want to understand your deadlines and options, Brooks Peterson PLLC offers confidential consultations to licensed professionals across North Carolina. The next best step is to request a consultation via the website, or call (919) 616-3317.
Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship until the firm agrees in writing to represent you. This post is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.