Position Statements

Before position statements are developed, the Board carefully considers scope of practice as defined by Board Rule 21 NCAC 48C .0101 PERMITTED PRACTICE (a) Physical therapy is presumed to include any acts, tests, procedures, modalities, treatments, or interventions that are routinely taught in educational programs or in continuing education programs for physical therapists and are routinely performed in practice settings.

While position statements do not hold the force of law and rules, the Board adopts and publishes them to provide direction and clarity concerning the application of the NC PT Practice Act and Board rules to physical therapy practice in NC. These position statements are designed for licensees to use as guidance in everyday clinical and administrative physical therapy practice issues relevant to public protection. Position statements are not meant to be exhaustive; however, they are reviewed regularly by the Board to ensure they reflect prevailing standards of physical therapy practice.

  • Dry Needling by Physical Therapists - reviewed 06-05-24
  • Supervision and Documentation (Notes) - reviewed 06-08-22
  • Direct Access (includes spinal manipulation without referral) - revised 06-05-24
  • EMG & Nerve Conduction Studies - revised 06-05-24
  • Oversight of Home Health Aides by Physical Therapist - reviewed 06-05-24
  • Performance of Medical Procedures Requested of Physical Therapy Licensees in Healthcare Settings (Now includes: Performance of Finger Blood Specimens and Removal of Sutures or Staples by a PT)- revised 06-05-24
  • Managing and Recording Medications - revised 06-05-24
  • Physical Therapists Who Perform Massage - revised 06-05-24
  • Use and Storage of Medications for Iontophoresis and Phonophoresis - reviewed 06-08-22
  • Use of Clinical Designator, PT, DPT, and PTA - revised 06-05-24
  • Documentation - Discharge Summary - revised 06-05-24
  • NCBPTE Position Statement on Pelvic Health in the NC PT Scope of Practice (also includes Performance of soft tissue mobilization using biofeedback, electrical stimulation, and internal pelvic floor muscle techniques vaginally or rectally by a PTA - reviewed 06-05-24
  • Performance of Sharp Debridement by a Physical Therapist Assistant - reviewed 06-05-24
  • Performance of Mobilization by a Physical Therapist Assistant - reviewed 06-08-22
  • Scope of Authority of the Physical Therapist Assistant to Assist the Physical Therapist with Functional Capacity Evaluations - reviewed 06-05-24
  • Utilization of the Physical Therapist Assistant to Assist the Physical Therapist With Patient Screens - revised 06-05-24
  • PT Aide – role in patient care and supervisory responsibility of the PT - reviewed 06-05-24
  • Electronic Signatures - reviewed 06-05-24
  • Vitamins, Nutritional Supplements, Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications - reviewed 06-05-24

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