On July 11, 2006 the NC legislature passed a bill that amended the North Carolina Physical Therapy Practice Act to allow the NC Board of PT Examiners to establish mechanisms for assessing the continuing competence of licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. In the North Carolina General Statues, Section 90‐270.26. Powers of the Board now states:
“The Board shall have the following general powers and duties:”…
(3a) Establish mechanisms for assessing the continuing competence of licensed physical therapists or physical therapist assistants to engage in the practice of physical therapy, including approving rules requiring licensees to periodically, or in response to complaints or incident reports, submit to the Board:
(i) evidence of continuing education experiences;
(ii) evidence of minimum standard accomplishments; or
(iii) evidence of compliance with other Board-approved measures, audits, or evaluations; and specify remedial actions if necessary or desirable to obtain license renewal or reinstatement;…”
A Continuing Competence “Quick Link” has been added to the Home page at www.ncptboard.org to assist all licensees and interested parties in obtaining information about the requirements and processes for continuing competence of licensed physical therapists and assistants in North Carolina. Licensees should follow the links on the “Continuing Competence” page to learn specific continuing competence information as it is updated.
The role of the Board in continuing competence is to ensure that licensees demonstrate the minimum level of competence necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of North Carolina. The Board rules will allow multiple, broad based, cost‐conscious opportunities for compliance that can be accomplished without licensees having to compromise their availability for patient care. The rules have been approved by the North Carolina Rules Review Commission and are now effective as of January 1, 2009. Information found on the website should assist licensees in creating a plan for requirements compliance that best suits the individual while accomplishing safe, competent physical therapy practice.
For questions regarding Continuing Competence, please contact the Board at:
Email: continuingcompetence@ncptboard.org
Phone: (800) 800-8982 or (919) 490-6393.
