NC S669

Expands the definition of "physical therapy" to clarify that patient evaluation and treatment must conform to standards of acceptable and prevailing physical therapy practice, and requires physical therapy education to include study of skeletal manifestations of systemic disease.

Updates the Board of Physical Therapy Examiners' disciplinary authority to allow restricting or encumbering licenses for unprofessional conduct, including violations of the American Physical Therapy Association's Code of Ethics.

Changes the license renewal period from "during the month of January" to November 1 through January 31, and requires refusal to consent to a criminal history record check to result in denial of licensure.

Removes provisions allowing recent graduates to practice under supervision while awaiting licensure decisions, and adds a new exemption for applicants completing Board-approved clinical practice requirements for licensure or revival.

Adds new grounds for disciplinary action including conduct that could result in harm or injury to the public and violation of recognized professional ethics standards; effective October 1, 2025.