SUBCHAPTER 48E - APPLICATION FOR LICENSURE

SECTION .0100 - REQUIREMENTS

21 NCAC 48E .0101 FILING APPLICATION AND BOARD DETERMINATION OF EXAM ELIGIBILITY

(a) An applicant for licensure shall ensure that his or her credentials are filed with the Executive Director in accordance with the rules of this Subchapter.

(b) Applicants pursuant to G.S. 90-270.97 shall submit all application requirements to the Executive Director at least 30 days prior to the examination.

History Note: Authority G.S. 90-270.92; 90-270.95; 90-270.98(b);

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 30, 1977;

Amended Eff. May 1, 1988; December 30, 1985; October 28, 1979;

Recodified Paragraph (c) to 21 NCAC 48C .0501 Eff. January 25, 1989;

Amended Eff. July 1, 2013; August 1, 1998; February 1, 1996;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1,

2018;

Amended Eff. May 1, 2020;

Temporary Amendment Eff. September 25, 2020;

Amended Eff. August 1, 2021.

21 NCAC 48E .0102 APPLICATION FORMS

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.26; 90‑270.29; 90‑270.31(b); 90‑270.33; 90‑270.36;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 30, 1977;

Amended Eff. October 28, 1979;

Repealed Eff. December 30, 1985.

21 NCAC 48E .0103 REFERENCES

Two character references are required from individuals other than relatives who have known the applicant for at least one year.

History Note: Authority G.S. 90-270.92; 90-270.95; 90-270.98(b);

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 30, 1977;

Amended Eff. December 1, 1990; April 1, 1989; December 30, 1985; October 28, 1979;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018.

21 NCAC 48E .0104 EXAMINATION SCORES

Persons seeking licensure by endorsement shall have their examination scores sent to the executive director on a form authenticated by the reporting Board.

History Note: Authority G.S. 90-270.92; 90-270.98(b);

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 30, 1977;

Amended Eff. July 1, 2013; August 1, 1998; February 1, 1996; October 1, 1989; April 1, 1989; May 1, 1988;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018.

21 NCAC 48E .0105 VERIFICATION OF LICENSURE

An applicant for licensure by endorsement must submit verification of an active license in another state. The verification must bear the official signature and seal of the Board of that state, or be authenticated by the reporting Board as an official electronic document regularly used by the reporting Board to verify licensure.

History Note: Authority G.S. 90-270.92; 90-270.98(b);

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 30, 1977;

Amended Eff. July 1, 2013; May 1, 1988;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018.

21 NCAC 48E .0106 INTERVIEW

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.25;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Repealed Eff. September 30, 1977.

21 NCAC 48E .0107 ACTION ON APPLICATION

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.26; 90‑270.33;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 30, 1977;

Amended Eff. October 28, 1979;

Repealed Eff. December 30, 1985.

21 NCAC 48E .0108 TAKING EXAMINATION PRIOR TO DEGREE CONFERRING DATE

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.25; 90‑270.29;

Eff. May 27, 1976;

Repealed Eff. September 30, 1977.

21 NCAC 48E .0109 RETAKING EXAMINATION

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.26; 90‑270.29; 90‑270.33;

Eff. October 28, 1979;

Repealed Eff. December 30, 1985.

21 NCAC 48E .0110 FOREIGN-TRAINED PHYSICAL THERAPIST APPLICANT BY EXAMINATION

(a) This Rule shall apply to a physical therapist who has graduated from a program located outside the United States that has not been accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or its successor, in accordance with G.S. 90-270.95(2), and does not hold an active license in another state or territory of the United States.

(b) All application forms and supporting documents shall be completed in English or accompanied by an English translation.

(c) For the applicant's educational credential to be determined substantially equivalent to that obtained by an applicant for licensure pursuant to G.S. 90-270.95(2), the applicant shall meet the standards of the Federation's most recent Coursework Tool (CWT) for Physical Therapists at https://www.fsbpt.org/FreeResources/RegulatoryResources/CourseworkTools(CWT).aspx. These coursework tools are incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. Individuals wishing to obtain a copy may call the Federation at 703-299-3100 or download a copy from the Federation's website at no cost. Copies of the coursework tools are on file at the Division located at 8300 Health Park Suite 233, Raleigh, NC 27615 and are available for public inspection during regular business hours.

(d) The applicant shall make arrangements to have the credentials evaluated by the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy or a service that has a physical therapist consultant on staff and that is authorized to use the Federation's CWTs for physical therapists referred to in Paragraph (c) of this Rule. The Board shall review an applicant's educational program and shall consider the findings of the credentialing service.

(e) The applicant shall provide the following information to the Board:

(1) proof that the applicant has demonstrated English language proficiency by meeting the most recent Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score requirement as defined by the Federation. This test is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. Individuals wishing to register for the TOEFL shall contact Examination Testing Service (http://www.ets.org/toefl/). The cost of this examination is posted on the ETS website. The TOEFL is an examination that is owned by ETS and is not available for public review; or

(2) documentation for exemption pursuant to 8 CFR 212.15 (http://www.uscis.gov/). 8 CFR 212.15 is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. Individuals wishing to obtain a copy at no cost may call the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 or 1-800-767-1833 (TDD) toll free. A copy of 8 CFR 212.15 is on file at the Division located at 8300 Health Park Suite 233, Raleigh, NC 27615 and is available for public inspection during regular business hours.

(f) An applicant for licensure shall provide a complete set of fingerprints at the applicant's expense in order to obtain a criminal history record check in accordance with G.S. 90-270.96 and G.S. 143B-964.

History Note: Authority G.S. 90-270.92; 90-270.95; 90-270.97; 90-270.98; 143B-964; 150B-21.6(2);

Eff. December 30, 1985;

Amended Eff. November 1, 1991; August 1, 1991;

Temporary Amendment Eff. July 21, 1995, for a period of 180 days or until the permanent Rule becomes effective, whichever is sooner;

Amended Eff. February 1, 2015; December 1, 2006; November 1, 2004; August 1, 2002; August 1, 1998; February 1, 1996; October 1, 1995;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018;

Amended Eff. May 1, 2020; September 1, 2019; November 1, 2018.

21 ncac 48e .0111 FOREIGN‑TRAINED PHYSICAL THERAPIST applicant by ENdorsement

(a) This Rule shall apply to a physical therapist who has graduated from a program located outside the United States that has not been accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or its successor, in accordance with G.S. 90-270.95(2), and holds an active physical therapist license in another state or territory of the United States.

(b) All application forms and supporting documents shall be completed in English or accompanied by an English translation.

(c) For the applicant's educational credentials to be determined substantially equivalent to an educational program accredited pursuant to G.S. 90-270.95(2), the applicant shall meet the standards of the Federation's Coursework Tool (CWT) https://www.fsbpt.org/FreeResources/Regulatory Resources/CourseworkTools(CWT).aspx for the applicant's year of graduation. This coursework tool is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. Individuals wishing to obtain a copy may call the Federation at 703-299-3100 or download a copy from the Federation's website at no cost. A copy of the coursework tool is on file at the Division located at 8300 Health Park Suite 233, Raleigh, NC 27615 and is available for public inspection during regular business hours.

(e) The applicant shall provide the following information to the Board:

History Note: Authority G.S. 90-270.92; 90-270.95; 90-270.95(2); 90-270-97; 90-270.98; 143B-964; 150B-21.6(2);

Eff. February 1, 2015;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018;

Amended Eff. May 1, 2020; September 1, 2019; November 1, 2018.

21 ncac 48e .0112 FOREIGN‑TRAINED PHYSICAL therapist assistant applicant

(a) This Rule shall apply to a physical therapist assistant who has graduated from a program located outside the United States that has not been accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or its successor, in accordance with G.S. 90-270.95(3), and holds an active physical therapist assistant license in another state or territory of the United States.

(b) All application forms and supporting documents shall be completed in English or accompanied by an English translation.

(c) For the applicant's educational credentials to be determined substantially equivalent to that obtained by an applicant for licensure pursuant to G.S. 90-270.95(3), the applicant shall meet the standards of the Federation's most recent Coursework Tool (CWT) for Physical Therapist Assistants https://www.fsbpt.org/FreeResources/Regulatory Resources/CourseworkTools(CWT).aspx for the applicant's year of graduation. This coursework tool is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. Individuals wishing to obtain a copy may call the Federation at 703-299-3100 or download a copy from the Federation's website at no cost. A copy of the coursework tool is on file at the Division located at 8300 Health Park Suite 233, Raleigh, NC 27615 and is available for public inspection during regular business hours.

(d) The applicant shall make arrangements to have the credentials evaluated by the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy or a service that has a physical therapist consultant on staff and that is authorized to use the Federation's CWTs for physical therapist assistants referred to in Paragraph (c) of this Rule. The Board shall review an applicant's educational program and shall consider the findings of the credentialing service.

(e) The applicant shall provide the following information to the Board:

(1) proof that the applicant has demonstrated English language proficiency by meeting the most recent Test of English as a Foreign Language TOEFL score requirement as defined by the Federation. This test is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. Individuals wishing to register for the TOEFL shall contact Examination Testing Service (http://www.ets.org/toefl/). The cost of this examination is posted on the ETS website. The TOEFL is an examination that is owned by ETS and is not available for public review; or

(2) documentation for exemption pursuant to 8 CFR 212.15 (http://www.uscis.gov/). 8 CFR 212.15 is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. Individuals wishing to obtain a copy at no cost may call the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 or 1-800-767-1833 (TDD) toll free. A copy of 8 CFR 212.15 is on file at the 8300 Health Park Suite 233, Raleigh, NC 27615 and is available for public inspection during regular business hours.

History Note: Authority G.S. 90-270.92; 90-270.95; 90-270.97; 90-270.98; 143B-964; 150B-21.6(2);

Eff. February 1, 2015;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018;

Amended Eff. May 1, 2020; September 1, 2019; November 1, 2018.

21 NCAC 48E .0113 CRIMINAL HISTORY

(a) At the applicant's expense, an applicant for licensure shall consent to a criminal history record check, and furnish fingerprints to the Board.

(b) If an applicant is denied licensure based on the refusal to consent to a criminal history record check or the contents of the criminal history record check, upon written notice delivered to the Board within 15 business days of the Board's denial, applicant shall have the right to appear before the Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting to appeal the Board's decision.

History Note: Authority G.S. 90-270.96; 93B-8.1; 143B-964;

Eff. February 1, 2015;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018.

SECTION .0200 ‑ FOREIGN‑TRAINED PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

21 NCAC 48E .0201 FILING APPLICATION

21 NCAC 48E .0202 APPLICATION

21 NCAC 48E .0203 REFERENCES

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.26; 90‑270.30; 90‑270.31(b); 190‑270.33; 90‑270.36;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Amended Eff. May 27, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 30, 1977;

Amended Eff. October 28, 1979;

Repealed Eff. December 30, 1985.

21 NCAC 48E .0204 INTERVIEW

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.25;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Repealed Eff. September 30, 1977.

21 NCAC 48E .0205 EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

21 NCAC 48E .0206 ACTION ON APPLICATION

21 NCAC 48E .0207 EXAMINATION

21 NCAC 48E .0208 ENDORSEMENT

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.26; 90‑270.30; 90‑270.31(b); 90‑270.33;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 30, 1977;

Amended Eff. November 1, 1981; December 24, 1980; October 28, 1979;

Repealed Eff. December 30, 1985.

SECTION .0300 ‑ GRADUATE STUDENTS

21 NCAC 48E .0301 EXEMPTION FROM LICENSURE

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.32; 90‑270.34;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 30, 1977;

Repealed Eff. October 28, 1979.

21 NCAC 48E .0302 REGISTER WITH BOARD

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.26; 90‑270.34;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 30, 1977;

Amended Eff. October 28, 1979;

Repealed Eff. December 30, 1985.

21 NCAC 48E .0303 EVALUATION OF STATUS

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.32; 90‑270.34;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 30, 1977;

Repealed Eff. October 28, 1979.

21 NCAC 48E .0304 LICENSURE FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.26; 90‑270.29; 90‑270.30; 90‑270.31(b); 90‑270.34;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 30, 1977;

Repealed Eff. December 30, 1985.

21 NCAC 48E .0305 INTERVIEW

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.25;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Repealed Eff. September 30, 1977.

SECTION .0400 ‑ PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM GRADUATES

21 NCAC 48E .0401 FILING APPLICATION

21 NCAC 48E .0402 APPLICATION FORMS

21 NCAC 48E .0403 REFERENCES

21 NCAC 48E .0404 ENDORSEMENT

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.26; 90‑270.29; 90‑270.31(b); 90‑270.33; 90‑270.36;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 30, 1977;

Amended Eff. October 28, 1979;

Repealed Eff. December 30, 1985.

21 NCAC 48E .0405 INTERVIEW

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.25;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Repealed Eff. September 30, 1977.

21 NCAC 48E .0406 ACTION ON APPLICATION

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.26; 90‑270.33;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 30, 1977;

Amended Eff. October 28, 1979;

Repealed Eff. December 30, 1985.

21 NCAC 48E .0407 RETAKING EXAMINATION

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.26; 90‑270.29; 90‑270.33;

Eff. October 28, 1979;

Repealed Eff. December 30, 1985.

SECTION .0500 ‑ PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT LICENSURE BY EQUIVALENCY

21 NCAC 48E .0501 REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE

21 NCAC 48E .0502 APPLICATION

21 NCAC 48E .0503 FILING APPLICATION

21 NCAC 48E .0504 REFERENCES

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.26; 90‑270.29; 90‑270.33; 90‑270.36;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Amended Eff. May 27, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 30, 1977;

Amended Eff. November 1, 1981; October 28, 1979;

Repealed Eff. December 30, 1985.

21 NCAC 48E .0505 INTERVIEW

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.25;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Repealed Eff. September 30, 1977.

21 NCAC 48E .0506 ACTION ON APPLICATION

21 NCAC 48E .0507 EXAMINATION

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.26; 90‑270.29; 90‑270.33;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 30, 1977;

Amended Eff. October 28, 1979;

Repealed Eff. December 30, 1985.

21 NCAC 48E .0508 GUIDELINES

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.25; 90‑270.29; 90‑270.26;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 30, 1977;

Repealed Eff. October 28, 1979.

21 NCAC 48E .0509 TERMINATION OF LICENSURE BY EQUIVALENCY

History Note: Authority G.S. 90‑270.26; 90‑270.29;

Eff. October 28, 1979;

Repealed Eff. December 30, 1985.

21 ncac 48e .0510 FOREIGN‑TRAINED PHYSICAL therapist assistant Exam applicant

(b) All application forms and supporting documents shall be completed in English or accompanied by an English translation.

(c) For the applicant's educational credentials to be determined substantially equivalent to that obtained by an applicant for licensure pursuant to G.S. 90-270.95(3), the applicant shall meet the standards of the most recent Federation's Coursework Tool (CWT) for Physical Therapist Assistants https://www.fsbpt.org/FreeResources/Regulatory Resources/CourseworkTools(CWT).aspx. This coursework tool is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. Individuals wishing to obtain a copy may call the Federation at 703-299-3100 or download a copy from the Federation's website at no cost. A copy of the coursework tool is on file at the Division located at 8300 Health Park Suite 233, Raleigh, NC 27615 and is available for public inspection during regular business hours.

(d) The applicant shall make arrangements to have the credentials evaluated by the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy or a service that has a physical therapist consultant on staff and that is authorized to use the Federation's CWTs for physical therapist assistants referred to in Paragraph (c) of this Rule. The Board shall review an applicant's educational program and shall consider the findings of the credentialing service.

(e) The applicant shall provide the following information to the Board:

(2) documentation for exemption pursuant to 8 CFR 212.15 (http://www.uscis.gov/). 8 CFR 212.15 is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions. Individuals wishing to obtain a copy at no cost may call the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 or 1-800-767-1833 (TDD) toll free. A copy of 8 CFR 212.15 is on file at the 8300 Health Park Suite 233, Raleigh, NC 27615 and is available for public inspection during regular business hours.

History Note: Authority G.S. 90-270.92; 90-270.95; 90-270.97; 90-270.98; 143B-964; 150B-21.6(2);

Eff. May 1, 2020.