N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-270.102: (Effective October 1, 2026) Unlawful practice.

Except as otherwise authorized in this Article, if any person, firm, or corporation shall:

(1) Practice, attempt to practice, teach, consult, or supervise in physical therapy, or hold out any person as being able to do any of these things in this State, without first having obtained a license or authorization from the Board for the person performing services or being so held out;

(2) Use in connection with any person's name any letters, words, numerical codes, or insignia indicating or implying that the person is a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, unless the person is licensed or authorized in accordance with this Article;

(3) Practice or attempt to practice physical therapy with a revoked, lapsed, or suspended license;

(4) Practice physical therapy and fail to refer to a licensed medical doctor or appropriate healthcare professional any patient whose medical condition should have, at the time of evaluation or treatment, been determined to be beyond the scope of practice of a physical therapist;

(5) Aid, abet, or assist any unlicensed person to practice physical therapy in violation of this Article; or

(6) Violate any of the provisions of this Article;

said person, firm, or corporation shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Each act of such unlawful practice shall constitute a distinct and separate offense. (1951, c. 1131, ss. 9, 11; 1969, c. 556; 1979, c. 487; 1985, c. 701, s. 1; 1993, c. 539, s. 647; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 2017-28, s. 1; 2026-16, s. 12.)