Rep. Rhyne files bill in North Carolina House to update physical therapy regulations

A new bill filed by State Rep. Heather H. Rhyne seeks to update and clarify regulations governing physical therapy licensure and board authority in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 536 on March 26 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Physical Therapy Practice Act Mods.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill seeks to amend the laws regulating the practice of physical therapy in North Carolina, primarily updating definitions, board structure, powers, and requirements for licensure. It clarifies that physical therapy does not include the application of certain medical procedures, defines board composition including appointments by the governor, and establishes term limits. The bill also outlines the board’s powers to examine, license, and discipline practitioners, conduct confidential investigations, and set continuing competence standards. It specifies fee structures for various licensure processes, updates licensure renewal requirements, and clarifies exemptions and unlawful practices. Additionally, the bill establishes grounds for disciplinary actions and grants the board authority to enact rules to implement these amendments. The act becomes effective Oct. 1, 2025.

A related bill, SB 669, was also filed in the North Carolina Senate, introduced by Sen. Benton G. Sawrey on March 25, 2025.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Donny Lambeth proposed the most bills (37) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Rhyne graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1998.

Rhyne, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2024 to represent the state’s 97th House district, replacing previous state representative Jason Saine.