Volunteerism to Assist in Slowing the Spread of COVID-19
The Board encourages licensees to seek volunteer options to help support the vaccination effort and slowing the spread of COVID-19:
PT Licensee provision of Vaccinations and Statement regarding Executive Order 193
At its meeting March 10, 2021, the Board affirmed that performing vaccinations is not in the PT Scope of Practice, thus a licensee is not performing physical therapy and should not imply to a client that they are receiving physical therapy services if they are performing vaccinations.
"In response to emailed questions to the NC Board of PT Examiners, giving vaccinations would not be considered within the scope of PT practice; however, it will not be considered a violation of the NC PT Practice Act or Board rules for a PT licensee to perform vaccinations if they have the proper education, training, are competent to do so and it is safe for the recipient. In addition the licensee should follow all other applicable state laws regarding providing vaccinations. If a PT licensee is performing vaccinations they would not be called PT, nor is a PT license being used when providing the vaccination. A licensee should therefore avoid creating the perception that what they are doing is physical therapy."
In response to the Governor’s Executive Order 193, because vaccinations are not considered in the scope of PT practice, there are no regulations for the Board to modify or waive related to individuals who may perform vaccinations. To address regarding students, students are not licensees, thus they would need to obtain the appropriate training, become competent to perform vaccinations and follow all applicable state laws in the same way that PT licensees would do so.
"In response to emailed questions to the NC Board of PT Examiners, giving vaccinations would not be considered within the scope of PT practice; however, it will not be considered a violation of the NC PT Practice Act or Board rules for a PT licensee to perform vaccinations if they have the proper education, training, are competent to do so and it is safe for the recipient. In addition the licensee should follow all other applicable state laws regarding providing vaccinations. If a PT licensee is performing vaccinations they would not be called PT, nor is a PT license being used when providing the vaccination. A licensee should therefore avoid creating the perception that what they are doing is physical therapy."
The Board has been made aware of these potential training resources as follows:
NC AHEC - NC AHEC Program vaccine module for volunteers is live and free: https://www.charlotteahec.org/continuing-professional-development/event.cfm?eventid=65572 There is a certificate at the end that learners can print as proof that they have taken the course.
NCDHHS - https://files.nc.gov/covid/documents/COVID-Immunization/12.10.20_cvms_orientation_training.pdf
Obtain training under a supervising MD who will be onsite during vaccination performance and provide supervision.
Further guidance to Health Systems on Phase 1a COVID vaccine - posted 01-12-2021
Vaccine Phase 1b Guidance to Providers - posted 01-12-2021
The North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners answers questions daily for licensees and members of the public on topics including COVID-19 related issues. This email blast contains updated information licensees may find useful regarding:
Vaccinations
NC DHHS has issued guidance to the public regarding the distribution of vaccinations (see links below) While some licensees may have already received a vaccination based on their work setting, others will need to sign up with their local health department or pharmacy to obtain a vaccination. As a healthcare licensee working in direct patient care, particularly with those at high COVID risk, you will fall into Phase 1a or 1b (see links below)
Information provided by Dr. Elizabeth C. Tilson, MD, MPH, State Medical Director, Chief Medical Officer:
The most current information will be posted on the websites and links noted below:
More detailed information is available at yourspotyourshot.nc.gov and in the resources below:
In addition, we encourage you to share vaccine resources below with your networks.
In addition, we are regularly updating the web page. Continue to check the Vaccines page on the website for more information and resources as they are available: yourspotyourshot.nc.gov. The page is also available in Spanish: covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vacuna.
Local Health Department links to sign up: (https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/findyourspot) scroll to the listing.
Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, MD, MPH
State Health Director
Chief Medical Officer
NC Department of Health and Human Services
Help protect your family and neighbors from COVID-19.
Know the 3 Ws. Wear. Wait. Wash.
#StayStrongNC and get the latest at nc.gov/covid19.
3 W’s - All North Carolinians are requested to use the 3W’s to slow the spread of COVID-19
https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/slow-spread/know-your-ws-wear-wait-wash
Health care licensees have a responsibility to provide safe patient care. Using these yourself and encouraging staff and patients to use the 3W’s as advised by the NC Department of Health and Human Services is recommended.
PT Licensee Responsibilities for patient safety:
Inherent in PT Practice Act and Board rules is the responsibility to be mindful of patient safety and to only provide services when they can be provided in a safe manner. 21 NCAC 48C .0102 specifies the responsibilities of licensees which include determining the patient care plan and providing service to the patient when it is safe and effective for the patient. A licensee must have first-hand knowledge of the health status of each patient. These duties and responsibilities include safe provision of services while considering potential impacts and risks of patients light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reporting COVID related safety violations:
The North Carolina Board of PT Examiners does not have jurisdiction over facilities or enforcement of the Governor’s Executive Orders, thus, if you have a complaint regarding COVID related safety violations please email: [email protected].
Notice from the North Carolina
Board of Physical Therapy Examiners regarding Covid-19
Updated – April 9, 2020
The Board will update postings when new information comes available. Please check this page
periodically.
North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Office update: NEW – Wake County
Stay-at-Home proclamation (http://www.wakegov.com/news/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=1200
and http://www.wakegov.com/covid19/Documents/FinalSignedSOE3-26-20.pdf
)
The Board office is located in Wake County. You may contact us at [email protected] or 919-490-6393 or
800-800-8982 where you may leave an email address where we can contact you.
The following is provided to inform and intended to be used to assist and guide decision-making as you
determine what actions to take in order to keep you and your patients safe.
NEW - The NC Board of PT Examiners does
not have the
legal authority to close clinics or other facilities where licensees work; it is responsible for PT and
PTA licensees and their compliance with the state PT law and regulation. The Governor and other state
and local officials have the authority to issue orders and close businesses pursuant to the State
Emergency Management Act which may be reasonably necessary to maintain order and protect lives during a
state of emergency. The Governor and local officials have issued such orders and we continue to monitor
them. The Board has posted resources on its webpage where licensees can access information about
COVID-19 and make determinations regarding their response to providing healthcare services.
CISA, the Department of Homeland Security - Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency, has issued
guidance on “…Identification of Essential Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19
Response” which is posted on our website. Physical therapists are included under
“Caregivers” as are various settings where physical therapist licensees work. In Wake
County, North Carolina where the Board office is located, there is a stay-at-home order, which
references the CISA
memorandum
(https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/CISA-Guidance-on-Essential-Critical-Infrastructure-Workers-1-20-508c.pdf)
and specifically identifies physical therapy businesses as is being essential to health, safety and
welfare of Wake County residents. This is similar to many other proclamations and orders that have been
issued in North Carolina.
Physical therapists do have a responsibility for safety of their patients and must make a judgement
based on the status of their patients and use the best information available to them about the risk of
exposure of their patients to COIVD-19 about how to mitigate that risk, which may include clinic
closure. I hope this information is helpful to you during these unprecedented times.
Federal / State health officials links to help prevent the spread of the
Coronavirus (COVID-19):
www.cdc.gov
www.ncdhhs.gov – go to Coronavirus resources
https://governor.nc.gov/news/executive-orders
- Governor Cooper Executive Orders
Remote provision of physical therapy services:
NCBPTE statement on Telehealth – https://www2.ncptboard.org/app/Announcements/Announcements.php#Telehealth%20Questions
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction – Home page - https://www.dpi.nc.gov/ -Coronavirus Response and Resources
NC School-based Physical Therapy COVID-19 and Telehealth Resources webpage.
From the Office of Civil Rights
Notification of Enforcement Discretion for Telehealth Remote Communications During the COVID-19
Nationwide Public Health Emergency
https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/emergency-preparedness/notification-enforcement-discretion-telehealth/index.html
North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners – Answer to
questions posed during COVID-19 pandemic - Licensing
The Board has not changed or waived any licensing requirements for initial licensure, endorsements,
revivals or renewals at this time. If there are changes to the NC PT Practice Act or Board rule
requirements for licensing, they will be posted on the Board website.
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATES FOR NC PT/PTA APPLICANTS AND LICENSEES
The NCBPTE is open and is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and the potential impact it is having on our applicants and their ability to obtain and submit information. Please monitor this section of the Board website for any updates to the current application processes.
For the latest updates, please click on the links below
