North Carolina - HB 1374: Allowing PT's to Perform EMG's

Legislation in North Carolina that revises the North Carolina Physical Therapy Act includes language that states physical therapy can include "the performance of electrodiagnostic, electrophysiologic, and other specialized tests of neuromuscular function or physical capacities."

The AAN Professional Association (Academy) has a position statement that opposes all efforts by non-physician organizations that seek to broaden their scope of practice to include the performance of needle EMG.

Needle EMG is an integral part of the neurological exam that cannot be separated from the physician's evaluation of the patient. A misdiagnosis can mean delayed or inappropriate treatment. This procedure is strictly used to diagnose a patient, and clearly falls within the practice of medicine. Therefore, the Academy believes this procedure should be performed only by trained physicians.

The Academy was informed that during a committee hearing on July 28 that the physical therapists agreed to remove these terms from the bill's language, though no official action was taken. Should this occur, this would alleviate the Academy's concerns with this legislation. However, the North Carolina legislature adjourned in early August, meaning this legislation will carryover into 2010. Staff will continue to monitor this bill if and when it moves forward.

For questions or comments, please contact Tim Miller, Health Policy Analyst at tmiller@aan.com or at (651) 695-2792.