1. (1) A person shall not practice, work, or hold himself or herself out as being able to practice physical therapy or work as a physical therapist assistant unless the person:

   1. (a) 1. Meets the educational requirements of this chapter; Is licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter; Is in good standing with the board; and 2. 3. 4. Holds a license that is not suspended or revoked; or Is eligible to practice or work through a compact privilege granted under KRS 327.300.
   2. (b)

2. (2) This chapter shall not be construed to:

   1. (a) Prohibit any person licensed in this state under any other law from engaging in the practice for which that person is duly licensed;
   2. (b) Prohibit routine and restorative services performed by personnel employed by hospitals, physicians, or licensed health care facilities as relates to physical therapists;
   3. (c) Preclude certified occupational technicians, or respiratory therapists from practicing as defined in the United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Public Health Service, Health Resources Administration, Bureau of Health Manpower, DHEW publication No. (HRA) 80-28, "A Report On Allied Health Personnel"; or respiratory therapists,
   4. (d) Affect or prevent: 1. A physical therapist student from engaging in clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, as part of the student's educational program; 2. A physical therapist assistant student from engaging in clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist or of a physical therapist regulations promulgated by the board, as part of the student's educational program; consistent with administrative assistant 3. A physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant who is licensed to practice in another state or country from conducting or participating in a clinical residency under the supervision of a physical therapist licensed in Kentucky and for a period of not more than ninety (90) days; 4. A physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant who is licensed to practice in another state or country from conducting or participating in the teaching of physical therapy in connection with an educational program and for a period of not more than ninety (90) days; 5. A physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant licensed in another state or country from performing physical therapy on members of an out-of-state sports or entertainment group they accompany to Kentucky; The practice of chiropractic as defined in KRS 312.015; The practice of occupational therapy as defined in KRS 319A.010; or 6. 7. 8. a. A physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant who is practicing in the Armed Forces of the United States, United States Public Health Service, or United States Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to federal regulations for jurisdictional licensure of healthcare providers. If a person described in subdivision a. of this subparagraph engages in the practice of physical therapy outside the course and scope of his or her federal employment as a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant, he or she shall then be required to obtain a license in accordance with this chapter and administrative regulations promulgated by the board. b.
3. (3) A licensed physical therapist may hold himself or herself out as a "physical therapist" or "licensed physical therapist" and may use the abbreviations "P.T." or "L.P.T." as a part of or immediately following the physical therapist's name, in connection with the physical therapist's profession.
4. (5)
5. (4) A licensed physical therapist assistant may hold himself or herself out as a "physical therapist assistant" or "licensed physical therapist assistant" and may use the abbreviations "P.T.A." or "L.P.T.A." as a part of or immediately following the physical therapist assistant's name, in connection with the physical therapist assistant's profession. It shall be unlawful for any person, or for any business entity, its employees, agents, or representatives to use in connection with the person's or entity's name or business activity the words "physical therapy," "physical therapist," "physiotherapy," "physiotherapist," "registered physical therapist," the letters "P.T.," "L.P.T.," or any other words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying directly or indirectly that physical therapy is provided or supplied or to bill for physical therapy unless that physical therapy is provided by or under the supervision of a physical therapist licensed and practicing in accordance with this chapter.
6. (6) The provisions of subsections (1), (2), and (5) of this section shall not apply to volunteer health practitioners providing services under KRS 39A.350 to 39A.366.

Effective: July 15, 2026

History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 36, sec. 3, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 93, sec. 4, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 96, sec. 17, effective June 26, 2007. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 377, sec. 2, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 53, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1980. -- Amended 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 74, Art. VI, sec. 107(10). -- Amended 1970 Ky. Acts ch. 115, sec. 2. -- Created 1958 Ky. Acts ch. 27, sec. 2, effective June 19, 1958.