§ 54.1-3481 Unlawful designation as physical therapist or physical therapist assistant; penalty
A. It is unlawful for any person who is not licensed under this chapter, or whose license has been suspended or revoked or who licensure has lapsed and has not been renewed, to use in conjunction with his name the letters or words “D.P.T.,” “Doctor of Physical Therapy,” “R.P.T.,” “Registered Physical Therapist,” “L.P.T.,” “Licensed Physical Therapist,” “P.T.,” “Physical Therapist,” “Physio-therapist,” “P.T.A.,” “Physical Therapist Assistant,” “Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant,” or to otherwise by letters, words, representations or insignias assert or imply that he is a licensed physical therapist. The title to designate a licensed physical therapist shall be “P.T.” The title to designate a physical therapist assistant shall show such fact plainly on its face.
B. No person shall advertise services using the words “physical therapy” or “physiotherapy” unless those services are provided by a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant licensed pursuant to this chapter.
C. A complaint or report of a possible violation of this section by any person who is licensed, certified, registered, or permitted, or who holds a multistate licensure privilege issued by any of the health regulatory boards within the Department of Health Professions shall be referred to the applicable board within the Department for disciplinary action.
D. Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict or limit the legally authorized scope of practice of any profession licensed, certified, registered, permitted, or recognized under a multistate licensure privilege issued by any of the health regulatory boards within the Department of Health Professions prior to January 1, 2010.
History
This law was first created in 2000. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 688 of that year’s edition of “Acts of Assembly,” the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 2 times. Those modifications are cataloged by “The Acts of Assembly,” a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly’s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2010, chapters 70 and 368; in 2025, chapter 333.
2000, c. 688; 2010, cc. 70, 368; 2025, c. 333.