§90-18.3. Physical examination by nurse practitioners and physician assistants

(a)        Whenever a statute or State agency rule requires that a physical examination shall be conducted by a physician, the examination may be conducted and the form signed by a nurse practitioner or a physician's assistant, and a physician need not be present. Nothing in this section shall otherwise change the scope of practice of a nurse practitioner or a physician's assistant, as defined by G.S. 90-18.1 and G.S. 90-18.2, respectively.

(b)        This section shall not apply to physical examinations conducted pursuant to G.S. 1A-1, Rule 35; G.S. 15B-12; G.S. 90-14 unless those statutes or rules are amended to make the provisions of this section applicable.

(1999-226, s. 1; 2004-124, s. 18.2(f).)