(a) No person shall practice nor hold oneself out as being able to practice physical therapy or athletic training in this State or act as a physical therapist, physical therapist assistant or athletic trainer in any manner whatsoever whether or not compensation is received or expected unless the person is licensed in accordance with this chapter and such license is in good standing or has not been suspended or revoked.

(b) This chapter shall not prohibit any person licensed to practice in this State under any other law from engaging in that practice for which such person is licensed.

(c) This chapter shall not prohibit students, whether or not licensed in Delaware, who are enrolled in either schools or post-graduate courses of physical therapy or athletic training recognized by the Board from performing such work or acts of physical therapy or athletic training as is incidental to their respective course of study while under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist or licensed athletic trainer in their respective training mode.

(d) Nothing in this chapter shall apply to any person employed by an agency, bureau or division of the federal government while in the discharge of official duties; however, if such person engages in the practice of physical therapy or athletic training in this State outside the scope of such official duty, the person must be licensed as herein provided.

(e) This chapter shall not prohibit a physical therapist or athletic trainer who resides and works outside the State of Delaware and is licensed in a jurisdiction of the United States or credentialed in another country or, in the case of an athletic trainer, is certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association, from rendering care, if that person by contract or employment is providing non-clinical physical therapy or athletic training to patients/clients affiliated with or employed by established athletic teams, athletic organizations, or performing arts companies temporarily practicing, competing, or performing in the jurisdiction for no more than 60 days in a calendar year. All visiting physical therapists or athletic trainers must abide by Delaware laws, rules, and regulations relating to physical therapy and athletic training.

(f) This chapter shall not limit or restrict those who are engaged in certain occupations or jobs which may or may not require a license such as, but not limited to, physical education teachers, coaches, health, or recreation directors and instructors at health clubs or spas, water safety instructors, and massage therapists. The duties which may be properly undertaken in such occupation or job include the nontherapeutic administration of baths, massage, normal conditioning and the like to normal subjects, that is, those persons who have no specific pathology. First aid subjects are excluded.

(g) This chapter shall not prohibit a physical therapist or athletic trainer who is licensed in another jurisdiction of the United States or credentialed to practice physical therapy or athletic training in another country from teaching, demonstrating, or providing physical therapy or athletic training services in connection with teaching or participating in an educational seminar for no more than 60 days in a calendar year, so long as such person abides by Delaware laws, rules, and regulations relating to physical therapy and athletic training.

(h) This chapter shall not prohibit a physical therapist or athletic trainer who is licensed in a jurisdiction of the United States from providing physical therapy or athletic training services in this State during a declared local, jurisdictional, or national disaster or emergency. This exemption applies for no more than 60 days following the declaration of the emergency, so long as such person abides by Delaware laws, rules, and regulations relating to physical therapy and athletic training. In order to be eligible for this exemption, the physical therapist or athletic trainer shall notify the Board of his or her intent to practice in this State pursuant to this subsection.

(i) This chapter shall not prohibit a physical therapist or athletic trainer licensed in a jurisdiction of the United States who is forced to leave his or her residence or place of employment due to a declared local, jurisdictional, or national disaster or emergency from practicing physical therapy or athletic training in this State. This exemption applies for no more than 60 days following the declaration of the emergency, so long as such person abides by Delaware laws, rules, and regulations relating to physical therapy and athletic training. In order to be eligible for this exemption, the physical therapist or athletic trainer shall notify the Board of his or her intent to practice in this State pursuant to this subsection.

24 Del. C. 1953, § 2606; 50 Del. Laws, c. 367, § 1; 58 Del. Laws, c. 330, § 2; 64 Del. Laws, c. 192, § 1; 67 Del. Laws, c. 97, §§ 6-10; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1; 79 Del. Laws, c. 406, § 5.